Best car-help websites - insure, repair and sell your vehicle online
- Fri, 22 Jan 2010

Find cheaper petrol
Although the cost of fuel for your car has soared recently, you can still make savings with the help of the web. Just type your postcode into Petrol Prices and you'll be pointed in the direction of the cheapest filling station near you for unleaded, diesel and lead-replacement petrol (LRP). You could also try Whatgas.com, which doesn't require registration.
Get directions
Even if your map-reading skills aren't up to scratch, it's hard to go wrong with the easy to follow directions provided by Multimap. Enter your start and end points to get turn-by-turn instructions for the quickest or shortest journey from A to B. You can print the directions as a route planner that uses mini maps for illustration or send them directly to your mobile phone.
Learn to drive
Learning to drive can be stressful, but 2Pass is packed with information and advice to steer you in the right direction. Take mock theory tests online, watch video tutorials and chat with other learner drivers in the forum. Smart Learners also provides helpful driving tips, and a search facility for tracking down your nearest instructor.
Sell your old car
Getting rid of your old banger can be tricky, but WeWillBuyYourCar.com will make you an offer on the spot and even arrange to collect your vehicle, free of charge. WeBuyAnyCar.com works in a similar way and both sites will provide you with an instant valuation based on the car's registration number or the make and model. We still hate those annoying TV and radio adverts, though!
Buy a new car
When the time comes to buy a new car, don't waste time trudging around garages and showrooms, head to Carmony. This site makes it easy to find a vehicle that suits your tastes and needs in terms of colour, cost and space. For used cars try Fish4Cars, which lets you browse more than 80,000 used motors by type, make and location. Auto Trader UK is another great place to buy and sell cars, and provides lots of helpful guides.
Read car reviews
Whether you're buying a new or used car, it pays to read reviews of different makes and models before you part with any money. Honest John features a large number of in-depth reviews and rigorous road tests, as well as bustling help forums, an online HPI Check to ensure you don't get ripped off (this costs £19.99) and plenty of impartial buying advice. Also visit Parker's to find out how much your car is worth.
Insure your car
If you think you're paying over the odds for your car insurance, why not switch to an alternative provider online? Confused.com helps you find a better deal by presenting quotes from a huge number of companies in one handy location. Gocompare.com will also save you time and money by finding the policy for your needs.
Find a parking space
With most households owning at least one car, it's little wonder that the roads are crowded. If you're struggling to find somewhere to park, take a look at ParkatmyHouse.com or the similar YourParkingSpace. Both sites will find you parking spaces and garages available to rent across the UK, and let you advertise your own.
Get the latest traffic news
Traffic jams, roadworks and accidents are the bane of every driver. To ensure your journeys don't take longer than they should do, take a look at Keep Moving or Traffic Updates before you set off. Here you can find out in advance about any problems that may impede you on your intended route so you can easily avoid them.
Fix your car
Not everyone is a natural mechanic, but there are some car repairs you can try yourself to avoid expensive bills at the garage. The articles at Car Basics help you learn how to perform a variety of simple tasks, including changing a battery and bleeding your brakes. They also teach you more about your vehicle in general so you anticipate future problems.


