Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

Alastair Shephard

Content Writer

Your car's engine consists of two main components, the engine block and the cylinder head. Both contain many crucial features and components that work together to produce power to drive the wheels. 

There are a few instances where a cylinder head may become damaged; these can arise from various situations, ranging from a lack of oil to overheating, and all of them can be costly if not remedied quickly. In this guide, we’ll explain how much cylinder head repair typically costs.

The cost of removing and repairing a car's cylinder head can range from £550 for a basic head gasket replacement to £2,500+ for extensive work.

Just removing and inspecting the head is likely to be a day's labour, anything from £550 to £800, as there are many components to remove to access it. 

In the case of a snapped timing belt or chain, repairing the resulting damage can start at £1,000 and increase to well above £3,000 if a new cylinder head is required. 

If the engine has been overheated, either because the coolant has run low or the head gasket has blown, the cylinder head will need machining to make it flat again. This work will cost around £800-£1,200, including removing the head.

An engine creates power by burning fuel and air in a cylinder. The cylinder head, as the name suggests, acts as a cap to the cylinders, retaining the pressure created during combustion. A head gasket is used to seal between the engine block and the cylinder head.

Along with this, the head also houses the valves and the camshafts that open and close them. Valves allow fuel and air in, and exhaust gases out, at the correct times.

There are a few different things that can cause damage to a cylinder head, these range from needing just cleaning to removal, overhaul or replacement. 

Can I drive with damage to my car's cylinder head?

Driving with a damaged cylinder head is likely to create even more damage to the engine, and could well leave you stranded - meaning you’d then need to pay to recover the car to a garage, as well as paying for the repairs!

If your head gasket has blown, stem seals are leaking oil, or you are just concerned about future repair bills, using Bumper’s zero-interest car repair financing can help. 

Choose from hundreds of nationwide approved garages that offer Bumper's 

 has been writing about cars for over eight years and writing for Bumper for over three, 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 cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.

Cylinder Head Repair Cost (UK 2025)

Constant velocity or CV joints are an essential part of every car’s drivetrain. Like most drivetrain components, they can wear out over time, depending on the type and amount of use the car has. 

If your car needs new CV joints, this guide will help to understand the costs involved with having them replaced, as well as common symptoms to look out for.

Replacing a CV joint can cost anything from £250 to £900, depending on the make and model of the car. In some cases, the whole driveshaft will need replacing rather than just the joint.

Sometimes, just the CV boot needs replacing. This is a common MOT failure, which can cost anywhere from £50 to £140.

Split your next repair bill with Bumper's 

A CV or constant velocity joint is a mechanical coupling used to transmit rotational power at a constant rate, despite changes in the angle of the two shafts due to steering or suspension travel. They are used on the front wheels of front wheel drive cars, and sometimes on the rear of rear or 4 wheel drive ones.

The name constant velocity was coined due to their ability to maintain the same input and output speed, regardless of the angle of the two shafts, unlike a simpler universal joint, as often found on the propshaft of rear wheel drive cars.

Because a CV joint is a major mechanical component in your drivetrain, symptoms of wear and issues are generally detectable with a good ear or feel. These are the symptoms of a bad CV joint:

A CV boot is a rubber protective component that encases the CV joints. The geometry that enables a CV joint to work is made to high tolerances, and uses grease to prevent premature wear, in a similar way to engine and gearbox components. 

The CV boot ensures this grease is retained inside the joint, and dirt and water cannot enter to cause premature wear. Split CV boots are common MOT failures, as they can cause a sound joint to become dangerously worn in a matter of months.

No, you should not drive with a worn or bad CV joint. An excessively worn CV joint can cause more than just increased load on the engine, but it can even fail completely, meaning the driveshaft could well cause more damage or loss of control. 

If your car needs repairs, from CV joints to body work, Bumper can help with zero-per-cent interest financing. Choose from one of hundreds of nationwide, approved partners. Apply online for a 

CV Joint Repair Cost

The average oil pump repair cost sits between £500 to £1,000 for UK drivers. 

Every car part, even your oil pump, will wear out and eventually need replacing. However, it should still last a long time. 

The oil pump in your car moves oil around and inside the engine channels. This is essential, as it lubricates bearings, pistons, and camshafts, and also cools the engine.

It’s the heart of the car’s lubrication system, making sure nothing grinds or seizes. Here's everything you need to know about oil pump repair costs.

On average in the UK, an oil pump repair costs around £500 to £1,000. 

Minor fixes may be slightly cheaper, while more complex replacements on high-performance or hard-to-access engines can exceed £1,000. You can always use a 

 from Bumper to split the cost of a repair into interest-free repayments.

Here are some examples of popular UK car makes and average oil pump costs:

Knowing the signs and costs of an oil pump problem will help you act in time and avoid even bigger problems with your car.

Alongside the average costs above, consider the the following:

An oil pump repair takes most mechanics 4 to 8 hours, depending on the complexity of the job. 

During the oil pump repair, your mechanics will:

5 signs you might need an oil pump repair

If your oil pressure is lowering, it might be a symptom that your oil pump needs to be replaced. 

Unlike other car parts, you can't see the oil pump. However, you can look out for these signs:

Will the check engine light come on if the oil pump is Bad?

Yes. If the oil pump is bad, then the check engine light will turn on.

This is because the bad oil pump will cause high or low oil pressure in the engine. Depending on the brand and year of make, the light could be orange or red.

Preventing oil pump problems in your car is the best way to go if you don't want to spend anything on oil pump repair costs down the road. 

You can prevent oil pump problems by following these steps:

Yes and no! Whether it's worth fixing an oil pump generally depends on your vehicle, its age, condition, and problems.

If the vehicle is in good condition and the oil pump is the only issue, then it’s worth fixing the old pump. Even if your oil pressure suddenly drops and your engine overheats, fixing it is cheaper than a full engine replacement.

An oil pump might not be worth fixing if there is significant engine damage, the repair cost exceeds the car's value, or if there are numerous other problems.

No. You should never drive if you have a bad oil pump.

A pump that is not working will not give enough oil to the engine, which can then grind and seize. Plus, the damage could affect the bearings and cause overheating of the engine and potential permanent damage. 

If you notice any issues, stop the car immediately and call a mechanic!

An oil leak will eventually cause an MOT failure.

An oil pool larger than 75 millimetres in diameter that appears within 5 minutes is a concerning factor. Smaller leaks may not cause failure but might cause different problems.

In the end, your oil pump is a key element of your lubrication system and will have a huge effect on the safety of your car. So, if you think you need an oil pump repair, don’t put the service off!

 to split the cost of an oil pump repair into interest-free repayments.

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

How Much is an Oil Pump Repair Cost in the UK?

These days, most Brits can’t imagine driving without car sensors. The average cost of a car sensor repair is £76.

From monitoring engine performance to helping you park, car sensors ensure your vehicle operates at its best. But when one fails, it can cause performance issues or even an MOT failure. 

Here’s what you need to know about car sensor repair costs and when it’s time to get them checked.

The average car sensor repair cost sits at £76. However, this figure isn’t always reliable. It doesn’t take into account the type of sensor you need. 

The cost of repairing or replacing a sensor can vary dramatically depending on the type of sensor and even the make of your car.

Here’s a breakdown of average car sensor repair costs in the UK:

 to split repairs into interest-free repayments with Bumper.

Some makes and models are more expensive to repair due to labour costs or complex sensor design. 

Below are average car sensor repair quotes by vehicle make in the UK:

Most car sensor repairs or replacements take between 30 minutes and two hours.

Simple jobs, like replacing a parking or oxygen sensor, are usually completed within an hour. 

However, more complex sensors, such as those linked to the engine control unit (ECU), may require diagnostic testing and calibration, thereby extending repair time.

Car sensors are designed to last several years, often 

, depending on the sensor type and driving conditions. 

However, as with any car part, exposure to dirt, water, and vibration can shorten their lifespan. 

Regular servicing helps identify faulty sensors early before they cause major issues. Don’t forget to book your car in!

Car sensors measure various aspects of your vehicle’s performance, including temperature, pressure, distance, and airflow. 

They send real-time data to the car’s ECU, which adjusts systems like fuel injection, braking, and even parking assistance. 

When a sensor malfunctions, your car may trigger a warning light or perform less efficiently. If you notice poor driving performance, you should always check your car or get a professional opinion.

Modern cars contain dozens of sensors, each serving a specific purpose. Knowing which sensor needs to be replaced helps you predict a more accurate repair cost.

When a sensor begins to fail, your vehicle will usually give you a few hints. 

Sure, it’s not pleasant to notice your car is acting differently. But if you notice any of the signs below, don’t dig your head in the sand! For your safety and wallet, get your car checked.

How can you tell if a parking sensor is bad?

If your parking sensor is faulty, you may notice a constant beep or no beep at all.

You may also see an error message on your dashboard. Some vehicles show a visual alert when the system can’t detect one or more sensors. 

You can test by gently cleaning the parking sensors, as dirt and grime are common culprits. You’ll find the sensors near your car’s bumper. Or schedule a diagnostic scan performed by a garage.

What causes car parking sensors to break?

Parking sensors are exposed to the elements, as they sit on your car’s bumper.

Some car sensors can be reset manually, while others need diagnostic tools. So, first you need to identify which sensor is faulty. 

Common reset methods include disconnecting the battery for 10–15 minutes for simple systems, using onboard settings in the infotainment menu, or having a professional diagnostic reset performed at a garage using OBD equipment. 

Always check your owner’s manual before attempting a reset, as incorrect handling can cause further faults.

A faulty parking or temperature sensor might only affect convenience, while a brake or MAF sensor could impact performance and safety.

If a warning light is on, it’s best to get the issue checked promptly to avoid further damage or MOT failure.

While they can be easy to forget when driving, car sensors are vital for safety. However, they do wear out over time. Knowing the average car sensor repair costs and common signs of failure can help you act early and avoid bigger bills later.

Avoid big car sensor repair bills by using a Bumper 

 to split the cost into manageable repayments.

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

Car Sensor Repair Costs in the UK

Are you topping up your oil more frequently? It might be a sign that your car is burning oil faster than usual. 

Typical car burning oil repair costs go from £100 for simple fixes, right up to £800 to £2,000+ for major engine work.

There are a few common reasons behind excess oil usage, and we’ll explain these and the potential costs for your car in the article below. 

How much does it cost to repair a car that’s burning oil?

Fixing a car that’s burning oil can be a quick, inexpensive job under £200 for UK drivers.

However, it could also be a few hundred pounds for worn seals or gaskets, or a serious, pricier engine repair costing £800 to over £2,000.

 to spit the costs into interest-free repayments. 

Here are the common issues and respective costs associated with this problem: 

Factors that affect repair burning oil costs

Depending on which part is damaged, car burning oil repair costs vary. 

There are simple fixes like seals or gaskets that are cheap, but there could also be internal engine work that needs to be done. 

Key factors that influence the price include:

How long does a car burning oil repair take?

This repair can take between 1 hour and several days. If it’s a simple fix like a leaking seal, that’s going to take a short amount of time. 

If your car's burning oil repair is a bigger one, like replacing parts of the engine, it can take a few working days. 

When a car is burning oil, it signals that something inside the engine isn’t working or sealing as it should. 

Piston rings wear out because they seal the gap between the pistons and cylinders. 

If this is the case, blue smoke will appear when turning the car on.

In older engines, valves can crack due to wear and allow oil to drip out.

PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valves could also be the culprit. This is an engine pressure problem causing oil to go into the wrong places.

High-mileage engines can have worn cylinder walls, which allows oil to pass into the combustion chamber. This is a serious repair and often costly.

As engines age, internal components loosen and seals lose efficiency, making oil burning more likely.

Oil that’s too thin can slip past seals more easily. Always use the grade recommended for your vehicle to keep the engine healthy.

Sometimes, people think that burning oil is normal and to be expected with age and usage, but it can also be a very serious car problem. 

Here’s a quick checklist of reasons for burning oil:

Typical burning oil repairs and what they involve

Your mechanic may suggest one of the following repairs:

The PCV system may need the valve or hoses replaced. This helps control oil pressure and prevents excess oil from entering the engine.

Worn valve seals allow oil to leak into the combustion chamber. This repair involves removing parts from the top of the engine and fitting new seals to stop the leaks.

If the pistons or piston rings are worn, the engine may need to be opened to replace them. 

This is a labour-intensive repair, but essential for restoring proper compression and stopping oil burning.

In turbocharged cars, worn turbo seals can cause oil to enter the intake. Rebuilding or replacing the turbo restores proper function and prevents oil burning.

Older cars often suffer from hardened or cracked gaskets. Replacing them ensures a proper seal and stops oil leaks that can lead to burning.

Suspect that your car is burning too much oil? Here are some signs to look out for:

Is it worth fixing a car that is burning oil?

Yes, a car that is only burning oil is worth fixing. If only a gasket or seal needs to be changed, then it’s worth fixing.

On the other hand, if you have an old engine and a car that is not worth a lot, it might not be worth it. A mechanic can help you decide.

Ways to prevent your car from burning oil

It’s better to prevent your car from burning oil up instead of making fixes down the road. 

Here’s what you can do to prevent issues:

Can you drive if your car is burning oil?

Yes, you can drive your car if it’s burning oil. However, it’s not recommended.

You need to keep the oil topped up to avoid running the engine dry, which can cause serious damage. 

Driving without addressing the issue risks further engine wear and more expensive repairs, so it’s best to get it checked as soon as possible.

Burning oil’s impact on MOT and emissions

Burning oil will impact both your MOT and emission output. 

Excessive oil burning often produces blue smoke from the exhaust, which can cause an MOT failure.

Light oil burning might not fail the test, but it will still increase emissions and should be addressed promptly.

Yes, even light oil burning will damage the engine eventually, as it wears the engine out. Even low oil burns cause extra heat inside the engine and can lead to the engine seizing.

Burning oil is a common problem, especially for older cars. Still, this doesn’t mean the end of your car's life cycle. 

Most of these fixes are quick and easy to book. Don’t put them off or you might face significant repairs down the road!

No matter the cause of your car’s oil problem, you can use a Bumper 

 to split the repair fees into interest-free repayments.

Car Burning Oil Repair Costs - How & Why

On many diesel cars made after 2015, manufacturers fitted AdBlue systems to reduce harmful exhaust emissions. Whilst they are very effective at reducing pollution, on aging cars or those that are not looked after well, these systems can sometimes cause issues. 

In this article, we’ll take a look at how much repairing an AdBlue system typically costs, from basic diagnostics to full replacement parts. 

How much does it cost to repair an AdBlue system?

Prices to repair AdBlue systems range from around £75 for a diagnostic test or software update, to over £2,000 if you need to replace the catalytic converter, pump or other complex parts of the system.

In some cases, a software update, forced regen or code clear can solve an AdBlue fault. Independent garages typically charge £75-150 for this, whereas a dealer may charge more.

If you need to replace the AdBlue pump or catalytic converter, expect to pay upwards of £1,000 for parts and labour. 

Expecting a large repair bill? Repair your car’s AdBlue system with Bumper's interest-free 

AdBlue is used as part of the SCR (Selective Catalyst Reduction) system in certain diesel cars. This system works in addition to the regular diesel particulate filters to further reduce harmful emissions.

The AdBlue is injected into the SCR catalytic converter, and sparks a chemical reaction that breaks down harmful nitrogen oxides into water and harmless nitrogen gas.

In order for the SCR process to function, a chemical reaction must occur. AdBlue fluid contributes ammonia to this chemical reaction in the form of synthesised urea. This reaction transforms nitrogen oxides into water and nitrogen.

Without the AdBlue fluid, the SCR system cannot function correctly. 

What happens if I don’t fill up with AdBlue?

A malfunctioning SCR system, due to either a lack of AdBlue or a fault, will no longer convert the harmful emissions; your car’s ECU will detect this and give various warnings and alerts. 

If you completely run out, many modern cars will enter limp mode to help reduce the volume of emissions, and even refuse to start once the engine has been turned off.

Alongside this, running your car without sufficient AdBlue can cause problems with the injector, pump or SCR catalyst - all things that are expensive to repair.

AdBlue consumption depends on the car you have and the type of driving you do. Some manufacturers suggest 3-5% of your diesel consumption, which roughly translates to 1.5 - 3L of AdBlue per 1,000 miles. 

If your car is using much more or less than this amount, that may be an indicator that something is wrong. Most garages, especially independent specialists and dealerships, will be able to scan the car for fault codes in this instance.

No, you should not drive your car with an AdBlue fault. 

In fact, many modern cars prevent you from starting the engine if there is a serious AdBlue fault. In others, the car will go into “limp mode” which is a reduced performance mode. It is not safe to drive in limp mode.

If you’re worried about expensive repairs, anything from AdBlue issues to bodywork, Bumper can help spread out the cost with easy 

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

AdBlue system repair cost (2025 UK Prices)

Brake binding not only affects how well your brakes work but also your car's efficiency. If you notice one of your brakes is binding, or it has shown up on an MOT, we'll explain all the costs involved in repairing it.

How much does it cost to repair a binding brake?

Repairing a brake that’s binding, or a seized calliper, can cost anywhere from £50 to £450, depending on the cause. 

If stripping and re-greasing the calliper is all that’s needed, expect to pay between £50 - £100 in labour time.

Sometimes, a new calliper is required. These can cost upwards of £400, depending on the make and model of car. Other costs, such as new pads and discs, can add to that, too.

To get help with your brake repair costs, consider using Bumper's 

 to spread out the payments with zero-per cent interest payments. 

Brakes get pretty hot even in moderate usage, and they are also subject to lots of road dirt, water and grime. These things, combined with age, can cause the sliding parts of the brake calliper to dry up and start to stick, rather than slide smoothly. 

Brake callipers are generally designed with one part bolted to the hub, and the other part mounted on a slider pin. This allows the calliper to move in and out as the brakes are used, and reduces wear on the pads.

A rubber boot is mounted to each pin that retains the grease needed to ensure smooth movement. Over time, these boots can deteriorate and split, allowing the grease to escape and dirt to enter the cylinder. 

How to tell if a brake is binding on your car

It’s not always easy to tell if a brake is binding. If you suspect a brake to be binding, check for one or more of the following:

How to fix a brake that is binding or seized

The repair needed will depend on the amount of time the brake has been binding and how badly the calliper is seized. 

Sometimes, the calliper can simply be freed off, the slider pins cleaned and re-greased, and the problem will be solved. However, if the brake has been left to get excessively hot, the pads, disc and calliper may be damaged too.

Damaged brake pads often have discolouration around the edges, typically reddish or white, depending on the type of pad. If you can feel a vibrating or juddering from the brake in use, it’s possible the disc is warped too. 

An overheated calliper is likely to need replacing too, as the seals will no longer be effective and it will probably need to be fully disassembled and rebuilt - something that isn’t usually done at a garage.

No, a binding brake will cause uneven and unpredictable braking, as well as have the potential to cause further damage to the brake pads, discs and wheel bearing.

 through hundreds of approved, nationwide garages. To get started, check out where your nearest participating repair garage is on o

Brake Binding Repair Cost

The condition of a car’s bodywork can make a huge difference to its overall appearance and value; a few small dents or scratches can make a new luxury look neglected and unloved. 

However, with some bodywork jobs being labour-intensive to get right, many people are apprehensive about sending their car in for bodywork repair. In this article, we’ll give a rundown of how much you should expect to pay for car bodywork repair.

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