Click Mechanic (mobile affordable car maintenance)
Regular servicing (tyres, engines, oil changes) can improve fuel efficiency. Click Mechanic lets you book vetted local mechanics at good prices, due to low overheads. All are fully vetted with 1-year guarantees, and in some cases you can save up to 47% over expensive national chains.
They can also install EV chargers, and perform MOTs and servicing.
Also enter your postcode at Fix My Car to find local indie mechanics, with genuine customer reviews. Just enter your car registration and location, and you’ll get local mechanics with prices, so you can book instantly after reading reviews.
Antifreeze is lethal to pets/wildlife, so let mechanics change it in enclosed spaces. Or use funnels (as with oil) and use sand/kitty litter to absorb spills (don’t mop).
- AA has tips on buying used cars. Avoid ‘cut-and-shut (two damaged cars welded together), cloning (replacing number plates) and clocking (adjusting mileage). Don’t check cars in rain (water hides dents/scratches) and insist on a service history and V5C document.
- ETA (Environmental Transport Association) offers vehicle inspection checks (plus eco-friendly insurance/breakdown cover).
- Waterless car washes are better for the planet, as they stop oily untreated water going down storm drains and into the sea.
