Annabelle Clarke

PR Manager

Annabelle Clarke | Author

Eduardo Rodrigues

Content Writer

Claudia Tuñón

Isobel Coughlan

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

Alastair Shephard

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

Team Bumper met (for the first time in its entirety) in Lisbon last month for a week of collaborative workshops and team-bonding activities. 

In attendance, were our teams based in the UK, Spain, Germany and our development team based in Ankara, Turkey. 

The main purpose of the meet-up was to allow members of different departments to collaborate, chat and understand each other’s goals. 

During the update, teams stood to present who they were and their plans for the future. We heard from People, Engineering, Product, Sales, Risk and Compliance, Growth, and Operations. 

Before the trip, workshops were held by our People Team, to understand exactly what Bumper’s core values are; how we work together as a team, how we approach new opportunities and challenges, and how we interact with external stakeholders. 

 - We’re committed, enthusiastic and always give 110%. 

- We're inquisitive, drive change & positively disrupt. 

 - We embrace it, put our stamp on it & take pride in it. 

- We're passionate, tenacious and resilient; we get the job done 

 - We keep it real & we trust each other to do the right thing, in the right way. 

- We stay focused on the goal, avoid overcomplicating things & insist on transparency. 

One evening, we were joined by guest speaker, Alan Chambers, who discussed team motivation, how to create a winning mindset and what inspirational leadership looks like. Alan is a former Royal Marine Commando, Author, and Polar Adventurer. 

He led the first successful unsupported expedition from Canada to the North Pole by a British team. The expedition took them a whopping 672 nautical miles, through temperatures as low as -65°C. 

After seventy days out on the ice, Alan’s team planted the Union Flag on the 16th of May 2000. 

Lastly, some of the team took to the water for paddle-boarding and surfing, whilst others enjoyed a relaxing yoga session. 

For many of the team, working remotely across Europe, this was a great opportunity for them to get to know who they’re working with, face-to-face, without using a video meetings! 

“Very happy to meet every Bumpee face-to-face and spend time together. It was a great opportunity to collect unforgettable memories with each of you!”

Sumru, Talent and People partner (Turkey) 

“Glad to have met most of Bumper and had the opportunity to spend such a legendary time with each of you! I certainly enjoyed myself! A big thank you for the organisers!”

“Thank you to all organizers for this great retreat. It was great opportunity to meet all you in person. I hope to see you all again next retreat” 

“I had a blast! I had been hearing about this trip since I joined a year ago and it really surpassed my expectations big time. So proud to be part of Bumper; loved every minute of it!”

“Thank you all so much for making this retreat so amazing.” 

Bumper Lisbon 2022: Team collaboration event

By the end of the decade, open banking is set to become the dominant form of payment in car retailing. Low transaction fees and reduced exposure to fraudulent card transactions will benefit dealers greatly. 

Rather than relying on debit or credit cards issued by a third party, open banking allows customers to pay directly from their personal account into a dealer’s account. 

According to the Open Banking Implementation Entity, a standards body set up by the UK’s largest banks, the UK has seen exponential growth of open banking in recent times with 4.5 million regular users across all retail sectors and 1 million new users added every six months. 

James Jackson, CEO and co-founder of Bumper said, “Customer transactions are already being transformed by open banking across other retail sectors. Because of the high invoice values associated with automotive, we anticipate it becoming the dominant form of payment in dealerships by the end of the decade.” 

“Car buyers using open banking can make their payments online in a matter of seconds using just their bank account credentials. Also, because these payments require bank authentication within a customer’s banking app, it makes fraud significantly harder, giving a greater layer of protection to dealers. 

“While dealers offering open banking can expect to see their transaction costs halve by the removal of hefty fees associated with card payments. Other benefits include more secure digital payments, minimising dealers’ exposure to fraud, and full GDPR compliance.” 

“Open banking offers a solution that better meets the changing needs of customers looking for more convenient and smarter digital alternatives to cards.” 

“The addition of open banking further expands our suite of digital payment options, sitting alongside Pay Now and Pay Later, enabling dealers to offer customers the payment option that works best for their personal finances,” said Jackson. 

We expect dealers will offer the option of open banking for customers making large deposits, after-sales bills, GAP insurance and extended warranties. 

Starting this month, Bumper offers dealers an open banking facility, fully integrated with REALtime communications. 

To find out more, contact our sales team via 

Open banking set to be dominant form of payment in car retailing by 2030 

The Dealership of the Month for June 2022, Evans Halshaw Old Trafford, met with Bumper Account Manager, Chris, to accept their award this month.

Chris said, 'The team at Evans Halshaw Ford Old Trafford have been presented with this award for consistently utilising Bumper's PayLater within their aftersales process to support customers with any unexpected repair bills.'

'Since launching in February 2022, the team have gone from strength to strength culminating in a fantastic June with a special shout out to Dawn and Natalie who led the group for PayLaters since launch!'

Their exceptional customer experience has also been reflected in their Trustpilot reviews. One customer quoted, ‘

 was very convenient for me as it allowed me to spread the cost and it was interest-free. It was set up within minutes at the garage. Very pleased with Bumper especially the interest-free offer.'

Dealership of the Month June 2022: Evans Halshaw Old Trafford 

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

The research team at Bumper recently carried out a survey of 2,250 UK drivers over the age of 18 to find out how much they had spent on vehicle repairs in the last 12 months.

The survey found that 78% of drivers needed at least one tyre replacement over the past 12 months. The regions with the most replacements necessaries were:

 of their replacements was £121. According to National Travel Survey there are approximately 35.9 million UK license holders, which means an estimated £3.4bn has been spent on 

When asked if the cost was more or less than expected, 38% found the cost was more than expected, 41% said it was as expected, and 21% found the repairs to be less than expected. 

Bumper, CEO and Co-Founder, James Jackson said, ‘When it comes to the cost of maintaining a vehicle, our minds often just go to well-known expenses like petrol, insurance and MOTs. This research highlights the real cost to drivers is tyre replacements, highlighting that drivers in the North West need their tyres replacing more than anywhere else in the UK. 

‘It’s really important to keep an eye on your tyres to increase their longevity, by 

 and wheel alignment of your tyres, as well as by rotating tyres often. If an unexpected tyre replacement bill surprises you, you should be aware of the many different payment offers to help you manage the added expense, such as Bumper.’ 

Bumper is an interest-free payment option for repairs at garages and dealerships. Customers can apply online before their booking and get approved for up to £5,000*. 

To find out your maximum credit limit and see dependable garages in your area, enter your registration and postcode on the 

*The number of repayments, the amount of credit and the need for a deposit changes depending on the partner you choose, but it will always be interest-free! 

UK motorists collectively spend £3bn on tyre replacements 

Bumper has appointed Nick Squire as International Sales and Partnerships Manager. 

Nick will be responsible for strengthening Bumper’s position in Germany and Spain, as well as managing our expansion into further European markets. 

In his previous role, Squire headed up European and Global autoVHC programmes. With 20 years' experience in the automotive sector, starting as general sales manager at Ilkeston Co-op Motor Group, Nick is the perfect choice to lead Bumper as it takes its next steps into Europe. 

CCO and co-founder, Jack Allman, said, ‘We’re delighted to welcome Nick Squire to our fast-expanding team to spearhead Bumper’s ambitious growth plans across key European automotive retailing markets. 

‘Nick brings a wealth of experience to this new position having worked in the UK and international dealer sectors, including many of the markets we are targeting.’ 

Nick Squire said, ‘I’m delighted to be joining Bumper at the beginning of its exciting international journey and introduce new dealer products into new markets. 

‘There is a huge opportunity to grow Bumper into Europe. Having worked extensively in Germany and Spain my initial focus will be to grow sales in these markets and build partnerships with key strategic partners, OEMs and dealer groups.’ 

 is an interest-free monthly payment option for aftersales purchases. Applications are processed online in just a few clicks and customers receive an instant decision. 

To find out how Bumper can transform your aftersales department contact our sales team using the 

Bumper appoints International Sales and Partnerships Manager 

When it comes to cars, consumers have (almost) always been more enthusiastic about the unusual and exciting than simple, 

Today, all the buzz is around electric cars. Spearheaded by Tesla, they’ve become the hottest item in automotive. But as novel as EVs are, there’s more to them than how to charge the battery and how good they are for the environment. 

Ready to up your EV knowledge? Here are 21 of the best facts about electric cars to impress fellow enthusiasts. 

1. It's illegal for electric cars to be silent 

Until recently, one of the most unique things about driving an 

 was the peace and lack of noise. They hummed quietly, barely emitting a peep. 

However, In 2019, the EU mandated that all new electric and hybrid cars emit artificial noise so pedestrians and cyclists can hear them. The EV noise becomes audible at speeds of 13 mph and above. In most cases, though, the interior of an electric car remains quiet and peaceful. 

2. There are more EV charging points than petrol stations 

In April 2020, the number of public charging points for EVs exceeded the number of petrol stations in the UK. According to EDF Energy, there are more than 42,000 EV charging sites across the UK versus roughly 8,300 petrol stations, a figure that has grown smaller since. 

Electric cars use ‘regenerative’ braking, which allows them to recover energy when the vehicle slows down and sends it back into the battery. That instantly boosts EVs' energy efficiency, dramatically reducing wear and tear on mechanical braking systems and 

educing the need for new brakes, pads, and callipers over time. 

4. More and more petrol stations are setting up EV chargers 

With the explosion of interest in EVs, traditional fuel retailers have got in on the act. Brands like BP, Shell, MFG and Euro Garages all offer electric car charging stations for EV drivers, many of them located as prominently on the forecourt as the petrol and diesel pumps. No back-alley charging here! 

5. Nissan’s LEAF is Britain's most popular EV 

Since its launch in 2010, more than 400,000 

 have been sold. That makes it the most popular electric car on the planet, not just in Blighty. 

Now in its second iteration, the all-electric EV continues to be popular, and Nissan says the car has racked up over 10 billion kilometres of road time. 

 The LEAF is made in Britain for the UK and European markets. 

Always the innovator, Tesla has implemented a ‘Dog Mode’ so drivers can leave their pets in the car and be sure the interior stays cool for any pets inside. The vehicle even displays a prominent message on the centre touchscreen panel to let passers-by know that the pet is cool and safe, no matter the outside temperature. 

Have you seen green number plates recently? EVs now have their own funky trademark. If the vehicle is a pure electric model with zero CO2 tailpipe emissions, it’s eligible for a green licence plate. Hybrids and plug-in hybrids aren’t allowed these special plates, though. The vehicle must be 100% electric.

You can turn your EV into an enormous generator on wheels with the right equipment. It’s possible now to take the unused electricity in an EV battery to supply power to your home and minimise the draw on the power grid. Nissan’s LEAF comes with a LEAF-to-Home appliance that lets you use its 

 to power things like an outdoor dinner party or even a Christmas tree. 

Prince Charles recently acquired an electric Jaguar SUV, preferring the storied British nameplate over the comparable Tesla model. HRH has also reportedly installed a fast charger at his Clarence House home. 

He’s not the only member of the (extended) royal family interested in EVs. When Prince Harry married Meghan Markle in 2018, the couple arrived at the ceremony in a Jaguar E-Zero. 

10. A new electric car is registered every nine minutes in the UK 

Sales of electric vehicles in the UK have grown for eight years in a row. ONS data shows there are now 1.3 million EVs registered in the UK, with a new one being sold every nine minutes. Talk about being popular! 

11. The first EVs were created in the 1800s

That’s right! The electric vehicle isn’t as you might expect. The first electric motor is credited to Anyos Jedlik, a Hungarian engineer, in 1928. However, Scottish engineer Robert Anderson also fitted a full-size carriage with an electric motor in 1932. So, there are a few disputes about who created the electric car and when. 

12. General Motors’ EV1 cost over a billion dollars 

Produced from 1996 to 1999, EV1 by General Motors cost over one billion dollars (approx £792,230,000.00). Though it was the first purpose-designed electric car, General Motors considered it a dud. Consequently, the brand crushed all but 1,000 of the created models. 

13. 1 in every 4 UK households will switch to electric in the next five years

 that 1 in every 4 UK households intend to switch to an electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid in the next five years. Their actual statistics show that 6.5 million homes are considering the switch, equating to 24% of energy households. 

14. Only 1 in every 10 electric vehicle drivers buys the car outright

 90% of EV drivers opt for car financing rather than buying the vehicle outright. A 

of 2,000 UK-based drivers showed that 47% thought electric cars were too expensive. 

15. The five best EVs can drive from Leeds to London on one charge 

The top five EVs can travel anywhere from 100 to 200 miles on one charge (enough to take you from

 to London). However, the Tesla Model 3 has smashed this distance and can drive up to 300 miles before needing a charge. Road trip, anyone? 

16. Electric cars can accelerate faster than ICE vehicles

Thanks to instant torque (strong acceleration from a stationary position), electric vehicles can accelerate much faster than internal combustion engines (ICE). Some of the fastest electric cars can even reach 0-60 mph in less than three seconds — as fast as some major roller coasters! 

17. EVs could have wireless charging in the future

Like wireless mobile phone charging pads, electric cars have the potential to be charged by a similar mechanism. This gives engineers lots of space for innovation. From built-in road charging panels to chargers in parking spots and drive-through takeaways, this technology might revolutionise how we travel. 

As part of a drive green initiative in 2016, the 

. These lanes prioritised electric and plug-in vehicles at traffic lights, allowing a smoother driving experience. Think bus lanes, but for electric cars! 

There’s no plan to completely roll this plan out nationwide yet. But keep your eyes peeled! 

19. Electric vehicle battery costs are falling

The battery is the most expensive part of an electric car, which is why EV vehicles cost more than their non-renewable counterparts. 

However, as more people switch, battery costs are expected to drop as economies of scale kick in. The more batteries are produced, the price per battery goes down, as does the cost per EV. Nice! 

20. Breathable batteries could give up to 500 miles on a single charge

Many drivers are unsure about EVs due to their limited distance per charge. However, up-and-coming 

 could change the game. These batteries have the potential to allow up to 500 miles per charge but are in the early stages of development. Hopefully, we’ll see these on the market sometime soon! 

Electric vehicles are all about effective transportation. For example, an electric car uses approximately 80% of its battery engine’s energy to transmit electricity to the car. Petrol-powered cars only use 14 to 26% of energy, making EVS a much more efficient option. 

Fun facts about electric cars - Looking to the future

Electric vehicles are an exciting innovation that’s going nowhere anytime soon. Hopefully, these 21 good facts about electric cars have helped you impress your friends and show them the possibilities of green technology. 

 is here to help you find a trusted garage with affordable costs. 

, you can split your bill into interest-free monthly payments at 1000s of reliable 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.

 21 Facts About Electric Cars You Probably Didn’t Know

Find all the latest industry news and handiest car repair and service tips on the Bumper Blog. Want to get the Bumper view on something? Let us know and we’ll drop a blog post on it as soon as we can.