Cars can be costly to run and we all hate it when those unexpected repairs crop up. Prices for the same job can vary drastically from garage to garage, so it is always worth obtaining a few different quotes before you decide who to go with.

If you want to save money you may be better to avoid using main dealers and use a local garage

Main dealers often charge a lot more for parts as well as their labour rate so the overall price is usually higher, but you may find that you need to go to the main dealer if the vehicle is still under a warranty for example.

It is important to ensure that when comparing prices that you are comparing like for like. For example, when it comes to having a full service done, some garages will not include the cost of replacing the spark plugs or the engine oil and others will.

All garages should check with you before completing extra work. If you have not authorised work to be done then you could complain to the garage and say you are not happy about paying for it.

When it comes to buying cars you have many different options. You may decide that you want to buy a brand-new car that has no miles on the clock and you are registered as the first owner. Often there are some great deals to be had on brand new cars but they are usually the most expensive way of buying a car.

You could opt for a used car that is either only a couple of years old or one that is quite a bit older. If the car is only a couple of years long it may even still have some manufacturers warranty left on it. Older cars only come with a warranty if they garage you are buying it from offers one or you buy one from a third party.

If you are in the market for a new car then why not look at buying an ex demo car. Ex demo cars are often vehicles that have been registered by a main dealer either to meet a target or to be used by their salespeople. The mileage on them car vary from less than 100 upwards of a few thousand. The great thing about an ex demo car is the chunk of the value it loses when it is first registered has already been swallowed so you often get a great a newly new car for a lot less than if it was brand new.

While we have all been having to stay at home during the coronavirus pandemic our cars have been used less and less perhaps only being used once a week for essential shopping trips. This can cause major problems when you do use your car especially if it is not a newer model.

Brakes and tyres are two essential parts of a car that will need to be checked if the car has been immobile for a while. Moving the car around just a short way will mean that the tyres will be rotated, and the brakes applied. Visual checks on the tyres to check for bulges or splits is a good idea as is making sure the tyre pressures are correct. The correct pressures can be found in the handbook or on a plate inside the door frame.

A working battery on a car is a necessity to ensure your car starts first time reliably and although the battery is not used very much when the car is idle it can become flat. If you are not using your car regularly it should be started and run for at least fifteen minutes or alternatively a trickle charger can be used if your car is parked on a drive or in a garage.

These simple steps can help to keep your car ready for the journeys you will make and improve its dependability.

If you are considering replacing your current vehicle it is important to give some time to think about how you will use your car. If towing your touring caravan is on your list of uses, there are a few points to remember.

The First thing you will need to judge is whether the car will tow a caravan of a given weight. Some modern hatchbacks will tow a small caravan but if your caravan is larger or a twin axle version you will need to look at the torque of the vehicle to see whether it is powerful enough to successfully pull your caravan without putting your vehicle under strain and possibly causing mechanical issues.

If you are sure that your potential vehicle has the torque you need next it is time to decide whether you need a manual or automatic transmission. Surprisingly, people who regularly tow a caravan say they prefer automatic transmission as it makes towing easier.

Four-wheel drive vehicles would be advised if towing a large twin axle caravan however as some estate cars offer four-wheel drive options this does not necessarily mean that a SUV is needed.

If you are unsure about the suitability of a particular make or model of car most representatives in car dealerships will be able to advise you on the best vehicle for your needs.