Isobel Coughlan

Content Writer

Isobel Coughlan | Author

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

Joseph Law | Author

In 2026, the average engine oil change costs between £110 and £230, but it can go above in rare cases. 

Engine oil helps lubricate, cool and protect your engine from wear. An oil change replaces the old oil and oil filter with fresh components to keep your engine performing at its best. 

Here’s what you need to know before booking, from the average engine oil prices to how often to change your oil.

In the UK, the average engine oil change costs around £110 to £230, depending on your vehicle, engine size and oil type. 

Of course, there are outliers. Larger engines and premium vehicles tend to cost more due to higher oil capacity and specialist oil requirements. Likewise, the price can dip below £110 for older cars or ones with basic engines.

Synthetic oil costs more but generally lasts longer and performs better under high temperatures and heavy use. 

How much does an engine oil change cost for each vehicle type?

As explained above, costs vary depending on the size and type of vehicle. Larger engines need more oil and often require premium grades, which increases the price. Smaller vehicles are usually the cheapest to service.

Here are approximate costs for UK drivers:

 to split the engine oil change cost into interest-free repayments.

Several factors affect how much you pay for an oil change, and you should take into account the following:

Most manufacturers recommend changing your engine oil every 10,000 to 12,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first. 

Some modern vehicles using long-life oil can extend this interval, but driving conditions still matter. Short trips, stop-start driving and towing can all cause oil to degrade faster, meaning more frequent changes may be needed.

Bumper recommends drivers to keep an eye on oil levels to make sure they never miss an engine oil change.

A standard engine oil change usually takes 30 to 60 minutes.

If it’s carried out as part of a full or interim service, it may take longer depending on additional checks and workshop waiting times. Your mechanic will let you know an approximate time.

What are the signs my car needs an oil change?

Your car will usually give warning signs when the oil is due for a change.

Ignoring these signs can increase engine wear and lead to more expensive repairs later on. Don’t put off that appointment!

What happens when you do not change your oil?

Old engine oil breaks down over time and becomes less effective. 

Love them or hate them, regular oil changes are one of the simplest ways to protect your engine long-term.

How long will a car run with no oil change?

There is no fixed mileage for how long a car can run without an oil change.

Some engines may continue to run for a long time, but damage can start building well before a breakdown happens. Experts generally explain that the longer oil is left unchanged, the higher the risk of engine failure.

Even if you drive low mileage, engine oil still degrades over time. Most manufacturers recommend at least an annual oil change. 

 Long-life oils can extend service intervals, but they do not remove the need for regular maintenance.

Topping up with new oil is usually fine in emergencies, as long as it meets the correct specification for your vehicle. 

However, it should never replace a full oil change, as old oil still contains contaminants and loses effectiveness over time.

Yes. Oil loss does not always mean there is a visible leak. 

The team at Bumper reminds readers that if oil levels are dropping regularly, they should be checked as soon as possible.

Engine oil is essential for keeping your engine lubricated, cool and protected from wear. The engine oil change cost is a small price to pay to prevent serious engine damage and keeps your car running efficiently.

Need to top up the oil? You can split the cost of an engine oil change into interest-free payments with a 

at no extra cost. Apply online and choose from thousands of repairers.

Engine Oil Change Cost Guide: £110 to £200+ (2026)

Engine oil change cost

Brake calliper replacement costs range from £150 to £220+ for UK drivers. 

A brake calliper sits over the brake disc and uses hydraulic pressure to push the brake pads against the disc when you press the brake pedal. Because it directly controls braking force, a failing calliper can quickly become a safety issue. 

Below, we’ll break down brake calliper replacement costs and the key warning signs to look out for.

How much is a brake calliper replacement cost?

In the UK, the average cost to replace a brake calliper is £150 to £220, with most drivers paying approximately £180, depending on their vehicle.

Costs vary based on labour rates, vehicle design, and whether additional brake components need attention during the repair. Bumper always recommends keeping these factors in mind when estimating costs.

Here are the average brake calliper replacement costs per car type in 2026.

Larger and heavier vehicles typically require more robust braking systems, which increases replacement costs. For all vehicles, you can use a 

 to split the replacement cost into interest-free repayments.

Brake caliper replacement by makes and models

Make and model can also affect the replacement cost. Premium brands often cost more due to parts pricing and specialist labour.

Below, we’ve outlined the average brake caliper costs by popular UK makes and models for 2026.

Can brake calipers be repaired instead of replaced?

In some situations, brake calipers can be repaired rather than replaced. Light issues, such as sticking slide pins or minor seizures, may be resolved by cleaning and lubrication. 

However, if the caliper is leaking, heavily corroded or internally damaged, replacement is usually the safest option. Calipers are critical to braking performance, so replacement is often recommended when there is any doubt about reliability.

What are the signs of a bad brake caliper?

If you notice signs of a faulty brake caliper, it is important to get your braking system checked quickly.

What causes a brake caliper to fail or seize?

Unfortunately, brake calipers can fail over time due to wear and environmental conditions. 

When a caliper seizes, it can cause uneven braking and excessive heat, which increases safety risks. Therefore, Bumper recommends drivers to brush up on the potential causes.

How long does a brake caliper replacement take?

Replacing a brake caliper usually takes around 1 to 2 hours per caliper.

In some cases, the job may take longer if bolts are seized or corroded, or brake bleeding is required. Likewise, if additional brake components need inspection or replacement, the replacement will take longer.

That said, most repairs can be completed the same day. Your mechanic will provide a personalised estimate.

What does a stuck brake caliper feel like while driving?

A stuck brake caliper can affect how your car drives in noticeable ways, including:

These symptoms usually indicate the brake is partially applied even when you are not pressing the pedal. If you notice any of them, call the garage!

Do faulty brake calipers cause an MOT failure?

Yes, brake caliper issues can contribute to an MOT failure if they affect braking performance. Because brakes are a key safety system, any significant caliper fault will be flagged during testing.

No, it is not recommended to drive with a faulty brake caliper. 

A sticking or seized caliper can cause overheating, uneven braking, and increased stopping distances, which are dangerous for you and other drivers.

In severe cases, it can also damage brake pads and discs, leading to more expensive repairs. If you suspect an issue, it is best to have it inspected as soon as possible.

What is the average lifespan of a brake caliper?

Brake calipers typically last around 8 to 10 years or 80,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on driving conditions and maintenance.

: Frequent short trips, wet weather and road salt exposure can reduce lifespan over time.

It is possible to replace a single brake caliper, but it is usually not recommended.

Replacing calipers in pairs (front or rear axle) helps maintain balanced braking performance. If only one is replaced, it can lead to uneven braking and reduced stability. 

While calipers are built to last many years, they can fail, and a prompt replacement is always recommended. Hopefully, the brake caliper replacement costs on this page have helped you understand what to expect. 

If you notice pulling, burning smells or reduced braking performance, it is important to act quickly. Do not delay!

A worn brake caliper is not a fun finding. However, with Bumper, you can split the cost of brake caliper replacement costs with 

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

Brake Calliper Replacement Cost Guide (2026)

Brake Calliper Replacement Cost Guide

You can get far more for your money buying used. New cars are said to depreciate between 10-20% as soon as they leave the dealer forecourt. Consider a slightly older car, and you can save even more than that. 

However, with the complexity of modern cars, especially hybrids, is it wise to buy a second-hand one? In this article, we explain the ins and outs of buying a used hybrid car.

Buying any used vehicle can be daunting, from checking the car's condition to making sure the seller is legitimate. To get the best deal you can, consider following these steps:

Buying a used hybrid is very similar to buying a conventionally powered vehicle; service history and condition are just as important as age or miles. It’s also good to target models that were reliable when new to reduce the chance of expensive breakdowns. These are some top picks:

Later model cars had improved engine durability along with improved handling and general interior quality. Available as both a conventional hybrid and a plug-in, the Prius is a firm favourite among those looking for a cheap-to-run, reliable hybrid.

Other favourites using the same hybrid tech include the Auris, Rav4 and Hybrid Avensis.

Whilst the first generation 330e was a popular hybrid executive saloon, its small battery only offers a real-world EV only range of 15 miles, even less with a few years under its belt. 

The 330e is a good combination of efficiency, style and speed, with nearly 300hp on tap, capable of a sub-6 second 0-60 time. Thanks to its popularity when new, there are plenty of 330e deals to be had on the second hand market.

For those looking for a larger family car, the Kuga PHEV offers more space and carrying capacity. Its clever sliding second row of seats allows either a cavernous boot, or the ability to easily carry 5 adults. 

The PHEV model had a good EV only range, but it might be wise to avoid the first model year (2020) as it suffered with later-resolved engine and battery issues. Higher spec models come with loads of tech; excellent sound systems, large touch screen nav systems and mobile phone unlocking/starting.

Certain hybrid models have developed a bad name for reliability, some earning this very soon after launch. We’d advise avoiding the following unless you are offered a very good deal:

JLR hybrids such as the Range Rover Evoque Hybrid, and the Range Rover Sport had a worldwide recall issued for the low to high voltage converter, in some models, a permanent fix is still being developed.

These problems are in addition to the brand's reputation and standing on reliability charts, usually falling somewhere near the bottom. With the expensive components in a hybrid powertrain, it's best to avoid without a substantial warranty. 

Peugeot and Vauxhall hybrids (Stellantis)

The Stellantis group makes a number of hybrid models across their numerous brands, all using the same battery and motor tech. Sadly this means almost all of them suffer the same issues with battery degradation.

Some owners are noting 15-20% loss of battery capacity after just two years. Thankfully there is a comprehensive warranty offered on the battery system, covering it for the first 8 years or 100,000 miles, but make sure this transfers to your ownership, and check all the terms and conditions if it does.

Buying a used hybrid car requires many of the same checks and inspections as a petrol or diesel one, with the addition of a few key steps:

Error messages on the dash are an obvious thing to check for, both before and after a test drive, as the owner could have cleared them before viewing. There are many different OBD2 scanners that can allow you to check individual cell voltages. 

Battery cell voltages should be consistent, ideally within 0.3v of each other. These hybrid battery checking apps can also give an idea of battery discharge rates when driving. 

If you don’t have a scanner, look out for how fast the hybrid battery charges and discharges on the power indicator. It varies depending on the model of car and battery size, but it should be able to move away from a stop at least 5-10 times before the battery is empty. 

Similarly, if it charges very quickly too (i.e. in less than 5 stops using regenerative braking), there’s a good chance the battery has degraded. 

In most hybrid vehicles the engine should come in and out to assist the motor almost seamlessly. There certainly shouldn't be any jerking or jolting as it starts. 

The engine should only come on when the battery is completely discharged, and you accelerate, if it's staying on all the time, even after a while of driving, including some regenerative braking, the battery might be in poor condition.

Similar to the engine engagement, regenerative braking shouldn’t feel harsh or juddery, it should be barely noticeable, and should change force depending on the level set in the cars settings. 

Some hybrids have brake pedals that feel less controlled than a traditional car, because they use a brake-by-wire system that simulates brake pedal feel, allowing the regenerative braking to slow the car down before the brakes are used.

However, the pedal should still feel responsive whilst driving, and braking should be progressive and immediate when pressed harshly. 

Like all used cars, remember to sort out the V5 paperwork properly, and receive all the service records, manuals and any other paperwork the owner has, if the car is a plug-in hybrid, remember to get the battery charging cable, as they can be expensive to buy. 

Hybrid battery packs are large and use exotic materials, meaning replacement can cost anywhere from £1,500 to £6,000 including labour. This varies depending on the age of the car and the size of the battery pack of course.

This is why it's so important to check the condition of any hybrid car’s battery before purchase. We’d recommend spending some time and money on getting an OBD scanner and learning how to use it. 

Part of the high replacement cost is labour; replacing a hybrid battery requires mechanics that are trained in high voltage work, and have access to the software needed to “code-in” the new battery to the cars ECUs.

Once you've purchased your used hybrid, split the cost of repairs and maintenance with Bumper's 

. Apply online and choose from thousands of top-rated garages and dealerships across the country.

Used hybrid buying guide – what to look out for and what to avoid (2026)

Used Hybrid Buying Guide

Running a car is expensive; every driver is all too familiar with the ever-increasing running costs like insurance, road tax and fuel. But car repairs can be a large and unexpected surprise that pops up when you least want it to.

That’s why buying a car with a view to keeping potential repair costs low is always a good idea. Whether it's through simplicity, availability or reliability, a car that presents fewer and smaller bills is a good thing. 

These are our top picks for cars that are generally cheap to repair.

Still the most common car on the road in the UK, the Fiesta benefits from very cheap parts costs and an extremely large selection of garages to choose from. You’d be hard-pressed to find a non-dealer mechanic who hasn’t worked on a Fiesta! 

Because of their popularity and Ford’s good service network, parts are relatively cheap compared to other brands. Dealer rates seem high, but they are quite reasonable compared to other brands.

We’d suggest a car without the troublesome wet-belt engine, such as the 1.5 diesel or any petrol made before 2012.

A combination of popularity and Japanese high-quality engineering makes these cheap to run and repair. Over 80% of all the Yaris sold in the last 20 years are still on the road!

One thing to look out for, as with many Japanese cars, is rust. Check under the sills and subframes before you commit to one. But find a well-serviced one, and you’re more than likely in for years of low-cost motoring.

Thanks to years of development, under various other model names (VW Polo, Seat Ibiza etc), the Fabia is a very well made car. Skoda uses high quality rust proofing, and very robust engine and drivetrain designs. 

The only fly in the ointment being that parts costs can be higher than other European or Japanese manufacturers. Dealer labour rates are also high, though for the same reason as the others, most garages will be able to work on a Fabia.

The Focus still remains as the benchmark for family hatchbacks, offering a good amount of room, at a reasonable price point, and low running costs. For the same reasons as the Fiesta, parts and dealer rates are some of the lowest out there. 

Mechanic knowledge too is not a problem, and any independent garage will be happy to work on one. As with the Fiesta, it’s recommended to avoid a wet-belt engine. 

The way the Prius’ drivetrain works has earned it a near bulletproof reputation for reliability. Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive connects the electric motor and petrol engine to the wheels in a way that cuts out many of the components traditionally responsible for high repair bills. 

These include a clutch, dual mass flywheel, gearbox, starter motor or alternator. Of course, the system that does this can have issues, but they are renowned for their robustness. 

Just be sure to check the battery health of any potential purchase, as replacing it can be very expensive. For more on buying a used hybrid, we have a separate buying guide to help.

In a similar vein to the Fabia mentioned above, the Skoda Octavia shares many parts with other Volkswagen Audi group cars, meaning both the manufacturer and design of its components are tried and tested. 

That said, Octavia parts can also be more expensive than some brands, but still not in the same realm as premium marques such as BMW or Audi. If you need even more space, the Octavia estate offers a cavernous boot to transport luggage or pets. 

A simple, normally aspirated (not turbo or supercharged) petrol engine with a manual gearbox, has less things to break than a high performance engine, with 8 and speed automatic transmission.

The latter is likely to also have more added components to increase power, decrease fuel consumption and add luxury. This is the one of the reasons the Yaris, Fiesta and Prius are on the lists above, they use simple drivetrains. 

Not only does this make cars more reliable, it also cuts down on labour costs, as there tends to be less work involved in repairing or replacing broken parts. 

It stands to reason that the more a car breaks down, the more it's going to cost per year to keep running. Some cars, despite having many modern, complex components, are still reasonable to repair. 

This is usually due to high manufacturing accuracy, and good design. This often goes hand in hand with a long manufacturing run, i.e. the car model being in production for a long time, and a large manufacturer with lots to spend on R&D. 

Usually when a car breaks down, it will need new parts to get it back on the road again. The cost of those, and how easy they are to get, is a major factor in overall repair costs. 

If parts are hard to get locally, garages can be forced to use more expensive suppliers, have a part shipped in from abroad, or risk having a disassembled car clog up their lift or workshop.

Certain jobs on particular models can require specific knowledge and experience, as well as access to the correct diagnosis software. Mechanics that have this, are in high demand and therefore charge more for labour. 

A simple car, that any garage can work on, will enable you to use trustworthy but non-specialist garages, which in some cases can half the per-hour labour costs. 

Even if you own a car that’s economical to repair, you can still be caught short by a large and unexpected repair bill. That’s where Bumper can help. Split your bill with interest-free 

. Apply online and choose from thousands of reliable repairers.

What are the cheapest cars to repair in the UK? (2026 guide)

Cheapest cars to repair

When they launched, plug-in hybrid cars were heralded as the perfect compromise between expensive and polluting diesel cars and low-range electric vehicles. But with the advances in battery technology, are PHEVs still worth buying?

A hybrid vehicle uses both electric motors and internal combustion to power it. The first mainstream hybrid, the Toyota Prius, used a battery that could only be charged by the car's engine or regenerative braking. 

Plug-in hybrids typically use a larger battery that is still charged by the engine and regenerative braking, but can also be charged from an EV charge point; this gives the benefit of being able to do short journeys on electric power, without the range issues of full EVs.

Whilst a PHEV sounds like the ideal solution, consider both your use case, budget and the limitations of the cars available.

Plug-in hybrids have all the disadvantages of both power sources; they have a complex internal combustion engine that needs servicing, and they have a high-voltage, expensive electrical motor, controller and battery system.

As a result, they often rank lower than their petrol or electric counterparts in reliability charts.

In some cases, they can be more expensive to fix compared to internal combustion-powered vehicles, requiring EV-qualified mechanics when working near the battery.

Whilst there are some outliers, as a general rule, PHEVs are more expensive to buy than petrol or electric vehicles. This is again because they are more complex to manufacture. 

This means that for the same budget, you are likely to get a lower-spec vehicle compared to buying a pure electric or petrol/diesel car. Depending on usage, PHEVs can be more expensive to run than EVs.

The costs to run a PHEV vary depending on what type of journeys you make and where you charge. 

If you use a PHEV mostly for short journeys, on battery-only power, and can charge at home, the running costs are comparable to an EV. However, if you use it for longer trips, where the petrol engine is activated, the costs are in line with a standard hybrid car.

In some cases, such as when used for only long journeys, and without charging at home, the MPG can be worse than a hybrid or even a petrol-powered car, as PHEVs are generally heavier.

If you fall into any of these categories, we would suggest looking at other fuel types:

We’ve covered a lot of the downsides of a plug in hybrid, but if your situation is close to the following criteria, it could well be worth looking into a PHEV:

PHEVs can be good company cars, depending on the EV only range. Whereas all BEV (battery electric vehicles) are charged at 4%, PHEV rates start at 8% and rise to 17%, depending on their electric only range. However, this is set to change in April 2028. 

The table below shows the current and proposed BiK rates for PHEVs that produce less than 50g of CO2 per Km. Double check any PHEV you are looking into, as some SUVs emit more than this rate, subjecting them to an even higher BiK tax.

If your PHEV, EV or petrol/diesel car has an issue, Bumper can help with repair costs, without breaking the bank. Choose from one of 

 and spread the cost into manageable monthly payments.

Is a PHEV worth it in 2026?

Is a PHEV worth it?

Tesla remains one of the most popular EV brands sold in the UK. In this article, we’ll take a look at how reliable they are and how their most popular models rank compared to other cars.

In a recent What Car? reliability survey, the Model 3 placed 9 out of 20 cars. This might make you think the Model 3 is unreliable, but EV’s in general are proving to be more reliable than ICE (internal combustion engine) cars, thanks to their relative simplicity. 

The Model Y, Tesla’s most popular model, fares even better in reliability scores, regularly placing highly in the reliability charts. Discover our full 

There are 4 different Tesla models you can get in the UK. If you’re considering one but want to make sure it’s reliable, here's a full rundown. 

Are Teslas more reliable than petrol or diesel cars?

When comparing the reliability of Tesla’s most popular models (the Model Y, 3 and S), to the average internal combustion engine car, the electric vehicles almost always come out on top.

This is despite the numerous Tesla build quality issues talked about in the motoring world, but thanks to their simplicity, almost all EVs tend to be more reliable than their equivalent petrol or diesel cars.

Like all cars, Teslas come with their fair share of common faults, some due to design issues, some to manufacturing, and some to software. Because Tesla shares a lot of parts and designs between models, some issues affect more than one car:

Is Tesla ownership different to traditional cars?

With over-the-air (OTA) diagnostics and servicing, Tesla set out to revolutionise the dealer-customer experience, and they mostly succeeded, with many other manufacturers now following suit.

Own a Tesla, and you are likely to be pleasantly surprised when a new feature suddenly appears on your dashboard. 

With the cars already being crammed full of tech like powerful processors, large screens and multiple sensors, adding a new driving or infotainment feature is entirely possible, without the car needing to leave your driveway. 

Recent features added to existing Tesla cars:

With the cars able to connect wirelessly to Tesla’s servers, any issues can immediately be looked into by a diagnostic tech. Drivers can also call any of the many service centres to check out unusual behaviour or faults they have noticed. 

This is in stark contrast to vehicles of the past, where drivers had to take them to a pre-booked and costly garage for diagnostic and repair.

Mobile mechanics have been around for decades, but Tesla 

run mobile service vehicles they call the Mobile Rangers. 

These can be booked through the app, to change things like low voltage batteries, bulbs and other minor repairs. 

The way Tesla manages to offer such a customer-focused service is that they do not operate franchised dealerships, like almost every other manufacturer. 

The dealership is owned by the company themselves, allowing better control over stock movements, price changes and vehicle updates. 

It also means they can offer a competitive warranty, Tesla service centres are known for generally being good with paying out for repairs.

If you have an older Tesla that is out of warranty, another type of EV, or even a petrol or diesel car, Bumper can help with zero-interest car repair financing. 

, and spread out your car repair costs into manageable monthly installments.

How reliable are Teslas? (Buyer's guide 2026)

Are Teslas Reliable?

The thermostat in your car’s engine is a small but vital component. It regulates the engine's temperature by allowing coolant to flow into the radiator when needed. Thermostat issues can be worrying because they can often mimic a blown head gasket. 

Thankfully, thermostats are a relatively cheap problem to fix, but can easily develop into something worse if left unattended. In this article, we’ll take a look at how much thermostat issues cost to repair, how to detect them, and when you should get them fixed.

How much does it cost to replace your engine's thermostat?

Like all car repair costs, thermostat replacement can vary depending on the type of car and what type of garage you take it to. 

What are the symptoms of a failing engine thermostat?

A broken or sticking thermostat produces some tell-tale symptoms:

How to tell a broken thermostat from a head gasket issue

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