Annabelle Clarke

PR Manager

Annabelle Clarke | Author

Eduardo Rodrigues

Content Writer

Claudia Tuñón

Isobel Coughlan

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

Alastair Shephard

 is one of the inevitable costs of owning a vehicle, and is something that should not be put off. The cost to have your brake pads can vary a lot depending on the vehicle, let's find out how much it costs to replace Tesla brake pads in the UK. 

How Much Do Tesla Brake Pads Cost To Replace? 

 cost to replace the brake pads on a Tesla is between £350 - £650,

This cost will increase to around £600 - £900 if brake discs are needed too. Cars such as the dual-motor Model S, which have larger brake discs, can cost slightly more too. 

Prices vary depending on the model and location, but budget between £300 and £450 for front brake pads on your Tesla. For replacing brake discs too, expect to pay in excess of £550. 

The factors that affect brake pad replacement cost are location and the specific model of Tesla you drive. 

The cost of replacing any part including brake pads depends on a few factors, including the type and size of the brakes, and the ease of working on the particular model of car. 

Many Tesla models use the same brake parts, with the exception of the high-performance models. 

The following costs for Tesla Models are for replacing the front brake pads in a non-main dealer garage: 

, Teslas have a traditional braking system in addition to the electronic motor. This uses a brake disc, calliper and pair of pads at each wheel, operated by a hydraulic system connected to the brake pedal. 

Alongside the hydraulic braking system, Teslas use regenerative braking. This uses the electric motor to supplement the mechanical brakes. 

Regenerative braking converts the car's momentum into electrical energy by momentarily using the electric motor(s) as generators. 

Not only does this convert otherwise wasted energy into battery charge, but it also acts very efficiently as a braking system. 

Because the motors in a Tesla are quite large for a typical EV, they can convert substantial amounts of energy into electrical power, resulting in a very strong and smooth braking force. This means the brake pads don’t wear as fast as in a normal car. 

How Often Do Tesla Brake Pads Need to be Changed? 

Thanks to the effort of the regenerative braking system, 

Tesla brake pads can last for more than 100,000 miles. 

It is strongly advised though to have your brakes checked as part of your 4 year brake fluid service schedule. 

There are some reports of owners not changing their brakes for over 200,000 miles, but the brakes should be inspected periodically to avoid seizing of the callipers. 

How To Save Money On Replacing Brake Pads 

If you want to save some money on your brake pad replacement, there are a few things you can try. 

Using the brakes is almost always wasting energy, not only does this increase your energy consumption and reduce range, but it increases wear on the brake pads and discs too. Try to look further ahead when driving, and anticipate the traffic-stopping or slowing down. 

Letting off the accelerator earlier will allow you to slow down earlier, reducing the need to use the brakes, and reducing the energy consumed. 

As we’ve learnt, regenerative braking reduces the wear on your brake pads significantly, so it would make sense that the more the car uses regen braking, the less frequently you will need to pay to replace them. 

There are two settings for regenerative braking on your Tesla, Low and Standard. To set the level, Navigate using the infotainment screen to: 

Then select “Standard”, this will activate the highest level of regenerative braking available and reduce the wear on your brake pads. 

Can you Change Tesla Brake Pads Yourself? 

Some people choose to work on their cars themselves rather than taking them to a garage, as this can save you money. Whilst the brake system on a Tesla is generally the same as a normal vehicle, there are a few considerations to be taken into account if you’re considering a DIY job. 

Does a Tesla Service Include Brake Pads? 

As with most manufacturers and cars, servicing does not include consumable parts such as brake pads and tyres. 

A Tesla service is, however, a good time to have the pads inspected for wear, as the car is likely to be put on a lift during the service anyway. 

How to Find a Garage to Replace Tesla Brake Pads? 

When having work done on your car you should be able to trust the garage in both their quality of workmanship and prices. We recommend taking note of the following when looking for somewhere to repair your Tesla: 

Despite the parts cost of Teslas being higher than a typical vehicle, the modern regenerative braking technology means you won’t be replacing the brake components as often as in a normal vehicle. 

However, we still strongly recommend having your vehicle 

and inspected regularly to avoid the brakes needing work due to lack of use, especially with the road salt and water on UK roads. 

Spread Payments and Use An Approved Garage 

zero-percent interest financing on car repair payments

, from any of their many nationwide approved garages. 

, but you can spread the cost of car repairs too. 

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 Much Do Tesla Brake Pad Replacements Cost In The UK?

We're pleased to announce that our Ankara office has been awarded the prestigious 'Best Small Size Workplaces 2024' award by Great Place to Work.

The award recognises the safe and collaborative environment Bumper has always strived to create across its locations. 

What is the Best Small Size Workplaces Award?

The 'Best Small Size Workplaces' award is granted by 

 a global organisation that evaluates and recognises the best companies to work for around the world.

This award is given to companies that have demonstrated an outstanding working environment, based on trust, respect and collaboration between all team members.

To earn this recognition, award-winning companies are evaluated through anonymous employee surveys and several in-depth analyses of the workplace's practices and policies.

Achieving this recognition has been no easy task, but at Bumper we have focused our efforts on creating an environment where our team feels valued and motivated, regardless of their location.

In 2023 we achieved Great Place to Work UK and Great Place to Work Turkey certifications for our offices in London, Sheffield and Turkey, but we wanted to go further!

This year our commitment was reflected through the 'Best Small Size Workplaces' thanks to the consistency in our values. Some of the key factors that helped us achieve this recognition include:

Receiving the 'Best Small Size Workplaces 2024' award is validation that we are on the right track. This award not only distinguishes us as a leading company in creating positive workplaces but also drives us to continue to improve and adapt to the needs of our team.

In addition, this achievement has a positive impact on our reputation and helps us attract and retain high-quality talent. According to Great Place to Work studies, recognised companies tend to outperform in their industry. 

A positive work environment can increase productivity by up to 20% and reduce staff turnover by 41%, which is a great benefit to both our employees and our customers.

We are extremely proud of our Ankara office for receiving the 'Best Small Size Workplaces 2024' award. This achievement would not be possible without the effort and dedication of our hard-working and committed staff.

Bumper's Turkey Office Awarded 'Best Small Workplace' Award

Nuestra oficina en Ankara logra el 'Best Small Size Workplaces 2024'

Thurlow Nunn Luton has been crowned Bumper’s Dealership of the Month for May 2024. 

The Vauxhall site had an incredible month in May helping lots of drivers to split the cost of their repairs into interest-free monthly instalments. 

Thurlow Nunn joined the Bumper network back in 2015 and has been a committed Bumper partner; empowering drivers with flexible payment options on their repairs for almost a decade. 

The Luton-based team have integrated Bumper into their everyday process by using the Bumper plug-in on their dealer management system, Pinewood, and introducing flexible payment options early in the customer journey via their bookings team at their contact centre. 

On Trustpilot, customers expressed their approval of the Thurlow Nunn and Bumper partnership. 

One Luton customer said, “It was very much appreciated when Thurlow Nunn offered to spread the cost of my service at no extra cost”. 

Another impressed customer said, “What can I say? A great way to spread the cost of service. Just give them your details and they do the rest. 

“The service team at Thurlow Nunn complete the process, take your payment details and it’s done. It was so easy I had to double-check it had been completed”. 

Bumper Business Development Consultant for East England, Darren Gloster, visited the site to hand over their award. 

Darren said, “Congratulations to the team at Thurlow Nunn Vauxhall Luton. They’re one of our longest-standing partners on the network and this shows in their approach to interest-free monthly payments; truly recognising the importance of accommodating every need of every customer.”

Well done on your much-deserved win, team Luton! 

Thurlow Nunn Luton Awarded Dealer of the Month 

With nearly 10% of all cars on the road in 2023 being 

, it’s safe to say they are one of the fastest-growing motor trends. 

One question many have, though, is if hybrid cars cost more to maintain and run. We’ll answer all your questions in this article about hybrid 

Why Are Hybrid Cars More Expensive To Buy? 

As well as containing all the usual engine and drivetrain parts found in a petrol car, the addition of an electric motor, 

 and associated components adds to the cost. These extra components also use large amounts of expensive metals such as copper, lithium and platinum. 

Furthermore, as demand for electric cars and batteries for other devices increases, the price of these materials also increases, adding to the already high cost of purchase. 

No, hybrid cars cost no more per year to maintain than a typical petrol or diesel car. 

 is relatively maintenance-free, the batteries do not need topping up with fluid like old-style car batteries, and the motors are typically sealed for life. 

They do still need the same level of maintenance and 

How Much Do Hybrid Cars Cost to Maintain? 

Usually, hybrid cars cost around the same as a petrol or diesel car to maintain, the biggest cost factor is the brand and type of car, here are some indicative costs for maintaining your hybrid: 

Hybrid cars are very similar to regular internal combustion engine cars other than that they have an extra battery and motor to provide power, which means that their maintenance is also quite similar 

, Toyota even gives a 10 year or 150,000 mile warranty on most of its hybrid range. That said, hybrid motors and their batteries don’t need any maintenance during their lifespan. 

The brakes on a hybrid vehicle actually work less than a traditional car, as regen braking reduces some of the load on the normal braking system. The brakes still need replacing though, both 

Another system that still needs maintenance is the

, which should be replaced at the interval as specified by the manufacturer. 

Engine oil changes on hybrid vehicles are to be done at roughly the same intervals as petrol and diesel cars, typically around 10,000 miles. 

Like most modern engines, hybrids typically require fully synthetic oil that provides good lubrication with less degradation over time and heat. 

Rotating your tyres periodically is recommended to prolong the life of them, typically the front tyres wear faster than the rear as they do most of the braking. Hybrid vehicles are slightly more harsh on tyres as they tend to be heavier, but not by a noticeable amount. 

Rotating your tyres should be done in accordance with your vehicle's manual, typically around the 6,000 mile mark. 

The main selling point of many hybrid vehicles is 

, MPG figures around 60 miles to the gallon are not uncommon with modern hybrid vehicles, and this can offset the higher purchase cost. 

Depending on how much and what type of driving you do, the improvement over a traditional petrol or diesel car could be enough to justify the higher purchase price. 

Typically if you buy a new hybrid outright, it will be difficult to save money overall. This can change though, depending on your driving needs and ownership type. 

On average a driver in the UK covers 7,400 miles per year, with that being a mixture of motorway and city driving for most. As an example we’ll take a look at the 2023 Toyota Corolla, as that is available in both petrol and petrol-hybrid versions. This is assuming a fuel cost of £1.50 per litre. 

As you can see, the savings across just one year are significant, with the petrol hybrid engine costing over £420 less to fuel. However, with the purchase price of the hybrid car being over £8,000 more, it would take 20 years for the 

This example is based on an average number of miles per year, if you drive more than this, or drive a lot in the city where hybrid vehicles are more efficient, the breakeven point may be sooner. Many cars, especially hybrids are bought through workplace leasing schemes, which can work out much cheaper, more on this later. 

Whilst fuel efficiency might not achieve as much cost savings as you might expect, there are other benefits of hybrid vehicles, such as lower tax rates. Depending on the car, this could save an additional £300 per year 

Hybrid cars caused a big stir when they first came onto the market, and they have only gained in popularity, so what makes them so great? 

For long journeys, using the internal combustion engine, with its quickly filled fuel tank, removes the restraints imposed by the limited battery capacity and charging rates of an 

Conversely, having a petrol or diesel engine idling whilst sitting in traffic is very inefficient, an electric motor only uses energy when the car is moving, making hybrids great for city driving. 

Some hybrid vehicles also allow electric-only driving, combined with a plug-in hybrid system this can remove the need to fill up with petrol or diesel at all, at least when used on shorter journeys, such as a sub-20 mile commute. 

In April 2020 the government introduced the Salary Sacrifice Scheme for electric and hybrid vehicles. In short, these schemes allow you to pay for a lease on a new hybrid car before tax, effectively saving between 20% and 40% on the monthly cost. 

These schemes are not available on petrol or diesel vehicles, plus you need to be an employee of a company willing to participate. 

As we’ve seen hybrid cars can be a good bit more expensive to buy, due to the extra complexity and materials cost. In general, the hybrid version of a car is 20 - 40% more expensive than the petrol. 

Residual values are not as strong as petrol or diesel cars once the vehicle reaches 6-8 years old. This is because most manufacturers guarantee their batteries for 10 years, and secondhand buyers are wary of this. 

The MPG figures quoted above are combined, meaning they are a mix of city and motorway miles. The former is where hybrids shine, but longer journeys are not their forte. 

If the car is cruising at a constant speed for a long time without regenerative braking, the batteries will deplete, once they aren’t able to contribute much power to the wheels, the car becomes an extra heavy internal combustion engine car, reducing its efficiency significantly. 

As with all battery technology, the capacity reduces over time and eventually the lithium batteries will need to be replaced. For example, a battery for a 10 year old Toyota Prius will typically cost between £1800 - £3,000. 

For more information on hybrid battery replacement, check out

Even though hybrids and EV’s have been around for years now, some garages and mechanics are still wary of working on them. As the batteries are relatively high voltage and capable of supplying an extremely high current, care does have to be taken. 

This therefore means garages specialising in hybrids typically charge slightly more per hour, pushing up the cost of general maintenance and repairs. 

Now we’ve discussed the ins and outs of hybrid ownership, it’s clear they are not perfect for everyone, with some situations making lots of financial sense, and some being less efficient than traditional diesel or petrol cars. 

Whichever fuel type suits your needs best, be sure to consider 

 for zero-interest financing on car repairs from one of their many approved garages, giving you peace of mind and more flexibility with large repair bills. 

Are Hybrid Cars High Maintenance? 

We've all heard of Robin Hood and his adventures in Sherwood Forest, right? At Bumper we tried to recreate that amazing experience a week ago at our corporate retreat. 

This event was not only an opportunity to disconnect and enjoy nature but also to get to know each other a little better. Read on to hear about our incredible adventure. 

This year, we set out to do something special by bringing together our teams from across Europe in one place, and what better than Center Parcs in the heart of Sherwood Forest? With its rich history and breathtaking scenery, it was the perfect setting for our team-building activities. 

The day started with an outdoor problem-solving expedition through the forest where teams had to pass various tests, including tests of dexterity, riddle solving and physical challenges. Typical of our British weather, it rained from the outset! 

Throughout the stay, we also had the opportunity to enjoy other outdoor activities that helped us to disconnect from the day-to-day: 

This retreat was a unique opportunity for all of us who were able to attend. 

The team-building activities not only helped us to develop collaborative skills but also helped us to build trust and get to know each other a little better. 

We also shared laughs and experiences during dinner, where we had the opportunity to participate in a charity raffle. The generous contributions of colleagues, family and friends, raised a massive £1,400 for the Ukraine crisis appeal. 

The Bumper Awards celebration, where the work and efforts of colleagues were recognised, rounded off the evening.

In such a relaxed and natural environment, the conversations flowed easily and many creative ideas emerged that we hope to implement in our future projects. 

In a dynamic and ever-changing industry, these events are essential in encouraging colleague collaboration. 

Our retreat at Sherwood Forest was more than just a getaway. It was an experience that allowed us to grow as a team and as individuals. We all returned home with a renewed sense of energy. 

We look forward to the next retreat and the new adventures that await us!

Bumper in Sherwood Forest: An unforgettable retreat

Catalytic converter theft is a growing problem across the UK, and as 

 increase in popularity (which are a target for cat theft), the problem isn’t likely to disappear anytime soon. 

With nearly 100 thefts per day being reported across the UK, what can you do to protect your catalytic converter from being stolen? Scroll down to learn the top 4 ways to prevent catalytic converter theft. 

, the catalytic converter uses precious metals such as Platinum, Palladium, and Rhodium to convert the more harmful emissions into less harmful gases and water vapour. 

What Does A Catalytic Converter Look Like?

From underneath, the catalytic converter looks very similar to any other part of the 

, a slightly larger box than the main pipe, that is usually located underneath the car, just behind the front wheels. 

Whilst the actual converter is a relatively small box (usually around the size of a shoe box) a replacement one usually comes with a section of exhaust, including things like exhaust mounts and other silencer boxes. 

Why Are Catalytic Converters Being Stolen? 

Catalytic converters are stolen for the precious metals, platinum, palladium, and rhodium that are inside them. Even though they are under the car, and welded into the exhaust system, thieves can steal one with nothing more than a car jack and power tool in less than 5 minutes. 

Hybrid vehicles, with their engines turning on and off regularly, use catalytic converters with higher precious metal content than regular vehicles, to keep the harmful 

. This means cars such as Toyota Prius see the worst levels of cat theft. 

How to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft 

, particularly a hybrid or Japanese brand such as Toyota or Honda, it would be a good idea to take some steps to prevent your catalytic converter from being stolen. 

Catalytic converter thefts happen when parked, so parking strategically is the best way to prevent the theft. 

4. Be Aware and Report Any Suspicious Activity 

Does Insurance Cover A Catalytic Converter Theft? 

 will cover the theft of your catalytic converter. This will usually apply if you have either comprehensive or third-party fire and theft. Be sure to check with your insurer for your specific car and area though. 

How to Claim on Your Insurance For a Stolen Catalytic Converter 

As soon as you find out your catalytic converter has been stolen, you should phone your insurer to make a claim. This ensures there are no delays in getting the coverage to pay for the repair, but you may be entitled to recovery or expenses to get home due to the theft. 

As well as your insurer, also phone the police to report the theft, this will be useful when discussing the insurance claim later on, as you will have a crime reference number to refer to. 

What Happens If Your Catalytic Converter Is Removed? 

If your catalytic converter has been stolen, you’ll need to get the car towed to a garage to have it replaced. The converter forms part of the exhaust system, and without it, the car will be extremely loud, and run poorly and exhaust fumes will enter the cabin whilst driving. 

Does Not Having a Catalytic Converter Damage Your Car? 

Not always, your car will still drive as normal without the catalytic converter, but if any part of the exhaust is hanging down, catching this on the floor or a speed bump could cause major damage. 

It’s also extremely likely you’ll get 

 on the dash, poor performance, and an extremely loud exhaust noise. 

We’d recommend not driving your car if the cat has been stolen unless you’re 100% sure the rest of the exhaust is still secure. 

Some cars have their catalytic converters intentionally removed, e.g. racing cars, but these are not suitable for road use, and the cat is replaced by a piece of pipe, retaining the exhaust's purpose of routing the fumes to the rear of the car. 

How Much Does Replacing A Catalytic Converter Cost? 

If your catalytic converter has been stolen, expect to pay between £600 - £1,200 to have it replaced. 

Not only are the converters themselves expensive due to the exotic materials used inside, but many cars have them built into a larger exhaust section that adds to the cost. 

Labour times to replace a catalytic converter are usually minimal, most cars only require one hour of labour to change, but lead times on replacement parts may be up to a week. 

Other Costs Of Catalytic Converter Theft 

Whilst the new part plus fitting will set you back a hefty chunk of money, there may well be more costs involved. As we’ve discussed, you shouldn’t drive a car that has had its catalytic converter stolen, so you’ll likely need to pay for a recovery truck too. 

Depending on the type of policy you have, claiming for the cost back through your insurance may also affect your no-claims discount, causing your premiums to rise. 

What To Do If Your Catalytic Converter Has Been Stolen 

If you return to your car to find that your catalytic converter has been stolen, follow these steps for the easiest solution: 

Call the non-emergency number to file a report, describing what has happened, when and where the car was parked, and more. This step is not necessarily for the recovery of the stolen converter, but to bolster any insurance claim you may want to make. 

If you or your car is in a dangerous situation, let the operator know during the call. 

 will cover catalytic converter theft, and as such you should ask them to start a claim. Another reason for calling immediately, though, is that you may have breakdown or recovery cover included in your policy. 

This could save you money on recovering the vehicle, and calling to report the theft straight away is always recommended to help the claims process along. 

Depending on the outcome of the insurance and police phone calls, it may now be up to you to get your car somewhere it can be repaired. Whilst on the phone to your insurer, check what garage you should take the car to. 

Arrange for a tow truck or recovery vehicle to collect the car, Google is the best tool to search for local service providers, so make sure to get an estimate of the cost before committing. 

Signs Your Catalytic Converter Has Been Stolen 

If you’re worried your catalytic converter has been stolen and you don’t fancy getting under your car to have a look, there are a few symptoms you can try to spot. 

This is the biggest indicator, your car will now be 

 when the engine is running and will get louder when you rev the engine or drive. This is because the exhaust gases are now no longer passing through the silencers as they should. 

Whilst there isn’t a dedicated light for catalytic converter issues on most cars, the lack of this section of your exhaust is likely to cause an Engine 

 on the dash, as the exhaust sensors will be reporting very different values to normal. 

Have a look under the car, if you can see open-ended pipes hanging down from the underside of the car, that’s where your catalytic converter should be. 

There may also be some damage to the underside of the car, caused by the thieves' power tools, but this won’t be easy to see without jacking the car up. 

If you’re having to foot the bill of your catalytic converter theft on your own, 

 can help. We offer zero-percent interest financing on car repairs, carried out at our many approved 

 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.

How To Stop Your Catalytic Converter Being Stolen

 are extremely popular at the minute, with many people valuing the fuel efficiency of an 

 combined with the range and convenience of an internal combustion engine. 

But as with any car, problems can arise. So what are some of the common problems found in hybrids? We take a look at the top 7 below. 