RAY MASSEY: Fasten your seatbelts for the arrival of the 75 plate

As part of the UK's six-monthly number-plate change, it's just over a week until cars with the new 75 plates start leaving showrooms on September 1.

Following on from the March 25 plate, it's one of the busiest and most important times in the car-buying calendar.

Many dealerships offer promotions during this period, with buyers keen to get their hands on the latest plates.

If you're in the market for a new set of wheels, here are some timely tips on how to buy safely and avoid a rip-off, collated with the help of The Motor Ombudsman (themotorombudsman.org), Britain's independent and impartial automotive watchdog.

■ Do your homework. With more than 50 car brands and scores more individual models in the UK, plus the choice of petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric variants, choosing the car that works for your commute, social commitments, and lifestyle, requires thorough research. Read reviews, speak to others, and buy from a trusted retailer listed at The Motor Ombudsman's online business finder.

■ Don't be afraid to haggle. Sales to private buyers are still sluggish, so check for discounts, including the Government's Electric Vehicle Grant that can cut up to £3,750 off the price of cheaper EV models.

■ Keep overall running costs, such as road tax, insurance, fuel, servicing and maintenance, in mind – not just the price. Consider how costs will increase once free incentives such as annual servicing expire, and when MoTs are required after three years.

■ Test-drive the dealer's demonstrator car to get hands-on experience. That way you can sample first-hand levels of comfort, performance, and in-car tech, especially if switching to an EV. To test space and practicality, bring along booster seats, buggies, golf clubs, and other large items that you plan to carry.

■ A car is a long-term commitment, so never put money down until you're sure. Retailers often ask for an initial sum upfront to put in the order. Remember that a deposit is often not refundable, so if you change your mind after signing on the dotted line, it's unlikely you'll get your money back.

■ Once you get to handover, inspect your car to ensure it's in perfect condition inside and out, and that all optional extras and documentation are present.

■ If you do have a problem after taking delivery of your new car, contact the seller in the first instance as your contract is with them. Outline the problem, ideally in writing so there is a trackable paper trail. Keep copies of all paperwork.

The retailer has up to eight weeks to respond but should be much quicker.

They may look to fix the car and even make a claim on your behalf under a car manufacturer's warranty if it's a build fault.

'If the problem happens within the first 30 days of owning the car, you're also entitled by law to hand the car back for a full refund or a replacement.'

This includes if the specification is wrong.

'If it's after 30 days, the law says the business has a chance to repair or a replace it. It's their decision as to which', says the Motor Ombudsman.

■ If the dealer fails to resolve the problem to your satisfaction you can contact The Motor Ombudsman through its free-of-charge and independent dispute resolution service - provided the retailer is signed up to it. Most dealers are and you check beforehand if they are via the Ombudsman's handy Business Finder on the website (https://www.themotorombudsman.org/ ).

At this point you will be asked to provide your side of the story (this is where having everything written down pays off) and the seller of the car will be asked to do the same.

The Motor Ombudsman's team of independent and impartial experts - like referees -will then look at all the facts to come to a decision according to what has happened, and determine the fairest way forward for everyone.

The Motor Ombudsman's Bill Fennell said: 'With a car known to be a big investment, putting in the time to do your homework from the very start of the car buying journey is crucial, as this lays the foundations to make the right decision.

'When walking into a showroom to buy a new car, and seeing the order form in front of you, it can be easy to get caught up in the moment and to make decisions on impulse. Take the time to read through any small print and double check that you're 100 per cent happy with everything before agreeing to the sale, so there are no regrets down the line.'

■ Review the manufacturer's new-car warranty which covers the cost of repairing issues that may go wrong because of how the car was built. The best run for seven or more years. Plus, shop around for insurance, as costs and coverage vary.

Brace yourself for the great bank holiday getaway this weekend – the last before Christmas.

Some 17.6million journeys are expected by car – with major routes to the coast and airports set to bear the brunt, says the RAC and traffic trackers INRIX.

They include more than 3.4million trips today, 2.4million on Sunday and 2.7million on Monday. A further 6.1million drivers are planning a journey. Busiest times will be 9am to 5pm today and 11am to 6pm on Monday.

The RAC's Nick Mullender said: 'Check your car has enough oil and coolant, and tyres are free of damage, have enough tread and are inflated properly.'