Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

Joseph Law | Author

Isobel Coughlan

Content Writer

Isobel Coughlan | Author

A regular car service is a mechanical check-up carried out at set intervals, usually at least once a year or after the car has racked up enough miles on the clock. The manufacturer specifies the timescale and provides a standard list of services for mechanics to follow. 

If the car is still under warranty, then the interval and services will be mandatory. If it's out of warranty, then there’s more flexibility in the timing and services performed — though for the sake of your car you should keep as close to the recommended schedule as you can. 

A scheduled service will replace old fluids and ageing parts and include visual inspections to make sure key components are working as they should. 

There are three different types of scheduled car service: interim, full and major. While different service centres might brand their service packages differently for marketing purposes, there will always be three levels and a tiered pricing structure to choose from. 

Each service level builds on the previous one and then adds extras that the car needs at different stages of its life on the road. The type of service you need depends on how much time has passed or how much driving you’ve done since the last scheduled service. 

An interim car service is the basic service bundle designed for high-mileage car owners who drive 20,000 miles or more annually. In their case, a single annual service may not be enough. 

An interim car service will normally wrap in an oil and oil filter change, plus a visual inspection of the car's essential exterior components, such as the tyres, lights, and windscreen wipers. 

Also included in an interim service bundle will be a topping-up of the engine, brake, and other key fluids; an inspection for any fluid leaks, and lubrication of all moving parts. 

A full service, sometimes called an intermediate service, is often scheduled for every 12 months or whenever 12,000 miles is chalked-up on the odometer. It's designed for drivers with lower annual mileages and only needs one service a year. 

It comes with a wider range of replacement parts and visual checks, adding on to those conducted in the last interim service. These can include: 

The third and final service level is the ‘major’. It's typically recommended every 24,000 miles or 24 months. If your last annual service was a full service, a major service will be next on the manufacturer’s recommended schedule. 

It's the most comprehensive bundle of the three and takes everything from an interim and full service then adds on replacing parts and fluids that wear out every couple of years. These include brake fluid and cabin filter. 

Brake fluid can become contaminated over time and affect how well the brakes work. That’s obviously a serious concern when you’re on the road motoring at speed. The cabin filter can also be clogged up with dust and debris over time, affecting the cabin's air quality. 

Are car service intervals really necessary? 

A scheduled car service isn’t a legal requirement like an MOT. However, your new car warranty might compel you to stick to a standard servicing schedule. Even if you’re out of warranty, regular servicing is the best way to keep your car in the best possible condition. 

Although service intervals can be pricey, there are a number of benefits that make it worth doing: 

Working out which type of car service you need for your car depends on your current mileage, how old your car is, the last scheduled service you had done, and the make and model of the vehicle. 

Keeping track of your car service schedule can be tricky so it's usually a good idea to book service visits around your annual MOT. Though the servicing itself is legally required, it's good for your car and your pocketbook. Scheduling both at the same time means one less visit to the garage, and many garages offer discounted packages for doing them both together. 

Since most drivers can’t easily do oil changes, replace oil filters, or check spark plugs at home, regular 

 are normally the best way to keep your car running smoothly. 

A trained mechanic will lookout for any issues with your brakes and top up or change vital fluids like coolant, engine oil, and brake fluid. 

Failing to keep to the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule can affect your car warranty and the vehicle’s resale value. 

If you do find yourself facing a large repair bill for something unexpected, 

 can help ease the pain. You might also consider a ‘buy now, pay later service like ours. It 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.

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 Different Levels of Car Service Explained 

Verschiedene Arten von Kfz-Services im Überblick

Cars, like any machine, don't last forever. They consist of complex systems with numerous moving parts that endure daily stress, temperature extremes, and friction. 

Over time, components wear out, fluids need replenishing, and electrical parts may fail. As a result, certain car problems frequently occur, leading mechanics to perform the same repairs repeatedly.

In this blog, we'll cover the most common car repairs. The good news? Many can be avoided or delayed with proper 

Here are the nine most common car repairs:

Spark plugs are small but essential, igniting the fuel to start your engine. 

Though inexpensive and replaceable at home, proper installation is crucial. Delayed or incorrect replacement can cause serious engine and transmission damage. 

Whether you DIY or visit a service centre, ensure this common car repair is done correctly.

 comes on, a loose fuel cap is often to blame. 

Ignoring it can reduce gas mileage, as excess air in the tank causes fuel to burn faster, leading to more frequent fill-ups and higher long-term costs.

Oxygen sensors measure exhaust oxygen levels to optimise engine performance and emissions by regulating the air-fuel ratio.

So long as the ratio of air and petrol in the chambers remains optimal, your engine will run just as it should. Replace these as and when required!

4. Ensuring brakes and pads are replaced on time 

Everyone knows brakes are important. More than a quarter of all car accidents happen because a vehicle didn't — or couldn't — stop in time to avoid a collision. 

, which wear down naturally with everyday use. 

On their own and when done on schedule, the cost of replacement isn’t pricey. Regular brake maintenance can also cover brake discs, drums, lines, and rotors.

If you're worried about car repairs, then Bumper could help by splitting the cost into interest-free monthly instalments at no cost to you.

 in your car every 3,000 miles or so to keep your engine running smoothly and efficiently.

Oil collects debris over time, reducing its lubricating ability. Fortunately, oil changes are easy to learn through online or DIY courses.

Keeping accurate records of oil changes can boost your car's resale or trade-in value. Some mechanics will even put a sticker on your windscreen reminding you when the 

Without well-inflated tyres and treads appropriate for the weather, you can sacrifice control, speed, and fuel efficiency.

It's vital to get your tires patched quickly anytime you run over a sharp object like a chunk of broken glass, anytime you notice a leak, or if the tires have simply become too worn. 

Mechanics are also trained to spot tire issues, even during unrelated repairs.

The ignition system on a car includes the starter, battery, and the ignition key or button assembly on the dashboard. 

If any of those pieces aren't working, the engine won't turn over — or you might end up with an engine failure in mid-journey. This is one of the most common repairs on cars, and one to watch out for!

In addition to the ignition and starter, key electrical components like fuses and light bulbs that need regular replacement are also connected to your battery. 

These types of repairs can easily be done at home, and the components are easy to find at shops like Halfords, which stock automotive goods.

Just do a bit of homework and be sure you have the correct specifications in fuses or bulbs.

Car alarms installed after the car leaves the dealer’s forecourt often cause problems. 

Alarm systems need to draw power from the car’s battery and electrical system in order to operate. As an add-on the alarm can cause other systems to receive less power than they need and fail. They can also kill the battery if installed incorrectly. 

Ensure the alarm matches your car's electrical specs, or you may face costly removal.

The alternator charges your battery and powers the electrical system. It’s a critical component of any car and responsible for safe driving. 

Signs of failure include dim headlights, a dead battery, or a dashboard warning light. If you notice any of these, have your alternator checked and replaced if needed.

An overheating engine can be caused by a wide range of issues, from a malfunctioning radiator to a cooling system leak.

If you realise your engine is overheating you must pull over and turn your car off. Allow the car to cool down and then open the bonnet and check the coolant level. If low, top up the coolant. If the overheating problem continues, you must visit a mechanic.

If you do find yourself facing a large repair bill for something unexpected, a 

You might also consider a ‘buy now, pay later’ service like Bumper, which lets you get the repairs you need quickly while deferring payments in easy interest-free instalments. 

By staying informed about common car repairs, you can make smarter decisions that save you time, money, and stress. Regular maintenance and attention to early warning signs help you prevent minor issues from becoming major problems — which is 

Embracing these tips and working with a trusted mechanic when needed will not only extend the life of your car but also ensure a safer, smoother, and more enjoyable driving experience. 

Bookmark this page so you don’t forget these most common auto repairs!

11 Common Car Repairs Drivers Need To Know

Was sind die häufigsten Autoreparaturen?

How much should you expect to spend every year on keeping your car in smooth running order? A 2020 study by Kwik Fit found that the average UK driver spends around £1,300 every year on 

 That includes petrol, trips to the car wash, but crucially — repairs and breakdown recovery.

Ranked by cost, you won't be surprised that petrol is the biggest line item in the budget. But maintenance and repairs come in a close second.

Those figures don’t tell the whole story. Unexpected repairs and breakdowns 

. Numbers from WarrantyWise suggest the average bill for an unexpected repair is north of £600, and the more expensive the car brand, the higher the cost. 

shock car repair bill, it's worth looking at what you can do to keep your car in top condition and avoid unpleasant surprises (and you could even consider applying for 

Close to 10 per cent of drivers try and save on car maintenance by putting off 

 or delaying routine servicing. Experts agree that waiting until repairs are absolutely necessary is a ‘false economy’ that often costs drivers more in the long run. 

To avoid unexpected repairs and breakdowns, the best way to ensure your car is operating efficiently is to regularly maintain it. If you don’t, you run the risk of 

 if problems go undetected and lead to major repairs. 

But there are effective ways to keep visits to the mechanics to a minimum. Here are five proper ways to trim the cost of auto maintenance and repairs. 

Getting more life out of your car’s moving parts is often as simple as taking it easy behind the wheel. 

and tyres will all last you longer if learn to relax a bit and be sensible when you’re on the move. 

Follow these simple techniques and your car will repay you with fewer trips to the mechanic: 

Pay attention to what’s happening further up the road and brake gradually as the situation demands. Gradual versus ‘sudden’ braking will keep your discs and brake pads from wearing out before their normal lifespan expires. If you hammer the brakes on a regular basis it creates more friction and brakes down their component materials faster. 

Don’t keep your foot pressed down on the clutch pedal after you switch gears. Doing that means the clutch isn’t fully re-engaged, which could cause the plates to slip on the gearbox shaft. Over time that will cause significant and expensive damage to your transmission. 

Steer clear of speed bumps and potholes: 

Your vehicles undercarriage, exhaust, and tyres can all be damaged by flying over potholes and speed bumps. The end result can be a painfully expensive repair bill — all of which could be avoided by taking it slow over speed bumps avoiding potholes entirely 

2. Don’t put off scheduled service visits 

At risk of repeating ourselves, most car makers suggest that you bring your car in for a full end-to-end service every 12 months or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. 

While the fear of an unexpected repair bill can make people fearful about taking their car in for a checkup, in the end it can lead to a bigger repair bill when you’re hit with a failed MOT inspection down the road. In fact, the Royal Automobile Club found that close to 60 per cent of drivers who hadn't been in for regular service paid between £500 and £1,000 in order to pass the MOT. 

Keeping your car and undercarriage free from dirt and dust can help keep grit out of moving parts and stop slow-but-steady damage to the vehicle's exterior. Kwik Fit’s study of repair costs also found that UK drivers spend an average of £60 every year taking their car in to the car wash. While that might not seem like a lot of money, over the course of a car’s normal lifespan (circa eight years) you could cut close to £800 from your maintenance costs by cleaning the car at home. 

Electric vehicles are increasing in popularity and repair costs are part of the attraction. Along with being more sustainable, e-cars are rightly hailed for being cheaper to maintain. Their motors contain fewer moving parts. And perhaps most importantly, charging an electric vehicle is significantly cheaper than filling a tank with diesel or petrol. 

The latest industry research shows that electric cars are about 25 per cent 

with a traditional petrol-fired internal combustion engine. On average, that equates to savings of about £300 annually. 

If you’re willing to sit through a few YouTube videos and learn how to handle basic car maintenance, you can save a lot of money every year by avoiding leaving your car in a service bay for a mechanic to do the work instead. 

When you take your car in to a garage, you’re paying for both parts and labour. In many cases, a bit of shopping around will locate the same parts for less than what the mechanic is going to charge you for them. Learning how to do things like change spark plugs and do oil changes can save you hundreds of pounds every year. 

How high are auto maintenance and repair costs in the UK? 

You’ve just got a car repair quote — and it’s more than you can afford right now. It’s an unexpected expense, and you need to figure out quickly what your options are.

With the cost of everyday life already stretched, an urgent repair bill can put real pressure on your finances. One option that many drivers turn to is a car repair loan.

Car repair loans can help you spread the cost of an unexpected bill into manageable monthly payments so you can get back on the road without paying everything upfront.

On this page, you’ll quickly find out how they work and what to consider before choosing one.

There are several ways to pay for unexpected car repairs in the UK, from spreading the cost with finance to using savings, credit cards, or garage payment plans, each with different costs and approval requirements.

Below, you’ll find the main car repair loan options and their pros and cons.

A personal loan is money borrowed from a bank, building society, or online lender that you repay in fixed monthly instalments over an agreed term. You usually receive the full amount upfront and can use it for car repairs or other expenses.

 People needing to cover a large repair bill and who prefer structured, longer-term repayments.

A credit card lets you pay for car repairs upfront and repay the balance over time. 

Some cards offer 0% interest promotional periods, but standard rates apply once these end. Bumper recommends checking the fine print for your card before making any payments.

 Smaller repair bills or short-term borrowing when you can repay quickly.

Some garages offer their own finance or “pay later” options, allowing you to split the cost of repairs directly with the workshop. 

However, these plans aren’t always on offer and may be subject to the garage’s own terms — which may not be very favourable.

Drivers who want an in-garage solution without arranging external finance.

Specialist providers focus specifically on car repair finance (such as Bumper), allowing you to spread the cost of a repair bill into monthly payments. 

In many cases, the garage is paid directly and the customer repays the provider over time.

 Drivers facing unexpected repair costs who want a fast way to spread payments.

A car repair loan is a specific form of lending that helps pay for car maintenance or repair bills. These loans split the costs into multiple payments over a series of months, allowing you to minimise the impacts of a big surprise cost.

Usually, the amount is paid directly to the garage doing the work, and the car owner repays the loan company in monthly payments until it is complete.

Can you get a car repair loan with a bad credit score?

If you have a low credit score, it may still be possible to get help covering the cost of car repairs, but approval is never guaranteed. 

Lenders will look at your overall financial situation, including your income, existing credit commitments, and ability to make repayments, rather than just your credit score alone.

Who gives car loans for poor credit scores?

Car repair finance for bad credit is typically available through specialist lenders or providers that offer flexible eligibility checks, including some garage finance options and dedicated repair finance services. In some cases, you may also consider credit cards with lower limits or personal loans aimed at “near-prime” borrowers.

Advantages of car repair loans for low credit scores

The main advantage is that these loans may still be accessible even if you have a poor credit history, as some lenders focus more on affordability and current financial circumstances than your credit score alone. 

They can also provide fast access to funds, helping you cover urgent repair costs and get back on the road without delay, while spreading payments into manageable monthly installments.

Drawbacks of car repair loans for low credit scores

However, there are drawbacks to consider. Interest rates may be higher, credit limits can be lower, and not all providers will accept applicants with poor credit histories. 

It’s also important to ensure repayments are affordable, as missed payments could further impact your credit file.

For a more detailed breakdown of options, see our guide to 

 service is the speed of approval. Simply, apply online and choose from thousands of reliable repairers. Applications can be completed in just a few seconds.

Banks and credit unions typically charge interest on money lent, but car repair loan companies like 

Bumper makes money by charging the garage a small service charge instead. But don’t worry. This cost will never be passed on to you through inflated rates. We’re here to make the experience easier, not more stressful.

What fees are there for securing a car repair loan?

As the borrower, none! There shouldn’t be any fees to the customer to secure a car repair loan.

Here at Bumper, we charge the garage a small service charge, and that’s it. Assuming you make all the repayments on time as agreed prior to arranging credit, there are no fees to be paid with our car repair finance.

At Bumper, it couldn't be easier. Our website will guide you through the steps one by one. To get started, visit our 

The process for car repair finance is simple:

Enter your reg & postcode to search for a trusted local service partner.

Apply for up to £5,000. We don't need to know how much your bill will be.

Get an instant decison and a unique code to give to the garage.

Book an appointment with your selected service partner. When it's time to pay, give them your code and they'll set up the rest.

What information do I need to apply for a car repair loan?

If you need a loan to get your car fixed, you’ll need a few personal details.

On our website, you will be asked to provide information about your car and location. From there, we’ll present a suitable selection of local garages.

We also do a ‘soft credit check’ in order to guarantee eligibility for a car repair loan, and this will require information such as your full name, address, date of birth, and any current credit lines you have.

Do I have to provide security for a car repair loan?

No, unlike many bank loans, you don’t need to provide collateral for a car repair loan.

This means you don’t need to own your own home or car outright to get approved for a car repair loan, making the process much easier.

An option lots of people use for large purchases is a credit card. This allows you to cover the cost of large bills without needing to pay upfront, but they do have their downsides.

credit card companies offer zero interest rates

 on a fixed term, say 18 months, these are usually offers rather than permanent schemes, meaning it's very important to check and double-check what interest you'll have to pay.

After the first month, many credit card lenders charge in the region of 20% APR, with this compounding if payments are missed. If your credit score isn't perfect, this rate can skyrocket to 40 or 60%.

Bumper allows guaranteed 0%-interest repayments over a timescale that is established before the money is lent, meaning you won't get any surprises when your statement arrives next month.

As well as Bumper or using a credit card, there are a few other ways to spread the cost of car repairs, each with its own downsides and benefits.

Paypal has offered a buy now pay later option for a while, for some customers can give 4 months zero interest loans.

Whilst its platform is widely used online and in e-commerce purchases, in our experience, there aren’t many garages that will accept a PayPal scheme.

Another downside is that PayPal’s standard credit limit is £1200, which is often not enough for more serious repairs.

Klarna is a payment tool that is popular in retail stores and is available in a few garages, but this is limited by the very same points mentioned above, including a restrictive payment plan and limited availability.

A few garage chains in the UK offer a buy now, pay later service within their group, which allows customers to spread the cost.

Whilst these can be a great help, we’ve found not all branches offer the service, and as such, you need to be sure your local garage offers the service and can accommodate your vehicle in your preferred time period.

They also tend to be less flexible, requiring a fixed rate for deposits, repayment times, and amounts. This can be difficult to manage if your car repair bill is significant.

Will a car repair loan impact my credit score?

When applying for a car repair loan, we will do a soft credit check, which will not affect your credit score. Once your loan is approved, paying back the loan in time with the schedule agreed could actually improve your credit score.

how car finance affects your credit score

Can you get a repair loan with bad credit?

All loan providers will check your credit score to determine if you qualify for particular products. Bumper

s car repair loans can be a good option for those with low credit scores. However, approval will depend on the individual's circumstances.

Car Repair Loans: Loans, Finance & Plans Explained (2026)

Car Repair Loans: Everything You Need To Know

When it comes to considering a car’s lifespan, mileage is a vital metric to consider. But as straightforward as it sounds, mileage is more than just accumulated driving distance over time. There are a number of variables that can make mileage more or less of an issue. 

High mileage can also mean more unexpected maintenance and repairs. That makes mileage a key question when you’re buying a used car. In reality, you should be asking how much time you will likely have with a car that’s seen its fair share of motorways, maintenance, and repairs. 

You might have heard that a car with 200,000 miles on it is probably headed for the junkyard. That's often true. 

But what about cars that have racked up less? When does a car’s overall mileage put it into ‘high mileage’ territory, and should a big number on the odometer stop you from purchasing a used car? 

In this article we’ll look what is high mileage for a car, along with the other factors that will influence its value and likely longevity. 

Generally, high mileage on a car is anything beyond 1000 miles a month or 12,000 miles per year. Mechanics usually agree on the figure as ‘average’ car use. More than that is considered high mileage, so a three-year-old car with 40,000 miles, for example, would be in the high mileage range. 

Still, mechanics typically use the phrase 'high mileage' when a car has 100,000 miles or more on the odometer. That sort of mileage can put a lot of owners off and many cars don't come with warranty cover for more than 100,000 miles. 

But the truth is, a car’s mileage often doesn’t actually give you much practical insight into its condition. In fact, a car that’s been used regularly is often in better shape than a car that’s been used off and on, or left to sit unused for long periods. 

So, mileage is only part of the story. What you really need to know is 

. A lot can depend on the make and model, the owner’s level of care, and other factors. 

In many cases, the owner’s level of care for the car is the single most important factor in determining how the machine holds up over the years. A car that’s been well-cared-for may be good to make it to 200,000 miles or more. 

Preferably, someone selling a used car should be able to provide you with at least basic information on how it’s been maintained and information on how it was driven. Was it used for daily commuting, for business purposes, mainly for leisure trips at weekends? 

In addition to those questions, other things to look for include: 

Of course, if a car has had a number of owners, that info may be sketchy or unavailable, which takes us to the next tip. 

There's single rule for deciding if a car has too many miles, but looking at its history can give you an idea of its likely lifespan going forward. 

If you were presented with two identical cars, one with 50,000 miles on it and another with 70,000, the normal reaction would be to select option one. It has the lowest mileage so it's had less wear and tear, right? 

Maybe. What if the 50,000-mile car was previously part of an urban car-club scheme, while the 70,000-mile car was privately owned by someone who commuted from a market town to a trading estate via motorways and A-roads. Would that change your mind? 

The car-club car has probably been driven extensively in town. That puts a lot of wear and tear on a car’s clutch and brakes. When mileage is accumulated over short journeys, the engine is often cold — so oil’s ability to protect internal components is at its lowest point. A car club car also won't be treated with the same care by the people who drive it. 

A single owner is much more likely to treat their car with care and use it for longer trips on the motorway. On the motorway, you leave the clutch or the brakes mostly untouched and the engine operates at a relatively low set of revolutions, so internal components are better protected. 

You're also a lot less likely to pick up the scrapes and bumps that are a reality of city driving. Longer journeys also give a car more time to reach its optimal temperature, so your engine oil is better able to do its thing. 

A car with a small number of owners is generally a good sign. The more hands a car has passed through, the greater the chance of an unreported crash, deferred maintenance or other undesirable events. 

For this reason, single-owner cars are the holy grail every used car buyer looks for. It makes it much easier to find information about the car’s service history or know if it's been involved in a collision. 

However, here’s where you have to take the big picture into account again. What 

 of miles did the owner put on the car? Were they an aggressive driver who drove with their brakes, or more of relaxed driver who could take the daily stresses of British roads in stride? 

If you’re contemplating a used car purchase, don’t be put off by the speedometer reading alone. Do your homework and you could bag a bargain with miles of road life left to offer. 

 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.

Advice

The Different Levels of Car Service Explained

11 Common Car Repairs Drivers Need To Know

How high are auto maintenance and repair costs in the UK?

Car Repair Loans: Loans, Finance & Plans Explained (2026)

What is high mileage for a car?

How to prevent unexpected car problems

What Can Fail An MOT & What To Do Next

Will a car dealer let me finance car repairs?