It's easy to forget car maintenance, especially regarding oil changes. We jump in and drive every day, expecting everything to run well. But you need to keep on top of maintenance for a healthy car.

Today, we're explaining what happens if you don't change your oil and how long you can go without an oil change. Let's get into it!

What happens if you don’t change your oil? 

You will face many issues if you don’t change your engine oil. These include increased wear, worse MPG, overheating, increased emissions, clogged systems, voided warranty, decreased resale value, and potential engine failures. 

So, there’s nothing positive to be gained from putting your oil change off.

The oil in your engine reduces friction and heat by lubricating the moving parts. When the oil is fresh, it lubricates at peak efficiency and minimises wear on the engine components.

When the oil breaks down, the two faces will wear significantly faster. This will be hard to notice on the camshafts, but over time, this increased wear on the cylinder bores will create a significant loss in power.

Here are the eight problems you’ll encounter if you don’t change your oil frequently. 

Not only does oil lubricate, but it also plays a crucial role in cooling down certain parts of the engine. Race cars often have dedicated oil coolers, but many run-of-the-mill cars also implement designs to reduce oil temperature. 

Surpassing oil change intervals can lead to a reduction in oil-based cooling and excessive heat from increased friction. 

Both symptoms are not good for an engine, and more heat generally equates to less efficiency, more wear and a higher chance of something breaking permanently.

. As a consequence of the increase in heat, reduction in compression due to worn cylinders and a lack of cooling, fuel efficiency will likely decrease. 

Over time, this could significantly increase fuel costs, probably more so than the cost of an oil change!

A decrease in fuel efficiency generally coincides with an increase in harmful emissions, mainly by burning oil due to excessive engine wear. 

A small amount of engine oil will always make its way into the engine's combustion chamber, but the more wear to the cylinder walls, the more will enter and burn off as nasty emissions. 

4. Systems will clog with dirt and debris 

Many complex mechanisms rely on good oil flow to function properly. Examples include variable valve timing, turbochargers and engine breathers.

VVT or Vanos systems often use the engine's oil pressure to operate. These are extremely precise systems, and any oil pressure, quality, or viscosity decrease can affect them. In the best case, the engine stops varying the valve timing properly. 

In the worst case, the Vanos system clogs and requires removal, replacement, or cleaning.

5. Turbos can fail and destroy your engine 

Extremely common in modern cars, turbochargers utilise waste energy from the exhaust to increase power and efficiency. Turbos are responsible for the modern spate of small, high MPG-achieving engines such as those found in Ford, Audi and Volkswagen vehicles. 

Turbos spin incredibly fast, more than 10,000 RPM. To turn efficiently, they need a substantial supply of oil; a partial or momentary pause in the oil supply can cause the turbine to overheat and fail.

Because half of the turbo is in the path of air entering the engine, if shards of the turbine break off due to catastrophic failure, they can quickly enter the engine, causing severe damage. 

If you’ve ever waited a long time between oil changes, you probably noticed a difference in how well the car performed after the oil change was complete. Simply put, with fresh new oil, your engine’s spinning parts can move smoothly and use less power to make their revolutions. 

The manufacturer’s warranty for a new car can last as long as a decade — if you stick to its prescribed maintenance schedule. Skip too many oil changes, and the warranty terms might render it void. 

If there’s ever a major repair, it could cost you thousands more than it would have if the warranty was still valid. 

Resale value probably isn't the first thing on your mind when you buy a car. Eventually, however, the day comes when you want to sell or trade-in your vehicle for a new one. 

Keeping to a schedule of regular oil changes will increase your car's resale value. The engine will perform noticeably better on inspection or in a test drive. Keep a detailed record of oil changes and other regular maintenance; you might even improve your sale price. 

What are the benefits of changing your oil on schedule? 

Keeping your engine healthy with fresh oil has many benefits, including preventing engine failure, reducing engine wear, increasing resale value, and improving your car maintenance. 

When you have an oil change done, it allows the mechanic to visually inspect your car under the bonnet. They'll see the battery, air filters, brakes, and whatever else they have on their standard list. That means they'll be able to note any potential problems before they happen. 

Every car has a suggested manufacturer’s maintenance schedule for regular servicing. Focusing on oil changes makes it easier to track the intervals and ensure you’re being seen by a mechanic at least once a year. 

Your mechanic will probably remind you about any upcoming scheduled maintenance in addition to the oil change so you can book an appointment on the spot. 

If your engine oil turns to sludge, it won't be able to lubricate anymore, and your car engine will seize up. That means the metal parts fuse under intense friction and heat. It's almost impossible to fix, probably requiring a new engine or even a write-off of the car.

Does missing oil changes cause engine wear? 

Yes, oil prevents wear by minimising the friction between the engine's moving parts. Oil also has a limited service life, meaning it breaks down and stops providing the same level of lubrication, leading to rapid wear. 

Almost anyone can do an oil change. The tools needed to change your car’s oil are not complex or expensive, but it does need to be done safely, as it usually requires jacking up the vehicle and crawling under the engine.

If you don’t want to change it yourself, you should be able to easily 

 for an oil change near you. Almost any garage can offer oil changes as it is one of the most basic tasks a mechanic can do. 

Split the cost of repairs into interest-free monthly repayments and choose from thousands of service partners nationwide.

As one of the most essential car service elements, oil changes are always included in 

. This generally also consists of an oil filter change to keep the new oil cleaner for longer.

It’s good practice to check what oil grade and quality the garage will be using, especially if you’re not taking your car to a primary dealer for servicing. We have a handy 

Whilst things like engine oil leaks would be noticed, the MOT test does not include an oil level or quality check, or an oil change. For this reason, booking a service at the same time as an MOT test is a good idea. 

An annual MOT test is a legal requirement for cars over three years old. The test includes checking all safety critical systems such as brakes, suspension, and tyres. 

Check out our guide here for more on precisely what an MOT covers

How long can you go without an oil change? 

Experts suggest you should change your car’s oil every 3,000 miles. 

But this doesn’t apply to all modern cars. Instead, you should check your owner’s manual. This will give you specific information, and you won’t have to rely on vague estimates.

Historically, oil changes were determined by how many miles you’d driven since the last change. Today, we can use three key factors to estimate when you need to change your oil. These include:

You must look at vehicle type, as some require different oil change times than others. Similarly, the length of your average drive will affect your oil changes. Short trips and inner-city drives are more demanding on your engine and require more oil changes.

Finally, older cars generally require more maintenance and oil changes than newer cars. So, if you’ve just bought a new car, you won’t have to change your oil as often as older ones.

Is it okay to go a year without an oil change? 

Put simply, no. The oil should be changed for most cars every 3-6,000 miles. For most cars, not changing your oil for over a year means missing two separate changes, which could seriously damage your engine.

Making time for something as mundane as an oil change is an annoyance, but it's vital to your car's health. If you want your car to last a long time and perform well, take the time to get the oil changed. Expect to spend more if you don't.

What are the signs that suggest an oil change? 

Over time, the engine will exhibit signs that you need an oil change, like increased fuel consumption, reduced performance, and smoky exhaust fumes.

Other signs you need an oil change include:

The danger appears because unlike knocking suspension or a blowing exhaust, not changing the oil does not make a loud or easily noticeable difference, at least for the first few months. 

However, once these symptoms start to show, it may well mean your engine is seriously damaged already - so follow those service intervals!

How many miles can you go over an oil change sticker? 

You might find a sticker inside your engine bay that states a mileage. These are often used to record when an oil change was last done. It's best to limit the miles past the sticker as much as possible, even having the oil change done in advance.

The trouble with oil change stickers is that they might not be 100% accurate, as there is no way to officiate the work.

We generally recommend using your car's service book. That way, there can be no confusion over what was done and by whom. The book can also be passed to a prospective buyer, giving a detailed car history.

What happens if you don't change your oil for 10,000 miles? 

Some manufacturers now recommend an oil change every 12-15,000 miles, so it may well be that 10,000 is fine. But as the previous point, it's best to check your owner's manual alongside the service records for peace of mind. 

What happens if you don’t change your oil - The bottom line 

Staying on top of your oil changes is a guaranteed way to keep your car healthy and prevent avoidable problems. This will make driving safer and save you lots of money in the future. Don’t put it off!

Need an expert opinion? Book your vehicle with a reliable repairer and split the cost into interest-free monthly payments with Bumper 

What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Oil

The Mercedes A-Class is a popular choice for drivers looking for a compact luxury car offering a sleek design, premium features, and a comfortable ride. But when it comes to reliability, does it live up to the brand’s reputation? 

In this guide, we’ll break down the most common Mercedes A-Class problems, and what to watch out for, whether you’re already a proud owner or are thinking of getting one for yourself. 

While the A-Class delivers on style and performance, it’s not without its issues when it comes to reliability. Some previous owners have reported anything from loss of power to automatic gearbox faults. 

Whether you're considering buying one or already own an A-Class, it’s worth knowing the most common faults and what to look out for.

A-Class owners often complain about a loss of power, which can be caused by several issues. Common culprits include fuel injector problems and engine oil leaks.

If your A-Class is losing power or coughing out a lot of smoke, a faulty fuel injector could be the cause. If this is the case, a fuel injector repair will not only improve performance but also prevent bigger issues like clogged injectors and engine damage.

Engine oil leaks are another known problem in the A-Class. If you leave them too long, low oil levels can damage your engine over time. Think your A-Class might be leaking? Keep an eye out for oil patches under the car, a burning smell, or warning lights on your dashboard – catching one early could save you from expensive 

The A-Class is often fitted with a dual-clutch automatic gearbox, which is designed for smoother, more responsive shifts – but owners have noticed some common problems, especially with early models.

The automatic gearbox in some A-Class models can feel slow to respond, especially at low speeds, which can make stop-start traffic a pain. If gear changes feel jerky or delayed, it could be a sign of a bigger problem with the dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

Key internal parts inside the automatic transmission can wear out quicker than expected, which can lead to some very expensive repairs. 

Transmission issues like slipping gears often start small but tend to get worse quickly. Catch them early to save yourself from expensive 

Some electrical issues in the gearbox can be fixed with a software update, but more serious faults may need a full gearbox replacement. 

 can really set you back, so it's worth checking for any warning signs before they spiral – whining or grinding noises when changing gears and a burning smell are common red flags. 

for your Mercedes A-Class? There’s a smarter way. With Bumper, you can split your repair bill into interest-free monthly payments – no credit checks, no hidden fees.

Like most modern cars, the A-Class is packed with electronic systems. While this adds plenty of high-tech features, it also means a higher chance of electrical issues cropping up.

Some Mercedes A-Class models struggle to start due to starter motor faults. If you turn the key (or push the button) and nothing happens, a worn starter motor could be the culprit. Ignore it for too long, and you could end up stranded with an expensive repair on your hands.

A-Class owners have reported all sorts of electrical issues with the infotainment system – frozen touchscreens, unresponsive controls, and dodgy connectivity. In some cases, a quick software update sorts it out, but bigger problems might mean replacing the system entirely, which isn’t cheap.

Some A-Class models have issues with the passenger airbag sensor, which can trigger warning lights. In the worst-case scenario, it could even stop the airbag from working in a crash. If the airbag light comes on, it’s best to get it checked sooner rather than later.

The Mercedes A-Class is absolutely worth owning if you want a car that combines luxury with strong performance. But, like any car, it comes with its share of common faults that can lead to needing 

If your A-Class needs repairs, don’t let the cost hold you back. With our 

, you can get it sorted today and spread the cost over 6 interest-free monthly payments. Approval is quick and easy, so you’ll never be left waiting, and with over 5,000 trusted service partners across the UK, there’s always a garage nearby. 

How reliable is the Mercedes A-Class? Common issues to know

¿Es fiable el Mercedes Clase A? Problemas comunes que debes conocer

Wie zuverlässig ist die Mercedes A-Klasse? Häufige Probleme im Überblick

Voluntary termination (or VT for short) helps you get out of a car finance contract if you can’t keep up with the payments. 

Today, we're diving into how voluntary termination of car finance works, why you might consider it, and the financial impacts involved, so you can make an informed decision that’s best for you.

What is voluntary termination of car finance?

Voluntary termination (VT) is a term used to describe ending your car finance agreement before the official contract end date. 

, this option has been available for all UK drivers, provided they meet the relevant criteria. 

If you choose Voluntary Termination (VT), your finance contract ends, and you must return the vehicle—meaning you can’t keep the car. This option protects drivers facing financial changes, providing a safeguard in challenging circumstances.

Voluntary termination vs voluntary surrender

Voluntary termination and voluntary surrender may sound similar, but they’re very different concepts. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Knowing the difference between the two can help you avoid any confusion when filing your application, and will save you future charges!

What are your rights under the Consumer Credit Act?

Section 99 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974.

This grants consumers the right to terminate regulated hire-purchase or conditional sale agreements before the final payment is due. 

To exercise this right, you must have paid at least 50% of the total amount payable under the agreement. This total includes the vehicle cost, interest, and any additional fees outlined in the contract. 

If 50% has not yet been paid, the consumer can make an additional payment to reach this threshold and proceed with the termination. 

You must fulfil these terms and conditions to be eligible for VT. 

Reasons to file for voluntary termination

There are a few common reasons for filing for voluntary termination, such as:

The reasons mainly surround finances and being able to afford the car. It’s not an option for those who just fancy a new car and want to get out of their contract.

How voluntary termination car finance works

Voluntary termination is an option for new and used cars financed through PCP or HP agreements. 

The general steps to apply and start VT include:

You can ensure a smoother transition by documenting your vehicle’s condition, maintaining clear communication, and by keeping a record of all phone calls, emails or letters.

If you’re ever unsure, contact the finance provider for more information.

In a PCP agreement, the 50% threshold includes interest, fees, and the 

, not just monthly payments. Even halfway through your term, you may not have reached this amount. 

If you haven't, you can pay the difference to qualify for voluntary termination, but any payments beyond 50% won't be refunded.

HP (Hire Purchase) voluntary terminations are much simpler than PCP. 

HP contracts don’t have any lump-sum balloon payments. Rather, your repayments are spread evenly across your term.

When you reach the halfway paying point, you automatically qualify for the 50% payment requirement. You can even pay the difference to get to the 50% mark if you’re slightly short of this amount.

How long does voluntary termination take?

Once you apply, voluntary termination is a quick process. 

However, finance companies aren’t usually keen on this process, and may lengthen the application time if you’re not clear about your circumstances.

Want to speed up the process? Ensure you clearly understand what you want, know the difference between voluntary termination and surrender, and meet the necessary requirements.

Financial drawbacks of voluntary termination

Exercising voluntary termination can have several financial consequences you may want to consider. These include:

Does voluntary termination affect your credit score?

No, VT doesn’t negatively impact your credit score.

However, as mentioned above, it will appear on 

 This may influence lender’s opinions in the future, even if your credit score doesn’t drop.

Voluntary termination gives you a way to walk away from your car finance agreement legally and without major penalties, as long as you follow the rules.

Just make sure you go through the process carefully, meet all the requirements, and understand any financial impacts along the way.

Find more information for UK drivers via the Bumper blog.

Owning a car can come with plenty of surprise expenses. 

, you can split the cost of repairs into monthly payments at no extra cost. 

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

What Is Voluntary Termination of Car Finance?

Congratulations to Evans Halshaw Renault Dacia Sunderland who have been crowned our next Dealership of the Month. 

Since joining the Bumper network in 2022, Evans Halshaw has been using PayLater to split the cost of customers’ repair bills into interest-free monthly payments. 

PayLater enables dealers to increase their customer satisfaction, retention, and conversion of repair work. 

Customers celebrated the interest-free option at Evans Halshaw Renault Dacia Sunderland on Trustpilot. 

One customer said, “Finance was there when we absolutely needed it. Had a trip to Kent booked for the Thursday of the same week. Work needed done - Bumper helped pay for it.” 

Another praised the innovative payment option for being easy to set up: “This is the first time that I have been offered the opportunity to pay off my repair bill in instalments, a most welcome event. The process was both easy and speedy to arrange.” 

Congratulations to Beth, Katie, Daniel and the whole team at Evans Halshaw Renault Dacia Sunderland!

Winner: Evans Halshaw Sunderland crowned Dealer of the Month 

Ever wondered what it would look like if your favourite football club took a detour from the pitch and entered the fast lane? 

In this fun fusion of sport and style, we imagine what cars might look like if they were designed by football clubs. 

From sleek, high-performance rides to bold, personality-packed designs, here’s what happens when football passion meets automotive imagination.

What if football clubs made cars?

Starting April 1st 2025, drivers up and down the UK will face a car tax hike.

 rise—the government only focuses on high-emission vehicles and older cars. 

This comes as part of the changes to Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), to encourage the adoption of 

 by making high-polluting cars more expensive to own.

Will you be affected by the older car tax increase? We’ll explain everything you need to know below.

The tax increase comes with Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) changes, also known as road tax. If you drive or keep a car on the road, you must pay this tax as an annual fee.

From April 1st, 2025, there will be changes to VED tax for 

. A vehicle's CO₂ emissions primarily determine the amount payable. Basically, the higher the emissions, the higher the tax.

Following the new regulations, the first-year VED of vehicles emitting over 255g/km of CO₂ will double from £2,745 to £5,490. But of course, your tax payment will depend on your specific car.

So, find out if your car is facing a tax rise and add these 

What’s causing the car tax hike in April?

This increase is part of a broader strategy to promote environmental sustainability by discouraging using high-emission vehicles. 

The government projects that this measure will raise approximately £400 million in the coming year, with expectations to reach £1.7 billion by the decade's end. 

Additionally, the policy aims to accelerate the transition to greener transportation options (e.g., 

 and public transport), reducing carbon footprints and improving air quality. 

It's all about being sustainable and building a better future!

What cars are affected by the tax increase (VED)?

59 cars will be affected by the VED tax increase in 2025. 

 that are more polluting than new, greener alternatives. For example, cars with powerful engines and potent emissions will have the steepest tax hikes. 

Here’s a list of all cars facing vehicle tax rise:

How the car tax increase will affect electric vehicles

While the higher tax rates apply to more polluting cars, the new VED structure also introduces changes for electric vehicle owners. 

EVs will no longer be exempt from road tax.

All EVs will be subject to a standard VED, starting at £10 in the first year and £195 annually thereafter. Additionally, EVs with a list price over £40,000 will incur an extra £425 annually for five years, beginning from the second year of ownership. 

These changes are expected to affect approximately 70% of new EVs, potentially influencing new and 

Something to consider if you’re looking for a new car. 

Learn more about the VED tax impacts on electric vehicles here.

The upcoming VED changes mark an exciting step toward a greener future for the UK's roads. 

Whether you already own a car or are thinking about buying one, it's a great time to explore how these updates can fit into your financial plans and eco-friendly choices.

Read more about the UK roads via the Bumper blog

Higher road tax isn’t the only extra cost that comes with owning a car!

Cars Facing Vehicle Tax Rise in April 2025

Helping consumers manage the costs associated with aftersales bills is the biggest challenge facing service advisors in their day to day work.

A quarter of the 520 service advisors polled for the forthcoming Bumper UK Automotive Aftersales Report 2024/25, cited affordability of repairs for customers as their main challenge, underscoring the financial pressures on consumers due to the increased cost of living and rising parts prices. 

Customer expectations was the next biggest challenge with 18% of service advisors signalling the growing demand for high quality service and personalised experiences.

Parts availability was a concern for 12%, as service advisors grapple with supply chain issues.

The research also found service advisors were equally split between those who had identified operational changes in dealership priorities in the last 12 months and those who had not.

The biggest changes identified by over two-thirds of the former group were to customer retention and satisfaction strategies, reflecting an increased management focus on ensuring positive customer experiences and loyalty.

Most service advisors (58%) reported observing changes in customer preferences or behaviour in aftersales services compared to previous years.

Increased price sensitivity was the most frequently cited change (43%), indicating that customers are focused on affordability and value, with over one in five noting a rise in the use of interest-free options to settle workshop bills.

A fall in the acceptance of recommended repairs was identified by 13% of service advisors.

“Service advisors are in a unique position to observe the behavioural changes of aftersales customers with our research highlighting the impact that servicing and repair costs are having across the sector,” said Daniel Christie, Head of Sales at Bumper

“Push-back from customers to the costs charged for servicing and repair work is understandable and increasingly difficult for service advisors to counter. This is why it is more important than ever for dealers to make the strategic decision to provide the option of interest-free payments. This in turn can help drive customer satisfaction and retention, while making necessary advisory work more affordable. 

“The findings underscore the importance of tailoring aftersales strategies to meet evolving customer expectations and balancing affordability with service quality,” said Christie.

Bumper research identifies affordability of repair work for customers as biggest challenge faced by service advisors 

A car respray typically costs around £2,400 in the UK. It can restore faded or damaged paint, change a car’s colour, and give older vehicles a fresh, like-new appearance.

Here’s what the process involves and what you can expect to pay.

The average cost of a car respray in the UK is around £2,400, though this can vary depending on the extent of damage and required repairs. 

Full repairs before painting can push costs up to £3,000 or even £5,000, while respraying a single panel or bumper may cost just £250–£400. 

Alastair Shephard

Content Writer