Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

Alastair Shephard

Content Writer

Since late 2021, all petrol stations in the UK supply E10 fuel as the standard grade available. This fuel contains 10% ethanol, an increase of 5% from the previous fuel; E5, which is still the standard for premium fuels. 

, a change in the fuel they use, can be very impactful. The primary reason for the switch is the government's aim to reduce carbon emissions, we’ll explain how below. 

E10 and E5 are classed as ‘Biofuels’, as 10% and 5% respectively of the volume is produced from crops. Ethanol is traditionally produced from the fermentation of sugarcane or corn, and has a similar, but not identical, energy content to petrol. 

It is estimated that the switch to E10 will reduce overall emissions equivalent to that of removing 350,000 cars from UK roads, equal to 750,000 tonnes of CO2. 

This is possible in part due to the CO2 absorbing qualities of the plants before harvesting, which offsets the CO2 released when they are burnt. 

, Ethanol has a higher solvent content than petrol, and as modern cars have been designed and manufactured using different materials, they typically fare better. 

One of the areas that E10 can have a negative impact is in your fuel systems’ seals and gaskets. These are often made of rubber on older vehicles, a material than Ethanol will degrade much faster than petrol. 

 for checking if your vehicle is compatible, it uses your car's make to display information from the manufacturer on which cars are safe for use on E10. 

Whilst this tool is handy for most vehicles, it is always best to consult your owner's manual for more information. Almost all motorcycles are incompatible, due to the construction of their 

A very simple rule to follow is if your car is pre 2003, err on the side of caution and read to the bottom of this article where we discuss alternatives. There are however a few car manufacturers that are not compatible even after 2003 so it’s always best to check manually. 

What if I’ve filled up with E10 in an incompatible car? 

It’s easily done, especially with the new fuel only being in use for a short period, the good news is that it’s not terminal. 

It’s best to not leave the E10 sitting in the tank and fuel system for too long though, if you drive the vehicle regularly, top up with E5 fuel at around half a tank, to dilute the E10, and continue as normal. 

If you’re intending to leave the car for a long period, or you do not drive much, it may be safer to drain the tank of E10. In this case it’s best to consult a specialist garage or dealer for advice.

As discussed, E10 fuel can cause issues with seals in older vehicles, but there are downsides to the new mixture, even for modern vehicles. 

Petrol has a higher energy density than ethanol, that means that E10 fuel has a lower energy density than E5. In older cars, this can mean reduced fuel efficiency, as there will be more fuel needed to travel the same distance. 

In modern cars however, the ECU and sensors can detect the changes in fuel properties, and adjust the engine timing and 

 concluded in 2011 that using E10 results in the same miles per gallon as E5. 

Ethanol is also hygroscopic, meaning that it absorbs water. If left exposed to the outside atmosphere for too long, the fuel will absorb moisture from the air. This can cause serious issues with steel fuel tanks, lines and engine components. 

If your car is incompatible with E10, it’s best not to risk using it. The issue is that there are only two options available: 

Premium fuels such as Shell V-Power still only contain 5% Ethanol, as they are developed to be a higher octane fuel. This means they can be safely used in older or incompatible vehicles without risk of damage. 

The issue comes in that premium fuel is typically 10-20p more per litre to buy. This means a typical tank of 70 litres will cost £10 more than normal fuel. Over a year of 8,000 miles this could cost anywhere from £150 to £250 more in fuel. 

As the main problems with using E10 are the fuel system components, it might be possible to swap these for more modern materials that are compatible. 

There are companies that specialise in this service and charge around £400 to convert fuel lines, filters and gaskets. 

There is however the issue of water retention, many modern cars use plastic fuel tanks that are not susceptible to rust, and are chemically engineered to resist degradation for the solvents in ethanol. 

Unfortunately to replace a petrol tank would cost significantly more than the fuel lines, which would probably not be cost-effective for an older vehicle. 

If E10 isn’t suitable for you, but your vehicle is not worth converting to modern fuel lines and tanks, unfortunately, you will have to use premium fuel. 

Luckily there are ways to reduce the cost of running a car, including servicing and maintenance. Bumper allows you to split the cost of a repair bill into monthly payments, at no extra cost. 

Complete your application and see dependable garages and dealerships in your area by 

entering your registration and postcode on our website.

 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.

What is E10 fuel and will it damage my engine? 

Most cars come with air conditioning nowadays, it is an extremely convenient luxury to have, even in the UK! After having A/C, being in a car without it on a hot day can almost seem unbearable. So here’s our guide on how to look after your air con system. 

Air conditioning systems use a refrigerant in a sealed system to remove heat from the air inside the cabin. They do this by strategically compressing and decompressing the fluid in conjunction with heat exchangers inside and outside. 

The fans in the climate control system blow filtered air across the internal heat exchanger, known as the condenser, to pump cold air into the car. A cabin air filter is used to prevent pollen and other contaminants being blown into the vehicle. 

Things to check when using your air conditioning

These are especially important if you have not used the system for a long time: 

Naturally the AC should be blowing cold air when active, this should be around 5 degrees celsius. Both sides of the car should receive the same temperature air, if not this could indicate a fault with the ducting system. 

The inside of the air vents can become the ideal location for mould to grow if not used through the winter months. When using your air conditioning, if any musty or foul smells are present, turn it off and ventilate the car's interior. 

Another cause for unusual odours can be leaking refrigerant, which can be harmful to humans. If you are unsure, many garages can offer A/C checks free of charge, and the systems can be cleaned using a special gas. 

Check the cabin filter has been replaced recently

Most cabin air filters are rated for between 20,000 and 30,000 miles. If you cannot see that this has been replaced in your service history, it is advisable to replace this. 

An old filter may harbour mould or dirt and cause smells or contaminants to the air. It will also restrict the flow of air into the car. The filters are relatively inexpensive and should not take long to fit. 

The terms are often used interchangeably, but there are differences. 

Air conditioning is simply the system that cools air within a space, climate control uses a thermostat to monitor the inside of the car. It then uses a combination of heating and cooling to regulate the interior temperature. 

Because there are many different parts and processes involved in your air conditioning system, it may sometimes need minor repairs to keep it running right. 

As mentioned earlier, the system should be a sealed one. There are however a few common failure points that can allow the gas or liquid to escape. 

The most common areas are the condenser, and compressor. The first has very small fins to increase airflow, but these are susceptible to knocks or damage causing a very small leak. 

A compressor requires many high pressure internal seals to do its job. These can break down over time and allow the refrigerant to pass through. 

To fix this, the leaking component needs to be identified, and replaced. The system will then need re-gassing, find out 

The compressor, like any pump, has seals and rotating components. Over time these can wear and will eventually fail. This can either cause the refrigerant gas to escape, or to simply stop the air conditioning from working properly. 

As discussed, the ducting that directs the air to the vents can be the perfect area for bacteria to grow if the system is not used regularly. If your air vents expel an acrid or foul smell, it could be this that is the problem. 

Many garages offering air-conditioning servicing can run a gas through the system to clean and deodorise. 

This is a common job undertaken by garages, whereby the sealed system is re-pressurised with refrigerant. 

The method through which the old gas can leak has been discussed above, but these issues should be eradicated before regassing. It is a criminal offence to knowingly vent air-con refrigerant into the atmosphere. 

As with system cleaning, most garages can perform a leak test. This is done by pressurising the system with a liquid that glows when exposed to UV light. The aircon is turned on, and any leaks can be identified when inspected with a UV torch. 

How to make the most of your car’s A/C system

When driving on a hot day, the windows may seem like the best way to cool off, but this is actually working against the car's air conditioning system. 

With the windows open, warm air is entering the car, this actually increases the cars internal temperature and starts an endless battle between the A/C system and the outside air. 

The only exception to this is returning to a hot car, because cars have a lot of windows, the interior temperature can increase way beyond outdoor temperatures, especially in summer. 

If the car is swelteringly hot upon starting your journey, open all windows and leave the A/C off for a few minutes. Then switch on the air conditioning and shut the windows, the car will be cool in no time. 

It might sound counter-intuitive, but when your windscreen is foggy on a cold morning, the air conditioning is the best way to clear this. It’s due to the system removing moisture from the air, instead of blowing moist air from inside the cabin, or outside the car. 

So if your car’s air conditioning is not efficient, smells funny or simply doesn't work, use these tips to help bring the temperature down. With Bumper’s zero interest financing, this is made even easier. 

Select from 1000s of approved service centres, and spread out the cost of your repair into monthly instalments with 

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.

A guide to air conditioning  

Modern oils are significantly better at lubricating and remaining stable than oils of old. This has been a necessity to cope with the increasing precision and efficiency of modern engines. 

Service intervals, therefore, have increased for most manufacturers. In this article we’ll take a look at when you should be changing your oil and why. 

In all engines, there are many points at which metal parts rub against each other. The most prominent instance of this in a car engine is the piston running up and down inside the cylinder. 

Oils coat the surfaces in a film, which drastically reduces friction. This reduction in friction both reduces wear on the components and also reduces the amount of heat produced. 

High performance engine oils reduce friction even further, prolonging parts and increasing efficiency. The engine oil is pumped around the engine, and flows through various pipes built into the engine block, it helps lubricate every part from the camshafts down to the main bearings. 

Most modern cars require fully synthetic oil, which is ultra-processed and performs much better than semi-synthetic or non-synthetic oils. 

Many manufacturers of modern vehicles advise using fully synthetic oils, this is because the engines have been designed with high tolerances, so to ensure you’re giving your car the best care, use the recommended oil, which is usually specified in the manual. 

What is the benefit of changing my engine oil? 

There are several reasons why changing engine oil is recommended, the foremost being that oil degrades over time. The bonds that chemically create the oils viscosity and lubricating properties are not invulnerable to heat and time. 

An engine could easily be running at operating temperature for 150 hours between oil changes. Any reduction in lubrication and protective properties through the oil is not welcomed, and is easily remedied by changing the oil for fresh. 

The cost of rebuilding an overly worn engine, especially one that has not had proper lubrication, will be far more expensive than changing the oil on the correct schedule. 

Worried about expensive repair costs? With 

 you could benefit from 0% interest car repair financing and pay for car repairs in instalments in easy-to-manage monthly payments.

Oil is therefore a cheap consumable that increases the life of an engine. 

Engine oil also absorbs all the soot from fuel combustion that makes its way into the oil chambers, this is what turns the oil black, along with oxidisation. 

This blackening of the oil is typically reducing the quality also, and as the previous point, will increase wear on your engine. 

Another reason for replacing oil is that when engine parts wear together, microscopic amounts of metal are removed from the components. Many of these particles become trapped in the sump; the oil reservoir at the bottom of the engine. 

Whilst the oil pump has a filter attached to the inlet pipe, to catch larger debris, smaller particles may still make their way through the engine causing significant extra wear. 

What will happen if I don't change my oil? 

Sometimes life gets in the way of car maintenance, but for the sake of future repairs, it’s best to prioritise keeping your car serviced. 

As we’ve discussed, engine oil lubricates and prevents wear to the engine. It also breaks down over time and with the heating and cooling cycles of daily use. 

 after the recommended number of miles, it will wear quicker. 

This will have an even bigger impact if the car is a few years old now, or has done 

significant mileage of over 100,000 miles.

 All the components will have been experiencing wear for many hours and will need to be lubricated properly in order to run smoothly. 

With that being said, don’t use the fact your car is newer to avoid servicing: 

 If your car is missing service stamps, or the services have not been completed at all, you will put off many serious buyers when you come to sell it. 

Many dealerships will also reduce your part-ex value significantly, as patchy service history will affect their resale value also. 

You might be required to by your finance agreement 

If your car is on a lease, HP or PCP finance deal, you may be bound by the terms of the agreement to keep up to date with the required service intervals. 

This is mainly due to the fact that most finance deals other than hire purchase, allow you to return the car at the end of the agreement. 

When your car is serviced, the technician will need to put your car on a lift. In doing this as well as changing the oil filter, they may be able to notice small issues that would otherwise go unnoticed. 

These issues can often turn into unexpected and expensive problems later on, if not dealt with promptly. 

Another way the engine's health can be inspected is through the oil that comes out of it. The condition of the old engine oil can tell a lot about the state of the engine. If the oil is overly dark it could indicate overheating. If it’s very thin or smells of petrol piston rings or other sealing components could have failed and more. If you get to this stage, you might want to take your car to the mechanic.

It's clear then that engine oil is vital, and should not be left to degrade to the point where it no longer functions properly. So what oil change intervals should you be following? 

Whilst modern cars use advanced oils, the tolerance and precision of the engine is such that they often still require just as frequent oil changes. 

Manufacturers such as Toyota, Honda, Ford, Hyundai and Nissan all recommend intervals of between 5,000 and 8,000 miles. 

 and Mercedes vehicles often have a slightly longer interval of up to 10,000 miles, known for their 

For the most accurate method of determining when to change your oil, check your owner's manual for specific recommendations for interval and oil type. 

Many cars now also have a service light or system built into the car's onboard infotainment system, which can often determine depending on the driving conditions as well as mileage. 

to apply for interest-free monthly payments for repairs and to see a list of local dependable garages and dealerships signed up to Bumper. 

Once you’ve completed your application, you’ll be given a credit limit of up to £5,000 (depending on which garage you want to go to) and a unique code. 

Contact the garage to get booked in. Let them know you want to pay using Bumper and once the work is completed present them with your unique code. They’ll sort the rest.

How often should I change my oil? 

¿Cada cuánto hay que cambiar el aceite del coche?

Tyres are one of the things we change most frequently on a car. However, selecting the right one is crucial to keep your care safe and avoid paying high costs.

last anywhere between 5,000 and 20,000 miles

. So, getting to know which tyres suit your vehicle ASAP is critical

Today, we'll explain all the markings you'll find on a tyre, what they mean, and which ones you need to look out for. Ready to become an expert? Scroll down to learn more.

What tyres are right for my car? The basic tyre types

Before you do anything, get to know the basic tyre types. These will help you decide what tyres suit your vehicle and which you prefer the look of. Find the top categories below. 

Never mismatch tyres on an axle pair. But more about this is below. 

Low-profile tyres have a small sidewall, meaning the outer diameter is closer to the diameter of the wheel itself. These are often seen on cars with large wheel sizes, 17" and above.

Learn about replacing your wheel bearings

Large tyre manufacturer Michelin invented the "Run Flat" tyre to help vehicles drive on tyres without air pressure. While you shouldn't be doing this, it's vital if your tyre sustains a puncture and loses lots of air. These tires are convenient in motorway breakdown situations, as you must always continue driving to get to a safe position. 

Modern tyres now use a different manufacturing method. The principle is the same: the vehicle can be driven for sometimes over 40 miles on a tyre with no air pressure. 

Don't solely rely on run-flat tyres, though! You still need to be 

These tyres have been adopted as standard fitment on a few cars, mostly 

HL tyres support the weight of electric and hybrid cars. They provide a higher load-carrying capacity without changing the tyre size. You can usually spot a HL tyre by the "HL" prefix at the start of the tyre size information.

OE (Original Equipment) tyres are the tyres that come with your vehicle. Your manufacturer approved these, so you know they're compatible with your car.

Some manufacturers use brand-name tyres that are specialised for their vehicles. If this is the case for your car, you'll see an OE marking on your sidewall. It's best to use OE tyres if they're present in your car. 

For example, Alfa Romeo cars have an AR marking, Hyundai has a HN marking, and Volvo has a VOL marking. 

What tyre sizes fit my car? Standard tyre sizing and ratings

Knowing your tyre sizing is essential. But how do you work out which size you 

You can review your current tyres or consult your owner's manual or service details. 

Examining your tyre marking lets you know what tyres work for your car. If you've bought your car second-hand, note there's no guarantee that the previous owner will fit the right tyres. 

When investigating tyres, note that the first two numbers indicate the physical size of the tyre. You may find your owner's manual suggesting two or more tyre sizes for the same wheel size. This is normal, so make a note of both. 

215 - This is the width of the tyre in millimetres. 

60 - This is the profile, as a ratio of the width - e.g. 60% of 215 

Now, onto the second half of the lettering. This describes the following: 

R - This means Radial, as opposed to 'Cross-Ply', which is the inner construction of the tyre. Apart from some vintage cars, all tyres are Radial. 

96 - Load rating: this is how much weight the tyre can hold. A rating chart is seen 

H - This is the speed rating; high-performance cars with high speeds require higher-rated tyres. A speed chart is available 

Checking the owner's manual or service records

Manufacturers offer different wheel options for each vehicle. So, your car registration number isn't the only information you need (have it handy anyway!). You must also understand tyre sizing and general tyre characteristics — especially if buying online. 

This information is in your last car service record or the owner's manual. Never lose these documents! 

Did you know that you need special tyres for different seasons? That's right. The weather affects your wheels. 

Climactic tyres are usually divided into summer and winter tyres. Winter tyres need better grip to navigate snow and ice. If you live in a region with severe winters, swap your tyres as the seasons change. 

If you live in an area with occasional snow but primarily mild winters, you should opt for all-season tyres. You can use summer tyres all year round if you live somewhere with warmer winters (temperatures above 7°C). 

Your driving style also affects your tyre choice. Take a moment to reflect on your driving habits and factor these into your tyre choice. 

If you want tyres that provide a smooth ride with no road noise, look for tyres that are made for comfort and have lower speed ratings (e.g. H, S or T ratings). These don't focus as much on speed and give you more stability. 

You should also skip aggressive tread designs. They can generate more noise. 

If you're a keen driver and want to feel the curve of the road, opt for tyres with better steering precision or great handling. These are sometimes called "high-performance" tyres and give a stiffer but more precise feel. 

Finding the right tyre for your car: Top FAQs

Still have a few questions? Don't worry. Here are the top FAQs about choosing the right tyre for your car. 

You should change your tyres when the performance dips or there's visible wear. You should also change them after a puncture. 

It's illegal to drive on bald tyres. If your tread depth is less than 1.6mm, it's time to change. 

If you don't enjoy changing tyres, picking a premium style will ensure they last longer. The price is higher, but you won't have to visit the garage as much. 

Yes and no. If you practise careful driving (e.g. gentle acceleration and braking), your tyres will wear slower. But ultimately, if you drive often, you'll wear your tyres. 

Should I replace my tyres with a different size?

If your owner's manual gives the option of more than one tyre, you can use both. But weigh up the pros and cons of each size, as there may be genuine reasons for selecting one over another. 

For example, choosing a tyre with a larger sidewall profile will increase give and improve overall ride quality. But you can also opt for a lower profile for better cornering feedback. When in doubt, discuss your options with an expert. 

Should all four tyres on a car be the same size?

Yes. In an ideal world, you should have the same size, speed rating, load index, and tread pattern of tyres. A set of matching tyres optimises the performance and safety of your drive. 

Of course, sometimes you'll need to go for a mismatched tyre (e.g. using a spare in an emergency). But this should be avoided if possible. Mismatched tyres make you a danger to yourself and other drivers. 

Also, never mismatch tyres on an axle pair. Different sizes and tread patterns can lead to poor grip, an uneven drive, and stress on the axle system. You'll also have less control on wet or loose ground. 

Yes, good tyres do make a difference. Expensive tyres can upgrade your driving experience. However, you don't need to splurge to feel this difference. Instead, changing your tyres regularly will provide a safe and comfortable drive — even if you opt for budget-friendly tyres. 

You can find your vehicle's recommended tyre pressure in the owner's manual. It may also be printed on the sill of the driver's door or inside the fuel tank flap. Note that the recommended tyre pressure might differ for the front and rear tyres! 

Selecting the right tyres for your car is essential, so don't put it off! Hopefully, this quick guide has pointed you in the right direction. Remember to check your user manual and previous tyre type. If unsure, always consult a professional before selecting any old tyre set.

Spread the cost of tyres and other car maintenance bills. Apply for a credit limit of up to £5,000 and see dependable dealerships in your area with 

Which tyre is right for my car? 

It’s hard to buy, own and maintain a car without hearing the terms cam belt, timing chain, or timing Belt. Whether upon purchase, at a service interval, or worst of all, when something’s gone wrong! 

In this article, we’ll clear up any confusion about what cam belts are, what they do, how long they really last, how important they are, and what a replacement cam belt or chain can cost. 

Bumper knows a large repair bill on your car is the last thing you want to spend your money on, but essential parts such as cam belts are crucial for your safety. Learn how you can split the cost of repairs into monthly instalments, interest-free. 

Cam belts, or timing belts, are vital parts of a car’s engine, made of rubber, with metal wires embedded for strength. Typically

 the belt will be mostly covered by plastic guards. The top half of an engine, or Head, houses the valves and camshafts. The latter components control the flow of fuel and gases in and out of the engine, and their rotation is critical to the engine running properly. 

The cam belt or timing belt is responsible for the timing of the internal combustion engine. The camshaft determines the timing of the valves, which are powered by the cambelt, from the crankshaft. Small notches in the belt locate the cambelt to the shafts. This ensures the rotational position of the camshaft relative to the crankshaft. 

Is a timing belt the same as a cam belt? 

Yes, a cam belt is a type of timing belt, just like a cam chain is a type of timing chain. As with many car parts and features, people refer to the same components by various different names. 

A cam chain serves the exact same purpose as a cambelt but is constructed of metal, similar in shape to a bicycle chain. It is generally encased in a sealed, metal engine cover. Cam chains are typically run ‘wet’ meaning they operate in the oil, aiding lubrication and efficiency.

Many manufacturers claim the chain will not need replacing for the life of the engine, or at least 200,000 miles. They do not usually, therefore, feature on any servicing schedules, this is one of the main benefits of cam chains; their longevity,

Cam belts are usually rated to last between 60,000-100,000 miles, or around 5-7 years depending on the manufacturer. The cam belt tensioner should be changed at the same time, as these keep the cam belt in contact with the pulleys. 

Does my car have a cam belt or a cam chain? 

All modern car engines have either a cam belt or a cam chain but it pays to check which your car has. This way you can ensure the appropriate maintenance is carried out to avoid 

. There are some tell-tale covers and parts to look out for under the bonnet, but without delving into each specific model, these are the safest ways to check: 

Consult the owner's manual, specifically the service interval section. This will tell you the required service intervals, and whether your car has a belt or chain. 

If this is not available, a quick call to your local dealer or specialist relevant to your car should be able to help, it would also be pertinent to get an estimate of the cost for replacement of the belt or chain in the future.

There are a few different reasons for a cambelt to fail, this is because they interact with multiple components and are made of perishable material. 

One of the most common reasons for cam belts failing is neglect. Failing to replace your old rubber cam belt in line with the servicing guidelines for your car will result in the material perishing and breaking. 

When installing a new cam belt, care should be taken to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for belt alignment, tension and fitting direction. Any one of these issues could cause the belt to wear unevenly and excessively. 

As discussed, the cam belt uses a tensioner to remain in proper contact with the timing gears. If the tensioner stops providing this tension, the timing gears will strip the teeth or even throw the belt from the pulleys. 

Both outcomes result in a severely damaged belt and potential damage to the engine. Tensioners should always be replaced when a new belt or water pump is fitted because the cost of the new part is much lesser than the consequences of a failed belt. 

Cam belts do not generally give much warning of failure without visual inspection. Worn belts will not give an audible warning nor affect the performance of the vehicle. 

One instance between normal function and complete failure may be that the belt jumps on one or both of the pulleys. This can be caused by a failing tensioner and will result in poor running or a complete failure to start. 

The best method of ensuring cam belt longevity is to replace it on or before the recommended intervals, with a quality belt kit. 

Cam chains are slightly different because the chain and sprockets are metal, if the tensioner becomes faulty, noise can be heard specifically on start-up. It will take the form of a metallic tick, clatter or rattle. 

One tip is to search online for videos of owners of your make model and engine type with the term ‘timing chain noise’. There will usually be multiple results of which you can use to identify a suspect noise coming from your own engine. 

If any noise is heard, it is recommended to have this checked as soon as possible, as full timing chain or belt failure can be catastrophic for your engine. 

How much does a cam chain cost to repair? 

The total cost for a cam chain replacement can range from £700-£1300. Typical labour times are in the 4-6 hour range including tensioning and setup and part costs can be upwards of £300 as the chains are high-precision parts. 

Advice

What is E10 fuel and will it damage my engine?

A guide to air conditioning

How often should I change my oil?

Which tyre is right for my car?

What Is A Cam Belt And When Do You Need To Change It?

Safety checks - What to check before driving

The most reliable cars to buy in the UK in 2024

Are Audis Expensive To Maintain?