We’ve all been there. It’s morning, and you go to 

, but it just won’t start. Cue a few strong words. 

 can happen for a number of reasons. Whether it’s for maintenance, because you’ve left your lights on overnight and drained the battery, or the battery has degraded over time, there are plenty of reasons your battery has died. 

Keep reading to learn how to use a car battery charger to bring your vehicle back to life. 

Depending on the type of vehicle you have and what you’re using it for, you may need to use a variety of chargers. To break it down simply, there are two types of car battery chargers: 

A traditional car battery charger, or linear charger, can be used on most cars and has limited features. 

Standard chargers charge your vehicle by continuously delivering electricity to your battery. Over time, this may damage your battery health. Please note that these chargers are generally not suitable for vehicles with start-stop technology. 

Intelligent (or smart chargers) are more modern and have various settings and features that can help to maintain battery health. 

For example, trickle charging can feed charge into your battery very slowly when a vehicle is out of action for a while, or multi-stage charging can help maintain battery health. 

How you charge a car battery will vary depending on whether you want to get a flat battery started, charge a waning battery, or maintain health during storage. If unsure, contact a professional mechanic before you tinker under the bonnet! 

Be prepared for the job! Here’s what you need to charge your battery. 

Want to breathe new life into your car? Here’s a quick overview of how to use a car battery charger at home: 

How to use a battery charger while driving

Alongside charging your car when it’s stationary, you can charge your battery by driving. Of course, this won’t work if your battery is completely dead. But if your car is idle for long periods, you can drive it to keep the battery topped up. 

Most cars require around 30 minutes of motorway driving to recharge fully. If your vehicle hasn’t been driven for a long time, it might take more than 30 minutes. So, make more than a quick trip to the shops to keep your battery healthy. 

Can I charge a car battery without a charger?

Technically, your car is supposed to charge itself with a part called an alternator. The alternator is a magnetic coil that’s powered by the engine. It generates current that goes back into the battery and charges as you drive. Faulty 

 are the most common cause of a dead battery. 

How to use car battery charger - Extra tips to know

Take a note of these extra tips before making that all-important car battery charger connection. 

If you want to avoid any battery scares, you can help maintain a healthy battery by: 

Get rid of any dirt or grime before it has a chance to get into your battery cells and cause damage. 

If you have a vehicle that is rarely used or has a long layoff, make sure you regularly charge the battery to avoid it becoming depleted and damaged. 

Over-charging can cause damage to your battery. To avoid this, make sure you charge at a low level and unplug your charger when it’s done. 

Generally, car batteries can perform at a good level for 4 years, so you should replace yours at that frequency. 

Final thoughts on how to use a car battery charger

A flat battery is nothing short of annoying. But luckily, this is an easy fix! Hopefully, this blog has helped you recharge your car battery without muss or fuss. Bookmark the page so you can return when it’s time to boost your battery. 

Do you need a service to check on battery health, or do you need a full replacement? Use our 

 feature and pay for your repairs or parts in easy-to-manage monthly car repairs. 

 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.

How to use a Car Battery Charger

Not only is an MOT a legal obligation, but it is also an important way of ensuring your vehicle is safe for you and for other road users. We look at MOT tests and break down the common deadlines and jargon, so you’ll never miss yours. 

An MOT test is a legally required vehicle test mandated by the Ministry of Transport. It includes a range of safety and environmental tests on your vehicle, to ensure it is legally safe to drive on roads in the UK. Elements such as the steering,

, seatbelts, tires and lights are checked. The engine, clutch and gearbox are not checked as part of an MOT. 

If you pass these tests, you are given an MOT certificate, one of the legally required documents you’ll need to drive or park your vehicle on public roads. 

An MOT certificate is a legally required document so driving without one is breaking the law. Driving without a valid MOT could mean you’re hit with a fine of up to £1,000 and your insurance could be invalidated. 

If you're worried about failing your MOT, you'll want to read our guide to 

When you need an MOT depends on your vehicle. You must get an MOT: 

Within three years of registering a new vehicle 

By the anniversary of your vehicle’s last MOT if it is more than 3 years old. 

Please note: Some vehicles, like taxis, will require an MOT test within a year of being registered, so please check t

An MOT test certificate lasts 12 months after your MOT test has passed. If you want to keep the same renewal date, you are only able to get a new MOT test up to a month (minus a day) before your old MOT test expires. If you want a new date, you can get it done earlier but your renewal date will change to a year (minus a day) after your new test was completed. 

If you can’t find your documents and need to check when your next MOT is due, you can find out easily based on your registration plate. Visit .gov

If you're concerned about the costs associated with any repairs that might arise from your MOT, then Bumper is here to help. Split the costs of car repair loans into interest-free monthly payments. 

Yes, it's true! Speed cameras are now able to check a car's MOT status. Don't risk driving without a valid MOT to avoid fines!

This is a common myth in the UK, but your MOT cannot be overdue by even one day. You need to take it the garage before the MOT is due to avoid a fine and make sure your insurance is valid.

No, there is no grace period for an MOT. You need to take your car to a garage for its MOT before the due date to avoid any consequences. 

You must use a registered MOT centre to get your MOT test. Often, MOT centres may be in car garages where repairs required to pass your test can also take place. To tell if a garage is a registered MOT centre, look for the blue sign with three white triangles. 

The cost of an MOT costs will vary depending on the type of vehicle you own. However, the maximum cost for any vehicle in the UK is £124.50, which is for large passenger vehicles for over 16 passengers. The vast majority of standard cars and motorcycles, however, will cost a maximum of £54.85. 

ost of an MOT test or repairs that are needed in order for your vehicle to pass, BUMPER offer 

n spread the costs of tests and repairs with no interest.

When is my MOT due?

Cars are complex things, there are many different mechanisms, moving parts and components that can fail. This is why the noises they make when faulty, can be a great indicator of what is going wrong.

Below we’ll explain what some common car noises mean, and when to be concerned with them and get them fixed. 

Bumper knows a large repair bill on your car is the last thing you want to spend your money on, but sometimes repairs can't be avoided. 

Look after your car and your bank balance by splitting the cost or repairs into with

Clicking noise and the engine not starting 

If you hear a clicking noise when you try to start your vehicle, there may be a problem with the electrics – and more specifically the battery in your car. 

This clicking noise may be a sign that the battery does not have enough power to crank the engine because it is faulty, or your car has a 

Most service centres or garages will be able to do a free battery health check. Batteries most commonly fail around 

winter time, when the engine is harder to turn over

 and the battery is at near zero temperatures. 

If your engine squeals when started, it is usually the auxiliary belt. Also known as the fan belt or serpentine belt, it drives the ancillary components such as 

Because these components all draw rotational power from the engine, the belt is under a large load when first starting, this in combination with rubber belts becoming harder and less ‘grippy’ when cold, the belt can slip and cause a noise. 

Whilst the noise will usually go quickly when it first develops, it will get worse the longer its left. In some cases the belt can simply be tightened and this will remedy the problem, 

If the belt is not tightened or replaced to prevent the squeal, it will ‘glaze’ meaning the surface becomes shiny and no longer grips. Once this happens the belt will slip much more. 

Whilst this does not appear to be a huge problem, the belt will eventually snap due to the unindented wear. A snapped auxiliary belt will leave you stranded, as the battery will no longer be charging, and in some cases the 

, which could cause serious engine damage. 

If you sometimes hear a loud metallic sounding, high frequency tapping when the engine is started, that fades away after a few seconds, you may need to check your engine oil. 

Some cars have hydraulic tappets on the camshafts. These are simply devices that allow your engine to run with less maintenance than the old fashioned alternative - manual adjusted tappets. 

Because the tappets are hydraulic, they use the engine’s oil to operate. If your car's engine oil is low, it can take a few seconds for the oil to reach the tappets, which are right on top of the engine. 

Learn how to spread your car repairs over monthly repayments

Are loud hydraulic tappets a big problem? 

In some cars, the tappet noise is perfectly normal, even with the correct amount of oil in the engine. It is likely to be more prominent on 

, and when the car is left with the engine off for a period of time - such as overnight. 

If your engine oil is at the correct level and is the right grade for your car, and your engine makes a loud tapping noise when started every time, it may be a good time to take it to a mechanic. 

It is important when trying to diagnose or describe a car noise that you think is causing a problem, to listen out for the particular circumstance that causes the noise. These details can help a mechanic diagnose the problem and fix your car faster! 

Suspension systems are made up of multiple links and joints. Over time these wear out and become loose, causing noises when the car drives over a bump or pot-hole at speed. 

Another potential source of noises from the underneath of your car is the exhaust system. As this is suspended from rubber hangers, these wear out and allow the

 itself to move excessively, banging into the underside of the car. 

What causes a loud bang under my car when driving? 

If you hear a loud bang from your car where the noise is a deeper tone and sounds as though it's coming from the back or front of the car, it could be the suspension. Common replacement parts are wishbone bushes, track rod ends and drop links. 

If it appears to be coming from directly underneath and is more hollow and metallic in tone - like the sound of a metal pan being hit with a spoon, it’s more likely an exhaust issue. 

Find out more about car warning lights and what to do about them.

Is your car making a "whirring noise" when driving?

A car making a "whirring noise" can be caused by any 

. For example, if there’s an issue with your power steering system such as a leak, you may hear this noise when turning the wheel, and especially when turned all the way in either direction. 

You should address any issues with power steering as soon as possible with 

Also, if you hear a whirring noise that seems like it's coming from your engine then you'll want to get to your local mechanic quickly. 

Other common sources of whirring noises and water pumps, alternators, air conditioning pumps and worn clutches - anything that spins, will have a bearing in, and can wear out. 

 can cause parts such as the pump pulley to wobble as they rotate causing the noise as you drive. If you don’t replace any faulty parts in your water pump, your engine may overheat and fail. 

A consistent humming noise may have very different causes based on where the noise appears to be coming from and when it happens. 

If the noise occurs when the car is stationary, it’s a sign that the issue may be a leak from a part that moves irrespective of whether the car is moving or not, e.g. your exhaust system. 

What causes a humming noise when driving? 

If the humming noise only happens when you’re driving it may be something more serious, such as 

. In short, wheel bearings allow the wheels of your car to rotate without friction or excess heat. 

These bearings wear over time and typically need to be replaced every 80-120,000 miles, depending on the usage. 

There are two main things to check in identifying a wheel bearing noise: if the noise get faster/louder with increased speed, and if the noise changes when turning at speed. 

Wheel bearings are critical to the safety of your car, and will affect tyres and vehicle control if left too long - if the two points above are true about the noise in your car, take it to a mechanic as soon as possible. 

Find out more about replacing wheel bearings.

A whistling noise while you drive is most likely caused by a leak somewhere in your engine, maybe as a result of a faulty or cracked hose in your turbo or vacuum system. 

These pipes are vital for keeping your engine running properly and would affect performance and economy. The parts usually don’t cost a lot to replace, but failure to do so will eventually lead to bigger problems. 

You may notice that your car makes a specific noise when your car is turning. Depending on the noise, it may signify any number of issues. It’s important to differentiate if the noise happens when turning the steering wheel, stationary or not, or whilst turning a corner. 

Noise when turning the wheel usually indicates a fault with the power steering system. Often the pump will cause a noise when the bearings become worn. It will usually coincide with heavier steering. 

If your car makes a noise when driving round corners, such as at roundabouts, it could indicate a fault with the suspension or tracking, or maybe be a wheel bearing, as described above. 

Another possibility is a worn CV joint. A Constant-Velocity joint is what enables the drive from the

 to be transferred to the wheels whilst turning. When worn they make a distinctive clicking sound, which increases in frequency with the speed of the vehicle, and volume with the level of steering angle. 

Whatever the noise, sounds when you turn can indicate there is an issue with your steering and should be addressed as soon as possible. 

Any engine issues will usually be more apparent when pulling off and accelerating uphill, than when at cruising speed. Similarly, braking noises will often get louder the harder the brakes are applied. 

Typically heard from the top of the engine bay, and sounds like air leaking from the engine. You might also hear a noise from underneath the car. 

If the noise is upfront, a turbo pipe leak could make a roaring noise, this will be accompanied by a lack of power and often more smoke than normal from the exhaust. 

At the other end of the spectrum, an exhaust leak from underneath the car could also cause a louder noise when accelerating. This will often be alongside a strong smell of exhaust fumes inside the car. 

Both noises would be easier to hear from outside the car. Try having someone gently rev the car's engine - in neutral - whilst you hear from the outside. 

Worried a noise in your vehicle may be a sign of something serious? Use 

 to find your local garage and pay for repairs in manageable monthly instalments, at no extra cost with a car repair loan. 

9 Car Noises To Look Out For (And What To Do)

9 Ruidos en el coche: de qué son, cómo identificarlos y encontrar las causas

9 Autogeräusche, auf die Sie achten sollten (und was Sie dagegen tun können) 

1 in 5 UK drivers admit to driving unsafe cars because they

and a quarter of drivers aged 17 to 24 say they put off repairs to avoid extra costs. This results in many dangerous vehicles on the road and a higher likelihood of 

Repairing your car is critical. To help manage the costs, a significant proportion of drivers use payday loans to cover car expenses. However, this isn’t always the best solution either. 

In this article, we’re exploring why payday loans aren’t always the best idea for car costs with honest advice and unbiased information. 

Before we discuss the pros and cons of payday

, we’ll quickly provide an overview of what they are. 

A payday loan is a short-term, unsecured loan that often comes with high-interest rates. These are also known as salary loans, payroll loans, payday advances, or cash advance loans. 

Payday loans are usually available for £500 or less and are a popular option for those with lower credit scores. But they’re not your only option.

It’s vital to be informed before applying for any 

. Here are the transparent benefits and drawbacks of payday loans for car repairs. 

Alternatives to payday loans for car repairs

Realising your car needs urgent repair is stressful. Before you sign up for a payday loan, consider alternative options and assess how they’ll affect your finances. 

Alternative payment options for car repairs include: 

Payday loans vs Bumper’s interest-free finance: A comparison

loans are used for car or vehicle expenses

, but they often have large interest rates. Typical interest rates work out to be 1,300% APR. 

In fact, one company we found offering payday loans for car repairs estimated a 6-month £2,000 loan would cost £3273.94, including interest. This is 

Companies offering payday loans tend to prey on those with 

‘Payday loans for bad credit’ is a phrase that appears frequently when searching online. This may seem appealing if you have a low credit score, but you’ll likely be charged a much higher interest rate. 

Finder.com reported that the average payday loan user is younger, between the ages of 25 and 30, single, in rented accommodation, and on a low income, with a household income of less than £1,500 per month. 61% of these users admitted to feeling less confident about managing money. 

Payday loans may seem like a quick solution to your car repair problems but could leave you with large amounts of interest to pay and your credit score negatively impacted (if you’re unable to make the repayments). 

Why interest-free loans are more sustainable than payday loans

 interest-free, buy now pay later loans for car repairs keep things simple. 

They have a 0% APR, meaning what you borrow is exactly what you pay. The garage covers the lender's cost in the form of a small percentage charge, so there is no need to worry about depositing extra cash to cover the interest. 

 and risk management systems uses artificial intelligence to make lending decisions based on previous loans, meaning we can lend responsibly and not push customers into debt. 

It also ensures we can lend to many people. Our average acceptance rate is 95%. 

Participating garages offer interest-free loans. Our' find a garage' tool allows you to find local garages using your postcode. 

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to car financing. However, it’s important to understand that payday loans aren’t always as friendly as they seem. Hopefully, this blog has helped you understand how payday loans work and encouraged you to conduct your own research before choosing one car repair financing method. 

 helps you spread the cost of any repairs at no extra cost. With 0% interest and the chance to split bills of up to £5,000, we’re here to help when your car goes wrong. We also offer quick online pre-approvals, allowing you to skip the paperwork and access help whenever needed. 

Apply for a credit limit and find a reliable service partner today. 

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.

Here’s Why You Should NOT Use Payday Loans For Car Repairs

Credit cards can quickly come to the rescue when you’re short on cash. But while our plastic friends have often had our backs when faced with a large bill, a new form of payment has grown in popularity: Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL). 

BNPL is a finance option that allows you to make purchases by splitting the cost into monthly payments, often interest-free. Currys, Ikea, ASOS, Pretty Little Thing, and Very.co.uk are just some of the big names offering the option as an alternative to credit cards. 

But which one is better? How do BNPL vs credit cards measure up? Today, we’re delving into the two options to help you get an unbiased option. Let’s go. 

, it’s helpful to consider the pros and cons of both options. This gives you a transparent view of both, allowing you to choose the one that’s right for you without any false marketing. 

First up, here are the pros and cons of credit cards. 

Get your FREE credit report with Checkmyfile 

to see what lenders may see when they check your report. Try it FREE for 30 days, then £14.99 a month. Cancel anytime.

Next, we’ll look at the advantages and disadvantages of 

. Remember these before signing up for anything! 

Buy Now Pay Later vs Credit Cards - How do they measure up?

So, how does each side fare in the buy now pay later vs credit cards fight? Both options have positives and negatives, so which one is best for you is down to your financial needs. 

Here’s a quick comparison between the main factors: 

 is a Buy Now Pay Later provider for car repairs and servicing. 

We’re here to take away the stress of breakdowns and hefty repairs with 0% interest financing. You can spread the costs and match with an experienced garage near your home. 

When it comes to being accepted, Bumper provides an instant response so you know if you’ve been accepted there and then. 

Buy Now PayLater vs. Credit Cards

It’s pretty normal for drivers to continue driving with dashboard warning lights on. The fear of large repair bills is enough to put many drivers off taking their vehicles to a garage. 

But failing to take action when your car warns you of a problem can be a costly and sometimes dangerous decision. 

In this guide, we examine what dashboard lights mean and what to do if they pop up. No more ignoring that check engine light symbol! Scroll down to get started. 

The Check Engine Light or Engine Management Light links to the Engine Control Unit and is displayed if there is a problem with your engine’s performance. Depending on how urgent the warning is, the light can illuminate in different colours.

Here’s a quick overview of each colour: 

The Engine Management Light and Engine Control Unit cover a variety of sensors all over the vehicle. This makes identifying the problem difficult. Here are some common causes of the Check Engine Manage Light: 

What should you do if the check engine light comes on?

If the check engine light comes on, note the colour of the light. If it is an orange or amber colour and you feel the car is performing as it should, you can continue your journey, but make sure you book in with a garage as soon as possible. If the check engine light is red, you should find a safe place to stop and contact a 

 service. It is not recommended you continue your journey. 

Don't panic about the possibility of repairs, as 

 can help with 0% interest monthly instalments. 

. The ABS prevents your vehicle from skidding by quickly releasing and applying the brakes on the wheel. 

If the ABS light comes on, your brakes may still work, but the ABS might not engage, which may be a problem if you need to make an emergency stop. 

If the ABS and brake system lights are on at the same time, then your vehicle is unsafe to drive. Also, if the ABS light is illuminated, you should drive carefully and 

 in with a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. 

 is here to help with car repair costs. Split the cost of your car repair in interest-free monthly instalments. 

If the battery light on your car illuminates and stays on, this indicates there is a problem with the 

. There are three reasons this could happen: 

This is the most common reason. Over time, the terminals on the battery can erode, or the cables can become unplugged or damaged. If there is damage, the battery won’t be able to hold charge from the alternator. Your battery may need replacing. 

The alternator creates the electrical charge stored in your battery. It powers the headlights, radio, heater, and electric windows. If the alternator fails, no electricity will be generated, and your car will eventually lose power and stop. 

 belt can be a severe problem, as the belt controls not only the alternator but also the coolant pump and power steering. If the battery light stays on, the engine becomes hot, or you find it hard to steer, you may have a problem with the alternator. 

What should I do if the battery light appears?

You should turn off unnecessary electrical systems such as the radio and headlights (if it is safe). 

If you are close to home or a garage, you can continue to drive cautiously for a short distance until your vehicle is checked by a qualified mechanic. 

If you are far from home, you should not continue to drive. If your power steering fails, you may find it difficult to drive. It’s important to note that once you turn your engine off, a damaged battery may not charge enough to turn it on again. 

Also known as the low tyre pressure light, the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System alerts you when the pressure is low. 

Underinflated or overinflated tyres can result in tyre wear. Overinflation results in decreased traction. This will result in premature wear at the centre of the tyre. 

Underinflation will cause your car to feel sluggish, decrease fuel economy, and create excessive heat build-up. This will result in premature wear on both sides of the tyre. 

 using a gauge and adjust it according to your car’s manual. If the light continues, you may have a puncture. 

 You should have your tyres changed or repaired by a professional if this light turns on. 

5. Traction Control Light/Stability Control

The Traction Control System is activated when your car detects one or more of the wheels has lost traction. This can happen in wet or icy conditions. 

When traction is lost, the engine transfers power from the slipping wheels to the wheels with grip. If the Traction Control Light is illuminated and stays on, the system has a problem. 

In some vehicles, the light illuminates when the system is engaged and goes off when the vehicle regains traction (you can check this in your car’s manual). 

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

How to use a Car Battery Charger

When is my MOT due?

9 Car Noises To Look Out For (And What To Do)

Here’s Why You Should NOT Use Payday Loans For Car Repairs

Buy Now PayLater vs. Credit Cards

Dashboard Warning Lights: A Complete Guide for Your Car

Average age of cars on UK roads increases to 8.4 years

How long do car tyres last?