Everything seems to be getting more expensive, and motoring expenses are no different. 

With the estimated cost for 2023 being over £3,000, the average car running costs will soon make up an even larger portion of modern life's costs. Energy bills can be reduced by lowering your central heating temperature and food bills by eating out less, yet car running costs seem to be immovable. 

Luckily, there are some ways we can save money on cars. Today, we’ll explain how to reduce car running costs with easy and actionable tips. 

Do you know the average running costs for a car in the UK? The answers might surprise you. 

 shows that the average UK driver spends £2,500 a year on car costs. Let’s have a look at the breakdown below. 

Factors that affect the average running costs 

The average car costs above give you a good insight into what UK drivers are paying. But these figures aren’t set in stone. There are plenty of factors that can impact these numbers. 

For example, the age and make of your car can easily swing the numbers. Older cars may need more servicing, and some cars may have higher taxes. Likewise, some drivers will have higher insurance premiums than others. 

If you want to stay ahead of expenses, it’s a good idea to forecast your annual car running costs. Alongside looking at averages, you can work out your individual expenses from previous payments. 

Here are a few steps you can take to plan your future car running costs: 

Yes! Alongside setting a budget for your average running costs, you should try to build an emergency fund for unexpected car expenses. 

This isn’t possible for everyone. However, having some funds set aside can take the pressure off your finances in an emergency situation. Financial gurus suggest having around three months of expenses saved up for a trusty emergency fund. 

If you don’t have cash saved up and face an unexpected bill, don’t worry. Companies like Bumper are here to help you split the cost without taking out an expensive 

Split the cost of your bill into monthly payments. 

Shopping around and doing your research before purchasing a car can make a big difference to your yearly expenses. Here’s how to reduce the average car running costs. 

 and are not thinking of or in a position to change it, then this one is difficult. The only way to reduce your vehicle’s excise duty is to convert it to an ‘alternative fuel’ such as LPG. 

This isn’t feasible for most people, as the conversion costs over £1,500 in most cases, but if you intend to keep your car for a long time, and it’s particularly thirsty, it might be worth considering. 

If you receive PIP, you may be eligible for a road tax reduction. So be sure to check out the .gov guide 

If you’re in the market for a new car, though, check sites like 

 to find cars sorted by the lowest tax band. The other advantage is that those types of cars usually get better MPG, too.

 is often the largest one-off bill when running a car. The average premium hovers around the £450 a year mark, but this drastically increases if you're under 25, have any driving convictions, or are in a job deemed risky to the industry. 

or intentionally deceive about details such as who drives the car, your job, the car's modifications, and where you live. This offense will cause many more issues down the road - including criminal charges and fines - always be honest with the insurance company. 

That said, there are a few legitimate ways to help reduce your premiums, such as: 

Cars are complex machines with lots of moving parts and complex systems. Because of this, they need regular maintenance and sometimes repairs. Alongside your 

, these can contribute to a significant chunk of the overall cost of running a car. 

 is an annual inspection of roadworthiness but does not include servicing. For more information on what an MOT contains, check out our guide 

One way to help with car repair costs is to check your car regularly. Annual service is the ideal time for this to be done. The mechanic can refresh the various fluids and check for excess wear and damage, allowing you to plan your repairs in advance. 

Preventative maintenance can also reduce the likelihood of being stranded at the side of the road and costly towing/recovery fees. 

to learn more about the benefits of regular servicing or to see what's generally included in a service. 

If you have a major service or repair coming up and you are worried about being able to cover the bill, Bumper's zero-interest 

 could be ideal for you. It allows you to split the cost into easy-to-manage monthly instalments at 1000s of garages and dealerships nationwide. 

Fuel prices fluctuate along with the economy and global 

, and recent increases have been attributed to some of them due to the war in Ukraine. However, the cause of the price increase isn't the biggest issue for most. The strain on their wallet is. 

Increasing your car's efficiency may not appear to have much effect, but it can have a significant impact over a year of driving. We've detailed some great ways to increase your economy below: 

It may seem obvious, but it’s easy to not realise how much using your car for short journeys can amount to, especially considering its effect on your vehicle. 

are designed to work best at an ‘operating temperature’ of approximately 90 degrees Celsius. Short journeys will not get the engine up to temperature, and as a result, it will return worse fuel economy than normal. 

Simply adjusting your driving style is the easiest way to 

, and it can have a much bigger impact than you might think. 

One way to reduce fuel consumption is to look further ahead. Acceleration is the enemy of 

, so any time you can avoid coming to a complete stop, you will save fuel. 

Prime examples are when a car in front is slowing to turn. Pre-empting the stoppage, increasing the gap to the car, and slowing down gradually allows you to retain more of your car's momentum. 

The heavier the object, the more energy it takes to move it. This applies to cars, too. It’s part of the reason 

 get worse fuel economy than light, compact cars. 

If you’re carrying around extra weight in your vehicle, that will affect your fuel consumption. Things like extra water bottles, tools, and other stuff all take effort to haul around. 

Spend half an hour sorting your car out and save money! 

Tyres play a huge role in how your car drives, affecting braking, steering, and fuel economy. Think back to how much harder it is to ride a bicycle with a 

. Now imagine that but on a car weighing well over 1,000kg. 

Check your handbook for the optimum pressures. They depend on how much weight you’ll be carrying and must be adjusted to ensure braking and road grip are unaffected. 

A significant amount of the energy required to propel your car along is used to overcome the vehicle's aerodynamic drag. However, this is not directly proportional to speed; the faster you go, the more energy is needed. 

In real terms, this equates to a worse MPG figure the faster you go. For example, travelling at 60mph can save up to 

compared to travelling at 70mph. In most cases, this will barely impact your journey time at all. 

Cooling down the air inside your car takes quite a bit of energy. The air conditioning system is driven directly from the engine. Naturally, this will sap an amount of power from the engine, not used for propulsion. 

It's estimated that using your car's air conditioning can reduce the MPG by 

, saving you money. If you can't do without your air conditioning, then at least make sure it is as efficient as possible by getting an 

Differing engine types have weaknesses and strengths. For example, diesel engines are inefficient in cities, while 

Google Maps route planner allows you to select your engine type. The best route will be selected based on where your car will be most efficient. 

Eco-friendly routing is found within the app’s settings, and more information can be found 

For more information on fuel consumption, check out our

, which also helps identify the possible causes of poor fuel consumption. 

Working out a budget that covers the average car running costs and unexpected repairs can feel impossible. However, with 

’s services, you can split the stress of surprise repairs into manageable monthly payments, allowing you to cover your car’s usual costs without making any sacrifices. 

 with Bumper. Choose from 1000s of reliable garages and dealerships nationwide. 

has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his five cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.

The Average Car Running Costs & How To Budget Them

When buying a car the last thing you want to be dealing with are mechanical faults. Unfortunately, there are some occasions where this might occur. You'll want to know where you stand if something goes wrong. 

In this article, we will explain your rights if you acquired a damaged car on finance and how to remedy the matter. 

What Should I Do if I Bought a Faulty Car on Finance? 

If you have a loan for a new or used car and you uncover an issue with the vehicle and you are certain that you did not cause the problem. Go over your auto finance agreement as a first step, to find out about the terms and conditions and how much coverage is offered. 

Following that, you must contact the car credit provider and describe the problem, whether it is an engine problem or something else. You have the right to make a complaint, however, you must explain to the car dealer how you detected the flaw. 

What Counts as a Fault With Your Vehicle? 

A fault is defined as anything that interferes with the operation of your vehicle. Severe issues include the engine shutting down, the windows not operating, or a drivetrain problem, these are major issues which could result in further action by the car dealer i.e. a refund or repair. 

Small issues, such as the inability to adjust the seats, the 

(that was not disclosed at the time of purchase), must be addressed by your dealer. You are not usually entitled to a refund for these issues. 

If the parties cannot agree on whether a fault is minor or major, we recommend getting legal advice from the 

What Are My Consumer Rights for a Faulty Car Bought on Finance? 

The same regulations apply if you bought a new car via a finance package such as PCP or Hire Purchase. The 

 might be quite helpful in the situation of a damaged car purchased on credit, so let's have a look at it. 

The Consumer Rights Act of 2015 protects customers from financial loss if they acquire a poor-quality product or service, including cars and associated equipment and services. 

As a precaution, thoroughly study the terms and conditions of your auto financing agreement to see if your car dealer has included information on what would happen if a problem with the vehicle occurred. 

If things get problematic after speaking with the vehicle dealer and you are being made accountable or billed for the fault, you can always contact the financial ombudsman for free or seek legal assistance. 

Can I Return a Car on Finance if It’s Faulty?

If you've bought a faulty car on finance, your rights depend on whether you purchased from a dealer or a private seller. 

If you bought the car from a dealer, you are protected by the Consumer Rights Act 2015. This act states that the car must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and as described. If the car is found to be faulty within the first 30 days, you have the right to reject it and request a full refund. 

If you discover the fault after 30 days but within the first six months, you can request a repair or replacement. If the dealer cannot fix the issue within a reasonable time, you may still be entitled to a refund, potentially with a reduction in usage. 

If you bought the car privately, your rights are more limited. The car must still be as described, but the seller isn't obliged to ensure it's of satisfactory quality or fit for purpose. You may have a case if you can prove the seller deliberately hid the fault or misrepresented the car, but resolving disputes with private sellers can be more challenging. 

In both cases, it's essential to act quickly upon discovering the fault and notify the seller immediately. Consider consulting a legal expert if you're unsure of your rights or if the seller is uncooperative. 

The most common claim made by car buyers is the right to repair or replace. The legislation recognises that mistakes happen and that dealers should be given the opportunity to correct them. Yet, this raises concerns for many customers, such as: 

Whatever happens, you must keep the finance company informed at all times and ensure that it is well documented by retaining copies of letters and emails - any correspondence via telephone should be noted in an email after the fact. 

It is possible to reject a car from a dealer, there are three possible avenues to achieve this: 

Rejecting a car after 6 months becomes more complex, as UK law states that the onus is on the consumer to prove the faults were present during the first 6 months of ownership. Without this proof, the issue becomes the responsibility of the vehicle owner. 

If the car finance firm denies your request to return a financed vehicle, you can file a complaint with the financial ombudsman agency. The Ombudsman, often known as the Financial Ombudsman Service, is a free organisation entrusted with investigating and adjudicating complaints regarding consumer-regulated finance arrangements. 

The car finance company is bound by FOS decisions. Last year, however, only 30% of people who filed a complaint with the financial ombudsman were successful. The situation is exacerbated in large part by customers who do not know how to file a complaint or how to prepare their cases to maximise their chances of success. 

The FOS was established to settle complaints "quickly and with minimal formality" and to serve as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism. Customers are not required to file "legal filings." 

For the best chance at successfully disputing via the FOS, follow their guidelines on their website, and take great care to file the documents and details correctly. 

What to do if you can't afford repairs to your financed car? 

If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of having a broken car, with finance still outstanding and after passing the 6-month threshold, there are still a couple of options available. 

Some garages will buy broken cars with the intention of fixing them and re-selling them. The issue comes when the residual value left in the car as is, is less than the finance amount. 

Another option is to sell the car for spares, to a breaker or dismantler. Again, the value of the car would have to be very high, and the remaining finance low for this to work. 

Get your car fixed by spreading the cost, interest-free 

thousands of partner garages across the country. 

To get started, check out where your nearest partner is. 

 has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

What to Do If Your Car Is Faulty On Finance 

Financing is a great way to get a new, reliable car without shelling out tens of thousands of pounds upfront. 

However, one slight issue may occur when the car gets damaged or 

. One of the worst ways this can happen is a blown engine. If this happens, staying calm, assessing the damage, and planning your next steps is critical. 

In this article, we’ll provide some help and advice on what to do if your engine blows while your 

. No more Googling ‘car on finance engine blown.’ You’ll find everything you need to know here. 

Your rights when a motor blows up on a financed car

You are permitted to give back a financed car,

, as long as you’ve paid over 50% of the total finance cost. 

Unfortunately, in order to give back a car early, it will need to be in reasonable condition. If the finance company takes back a car and the engine is damaged, they are very likely to seek costs from you. 

So, if you’re thinking ‘my engine blew and I still owe money,’ jump to your three main options below. 

What Next? 3 options for a financed car engine failure

If you have a blown engine on a financed car, there are a few different ways to minimise the loss if your engine has blown, but you can’t afford to repair it outright. You can: 

Let’s go over these options in more detail below. 

Before deciding on the options below, ensure you’re cool, calm, and collected. A financed car with a blown engine is stressful, and it’s vital not to make rash decisions to protect your finances. 

Take a minute to assess the situation. Call a friend or family member for a second opinion if needed. 

 may be the first thing that comes to mind, there are far superior options available, especially with interest rates at the current levels. 

Car repair loans with 0% interest are much friendlier to your finances. They allow you to address the problem without dropping your credit score. 

Bumper offers interest-free monthly car repair loans

. The money goes straight to the garage, and you can split the cost into multiple manageable payments, which can be a big help if you need to repair your car. 

2. Sell the car to a mechanic or for parts 

If your car on finance needs a new engine, there are loads of companies and individuals that look for broken cars to buy. They have the space and know-how to fix them. If the car is not worth fixing, they may dismantle it and sell it for parts. 

This is often a more feasible option if your car is not very old, but it would still be worth a bit if it was in working condition. 

Various online marketplaces allow bidding. This method would probably yield the highest price. Alternatively, some companies buy cars in any condition — including engine failure on a financed car. These are often less hassle as they deal with the paperwork and admin for you. 

If you have the space, time, and knowledge to safely dismantle your car, you could make more than you would sell by stripping it down and selling the bits. 

Be warned, though, that this is not an easy or quick process, and you have to be prepared to arrange for the sale of parts and remove them yourself. Unless the car is a particularly rare example, you may be left with half a vehicle on your drive for months! 

If your car's finance engine has blown, the last thing most want to do is strip their car. So, consider this option carefully and ensure you have the time and resources before starting. 

 has any problems, you should contact your lender immediately. They need to know about the car’s value changes and your ability to make payments. Often, they have strategies and procedures to help in these situations. 

Can I trade in a financed car with a blown engine?

It’s rarely possible to trade in a financed car with a blown engine. But it’s not impossible. Sometimes, dealerships and lenders will accept trades. However, they’ll first assess the car’s value and damage. 

Note that a trade may not cover your outstanding finance balance. In this case, you’ll have to pay the outstanding difference. 

You’ll also have to be prepared for a lower trade-in value since the engine failure will have devalued your car. 

To determine whether your car is worth fixing, it's necessary to check how much the car would be worth if it was in working order. You need to get multiple quotes to fix the car's issue. 

Another consideration is how much it would cost to replace the car with one that is like for like, as this may be more than what your vehicle could be worth due to availability and market trends. 

Financially it's probably worth fixing a blown engine as long as the parts are available from a breaker or dismantler, as a new engine will often be more expensive than the value of the car. 

How to get insurance to cover a blown motor

Whether or not your insurance covers a blown motor depends on your personal policy. Before you contact your 

, review your policy to see if it covers mechanical breakdown coverage. If this isn’t included, you won’t be able to claim for the problem. 

However, some insurers allow add-on policies for these situations. Contact your provider for more information, but make sure you have your policy details on hand before calling. 

Like any repair, the cost will vary greatly depending on the car's age, make and model, and where you are located in the country. 

See the list of prices below to give you an idea of how much it’s likely to cost: 

Cost to replace an engine with a new one: 

Cost to replace an engine with a secondhand or refurbished one: 

How much can you get for a car with a blown engine? 

Wondering what to do with a car with a blown engine? 

As mentioned, there are a few options for selling a car with a blown engine, but how much you can get will depend on the car's condition, age, and desirability. 

Generally speaking, most people who will fix your broken car to sell themselves will want to pay the sale price of an equivalent working car, minus the cost of replacing the engine, the above prices would be a useful indicator of this. 

If your car is in good condition and was initially expensive, you will have a much better chance of getting a premium price for your broken car. 

What option is best when my engine is blown?

Because everyone's situation is different, it’s advisable to gather all the information you need before you make an informed decision. So we advise you to do the following: 

Car on finance engine blown - The takeaway

Dealing with a financed car and a blown engine is challenging, but several solutions are at your fingertips. From assessing the damage and repairing parts to working with your lender and insurance, you can find an answer that meets your needs. Ensure you are honest and communicate clearly throughout the process for the best results and a positive outcome. 

Split the cost of repairs into interest-free monthly repayments and 

Car Engine Blown While On Finance

¿Qué hacer si el motor de tu coche financiado se funde?

Whether you're rushing to work or on the school run, noticing a dent in your car door is never a fun experience. 

Perhaps you're wondering whether the door dent is worth fixing. The answer isn't always so simple. Typically, fixing a car door dent depends on several factors, including the size, location, and overall condition of your vehicle. 

In this article, we'll discuss the potential costs of repairing doors, whether they are worth fixing, and the general options available. Scroll down and get in the know now. 

Your budget and your car's current condition and age

Depending on the severity, it might be worthwhile to have the damage repaired, especially if the repair costs are fair and the dent is not too big or has caused issues with expensive parts such as 

On the other hand, it might be more economical to just live with the dent. Or replace the car door totally if the dent is too big or the cost of the repair is too high. 

How much does it cost to fix a dented car door?

A dented car door can be repaired for a variety of prices. 

You might be able to get a little ding fixed for as low as £50. However, the price could be significantly greater if the dent is large or situated in a challenging place. 

Repairing a dent can sometimes cost nearly as much as replacing the entire car door. This is especially true if the dent is significant or if other damage, such as scratches or dents, is present. 

But more about the cost of a car door dent below. 

On average, the cost to remove a car dent per panel is

The price to remove a car dent will vary depending on a number of variables. These include: 

Car dents come in all shapes and sizes, as do their repair costs. Here’s a list of ballpark average costs to repair various dents: 

Split the cost of repairs into monthly payments at 1000s of trusted garages and dealerships with 

Does a dent decrease your car’s value? 

This can have a substantial effect on the resale value. A 

 repair firm can estimate the cost of repairs and the amount that each damage reduces the car's worth. 

Due to how they affect a car's overall appeal to potential purchasers, dents can reduce its value and cause sellers to undervalue it when they sell it. Small dings and dents can mount up, significantly impacting the car's evaluation rating. 

Therefore, if dents result in a large amount of depreciation, it is crucial to think about having them rectified before trying to sell your car. 

Difference between dent repairs and paintless dent repairs 

There are two main options for repairing dents in car doors:

. Understanding the difference between these two options can help you make an informed decision about how to repair your car door. 

Traditional dent repair involves sanding, filling, and repainting the affected area. 

This method is typically more time-consuming and costly than paintless dent repair. But, it may be necessary if the dent is too large or the paint has been damaged. 

The cost of traditional dent repair will depend on the size and location of the dent, as well as the cost of labour and materials. 

On the other hand, paintless dent repair (PDR) is a less invasive option. 

This involves using specialised tools to massage the dent out of the car door without damaging the paint. It is generally less expensive than traditional dent repair, and it can often be completed in a shorter amount of time. 

The cost of paintless dent repair will depend on the size and location of the dent and the skill level of the technician performing the repair. 

PDR generally targets small areas of damage, allowing your car to return to its original dent-free state without needing significant repairs or part replacements. Traditional dent repair may be necessary if the dent is too large or if the paint has been damaged. Ultimately, the best option for you will depend on the dent's size and location, budget, and priorities.

Starting prices for paintless dent removal are about 

Before beginning, your professional dent removal specialist will be able to provide you with a price so you are informed of the charges. 

The cost of paintless dent removal per panel will increase if your car has multiple damaged locations. You should expect to pay an additional 

Factors that affect paintless dent repair costs: 

How much does paintless dent removal cost for hail damage? 

initial charge of about £45 plus roughly £20 for any further dents 

in the same panel that could have occurred. The final price is affected by the state, type of car, dent's location, size, and 

. So, you can drive home on the same day. 

However, note that significant dents or dents in awkward locations will take longer to repair. Small dings and scratches only take a couple of hours. 

Does a dented car door need to be replaced? 

Your dented car door doesn’t need to be replaced if the dents are reasonably small and can be fixed using either traditional or paintless dent repair methods. You may even be able to do it yourself with a dent puller and a hairdryer. 

It is advised to take the dent to an auto body repair company if it is too big for a DIY fix. 

A qualified technician can reverse smaller dents in the shop using suction cups and a slide hammer. If the damage is more extensive and has compromised the vehicle's structure, a full door replacement may be advised. 

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

The Average Car Running Costs & How To Budget Them

What to Do If Your Car Is Faulty On Finance

Car Engine Blown While On Finance

Price Guide For Repairing Dents In Doors

What To Do If Your Engine Is Overheating

How Much Does A Transmission Fluid Change Cost?

What Happens If You Can't Afford Your Car Payments

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