What the 2025 Autumn Budget Means for Motorists — Simple, Straightforward Advice from Your Local Garage

The Chancellor’s Autumn Budget brought a lot of financial changes, but if you’re a driver, car lover or just someone who needs their vehicle to be reliable, the question you’re probably asking is:

“How does any of this affect me and my car?”

Here’s a clear and simple breakdown of what the Budget means for everyday motorists — including petrol and diesel drivers, hybrid and EV owners, and anyone who loves keeping their pride and joy in top condition.

1. Fuel Prices: Frozen for Now — But Increases Are Coming

The government has extended the freeze on fuel duty until September 2026.Good news in the short term: petrol and diesel won’t get more expensive overnight because of tax changes.

But from late 2026 into 2027, fuel duty is expected to rise again — likely in line with inflation.

What this means for drivers:

• Enjoy stable fuel prices for now — especially helpful if you rely on your vehicle for commuting or long-distance driving.

• Start planning for higher running costs from 2026 onwards.

• If your car needs a service to help improve fuel efficiency, now is a great time to do it.

2. Electric & Hybrid Owners: New Per-Mile Tax from 2028

This is one of the biggest announcements for motorists.

The Budget confirmed a new pay-per-mile tax for EVs and plug-in hybrids starting in April 2028.

• EVs: around 3p per mile

• PHEVs: around 1.5p per mile

This comes on top of standard road tax (VED), which EVs will also be paying by then.

What this means for EV & hybrid drivers:

• “Cheap to run” electric driving won’t be quite as cheap after 2028.

• High-mileage EV owners will feel it most — so annual mileage matters more than ever.

• Hybrids will still be more tax-efficient than full EVs on a per-mile basis.

• EVs will stay popular, but costs are levelling out.

And remember: EVs still need tyres, brakes, servicing, air-con regassing and MOTs, so we expect to see more of them in the workshop over the next few years.

3. Classic Car Owners: Indirect Good News

With running costs rising for EVs and petrol/diesel cars in different ways, the Budget may actually make classic and older cars more attractive for enthusiasts — especially those that only come out on weekends.

The big consideration will simply be maintenance. Older vehicles need a little more love, so regular checks, servicing and tyres become even more important.

4. What Drivers Should Be Doing Now

Here’s your easy checklist:

✓ Petrol & Diesel Drivers

• Take advantage of the current fuel-duty freeze by keeping your car running efficiently.

• A service, fresh oil and new air filter can make a noticeable difference to MPG.

• Keep tyres inflated and aligned — it helps fuel economy and safety.

✓ EV & Hybrid Owners

• Start tracking your annual mileage — it will directly affect what you pay from 2028.

• Budget for an increase in overall running costs in the future.

• If your EV or hybrid is out of warranty, regular servicing keeps it performing properly and protects battery health.

✓ Classic Car or Weekend-Car Drivers

• Rising general motoring costs might make low-mileage classics even more appealing.

• But they need consistent care — fluids, filters, tyres and brakes especially.

5. What This Means for Our Garage

Whether you drive petrol, diesel, hybrid or fully electric, maintaining your car is becoming even more important as running costs change.

We’re expecting more motorists to focus on:

• Better fuel efficiency

• Longer-lasting tyres

• Preventative servicing

• Reliable MOT preparation

• Wheel alignment and safety checks

And we’re here to support all makes, models and types of vehicle — from classics to EVs.

Whatever you drive — daily commuter, family workhorse or weekend performance car — keeping it in top condition is the best way to stay ahead of future changes.