Alastair Shephard

Content Writer

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

Cars are complicated machines, involving many systems and components. In order to maintain trouble-free motoring, there are a few important things every motorist should know and check regularly. 

The first port of call for any maintenance should be your owner's handbook. This gives details of all the user-serviceable systems in the car and how to check them. They will give vehicle-specific advice you may need to know. 

Even if you drive your car every day, you should be vigilant in checking these safety-critical items, some of them won’t need an inspection. You’ll interact with them directly by using your car, but it’s still prudent to be able to detect and rectify issues. 

With the average motorist spending over £800 on car repairs in 2021, it’s good to get ahead and be prepared. 

With many vehicles going largely unused over the pandemic, we’d recommend carrying out these checks every few weeks with normal usage, and especially before a long drive, e.g. 

before setting off on holiday, you'll want to do some checks

Make sure they are at the correct pressure, a pressure gauge is ideal, but a daily visual check will ensure you haven’t developed a flat. Check your owner’s manual for recommended tyre pressures. Be sure to pay attention to how heavily loaded the car will be, e.g. luggage and additional passengers. 

Keep an eye out for the tyres perishing, bulging or wearing unevenly. 

Get a helper to walk around your car whilst you test the various 

 and brake light settings. Also, check for the correct indicator and hazard warning light function. 

You’ll probably notice this without meaning to, but just check all your mirrors are still present, clean and correctly adjusted.

This is again something you directly interact with, but if the belt feels slack, overly tight or restricted or there is a different noise or feel when you clip in, don’t drive until it can be inspected by a professional. Before driving with children, check their seatbelts for them. 

It seems obvious, but there were over 800,000 cases of drivers needing to be rescued after 

 in 2015, according to a study by LV=. Be especially careful if you live or are travelling to remote areas where fuel stations could be few and far between. 

After you’ve started the car, check the dash for warning lights. It's good to do this regularly too, such as when you’ve reached your destination. 

Oil should not be missed in your vehicle inspection, make sure the oil level is between the minimum and maximum. The colour should be a dark brown, if the oil is black, check your service interval log for overdue oil changes. 

Coolant should also be monitored, the colour will either be red/orange or blue/green depending on the age of the vehicle. If the coolant is dark or colourless, take your car to a garage as it may need a 

Brake fluid and power steering fluid are similar to engine oil, check the level is correct, and the fluid is not excessively dark. 

For information on where to find the relevant tanks, consult your owner’s manual, as that will describe the location and appearance of the cap. 

With the possibility of being stranded far away from home, and the increased strain on your vehicle from elevated operating temperatures, checking your car over before a long trip is essential. 

Luggage and extra people can affect how your car performs and exacerbates any pre-existing issues with 

Ensure any roof rack boxes, bike racks and other attachments are well secured, be sure to check the loading capacity of your vehicle too, a plate inside the door is usually the best source of this information. 

If driving in Europe, make sure you’re equipped with the required safety equipment and know 

 or feeling from the steering, especially when turning. If you do, stop in a safe position and seek professional advice. 

Similar to the steering, before you start your journey, be sure your brakes feel and sound normal, long pedal travel or a squidgy pedal can indicate a leak, squealing or scraping can indicate worn pads. If anything at all is amiss, seek advice. 

When accelerating and cruising, listen for anything out of the ordinary, or if the car feels sluggish or slow to accelerate. Hesitation could be caused by various faults and may well be minor. 

Juddering when up to speed is often indicative of wheel miss-balancing, and under braking is usually caused by warped brake discs. If you experience any of these issues you should seek help as soon as possible. 

To make the whole process easier, check out Bumper’s interest-free monthly payments for car repairs. 

To be approved for a Credit Limit of up to £5,000 and 

search for garages and dealerships near you on the Bumper network, 

and enter your registration and postcode.

Safety checks - What to check before driving

Cars aren't made to break. Years of planning and testing go into designing the perfect model, ensuring that it lasts the test of time. 

However, some certain makes and models last longer than others. So, if you want to buy from the most reliable car brands, you need to do your research before you hit the dealership. 

cost of repairs, as expensive as they are

, a reliable car can save you a lot of money in the long run. Luckily for us, Auto Express' 

 has a ranking of the most reliable cars. Today, we're breaking these down and giving you the lowdown on the most reliable car brands in 2024. 

The top 10 most reliable cars for UK drivers

Ready to start browsing? Here are the top 10 most reliable cars and brands for 2024. 

Nissan has always been known as a reliable brand, and the Nissan Leaf continues this reputation. The Nissan Leaf scores 96.69% on the reliability scale, likely thanks to its 60,000-mile or three-year warranty, 5-door style, and sustainable electric engine. 

If you’re looking for a safe and reliable car, the Hyundai Kona should be on your radar. With a generous unlimited mileage/five-year warranty, drivers don’t need to worry about any unexpected issues. Plus, the car doesn’t have hefty running costs, meaning maintenance payments are easier to navigate. 

Calling drivers who enjoy high-quality interiors and luxury finishings. Drivers report that the Lexus RX has excellent interior quality and finish, meaning you always have an impeccable driving experience. Plus, it’s covered by a three-year manufacturer warranty and an additional 10,000-mile or 12-month warranty for every Lexus main dealer service. Nice. 

No, you’re not seeing double. The next on our list is another Lexus, but this time, it’s the NX rather than the RX. This is a smaller car, but it actually has a slightly higher reliability rating. Drivers report that this car is perfect for family life, has a perfect interior, and offers a safe and dependable driving experience. 

Though the BMW i3 was retired by BMW in 2023, owners are still talking about this car’s strengths, so much so that it’s placed 6th on the reliability questionnaire. Its highlights include a high-quality build, a 3-year warranty, and an 8-year warranty for the car’s lithium-ion battery pack. 

The Mazda CX-5 has been one of the most reliable cars for a few years now, and in 2024, it’s still as popular as ever. This is another family-friendly SUV with great exterior quality and a hefty 60,000 mile/3-year warranty. The only complaint about this model is that the maintenance costs are more expensive than others. 

It’s not a surprise that the Toyota Prius has made the top five, as this car has a respectable reputation and an excellent range of features. Add into the mix a 60,000 mile. You have a 3-year warranty and the option for a 100,000 mile/10-year warranty with servicing at a Toyota main dealer, and a truly dependable vehicle. 

We’re in the top three now, and the first is the Ford EcoSport. With few technical issues and a top warranty of five years/100,000 miles, we can see why this car has impressed its driver as an 

 The only minor drawback is its interior — some drivers wish it had more of a “premium” feel. 

Hot hatches might not be the first model that comes to mind when you think about reliability, but the Toyota GR Yaris is here to change expectations. This car scores high on the list for its overall reliability and driving pleasure. Perfect for drivers who want to truly enjoy their time on the road. 

First on the list, with a near-perfect reliability rating of 98.70%, is the Subaru Outback. This impressive model is well-loved for its general reliability, driver’s seat visibility, legroom, front-seat comfort, and styling. It also comes with a 60,00 mile/3-year warranty to ensure peace of mind while cruising. Amazing. 

Most reliable cars in the UK - The top FAQs

Looking for a new car? Here are some of the top questions about the most reliable car brands. Consider these before you start shopping. 

Any of the car brands on this page are very reliable. However, Lexus and Toyota are often considered two of the best car brands when looking for a dependable drive. 

Not all cars are reliable. But what makes a reliable car? These are the top factors to consider if you want a dependable vehicle: 

, Alfa Romeos, Land Rovers, and Chevrolets are the brands most likely to break down. However, it’s critical to remember that 

 are rare, and the majority of car purchases from these brands are stress-free. 

Final thoughts about the most reliable cars

Did you see your favourite car on this list? Or did we skip over your top reliable car? Hopefully, this blog has inspired you to check out some of these makes and models before you make your next purchase. Bookmark this page so you don’t lose it! 

How reliable is your car? Apply to spread the cost of repairs, services, MOTs, parts and accessories by 

entering your registration and postcode on our website

. Choose from 1000s of our dependable service partners nationwide. 

 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.

The most reliable cars to buy in the UK in 2024

Are Audis more expensive to maintain than other cars? It appears so. 

Figures from RepairPal show the average annual repair and maintenance cost of Audis is around £780, versus an industry average of around £500 for all other brands. 

That makes the average annual Audi repair cost comparatively high. That’s partly down to the fact that they are luxury cars using speciality parts. It’s exactly the high quality of these parts that make Audi parts more expensive than other makes. 

But it's also true that Audi drivers fall victim to unexpected issues at roughly twice the rate experienced by drivers of average cars. While the repairs required tend to be of similar severity as those experienced by other cars, even run-of-the-mill Audi repairs can 

If you do find yourself facing a sizeable repair bill for something unexpected, Bumper's ‘buy now, pay later’ service can help ease the pain. Search for a partner garage for 

One way to rank car brands for their reliability is to look at the average annual repair cost, the frequency of unexpected repairs, and the probability that a fix will be considered 'serious’. A serious repair is any fix that costs more than three times the 

Here’s what that looks like for Audis: 

The average annual Audi maintenance costs are £780.

Industry average maintenance costs are around £500.

The probability of needed repair is severe 

The good news for Audi fans is that the money invested in maintaining their favourite cars is probably worth the spend. Audi drivers report holding on to their vehicles for 150,000 miles or even longer. 

We did the research and went a little further to help you get to know the average Audi maintenance costs, according to WithClutch and CarEdge.com, these are the annual Audi costs for these specific models in pound sterling.

The top takeaway from the figures above is that you should need to factor in unexpected breakdowns on top of regularly scheduled maintenance when budgeting for Audi maintenance costs. Of course, it’s impossible to predict exactly when specific parts will break down on any Audi year and model. To understand the full cost of ownership, however, you have to look at standard Audi repair issues as well as the brand's reliability. 

Audi’s recommended schedule of service intervals calls for minor maintenance service every 10,000 miles and standard 

 service every 20,000 miles. According to data from RepairPal, the price for a 10,000-mile service falls between £100 and £120 on average, while the 20,000-mile servicing jumps up in price to between £380 and £500. 

Of course, there’s more involved in keeping an Audi on the road than scheduled maintenance. The average Audi owner’s annual repair bill comes to between £700 and £800 annually. Luckily, Bumper lets you split hefty a repair bill into smaller, easy-to-manage, interest-free payments

There are loads of variables to consider when it comes to calculating 

what kind of parts typically fail, where you purchase parts, who provides the labour, and the car’s reliability rating all come into play. Some Audis are more reliable than others, and newer models can be less expensive to fix thanks to shared components, electronics and other parts. 

Buying your own parts by cross-referencing part numbers is one great way to save. Scouring the Internet for reputable aftermarket brands or just doing your research on which brands are best to buy can save you hundreds and even thousands of pounds, depending on the job. It's also true that many aftermarket parts are as good — or even better — than the Audi originals. 

Take shock absorbers as an example. There are several aftermarket brands that are cheaper than Audi brand replacements, and some like Koni have a better reputation for performance and longevity. 

Audi offers its own financing plan to help owners manage their annual maintenance costs. You can purchase a prepaid maintenance plan under the 

 which guarantees that only trained Audi technicians using genuine Audi parts will service your car. 

Going prepaid can provide a simple hedge against cost inflation by fixing prices for parts and labour, making pre-paid somewhat cheaper over the long term. Audi Care plans are bundled according to the following intervals: 

The price of a pre-paid Audi Care contract will vary somewhat by the dealership, but most plans are priced between £700 and £1,000 depending on the Audi model and which intervals you select.

When a big Audi repair bill lands, try Bumper 

It doesn't matter which car you drive, bad luck can catch anyone out. If you do find yourself facing a sizable repair bill for your Audi, Bumper's ‘buy now, pay later’ service can help ease the pain. 

 is a car finance solution that lets you split a hefty Audi repair bill into smaller, easy-to-manage, interest-free payments. It works like this: 

The whole process takes a matter of minutes. Bumper lets you get the repairs you need quickly while deferring payments in easy interest-free instalments. 

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.

Are Audis Expensive To Maintain?

Owning a car can be costly, but not all repairs hit your wallet equally. Routine jobs, such as oil changes and air filters, are simple. What really stings are the big-ticket repairs.

In the UK, the most costly car repairs typically include catalytic converter replacement, head gasket failure, and transmission repairs, each of which can potentially cost thousands of pounds, depending on the vehicle.

If you’re hearing strange noises under the bonnet, read on to see the most expensive car repairs in the UK and their typical price ranges.

The most expensive types of car repair explained 

Wondering what the most expensive types of car repair are in the UK? 

Here, we explain the biggest repair costs and what makes them so costly. Remember, you can use 

 to split the cost of repair into interest-free monthly instalments.

Replacing or repairing a faulty alternator typically costs between 

The alternator keeps your car’s electrical systems in balance and maintains the battery’s charge, ensuring it stays in good condition. If it fails, your battery may run out of juice prematurely, causing startup problems. 

Signs of a failing alternator include difficulty starting the car, a burning rubber smell, or whirring and squeaking noises from the engine. Quick replacement can prevent bigger, more costly issues down the line. Don’t put it off!

Fixing or replacing a faulty catalytic converter can cost 

for parts, with labour potentially bringing the total to 

The catalytic converter helps reduce pollutants in your car’s exhaust. Signs of a failing converter include increased fuel consumption, poor acceleration, higher emissions, rough engine running, or even the engine cutting out. 

If your car fails its emissions test, the catalytic converter likely needs attention.

Clutch and related transmission problems 

Replacing a car clutch typically costs around 

The clutch allows your car to engage and disengage the engine from the gearbox smoothly. Signs of a failing clutch include a loose or spongy pedal, a higher-than-normal biting point, difficulty shifting gears, or a persistent burning smell while driving. 

Because clutch replacement is a labour-intensive job, addressing issues promptly can prevent further damage and ensure your car runs smoothly and safely on the road!

Repairing a faulty head gasket typically costs between

The head gasket seals the engine’s cylinders and keeps coolant and oil from mixing. Signs of a problem include high temperature gauge readings, sudden loss of power, thickened engine oil, or white smoke and liquid coming from the exhaust. 

Like other repairs on this list, head gasket issues are difficult and expensive to fix. Spotting them early can save your future self from a massive repair bill.

Replacing a timing belt, or ‘cambelt,’ typically costs between 

The timing belt synchronises the crankshaft and camshaft, ensuring smooth power transfer from the engine to the wheels. 

If it snaps, tears, or cracks, it can cause serious engine and powertrain damage. Because of its location, replacement is time-intensive — as soon as you notice an issue, contact a mechanic.

Replacing a car radiator typically costs between

A vehicle’s radiator maintains the engine's optimal temperature, preventing overheating and ensuring proper oil viscosity. 

A common problem is a leak. Leaks are usually caused by rust, but poor maintenance, manufacturing defects, or low-quality fluids can also be factors. 

When a leak occurs, replacement is usually better than a temporary patch, as ignoring it can lead to far more expensive engine problems.

What is the most difficult part to repair?

Opinions vary, but the engine’s head gasket is often considered the most challenging part to repair.

Accessing it requires extensive disassembly, and incorrect installation can lead to severe engine damage. Experience and time are essential for a perfect fix, making it one of the trickiest and most labour-intensive repairs on a car.

What is the most expensive damage to a car?

Engine and transmission failures rank among the most expensive types of damage a car can sustain.

For example, a blown head gasket or a failed transmission can cost thousands of pounds to repair or replace, depending on the vehicle, often surpassing routine maintenance or minor collision repairs.

What is considered a major repair on a car?

Generally, major repairs involve critical systems essential to a car’s operation, such as the engine, transmission, suspension, or braking system. 

These repairs are nearly always costly and require specialist mechanic knowledge. They also take longer than minor fixes.

Examples of major repairs include issues with:

Luxury and high-performance vehicles, such as Range Rovers, BMWs, and specialist sports cars, often have the highest repair costs.

This is simply because their parts are more specialised and the labour time and knowledge needed to fix them is intensive.

In addition, general diagnostics are complex, which can result in repair bills far exceeding those of standard cars, sometimes reaching several thousand pounds.

Taking good care of your car and maintaining it properly can help prevent or minimise the damage from failures like the ones listed above.

But there's no way to avoid every issue. Some car components simply break down over time, and there’s not much anyone can do about it. 

As a driver, the best thing you can do is understand what are the most expensive types of car repair in the UK and be aware of how your vehicle works, including how the major components fit together. That way, it’s easier to detect if your car isn’t running as it should.

Whether you’re facing an expensive repair or a small fee, Bumper is here to help.

you can split the cost of repairs into monthly payments at no extra cost. 

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

What Are the Most Expensive Types of Car Repair in the UK?

The average cost of a full BMW service in the UK ranges from around £200 for smaller engines to £300 or more for larger engines.

However, these are basic averages. All BMWs follow a regular maintenance schedule based on mileage or time since the last service — so other factors might affect your car’s costs!

See the average BMW service costs and what’s usually included below.

Here’s a quick look at what you can expect to pay for a BMW service with costs varying by engine size and tips to save by combining with an MOT. 

We’ll explain them in more detail in the paragraphs below!

A major or full BMW service typically costs from £200 for smaller engines and around £300 or more for larger engines over 3 litres. 

Prices can vary depending on your location and chosen garage, so it’s worth shopping around — you might even save by combining your full service with an MOT. When under warranty, service intervals are mandatory, but once it’s expired, there’s more flexibility. 

How much does an interim BMW service cost?

An interim BMW service typically costs around £150 for smaller engines and from £300 for larger engine sizes.

Prices vary between garages, so it’s worth comparing quotes, and you can often save money by combining your interim service with an MOT.

Whether it’s minor upkeep or major work, you can use 

 to split the costs into interest-free repayments.

BMW service packages cover everything from routine maintenance checks in the Interim Service to more extensive wear-and-tear replacements in the Full Service.

BMWs follow a scheduled service plan based on mileage or time. 

Interim Services are every six months or 6,000 miles, and Full Services are typically annual to maintain reliability and value.

If you’re pressed for time or money, you might be tempted to skip a BMW service. 

This is not advised, as skipping a service can cause wear and tear, engine damage, reduced fuel efficiency, and lower resale value.

Regular maintenance prevents costly repairs and keeps your BMW running safely and smoothly. Don’t put Interim or Full Services off!

In general, yes, BMW maintenance costs are higher than standard cars due to premium parts and specialist servicing. 

However, as with any car brand, service costs vary by engine size, garage, and service type, but regular upkeep prevents expensive repairs in the long run.

DIY BMW servicing is possible for basic tasks like oil or filter changes, but BMWs require specialist knowledge for major work. 

Incorrect servicing can damage parts and affect warranties. If you have no experience, attempting repairs yourself can cause serious engine problems or safety issues. 

When in doubt, it’s always safer to leave complex work to qualified BMW technicians.

3 reasons to keep your BMW’s service schedule up to date 

Skipping a service might save you a few quid today, but your BMW won’t thank you tomorrow. Here are three reasons why you should book the service.

1. Regular service helps ward off part failures and breakdowns 

Driving any car causes wear and tear. There's no way to avoid it, even with a premium, finely tuned machine like a BMW. 

What you can avoid is the damage and long-term impacts that wear and tear can cause. 

Driving with a clogged oil filter and dirty engine oil reduces lubrication, causing friction, overheating, and potential damage to engine parts. An oil and filter change costs around £50, while replacing damaged pistons can run into hundreds, and a damaged engine could cost thousands. 

All in all, regular servicing keeps your BMW’s parts in check, addressing issues before they escalate.

2. Your BMW's resale value will be higher 

Every car depreciates in value over time. You can't stop it, but you can reduce its impact. 

A recent study by AutoTrader found, for example, that an incomplete or missing service history can lower a BMW’s value by as much as 20 per cent compared to the book value. 

Skipping a service might seem like a saving, but it can cost you when selling. Buyers of premium cars want a full service history, and without it, you could lose thousands in resale value.

Keep a complete record, and buyers are far more likely to pay full price!

A car that doesn’t run at peak efficiency needs more energy to move, and that energy comes from petrol or diesel.

BMWs are no exception. If they aren’t in tip-top shape they’re more costly to keep fueled and more likely to break down. You may believe you're saving money by delaying a service interval, but you're also losing out at the pump.

Unless you drive like a demon, a well-maintained BMW is simply less likely to burn unnecessary fuel. When every part is working as it should, the engine is under less strain and doesn't require more energy to perform at the same level.

Really, prices vary by garage, location, service type, and engine size. But staying on schedule keeps your engine healthy and fuel efficiency high, so it’s best not to put them off!

Services and repairs can put a dent in your budget. 

What Does a Full BMW Service Cost and Include?

¿Qué incluye un servicio de mantenimiento BMW completo?

Was beinhaltet eine vollständige Wartung bei BMW?

Whenever you make a big, long-term purchase like a car, ongoing maintenance and upkeep has to be considered. We know petrol and diesel cars cost roughly £1300 a year to fuel and fix annually, but what about electric vehicles (EVs)? How much does electric car serving cost? Are they just as expensive to keep on the road as a petrol car? Does all that slick new engineering mean that electric cars cost more to maintain? 

You’ll be pleasantly surprised that electric car servicing costs half as much on average to service their electric car as it does a traditional internal combustion engine vehicle. The average electric car service plans cost between £386 to £540 according to 

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

Why do EV drivers pay so much less than their petrol peers? Let’s take a look. 

How often do electric cars need to be serviced? 

Electric cars typically require a bi-annual service check for onboard systems and tire rotations. These six-monthly electric car services ensure the battery is maintaining optimal performance and the car is running as it should. 

Like any machine in regular use, electric vehicles need occasional maintenance and periodic repairs. However, compared to petrol and diesel cars, the annual repair bill is much easier to manage. 

After 8 to 10 years when the manufacturer warranty expires, that’s when to expect a sizeable bill for battery replacement. At current prices, a new EV battery can cost between £4,000 and £8,000. 

In time, however, industry analysts expect the price of battery technology to drop significantly as mass production finds new efficiencies and cost-effective innovations. 

Why do EVs cost so much less to service? 

Electric cars eliminate monthly spending on petrol fill-ups and reduce the amount of carbon being sent into the atmosphere. They also come with other built-in savings over ICE cars. 

EVs have only a fraction of the moving parts that ICE vehicles do

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