Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

Alastair Shephard

Content Writer

An internal combustion engine produces significant amounts of heat. In all modern car engines, this heat needs to be controlled and this is done with water. The water pump then is a vital component. 

In this article, we’ll explain a little about what it does, and why it's important to be able to check if the water pump in your car is failing. 

A car's water pump cycles water from the radiator, through the motor and back again, in order to keep the engine at a constant temperature. 

As mentioned, the action of burning fuel inside an engine creates a lot of heat. Typically engines run at around 80-100°C. 

The coolant system uses fluid to move heat from the engine to the outside air. It does this by passing the hot water through the radiator. Car radiators are positioned to allow maximum flow of air over them, reducing the temperature of the coolant. 

The coolant then flows back through the engine and cools the entire system, the 

 depends on your climate and engine type. The water pump is what makes this fluid flow. 

If you’re concerned about your car’s water pump, there are symptoms to look out for. We’re going to go over the main signs of water pump failure. 

The first and foremost thing to check is engine temperature during operation. Many cars have a gauge with an acceptable temperature level and a red or dangerous level.

Ensure the needle of the temperature gauge never enters the red zone, if it does, stop driving the car immediately, as excessive overheating can cause serious damage. 

Check under the vehicle before and after every trip. It may be necessary to open the bonnet and look around the sides of the engine to spot any wet patches or recently damp areas. 

Bear in mind the engine will have been hot enough to evaporate small drips. Patches of rust around the pump are also an indicator it has been dampened at some point. 

It might be helpful to place a plain piece of cardboard or paper under the engine after you park up. Held down with some weights, this will make any drips very easy to spot, especially if you park your car on gravel. 

If the water pump is damaged, and the coolant is not flowing properly, it may boil and exit the system as steam at the expansion tank or radiator. 

If the engine has overheated to this point, do not drive any further than is absolutely necessary, more heating could damage the engine irreparably. 

If you have started to notice a noise such as scraping, or whining from the side of the engine, this too could be the water pump failing. In any case, any such 

should be properly investigated and the car not driven until fixed. 

How much does a water pump replacement cost? 

On average, you can expect to pay between £250-700 for a replacement water pump. Of course, the cost will vary depending on your car’s age, make and model. 

If you're worried about car repair costs, Bumper can help. We've teamed up with trusted partners around the UK to offer 0%-interest car repair loans.

How critical are the cooling system and water pump 

As we’ve discussed, coolant is used to move heat away from the engine, so what happens if your water pump fails? 

Without cooling, an engine can quickly reach 150°C and beyond. At these temperatures, plastics around the engine will begin to soften and become weak and wiring will melt and cause shorts, but most terminally, metal engine components can warp. 

The head and block are the two main components of an engine, between them is a head gasket, which seals against the pressure of the combustion chambers or cylinders. 

If the head becomes warped, it is likely a loss of pressure in the cylinders will result. The level of pressure in a cylinder is known as ‘compression’ and head warping and head-gasket failure are common causes of low compression.

Low compression will make the engine run poorly and inefficiently, and in many cases not run at all. A vehicle that has suffered a warped head or head gasket failure cannot be driven. 

how much a head gasket replacement costs.

If you experience any of the problems listed above or have noticed any of the warning signs, it's important to get your car checked over as soon as possible. Water pump failure can lead to irreparable damage to the engine, and it will leave the car stranded. 

When repairing the water pump it’s recommended to change your cam belt 

 On many cars with a cambelt, the belt needs to be removed to change the water pump, so it makes economical use of the labour time to do both at once. 

If you need any assistance with car servicing and repair costs, enter your vehicle registration and postcode with 

 and apply for interest-free monthly instalments for maintenance invoices. 

 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.

4 signs your water pump is failing

4 Anzeichen, dass Ihre Wasserpumpe defekt ist

, cars fitted with ABS are 48% less likely to be involved in road traffic accidents than those without. It’s hard to put a number on the number of lives saved, but anyone with experience trying to stop in wet weather in a car without ABS knows how brilliant the technology is.

ABS enables inexperienced drivers to brake safely in wet conditions, with a much reduced risk of losing control or skidding. 

In this article, we’ll discuss how you know your ABS is working and signs it has a fault. We’ll also look at what ABS does and what to do if your ABS is faulty.

If you recently had to brake very harshly, particularly on a wet or gravelled surface, and you felt the brake pedal and front of the car shake slightly and heard a fast juddering sound, this is your ABS system working.

If your ABS light is on, you might have a fault in the system. Here are the four main reasons the light may appear:

Symptoms of an ABS fault are hard to pinpoint. If in any doubt you should always take the car to a mechanic to have the system checked, before continuing to drive. 

Here are three key ABS pump failure symptoms every driver should know.

The wheel speed sensors are often used by other systems, such as traction control, so the car's ECU constantly monitors the output. If any becomes faulty, the vehicle should display an ABS warning light on the dashboard.

One symptom is if your front wheels lock and skid upon hard braking. This can be heard easily if the windows are down but can sometimes be hard to hear in the cabin. The car will feel like it has suddenly hit ice, and the steering will be heavy but unresponsive until the brakes are released.

3. Brake power reduces under hard braking

If the ABS pump fails, braking power can disappear when the ABS activates, often going unnoticed until needed. Given the risks, have the system checked by a professional immediately if you have any concerns.

Before we continue, we’ll quickly recap what ABS means. 

An anti-lock braking system consists of a few key components not found in non-ABS-equipped vehicles. Its basic purpose is to prevent the wheels from locking or skidding under hard braking.

Modern brakes are very powerful. Without ABS, it would be easy for them to lock up the wheels under emergency braking conditions. This is especially important on wet roads.

It may seem counterintuitive, but releasing the brakes helps slow the car more effectively than skidding wheels. Steering also only works when wheels are turning, so ABS allows you to brake and steer simultaneously.

ABS systems are extremely beneficial to drivers. Here are some key advantages they offer:

The ABS system consists of three main components: an Electronic Control Unit (ECU), an ABS pump/modulator, and ABS sensors. 

All three parts, along with the standard braking system, need to be in good condition for the system to function properly. Here’s a quick breakdown of each.

An Electronic Control Unit is a computer that manages various vehicle functions by processing data from sensors and controlling related components. It oversees tasks like engine management, transmission control, and ABS operation.

The ABS modulator, or ABS pump, is a brake component that rapidly controls brake pressure to prevent wheel lockup. 

It uses a high-pressure pump and valves to adjust braking force in a split second until brakes are released or traction is regained. In many cars, the ECU and pump are integrated into one unit.

ABS sensors, or wheel speed sensors, are mounted at each wheel behind the brake disc or drum. They detect the spinning ABS ring (reluctor ring) on the 

 using a magnetic field, allowing the ECU to monitor wheel speed.

If a wheel locks up during braking, the ECU signals the ABS modulator to adjust brake pressure.

ABS can fail prematurely. Because of the relatively low number of parts involved, it is usually easy to diagnose but can be expensive to fix.

Common if the car has just had work done on a suspension component, 

 or wheel, the ABS sensors can be fragile devices, and a small knock whilst removing other parts can cause them to send faulty readings. 

An ECU diagnostic check should detect this issue, most cars will also warn of some kind of issue with a general ABS warning on the dashboard. ABS sensors range from £30-£150 each, and would usually take less than an hour to change.

An internal ABS pump fault may not always be detectable by software, but cars usually store an error code after a failed ABS attempt. 

ABS modulators can fail due to age or poor brake fluid, which can cause blockages in the valves. Regular 

ABS pumps can be costly, often over £1,000, but refurbishing options might be available. So, always consult your mechanic for advice.

For the ABS to work effectively, the rest of the conventional braking system needs to be in good working order. 

Common faults with the braking system can be a failed master cylinder, old or insufficient brake fluid, excessively 

It’s critical to consult a mechanic if your ABS light is on. However, you can also try these at-home checks first.

These DIY steps are just initial checks, and if you’re unsure, it's best to seek professional help.

The ABS is a miracle for modern drivers. Knowing how to check the ABS system is critical, as you want to ensure it’s working properly at all times.

If for any reason, you suspect your ABS, get your car to a garage as soon as possible. They will be able to perform diagnostic checks and ‘field tests’ to see if the ABS is working as it should. 

enter your vehicle registration and postcode

Apply for Bumper and split the cost of your repair bill into monthly instalments, at no extra cost.

How To Check if Your ABS Is Working

 Hoe te controleren of je ABS werkt

 Cómo comprobar si el ABS funciona correctamente

So erkennst du, ob dein ABS funktioniert

Twenty years ago, it was a simple choice: petrol or diesel. Today, there are nearly ten different fuel types to choose from. From petrol to plug-in hybrids, each one has benefits and drawbacks depending on usage.

But this can make choosing between petrol vs diesel vs hybrid even more of a challenge. Buying the wrong type could result in higher fuel costs, reduced practicality and even untimely repair bills. We're here to help you avoid this.

This expert-approved guide will highlight each fuel type, its pros and cons, and its best use cases. Scroll down to become an expert in minutes!

There are many benefits for each fuel type and also many drawbacks to consider. So, don’t rush your decision! Take your time to mull over this guide.

Petrol cars might catch your eye due to their lower price. Diesel cars might tempt those who make long-distance journeys or want better fuel economy. Hybrids are a great option if you’re not ready to go fully electric.

However, it’s not always this simple. Each fuel category has different car types, and we’ll discuss these below.

There are three types of hybrid cars. All use an electric battery and a combustion engine, but some significant differences exist. Plus, one is very similar to a diesel/petrol car.

Here’s everything you need to know about hybrids:

— These allow you to drive using your electric battery or standard fuel. The key difference here is that the battery in these cars is larger than that of other hybrids. They get plugged into an electric charging point for top-ups, but you must charge them regularly for the best experience.

— Mild hybrids are closest to diesel and petrol cars. These have small electric generators that run air-conditioning and start the car. Ultimately, the combustion engine will be the primary power source for movement.

— These cars run entirely on fuel or an electric battery. They can even use energy produced by braking to charge the battery, meaning you won’t have to plug into a charging point. These are also known as self-charging cars.

Weighing up whether or not to buy a hybrid car? Here’s how they measure up against petrol and diesel alternatives.

If you’re not ready for a hybrid car, your options are petrol and diesel cars. These run on the fuel you put in them and don’t require charging. No lifestyle changes here! 

We will explain the pros and cons of each type of fuel and hybrid below, but we’ll quickly compare petrol and diesel to help you decide.

These are the key petrol car strengths. But remember that petrol has a lower fuel efficiency than diesel and still leaves an environmental impact. Not ideal for your carbon footprint! 

Diesel cars are ideal if you’re a frequent long-distance traveller. However, they have a higher environmental impact and require expensive fuel.

Petrol vs Diesel vs Hybrid: Pros & cons of all fuel types

Choosing between petrol vs diesel vs hybrid isn’t easy. So, we’ve researched for you. See the advantages and disadvantages of each type below. 

Petrol is the one we're all familiar with and arguably the simplest of all in terms of mechanical complexity and cost.

In its basic form, petrol is burnt inside the engine to create mechanical power. The lack of various components compared to diesel (e.g. Diesel particulate filters, exhaust gas recirculation valves, dual mass flywheels and turbochargers) means fewer parts go wrong.

Petrol cars typically don't do as many miles to the gallon as diesel, though. Petrol is quite high in cost per kW compared to electric, although less so than diesel.

Although the ULEZs (Ultra Low Emission Zones) still permit most petrol cars without charge, there are plans to cease the manufacture of petrol and diesel cars in the 

Who do a mix of long and short journeys and don’t want to splurge. If you drive less than 15,000 miles per year, a petrol car will be cheaper than diesel. However, you could save more if most of your journeys are low-speed, short urban routes.

Diesel engine cars became popular in the early 2000s, mainly due to advancements in turbochargers and fueling technologies, allowing smaller diesel engines to compete (and exceed) petrol cars in fuel economy whilst still being powerful.

Economy figures upwards of 60 MPG can be seen from many common examples, even large vehicles such as VW Passats. Many people favour the power delivery of diesel and prefer driving them.

Since the 2000s, systems have been developed to help achieve these high performance and economy figures whilst lowering emissions. These include Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs), Exhaust gas recirculation valves and high-performing turbos. 

However, diesels are still falling out of favour among car manufacturers. This is due to their higher emissions. More carcinogenic NOx (nitrogen-oxygen) is released by these cars, so many makers are avoiding them in order to meet green targets.

Who drive long journeys and have higher-than-average mileage. They’re also great for those who frequently tow caravans or trailers.

When they released the first generation Prius Hybrid, Toyota took the world by storm. It achieved extremely high fuel economy through petrol and electric power usage.

Since then, almost every auto manufacturer has included at least one hybrid in their range. From two-door sports cars and family saloons to pickup trucks and commercial vehicles. Clearly, they’re popular with the public, but what benefits do they offer? 

It’s important to note that many different types of hybrids exist, including parallel systems, mild hybrids, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and more. All of these can also be offered with a petrol or diesel engine.

 and motor system powered by the combustion engine and regenerative braking. The basic premise is that both engine and motor can power the wheels but are only used in the best conditions for each. 

When pulling away, the motor will do most of the work. Once up to speed, the petrol engine will directly drive the wheels the majority of the time. The car splits power from the engine and electric generator as and when required to keep the batteries topped up.

The benefit of this system is that fuel economy is greatly improved, both due to optimisation of the power types and regaining otherwise lost energy when braking.

Who want an improved fuel economy and aren’t ready to go 100% electric. Self-charging hybrids are great for low to medium-mileage drivers but are not ideal for long journeys.

PHEV cars use similar tech to self-charging hybrids but do not contain a generator to allow the combustion engine to top up the battery. Most still use regenerative braking because the already present electric motor performs this. 

In terms of user experience, they are different from conventional hybrids and internal combustion engine (ICE) cars in that you are required to fill them up with fossil fuel and charge them from the grid.

Many PHEV systems offer a mode whereby they operate on electric power only. With ranges usually sub 40 miles, it can be the perfect vehicle for someone with a sub-20-mile commute. No petrol would be consumed here - as long as it can be charged each night.

The petrol or diesel engine allows extended journeys without needing to plan for charging stops, which can be an issue with electric-only vehicles. However, this is not their ideal scenario, as once the battery power is depleted, the combustion engine must carry the extra weight of the empty batteries and motor.

Who mostly make short commutes. However, they can cover long drives when needed. This is also a good option if you’re ready to switch from fuel but don’t want a completely electric vehicle.

Learn more about hybrid batteries with our 

guide on hybrid battery replacement costs and FAQs.

Electric vehicles have existed for many years, but recent battery and motor technology advancements have allowed for much better range and performance figures.

Charge at home or a service station, and an electric motor converts the stored energy into propulsion. EVs are reasonably simple mechanically, but as their adoption is still not widespread, you may find few and far between independent repairers and spare parts will be costly.

Electric vehicles have the apparent advantage of not needing fossil fuels. An old argument was that energy is still generated using coal and oil, but in 2021, 

 of the energy produced in the UK was from renewable sources.

This makes EVs a much more environmentally friendly option. Another benefit is the lack of air pollution added to towns and cities, which will help with the quality of life in years to come.

They do have their downsides, though. Retail prices are still at least 30% higher than combustion-engined equivalents, but that is reducing yearly as manufacturing tech improves.

If the initial purchase price is not an issue, if you lease your cars, for example, then EVs' main benefit is their running cost. Even with 2022’s elevated energy prices, it will typically only cost £8 to fully charge a typical EV.

Assuming a range of approximately 250 miles, that makes fueling your car around 8x cheaper than a diesel doing 40 miles to the gallon. Over a yearly mileage of 15,000 miles could result in savings of up to £2,000.

Who are ready to go green. Electric cars require a larger upfront cost but don’t require expensive fuel. They’re also great for drivers who live near charging stations. If you don’t have a local charging network, an electric car might not be best for you.

Low emission zones are another factor to consider. While some drivers won’t come into contact with them, others will want to opt for ULEZ-exempt cars to avoid hefty fees.

London’s ULEZ zone is one of the largest and charges larger, more polluting cars £12.50 per day on entry. The aim is to reduce the emissions in the area.

Luckily, most petrol cars after 2005 are ULEZ exempt. If you want a diesel car, you’ll have to buy a car after September 2015. In contrast, all hybrids are exempt.

If your city doesn’t have a low-emission zone yet, it might have one in the works. Oxford, Birmingham, 

, and other UK cities are considering adding clean air zones in the future.

Petrol vs Diesel vs Hybrid: Which Is Best For Me?

It's no secret that garages can have a reputation as untrustworthy and if you pick the wrong one, you’ll end up with a 

This isn’t the case with most garages. Most are reputable businesses and supply excellent service, but how do you tell the good guys from the bad? 

We've put together a handy guide so you’re in the know. 

How good is the advisors’ knowledge? Have they explained everything in detail? When you’re being advised of the required work, you should be confident you know what you’re paying for. 

If you’re not, ask questions. What does that part do? Why does it need to be replaced? What are the consequences of not replacing it? 

A representative of a good, reputable garage will be well-trained and ready to answer any questions you have. 

Possibly the easiest thing you can do is check the garage’s reviews. Garage owners know that reviews are key to keeping customers walking through the door. 

Word-of-mouth is heavily relied upon in the automotive industry and garages know this. A dependable site will supply the best service possible to ensure their reviews are positive. 

Check their star rating and find out what other customers think. Make sure to check further back than the last month to get the full picture, but if the majority of their reviews are 4 to 5 stars you can be confident you’re dealing with a trustworthy repairer. 

Garages are required to display certificates and insurance for customers to read. If you can see their certificates in plain sight they should be trustworthy. 

Although not the sole indicator of a reliable garage, but are they manufacturer-approved? 

 or Volkswagen franchisees? You can check this on the 

Remember most garages are happy to give a free quote for your vehicle. If you’re not happy with the quote, or you’re not happy with the service provided. Go somewhere else and get a second opinion. Don't agree to work if you’re not confident in them completing. 

 with Bumper and see 1000s of dependable garages and dealerships for

Enter your details to apply to spread the cost of your vehicle maintenance into interest-free monthly instalments. 

Bumper’s guide to choosing a reputable garage

For most of us, checking our tyre pressure is the last thing on our minds. They'll check it at my next MOT anyway, so what's the point? 

Well, poorly maintained tyres can lead to significant, unexpected garage bills. Bills that could have been avoided. Poorly maintained tyres can sometimes lead to breakdowns and even severe collisions. 

In this guide, you'll learn how often to check tyre pressure, why it's so important, and how to check the tyre pressure measurements. Let's dive straight in. 

How often should you check tyre pressure?

That’s right, you should be checking your tyre pressure monthly. Always check when the tyres are cold and before you’ve made any journeys. Hot, or even warm, tyres may give false readings. 

At a petrol station, with a dealer, or with a portable compressor. 

Most drivers choose to check at a petrol station as this is easier and has an inflation zone. However, a portable compressor is good for those who want to check their tyre pressure from home. 

How to check your tyre pressure on a tyre: Quick steps

When checking your tyre pressure, use a gauge in the same unit of measurement shown in your car’s handbook. Three common measurements are used for tyre pressure: PSI, BAR and kPa. 

Follow these steps and you won’t Google “how to know tyre pressure” ever again! 

When should you check your tyre pressure?

When the tyres haven’t been driven or have been driven rarely.

When you drive, the tyres heat up, and their pressure rises. So, if you check your tyres after log drives, they’ll likely feel over-inflated, and you might (accidentally) adjust them wrong. 

The rule of thumb is to only check tyre pressure measurements after a 2 km (or shorter) drive. This gives an accurate reading, and you won’t over or underinflate the tyres. 

Yes! Regularly check the spare tyre’s pressure. 

No one wants to use the spare wheel, but you will have to rely on it in an emergency. Regularly checking it’s pressure will ensure you’re safe if you encounter a flat tyre. 

Most cars have a recommended PSI between 31 and 35.

 the pressure you’ll need depends on the vehicle and the tyre. Often, a sticker is on the inside of your door or under the petrol cap to show this. If not, consult your owner’s handbook or use 

If you’re planning to carry additional weight, such as a heavy rooftop box, the pressure requirement may differ, so consult your handbook. 

Why is it important to know your tyre pressure?

Tyres naturally lose pressure over time. Deflated tyres can affect your vehicle’s handling, the comfort of your drive, and your ability to brake. They can also cost you much more fuel, as increased friction means the engine must work much harder. 

You can inflate your tyres using a tyre inflation kit or a tyre inflation pump at a petrol station.

Follow these steps to inflate your tyres using a petrol station pump: 

Note that the tyre pressures at the front and rear will likely be different. Check all four tyres individually. 

Underinflated tyres aren’t good for your car. They increase fuel consumption, wear out faster and irregularly, increase CO2 emissions, and are more hazardous. An underinflated tyre is more likely to burst at a high speed. 

Overinflated tyres can also be a problem. This is because they’re hazardous on wet roads and have a reduced lifetime as the central part of the tread wears faster. 

Because of temperature changes, small punctures or cuts, or due to a damaged rim.

Some tyres deflate faster than others for no apparent reason. You may also not notice a damaged, rusty rim or small tyre punctures. This is why it’s critical to check your tyres regularly. 

Slow punctures are less noticeable than typical punctures. This means they go unnoticed for long lengths of time. But they will still cause your tyre to lose pressure and become unsafe. 

You can identify a slow puncture by looking for: 

When in doubt, contact an expert for professional advice. 

The UK legal minimum tyre tread limit is 1.6mm.

This depth must be even across the tyre's width, the central three-quarters, and all around. If your tyres are under or overinflated, they might break this law due to irregular or excessive wear. Another reason to check your tyre pressure frequently! 

Some petrol stations and tyre shops provide free tyre-checking services. Check beforehand, though. Most petrol stations use a coin-operated pressure pump, so you’ll need some spare change. 

Taking care of your tyres includes more than knowing their pressure. You should also: 

You should also stay up to date with MOTs, as tyres are checked thoroughly within this test. Being proactive is the best way to stay safe! 

Knowing how to check your tyre pressure is a vital skill. Luckily, it’s pretty easy and only has to be done every month. Bookmark this article so you always have an on-the-go guide for your tyres! 

Bumper puts you back in the driving seat by allowing you to take control of your finances. 

Spread the cost of repairs, servicing, MOTs, and parts. You'll receive a Credit Limit of up to £5,000 (depending on the garage you choose) and see 1000s of nearby garages and dealerships to use it at. 

To apply, enter your vehicle registration and postcode on 

How often should I check my tyre pressure? 

Keeping your vehicle clean is an important but often overlooked service item, that can help identify and prevent some fairly serious issues. 

It also shows you take care of your car, especially to prospective buyers. Here we answer and advise on the top 10 car cleaning queries. 

Before starting the task of cleaning a car, it’s best to gather all the required tools, so you’re not searching for a cloth or bucket whilst the car is covered in soapy water. Here’s a brief list of what we’d recommend: 

2. What soap should I use to clean my car? 

Advice

4 signs your water pump is failing

How To Check if Your ABS Is Working

Petrol vs Diesel vs Hybrid: Which Is Best For Me?

Bumper’s guide to choosing a reputable garage

How often should I check my tyre pressure?

10 top tips on how to clean your car

How to check the fluid levels in your car

Is servicing required? And is it worth paying for?