Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

Alastair Shephard

Content Writer

Keeping your car in tip-top condition is one of the best ways to stave off mechanical failures and unexpected repairs. It might sound like common sense, but many drivers fail to do the most simple — and relatively inexpensive — things that can keep cars running smoothly. 

. But put those things off for too long, and you’re inviting trouble. 

What simple steps can you take to maintain your car and keep it out of the mechanic’s service bay? Here, we’ve gathered the best tips to help you learn how to prevent car problems. Let’s get started. 

How to prevent car problems — 7 tips drivers must know

From driving sensibly to keeping your car clean, we’ve asked the experts and compiled the top 7 tips you need to know to prevent car problems. Get your notepad out and jot these down to keep your car healthy. 

This one should go without saying, but if you want to keep your car in tip-top condition, not ragging it and treating it like a rally or a race car should be your priority. 

You don’t have to drive like your nan, but sympathetically driving your car should keep your hard-earned cash in your wallet and not in the till of the local mechanic. 

Driving your car with a little more caution will help reduce wear and tear and allow you to get more miles out of each tank. 

Not only that, but driving sensibly, changing gears smoothly, treating the steering wheel, the 

, and even the pedals with some care and attention will pay dividends in the long run. 

Also, driving sensibly means you’re looking ahead and watching for hazards, reducing your need to slam on the 

 every 5 seconds - the more aggressive you are, the more likely you are to burn through fuel and require costly repairs. 

Plus, if you’ve removed an extended warranty cover, it’s unlikely to cover you for wear and tear. So, if you want to keep your money in your pocket, treat your car carefully. 

Yes, the underneath of a modern car’s bonnet can appear to be as complex as the USS Enterprise, but checking the spark plugs on your car still remains an easy fix, even for a non-petrol head. 

Always consult your user manual before you do it, just in case, and if you aren’t sure, raise it as a concern at your 

, you’re checking to make sure they don’t show signs of wear and tear. If they do, this could be an indication that they need replacing. Also, they can be representative of the state of your engine. 

So if the spark plugs are shot, and you don’t think you’ve put the car through its paces to warrant their wear, take the car to a garage to get it checked over. 

Just like us, cars need fluids to stay healthy. Replenishing your 

 can save its life. Get into the habit of checking the oil fortnightly. This is easy and includes:

While you’re checking the oil level, also check the coolant levels. If this needs topping up, fill it up with half and half distilled water to antifreeze. 

And don’t forget to check the screen wash too. Being able to see out of your windscreen is essential to staying safe. 

Not only is it a legal requirement to ensure the 

 on your tyres is at a suitable depth - the legal minimum in the UK is 1.6mm, but you should consider changing your tyres when they are between 2mm and 3mm; it could also save your life. 

The tyres grip the car to the road, and if they aren’t in tip-top condition, they aren’t gripping tightly. 

, meaning you’ll hose through fuel quicker than you usually would, so keep them topped up according to your user manual guide. And don’t forget that the pressure can be different for the back and the front tyres. 

If you need to change a tyre, align the wheels professionally to help reduce the wear on your new tyres, as this will help improve your steering and how the car handles. 

If you never clean your car, maybe this might persuade you to get out the soap and sponge.

You could significantly extend the life of your car simply by 

. That's right. Number 5 on the list of how to prevent car problems is to keep your vehicle clean. 

It's no joke. Dirt, grit and muck can get into the moving parts, accelerating wear and tear and causing corrosion. By giving your car a quick clean once a month, especially during the winter months, will remove the road salt, which can be incredibly corrosive. 

You can clean your car yourself, or for a small fee, you can take it to a car wash. Either way, keeping on top of this easy win could help keep your car healthy.

Lights are a crucial safety factor. From the headlights and brake lights to turn signals, you need your bulbs to always work. This keeps you safe and decreases the likelihood of crashes and expensive car damage — preventing car problems also includes keeping yourself and others safe on the road! 

Plus, keeping your lights in good condition will help you avoid on-the-spot fines for obscured lights. So, test your lights at least once a month to be sure. 

We know filters aren’t the most exciting aspect of your car. But oil and 

 become clogged over time, so you must stay on top of changing them. 

While your filters will likely be changed during your car service, you can do them yourself if you realise they’re clogged. You can also call a mobile mechanic to quickly swap them from your home. Perfect if you’ve realised they are clogged but don’t want to tamper with your car. 

Your car’s handbook will cover cleaning and changing your filters. Always use genuine replacements. Cheaper filters might damage your car in the long term and result in future car problems.

Bonus tip - Have flexible payment options ready 

Bad luck can catch anyone out when it comes to cars and maintenance. If you do find yourself facing a sizable repair bill for something unexpected, our ‘buy now, pay later’ service can help ease the pain. 

 lets you get the repairs you need quickly. while deferring payments in easy interest-free instalments. Visit our 

If you’re interested in how to prevent car problems, you might want to switch your focus and look at making your car more reliable. 

Your aim should always be to make the car road safe and efficient. So, use the tips on this page and stay up to date with services to ensure the car is healthy and ready to go. 

Alternatively, you could also investigate the 

How to prevent car problems - Final Thoughts

Knowing how to prevent car problems will help you keep your car healthy, safe, and affordable to maintain. So, don’t put it off! Start checking your car today to see if you can prevent future issues now. 

 is here to help if you’re experiencing unexpected car problems and need help with splitting the cost. Apply and spread the cost of services, MOTs, repairs, accessories, and parts today. 

 has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his five cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.

How to prevent unexpected car problems

Every car owner in the UK needs to pass the annual MOT inspection in order to keep their vehicle ‘street legal.’ But do you know what happens if your car 

First of all, don’t panic! You’re not the first person whose car has failed an MOT, and you won’t be the last. Although repairs can be costly and you won’t be left with much choice, with car finance options like 

 available, you might find yourself back on the road faster than anticipated. 

However, you’ll want to get repairs done reasonably quickly — or do without your car until whatever’s broken is fixed. 

Forewarned is forearmed. Here’s everything you need to prepare for a possible MOT #fail. 

An MOT is the UK’s annual vehicle check that ensures your car is roadworthy and won’t pose a risk to yourself or other drivers. The MOT is carried out according to the UK’s Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. 

Every vehicle older than three years must have a valid MOT certificate before being driven on public roads. If you don’t have a valid MOT and are caught, you can receive a fine of up to £1,000. 

Plus, your insurance company is within its rights to invalidate a claim if you can’t prove your vehicle was roadworthy at the time of the incident.

What can fail an MOT? 11 common reasons cars fail MOTs

The best way to avoid an MOT failure is to know what’s being checked and which issues are most common. We’ve compiled a list of 11 standard MOT failing points to help you prepare. Save this page so you don’t forget them or the failed MOT meaning! 

Blown or broken lightbulbs are the single most common MOT failure cause. Luckily, they’re also the cheapest to fix. Check your lights are working properly before the big test. This includes indicators, front, rear, brake, and fog lights. 

Let's face it — the UK's potholed roads give your suspension a serious workout. So, it's not surprising that suspension issues are another leading cause of MOT failures. Aside from timing your annual service before the MOT test, you cannot do much to prevent this. 

Have you noticed that your brakes are feeling spongy? Or has your car been pulling to the left or right while under braking? These are usually signs that your brake pads need replacing. 

 Brakes need a refresh approximately every 50,000 miles. 

Tyres are one of the most essential parts of the car as they’re the only part of the vehicle that touches the road. If your tyres are in bad shape, they might not even be legal for road driving. 

The UK's minimum legal tread depth limit is 1.6 mm across the central ¾ of the tyre tread. Under this? It’s time for some new tyres! 

While checking your tyres, you should also look for cuts, exposed steel belts, or bulges and tears. You’ll also need to change your tyres if they’re different sizes to the opposite partner. 

5. Cracked windscreen (obscuring driver’s view)

Good visibility is crucial when driving, as without a clear view, you’re putting yourself and other drivers at risk. So, make sure you get any windscreen chips filled with resin to prevent them from becoming cracked. 

6. Stickers on the windscreen (that obscure driver’s view)

Similarly to cracks and chips, stickers that obscure your view will lead to a failed MOT. Yes, something as small as a sticker can cause you to fail! Being able to see is critical, so ensure your windscreen, rear windows, and mirrors are clear. 

Emissions (fuel and exhaust) can also lead to a failed MOT if your fuel system isn’t cleaned and functioning properly. This issue is so standard that some garages even offer pre-MOT fuel services to help you give your emissions a refresh before the test. 

While most fluids aren’t usually tested on an MOT, they will test your power steering fluid. You must have enough fluid in the reservoir to meet the minimum level, so check and top up your fluid if needed. 

For a car to be deemed road-safe, it must have retracting seat belts. Before you arrive at the test, check your seats for any knotted or twisted belts. You should also ensure that they can secure their position without detaching. 

Another safety feature to check is your airbags. Missing airbags or airbag warning lights are a failure point, so get your bags repaired or your dashboard lights reset ASAP. 

Last but not least, review your registration plates. In the UK, these must be clear and legible. You don’t want to fail because of a splodge, dirt, or blown lightbulb! 

The maximum price a garage can charge to carry out an MOT is £54.85 and that includes VAT. As this is the maximum price, you’ll find most garages set £54.85 as their average MOT cost. 

Most MOTs take about 45 minutes and can be carried out in one of over 20,000 licensed MOT stations in the UK. 

Considering the relatively low price of an MOT and the ease of getting one done, it’s well worth making sure yours is up to date in order to avoid hefty fees and invalid insurance. 

Can you drive if your MOT runs out today?

Yes, but only to drive it to the garage for its MOT or for repairs, and then you are allowed to drive it back home. 

If your car doesn't have it's MOT up-to-date, then you may not drive it anywhere else legally. 

In order to pass the MOT, your vehicle has to meet a strict set of criteria, based on your car’s size, age and class. If it doesn’t meet these criteria, and any faults are identified as being dangerous or illegal, your vehicle will automatically fail the MOT. 

For any shortcomings that aren’t dangerous now, but could be down the line, they’ll be flagged up as advisory, meaning you’ll need to remedy them prior to your next MOT. So, check out what can fail an MOT to get prepared. 

If your car fails the MOT, you will be issued a VT30 Refusal of an MOT Test Certificate. This certificate will explain why your vehicle failed its test and the repairs that need to be carried out to pass the MOT. Remedy these before the next test to avoid another “car failed MOT” moment. 

Do you need to get another MOT after a failed test?

Following the failed test, your car can stay at the garage for repairs and be partially rechecked for a free MOT within 10 working days. If more than 10 days pass, the vehicle must go through a complete MOT again at full cost. 

If you take your vehicle to a different garage for repairs, it can be re-inspected for 

The half-price re-test discount can only be used once, so if your vehicle fails again, you’re liable to pay for a full MOT at the next test. 

No, you cannot drive your car with a failed MOT. If you receive a VT30 certificate, your car isn’t safe to drive on the roads, and it is illegal to drive. 

However, there are two exceptions to this rule: 

If you’re caught driving on a failed MOT, you can receive a fine of up to £2,500 and get three penalty points on your licence. 

If you think an MOT failure might be on the cards, having a range of car repair payment options is a good idea. If you get caught out by an expensive set of MOT-mandated fixes, you can manage it with minimum pain. 

If you think you might struggle with the repair costs needed to pass your MOT, 

 can help split your bill into interest-free instalments.

Unfortunately, there are some untrustworthy garages that will purposely try and fail your MOT so they can get more work out of you. Luckily, though, they are very much in the minority. Most garages are reputable businesses who want you to be a pleased customer. 

Can you drive with minor defects or advisory items? 

Along with a clear pass or fail, there are two more possible results that you may see on your MOT certificate: minor defects and advisories. Unlike things that will fail an MOT, these fall under the “Pass with defects” category, as seen 

An advisory item or note is an issue found during the MOT test that isn’t serious enough for failure but needs a service. 

These can be logged as advisories, allowing the MOT tester to communicate the car's general condition to the owner. The owner can then get these items repaired at their own leisure. 

Typical advisory items you may see on your MOT: 

A minor defect is a defect/problem that's not serious enough to fail the test but needs to be repaired soon. These are listed alongside the note to 'Repair as soon as possible' on the MOT. An example is seen 

Whilst there is no legal requirement to have these items fixed before the next MOT, it may be more likely for the next MOT tester to pay close attention to them when inspecting next year. 

Minor defects should be treated to save some money on car maintenance. Often, items considered minor defects can now become serious enough to be major defects and, therefore, cause a failed MOT next time. 

Some examples of common minor defects include: 

What do you do when you can’t afford MOT repairs? 

If you can’t afford MOT repairs, there are a few strategies you can use to get your MOT major defects repaired and your car back on the road. These payment plans include: 

There’s no one route that’s right for all when it comes to a failed MOT and affording the payments. Always remember to read the fine print before agreeing to any payment plans or loans. 

Yes, you need an MOT every year if your vehicle is over 3 years old. 

If you’ve had your vehicle tested at a garage before, they’ll likely send you a reminder when your next MOT is due. But if you have recently purchased the vehicle or haven’t heard from the garage, you can easily go 

 when your existing MOT certificate expires. 

No, there isn’t an MOT grace period. When your MOT has expired it’s instantly illegal to drive on the road. If you do, you may face prosecution. 

Depending on your location and the type of vehicle you drive, most garages can fit an MOT slot within a week. But it’s best to check well in advance so you’re not at risk of missing your MOT expiry. 

A handy trick that the DVSA allows and even 

 is to book your MOT one month before your current one expires. The expiry date of the new MOT will remain as it was. 

This gives you a 13-month MOT at the same cost as a 12-month one. 

Knowing what is checked during an MOT is good so you don’t get any nasty surprises. By knowing beforehand if there are any issues with your car, you can get them remedied before submitting it for its MOT. 

If you’ve got extended warranty cover through a third-party provider such as 

 check to see if any mechanical or electrical issues are covered and get them fixed before the MOT. 

Split the cost of repair work needed to pass your MOT with 

Apply for a credit limit between £60 - £5,000 and choose from 1,000s of trusted repairers across the country. 

If you think your car may not pass straight away, or if you rely on your car to get to work and cannot afford it to be off the road, there are a few steps to avoid failing an MOT. 

What Can Fail An MOT & What To Do Next

You don't know what you've got 'til it's gone, and that's definitely the case when your car is out for repairs. 

Being suddenly car-less can upend your life completely. How do I get to work? How will I get the kids to school? 

Where will I find the money to pay for servicing and parts? As with most major purchases, there are options for financing, from simply putting it on your credit card to getting a loan from a lender. But your credit card limit might not be enough, and even if it is, today's card interest rates can be punishing. 

A car repairs loan might be more attractive, but it can be time-consuming and complex to obtain, with applications, 

, and long waits. Meanwhile, you're still stuck without a car. 

Most of us return our cars to the dealer when something goes wrong. But will a car dealer let you finance an unexpected repair job? Keep reading to get the full answer. 

While many manufacturers have established repair financing programmes for new car owners, not every dealer in their networks participates. When they do, you may have to visit the dealership to complete an application in person. 

After that, the number of payments you can spread the cost over is often restricted to two or three. For repair jobs above £2,000, the 

And what do you do if you own a used car or one no longer covered by the manufacturer's warranty? 

Luckily, new finance options are available to help get you back in the driver's seat with minimum fuss and without gouging you with extra fees or high interest.

Can I pay for car repairs in instalments?

Yes! There are plenty of finance options to help you pay off your car repairs in small instalments. However, make sure you’re selecting a service without high fees or big interest payments (like 

New digital platforms are changing how we select and pay for products and services. Services like Klarna, for example, let you pay 'buy now and pay later' (BNPL) for things flexibly. 

You can make a purchase and try it out in real life before paying or spread the cost of a larger purchase out into manageable instalments. If you commit to a fixed schedule of payments at a fixed amount, the additional cost is often zero. 

 comes in. We're addressing the evolving ways customers want to pay for goods and services by bringing easy 'pay later' options to the automotive sphere. 

 lets you split a hefty repair bill into smaller, easy-to-manage, 

Not sure whether car finance is right for you? There are a few alternative options to help you pay off repairs without putting stress on your finances. 

One popular way is to borrow money from family and friends. Of course, this isn’t an option for everyone and depends on the financial situation of your loved ones. But it’s a great option if available. 

If you have an emergency fund set aside, you can use it to cover car repairs. An emergency fund is a separate bank of savings that’s only for emergencies. Many consider big car payments an unexpected expense, so if you can, now is a great time to dip into the emergency savings. 

You can also make quick cash via odd jobs or selling unwanted items. However, this might not work well if facing a significant cost. 

Finally, if the repairs are minor, you can fix them yourself. This is only a good idea if you have previous mechanic experience and the repairs have DIY fixes. If not, it’s always best to contact a professional. 

 offers car owners a simple four-step process for using its BNPL service. Here’s everything you need to know before using Bumper car repair finance: 

 ensures you never pay more for servicing or repairs when spreading the cost. And the maximum credit limit you’ve been offered is never shared with the garage.

 James Jackson and Jack Allman. A few years back, they saw a market opportunity to bring a BNPL service to the car repairs and aftersales market. The platform they’ve created provides car owners with a simple, interest-free way to access flexible payments that are both mobile and fully automated. 

Car owners love Bumper, and so do garages. Our unique AI-driven automotive scorecard helps avoid loan defaults. Over 60 percent of Britain’s 

 already use us, including Ford, Volkswagen, Nissan, Jaguar Land Rover, and Nissan. 

Stop worrying about unexpected car dealership repairs - The takeaway

, we’re committed to giving car owners more financial flexibility by taking the worry out of unexpected car repair costs. 

The automotive sector can be a bit old school when it comes to technology, but offering a BNPL option can help move it more in sync with consumer buying habits. 

In the post-COVID era, people have massively pivoted towards digital payment methods. 

 is helping bring the automotive aftermarket into the digital age. 

Will a car dealer let me finance car repairs?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to use a battery charger while driving

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

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

Can I charge a car battery without a charger?

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

 are the most common cause of a dead battery. 

How to use car battery charger - Extra tips to know

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

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

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

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

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

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

Final thoughts on how to use a car battery charger

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

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

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

How to use a Car Battery Charger

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Within three years of registering a new vehicle 

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

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

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

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

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

Advice

How to prevent unexpected car problems

What Can Fail An MOT & What To Do Next

Will a car dealer let me finance car repairs?

How to use a Car Battery Charger

When is my MOT due?

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

How Your Credit Score Is Calculated

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