The government has started trialling new digital driving licenses with the Government Digital Services (GDS) and DVLA. 

Currently being tested internally with small numbers of GDS and DVLA staff, the trial could see the rollout of a digital license in the GOV.UK One Login app later in 2026. 

The digital license will contain the same information as your license – name, photo, license number, date of birth, address, expiry date and driving entitlements. Physical cards will remain valid for drivers who choose them until at least 2030. 

The trial is part of a broader ‘GOV.UK Wallet initiative’, aimed at making all identity documents digital. 

Science Secretary, Peter Kyle, said the digital wallet “opens huge opportunities to make interacting with public services much easier by putting people in control of their own data.” 

New tech like the digital wallet is expected to save £45 billion in efficiency savings, according to a government report. 

Government’s new digital driving licence could save billions 

58 classic and once-popular cars have been identified as likely to disappear from roads by 2030. 

Temporary vehicle insurance provider, Tempcover, analysed 10 years of DVLA registration data to estimate how quickly the numbers of specific models are declining. 

The analysis then forecasted an “extinction date” when registrations could hit zero, and the models completely disappear. 

As vehicles age, they become more expensive for drivers to repair and harder to source new parts, leading many to swap their current models for new ones.  

A shift to newer tech like electric vehicles and stricter emissions standards for drivers have also contributed to these models vanishing from our roads. 

Declining numbers could mean certain models are bought by collectors as “future classics”, increasing their value.  

Did any of your favourite models appear on the list? If so, you better snap them up before they disappear forever. 

Full list of cars expected to go ‘extinct’ by 2030

A new rule from the government affecting petrol stations has come into force this month. The change is aimed at making fuel prices more transparent for drivers. 

As part of the Fuel Finder Scheme, petrol stations are now legally required to report fuel prices in near real-time to a central database. 

Prices must be updated within 30 minutes of a change at the pump. This data will then feed into apps, comparison websites and mapping tools, enabling drivers to find the cheapest prices.

The change should make it easier for drivers to compare fuel prices before filling up. Government estimates anticipate vehicle owners could save up to £4.50 per tank. 

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the scheme could help the average household save around £40 per year. 

Real-time prices will be accessible on third-party services like PetrolPrices.com and Fuel Finder UK. 

The scheme may also eventually integrate directly with sat-navs and map apps, making it even easier for drivers to make savings. 

All petrol stations are required to register and participate, including independent retailers and major chains. 

Sales between businesses, fuel sold in jerry cans, red diesel intended for agricultural purposes, and HGV depots operating under pre-arranged logistics agreements are not covered by the scheme. 

New rule for petrol stations could save drivers £4.50 per tank 

How good is your drive-through knowledge? Take our free online quiz to find out if you’re a burger-busting drive-through pro or a fast-food failure. We’re ready when you are – let’s get started.

Can you guess all of these drive-throughs?

A sump oil leak is a common issue that can unfortunately affect many cars, from everyday hatchbacks to performance models. 

The sump, located at the bottom of the engine, holds the oil that lubricates internal components. Leaks often occur for various reasons and can cost anywhere from £50 to £700 to repair, depending on the issue.

Fixing a sump leak promptly helps prevent more serious engine damage and keeps repair costs manageable. Here’s everything you need to know!

How much does it cost to fix a sump oil leak?

In the UK, the cost of repairing a sump oil leak typically ranges from £120 to over £700, depending on the severity and repair method. 

Repairs could be as low as £50 for bolt replacements, but we’ll break these down below. 

If the oil pan is damaged and requires replacement, or if other engine components are affected, costs can rise significantly. No matter the repair or fee, you can also use 

 to split the final cost into interest-free instalments.

Typical sump oil leak repair costs by component

£50 to £700 is a large range for potential sump oil leak repair costs. Here’s how it actually breaks down in 2026.

Note that these are average prices, and costs may also vary depending on your car’s engine layout, sump accessibility, and whether additional engine work is needed.

It can be, but it depends on the overall damage. A simple gasket replacement is relatively affordable, whereas replacing a damaged sump or dealing with corrosion around the pan can push costs higher. 

Factors that influence the final bill include:

In general, acting early often keeps the repair in the lower price range, making sump repairs a cost-effective solution compared to potential engine damage.

How long does it take to repair a sump leak?

Repair times vary with the type of fix. Your garage will provide a precise estimate once the car is lifted and the extent of the leak is assessed.

Sump leaks usually result from a few recurring issues, and many can be prevented by regular checks and servicing.

Consider these four factors if you notice a sump oil leak issue.

Technically, small leaks may allow short trips, but it’s not recommended. 

Driving with a sump leak reduces oil levels, risks engine overheating, and can lead to severe internal damage or even cause an accident. 

The longer the leak is ignored, the higher the chance of a major repair and a larger bill!

A minor leak may not fail an MOT immediately, but a persistent drip that causes visible oil on the road or engine damage could. 

MOT testers also check for leaks that compromise safety or environmental standards. So, it’s best not to risk it. Repairs should be addressed before to avoid failure.

What happens if you ignore a sump oil leak?

Ignoring a sump leak can quickly escalate costs and risks. 

Low oil levels from ignoring a sump leak can lead to:

For example, a sump leak repair that might cost £150 to £250 for a gasket can escalate to £700 if the oil pan or engine suffers damage. Don’t put it off.

Sump oil leaks are a frustrating, common, but manageable issue when identified early. 

Regular inspections, prompt repairs, and using a certified garage help protect your engine and keep sump oil leak repair costs under control. This is your sign to book the service!

If you’ve noticed a sump oil leak, it’s time to put a stop to it. Use a 

 to split the cost of sump oil leaks into interest-free repayments today.

Apply online for up to £5,000 and choose from 1,000s of trusted repairers.

How much does a sump oil leak repair cost?

Owning a Tesla comes with plenty of benefits, but when it comes to bodywork, even minor scratches can feel more expensive than in traditional cars. 

Tesla paint finishes, aluminium panels, and the placement of advanced sensors all influence repair costs, which can range from £80 to £1,200+ for full panel respray. 

Below, we break down Tesla scratch repair costs depending on the type of damage and severity.

How much does it cost to repair a scratch on a Tesla?

The cost of repairing a scratch on a Tesla in the UK typically ranges from £80 to over £1,200, and these costs largely depend on the depth of the damage, the panel affected, and the repair method needed.

Light surface scratches that only affect the clear coat are relatively inexpensive to fix, while deeper scratches that expose the primer or metal often require repainting, which increases costs significantly. 

Panels with sensors or cameras, such as bumpers and doors, can also cost more to repair. However, you can use 

 to split the cost of any Tesla scratch repair into interest-free repayments.

Typical Tesla scratch repair costs by damage severity

Let’s break the Tesla scratch repair costs down even further.

Here are some general averages you can expect in 2026. Note that costs vary depending on the model (Model 3, Model Y, Model S, or Model X), paint colour, and local labour rates.

As with any car damage, repair times depend on severity. Your garage will give you a personalised estimate, but general repair times take:

Remember that if sensors or cameras need recalibration, repair times can increase slightly.

Yes, but not always. Some scratches on a Tesla can be buffed out, but only if they’re shallow and limited to the clear coat.

Buffing removes a very thin layer of clear coat to reduce or eliminate surface marks. However, if the scratch catches your fingernail or exposes paint beneath the clear coat, buffing won’t be effective. DIY polishing also carries a risk of damaging Tesla’s relatively soft paint if done incorrectly.

For anything beyond light scuffs, professional repair is usually safer and more effective.

Many owners feel Teslas scratch more easily than other cars. This perception is often due to a combination of factors:

While Tesla paint meets industry standards, it can highlight imperfections more visibly, especially under direct light.

In contrast to popular belief, Teslas do not automatically “record scratches”, but Sentry Mode can capture footage if it’s enabled and the car detects a nearby threat or impact.

However, Sentry Mode may not activate for very light contact, such as a key scratch or brushing against the car. Camera angles can also limit what’s captured. 

Footage can help with insurance claims in some cases, but it’s not guaranteed to record every incident.

Tesla Service Centres generally do not handle cosmetic scratch repairs directly, unless the damage occurred during servicing or delivery.

Instead, Tesla typically refers owners to Tesla-approved body shops. These repairers meet Tesla’s standards for paint matching, aluminium repairs, and sensor calibration, but their pricing is often higher than that of independent SMART repair specialists.

In most cases, yes, especially for newer vehicles or leased cars.

Professional scratch repairs help maintain resale value, prevent corrosion on exposed metal, and keep the car looking its best. 

Generally, minor repairs are relatively affordable when handled early, while delaying repairs can lead to more expensive paint damage later.

Yes, driving with cosmetic scratches is safe. 

However, deep scratches that expose bare metal should be repaired promptly to prevent corrosion, particularly on aluminium panels where oxidation can spread and affect the car’s structure.

Nothing is more frustrating than noticing a scratch on your car. 

Tesla scratch repair costs vary widely, but understanding the type of damage makes it easier to choose the right repair approach. Light scratches can often be fixed affordably, while deeper damage may require professional repainting. Book early, and your Tesla will be fixed up in no time.

Get your Tesla looking new again. You can use a 

 to split the cost of Tesla scratch repair into interest-free repayments.

How much does a Tesla scratch repair cost?

DSG gearboxes offer the fuel efficiency of a manual gearbox, with the convenience of a traditional automatic gearbox. Volkswagen introduced the first DSG gearbox in a production car in 2003 and has since developed them to be even better and more reliable. 

But, despite their improvements in reliability, DSG gearboxes can still be the cause of large repair bills, particularly on older or less well-maintained cars. In this article, we’ll discuss how much it typically costs to repair a DSG gearbox, and what issues to look out for. 

How much does it cost to repair a DSG gearbox?

Due to their complexity, it can cost anywhere from £200 to £2,500+ to repair a DSG gearbox fault. In some cases, a simple service or software update can remedy the problem; in others, the gearbox or even the car is not worth the repair costs likely to be incurred. 

Software issues, updates and adaptations can sometimes remedy a minor problem; this is likely to cost between £120 and £250, depending on the garage and time it takes to implement.

An oil and filter service will typically cost between £250 and £375. Wet clutch DSG gearboxes can present issues if the gearbox hasn’t been serviced regularly.

Gear selector repairs cost between £150 and £400; most automatic gearboxes use a selector sensor to detect what gear has been selected, and issues with this can cause a variety of issues. 

Expect to pay between £800 and £1,200 for a clutch pack replacement in a dry clutch DSG gearbox, and £1,000 to £1,900 in a wet clutch gearbox.

If a mechatronic unit is faulty and needs to be replaced, a budget of in excess of £1,500. In some cases, replacing the gearbox with a refurbished unit, at between £1,500 and £4,000 might be a better option. 

If you’re expecting a large repair bill, remember that Bumper offers 

A Direct Shift Gearbox, or DSG for short, is a type of automatic gearbox used in many vehicles. It uses two separate electronically controlled clutches that allow extremely quick gear changes. 

Because they do not use an inefficient torque converter like traditional auto gearboxes, they can achieve much better MPG figures, close to those of even manual cars. They also allow for extremely fast gear changes, making them a favourite for performance cars. 

The complex nature of DSG gearboxes means fixing any issues promptly is highly recommended, as they can sometimes develop into worse faults. These are some common DSG gearbox issues:

Despite the large list of common problems and many horror stories floating around, DSG gearboxes can be very reliable, with many cars reaching extremely high mileage.

Many cars that are known for their reliability, such as those made by Skoda, use DSG gearboxes, offering good MPG, fast shifting and most of all, convenience, for many, many miles. 

If you are looking to buy a used car with a DSG gearbox, be sure to check for comprehensive service history, something that is always recommended, but especially important on a car with a DSG gearbox. 

Like all things relating to cars, the reliability of a DSG gearbox is intrinsically linked to regular maintenance. DSG gearbox oil, like all oil, degrades with time and usage. Not changing this or the filter to catch any debris or contaminants can lead to increased clutch wear.

If you own a car with a DSG gearbox, make sure to check the service intervals; they should be detailed in the vehicle's handbook, and have the items completed in advance of the mileage or date due. 

Ensure the garage always uses the correct grade of oil and genuine parts when completing maintenance items. Automatic gearboxes are designed to use a particular viscosity and grade of oil; any deviation could cause running issues or long term reliability issues. 

When buying a used car with a DSG gearbox, again, check the service records meticulously, especially if the car has higher mileage.

If your DSG gearbox is exhibiting poor or jerky gear changes, warning messages, or unusual smells or sounds, it’s recommended to get it looked at as soon as possible. If you’re uneasy with a large repair bill, though, consider using Bumper’s 

. Apply online and choose from 1000s of approved garages.

How Much Does a DSG Gearbox Repair Cost?

While not all Volkswagen Mk5 Golfs develop problems with their sills, they can be vulnerable to rust over time.

Positioned along the lower sides of the car, they’re exposed to water, road salt, and debris, making them vulnerable to rust. Ignoring sill damage can compromise your car’s structural integrity, lead to MOT failures, and ultimately result in costly repairs. 

In 2026, Mk5 Golf Sill repairs range from £80 to £900 for full sill replacement. Keep reading to learn more.

How much does it cost to repair a sill on an Mk5 Golf?

The cost of repairing a sill depends on the extent of rust or damage and whether patch repairs or full replacements are needed. 

On average, Volkswagen UK sill repairs in 2026 fall into these ranges:

The costs aren’t cheap, but note that using professional repairers ensures a durable result and proper corrosion protection, while DIY kits may only mask rust temporarily. You can also explore 

 to split the bill into interest-free repayments.

Typical Mk5 Golf sill repair costs by damage type

While rust is a major culprit in sill damage, it’s not the only damage type. 

Other damage types and potential repair costs include:

How long does sill repair take on a Mk5 Golf?

Mk5 Golf sill repair times depend on severity:

Your garage will give a precise estimate after inspecting the vehicle, and they’ll also inform you if any other parts need to be repaired that aren’t related to the car sill.

Sill rust usually develops due to four main reasons. 

Here’s what to look out for if you own a Volkswagen Mk5 Golf:

Don’t forget that regular washing, underseal maintenance, and prompt attention to chips can reduce the risk of sill rust.

Minor rust may only affect the paint surface, but if left untreated, it can penetrate the metal, causing structural weakness.

Severe sill rust can affect the lower door frames, jacking points, and, sometimes, even the chassis rails. This reduces crash safety and can make other repairs more complicated and expensive.

Is sill rust an MOT failure on a Mk5 Golf?

Yes, sill rust can cause an MOT failure if it compromises structural integrity. 

Even if your Golf passes temporarily, it’s best to repair rust promptly to avoid safety issues and more costly future work.

Can you drive a Mk5 Golf with rusty sills?

You can drive short-term with minor surface rust, but if the sill is weakened or perforated, it becomes a safety risk. 

Driving long-term on structurally compromised sills may lead to further corrosion or cause parts like seat mounts to fail. It can also affect handling and lead to a dangerous drive.

Is it worth repairing sills on a Mk5 Golf?

Yes. Repairing sills preserves structural integrity and protects resale value. It also prevents more expensive chassis or suspension damage. 

Minor rust repairs are relatively affordable, so addressing issues early is almost always cost-effective.

Absolutely. Rust spreads quickly along seams, under paint, and inside panel cavities. 

What starts as a £100 patch can escalate into a £900+ full replacement if ignored. Early treatment is the most effective way to keep repair costs manageable.

Preventative care extends the life of your sills and keeps your Golf safe. 

If you’re interested in getting ahead, add the following actions to your car care schedule:

Mk5 Golf sill repairs are a common issue, but addressing them early keeps costs manageable. Minor surface rust can often be treated for under £150, helping prevent more extensive and expensive damage later on.

Alastair Shephard

Content Writer