Annabelle Clarke

PR Manager

Annabelle Clarke | Author

Eduardo Rodrigues

Content Writer

Claudia Tuñón

Isobel Coughlan

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

Alastair Shephard

These days, most Brits can’t imagine driving without car sensors. The average cost of a car sensor repair is £76.

From monitoring engine performance to helping you park, car sensors ensure your vehicle operates at its best. But when one fails, it can cause performance issues or even an MOT failure. 

Here’s what you need to know about car sensor repair costs and when it’s time to get them checked.

The average car sensor repair cost sits at £76. However, this figure isn’t always reliable. It doesn’t take into account the type of sensor you need. 

The cost of repairing or replacing a sensor can vary dramatically depending on the type of sensor and even the make of your car.

Here’s a breakdown of average car sensor repair costs in the UK:

 to split repairs into interest-free repayments with Bumper.

Some makes and models are more expensive to repair due to labour costs or complex sensor design. 

Below are average car sensor repair quotes by vehicle make in the UK:

Most car sensor repairs or replacements take between 30 minutes and two hours.

Simple jobs, like replacing a parking or oxygen sensor, are usually completed within an hour. 

However, more complex sensors, such as those linked to the engine control unit (ECU), may require diagnostic testing and calibration, thereby extending repair time.

Car sensors are designed to last several years, often 

, depending on the sensor type and driving conditions. 

However, as with any car part, exposure to dirt, water, and vibration can shorten their lifespan. 

Regular servicing helps identify faulty sensors early before they cause major issues. Don’t forget to book your car in!

Car sensors measure various aspects of your vehicle’s performance, including temperature, pressure, distance, and airflow. 

They send real-time data to the car’s ECU, which adjusts systems like fuel injection, braking, and even parking assistance. 

When a sensor malfunctions, your car may trigger a warning light or perform less efficiently. If you notice poor driving performance, you should always check your car or get a professional opinion.

Modern cars contain dozens of sensors, each serving a specific purpose. Knowing which sensor needs to be replaced helps you predict a more accurate repair cost.

When a sensor begins to fail, your vehicle will usually give you a few hints. 

Sure, it’s not pleasant to notice your car is acting differently. But if you notice any of the signs below, don’t dig your head in the sand! For your safety and wallet, get your car checked.

How can you tell if a parking sensor is bad?

If your parking sensor is faulty, you may notice a constant beep or no beep at all.

You may also see an error message on your dashboard. Some vehicles show a visual alert when the system can’t detect one or more sensors. 

You can test by gently cleaning the parking sensors, as dirt and grime are common culprits. You’ll find the sensors near your car’s bumper. Or schedule a diagnostic scan performed by a garage.

What causes car parking sensors to break?

Parking sensors are exposed to the elements, as they sit on your car’s bumper.

Some car sensors can be reset manually, while others need diagnostic tools. So, first you need to identify which sensor is faulty. 

Common reset methods include disconnecting the battery for 10–15 minutes for simple systems, using onboard settings in the infotainment menu, or having a professional diagnostic reset performed at a garage using OBD equipment. 

Always check your owner’s manual before attempting a reset, as incorrect handling can cause further faults.

A faulty parking or temperature sensor might only affect convenience, while a brake or MAF sensor could impact performance and safety.

If a warning light is on, it’s best to get the issue checked promptly to avoid further damage or MOT failure.

While they can be easy to forget when driving, car sensors are vital for safety. However, they do wear out over time. Knowing the average car sensor repair costs and common signs of failure can help you act early and avoid bigger bills later.

Avoid big car sensor repair bills by using a Bumper 

 to split the cost into manageable repayments.

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

Car Sensor Repair Costs in the UK

Are you topping up your oil more frequently? It might be a sign that your car is burning oil faster than usual. 

Typical car burning oil repair costs go from £100 for simple fixes, right up to £800 to £2,000+ for major engine work.

There are a few common reasons behind excess oil usage, and we’ll explain these and the potential costs for your car in the article below. 

How much does it cost to repair a car that’s burning oil?

Fixing a car that’s burning oil can be a quick, inexpensive job under £200 for UK drivers.

However, it could also be a few hundred pounds for worn seals or gaskets, or a serious, pricier engine repair costing £800 to over £2,000.

 to spit the costs into interest-free repayments. 

Here are the common issues and respective costs associated with this problem: 

Factors that affect repair burning oil costs

Depending on which part is damaged, car burning oil repair costs vary. 

There are simple fixes like seals or gaskets that are cheap, but there could also be internal engine work that needs to be done. 

Key factors that influence the price include:

How long does a car burning oil repair take?

This repair can take between 1 hour and several days. If it’s a simple fix like a leaking seal, that’s going to take a short amount of time. 

If your car's burning oil repair is a bigger one, like replacing parts of the engine, it can take a few working days. 

When a car is burning oil, it signals that something inside the engine isn’t working or sealing as it should. 

Piston rings wear out because they seal the gap between the pistons and cylinders. 

If this is the case, blue smoke will appear when turning the car on.

In older engines, valves can crack due to wear and allow oil to drip out.

PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valves could also be the culprit. This is an engine pressure problem causing oil to go into the wrong places.

High-mileage engines can have worn cylinder walls, which allows oil to pass into the combustion chamber. This is a serious repair and often costly.

As engines age, internal components loosen and seals lose efficiency, making oil burning more likely.

Oil that’s too thin can slip past seals more easily. Always use the grade recommended for your vehicle to keep the engine healthy.

Sometimes, people think that burning oil is normal and to be expected with age and usage, but it can also be a very serious car problem. 

Here’s a quick checklist of reasons for burning oil:

Typical burning oil repairs and what they involve

Your mechanic may suggest one of the following repairs:

The PCV system may need the valve or hoses replaced. This helps control oil pressure and prevents excess oil from entering the engine.

Worn valve seals allow oil to leak into the combustion chamber. This repair involves removing parts from the top of the engine and fitting new seals to stop the leaks.

If the pistons or piston rings are worn, the engine may need to be opened to replace them. 

This is a labour-intensive repair, but essential for restoring proper compression and stopping oil burning.

In turbocharged cars, worn turbo seals can cause oil to enter the intake. Rebuilding or replacing the turbo restores proper function and prevents oil burning.

Older cars often suffer from hardened or cracked gaskets. Replacing them ensures a proper seal and stops oil leaks that can lead to burning.

Suspect that your car is burning too much oil? Here are some signs to look out for:

Is it worth fixing a car that is burning oil?

Yes, a car that is only burning oil is worth fixing. If only a gasket or seal needs to be changed, then it’s worth fixing.

On the other hand, if you have an old engine and a car that is not worth a lot, it might not be worth it. A mechanic can help you decide.

Ways to prevent your car from burning oil

It’s better to prevent your car from burning oil up instead of making fixes down the road. 

Here’s what you can do to prevent issues:

Can you drive if your car is burning oil?

Yes, you can drive your car if it’s burning oil. However, it’s not recommended.

You need to keep the oil topped up to avoid running the engine dry, which can cause serious damage. 

Driving without addressing the issue risks further engine wear and more expensive repairs, so it’s best to get it checked as soon as possible.

Burning oil’s impact on MOT and emissions

Burning oil will impact both your MOT and emission output. 

Excessive oil burning often produces blue smoke from the exhaust, which can cause an MOT failure.

Light oil burning might not fail the test, but it will still increase emissions and should be addressed promptly.

Yes, even light oil burning will damage the engine eventually, as it wears the engine out. Even low oil burns cause extra heat inside the engine and can lead to the engine seizing.

Burning oil is a common problem, especially for older cars. Still, this doesn’t mean the end of your car's life cycle. 

Most of these fixes are quick and easy to book. Don’t put them off or you might face significant repairs down the road!

No matter the cause of your car’s oil problem, you can use a Bumper 

 to split the repair fees into interest-free repayments.

Car Burning Oil Repair Costs - How & Why

On many diesel cars made after 2015, manufacturers fitted AdBlue systems to reduce harmful exhaust emissions. Whilst they are very effective at reducing pollution, on aging cars or those that are not looked after well, these systems can sometimes cause issues. 

In this article, we’ll take a look at how much repairing an AdBlue system typically costs, from basic diagnostics to full replacement parts. 

How much does it cost to repair an AdBlue system?

Prices to repair AdBlue systems range from around £75 for a diagnostic test or software update, to over £2,000 if you need to replace the catalytic converter, pump or other complex parts of the system.

In some cases, a software update, forced regen or code clear can solve an AdBlue fault. Independent garages typically charge £75-150 for this, whereas a dealer may charge more.

If you need to replace the AdBlue pump or catalytic converter, expect to pay upwards of £1,000 for parts and labour. 

Expecting a large repair bill? Repair your car’s AdBlue system with Bumper's interest-free 

AdBlue is used as part of the SCR (Selective Catalyst Reduction) system in certain diesel cars. This system works in addition to the regular diesel particulate filters to further reduce harmful emissions.

The AdBlue is injected into the SCR catalytic converter, and sparks a chemical reaction that breaks down harmful nitrogen oxides into water and harmless nitrogen gas.

In order for the SCR process to function, a chemical reaction must occur. AdBlue fluid contributes ammonia to this chemical reaction in the form of synthesised urea. This reaction transforms nitrogen oxides into water and nitrogen.

Without the AdBlue fluid, the SCR system cannot function correctly. 

What happens if I don’t fill up with AdBlue?

A malfunctioning SCR system, due to either a lack of AdBlue or a fault, will no longer convert the harmful emissions; your car’s ECU will detect this and give various warnings and alerts. 

If you completely run out, many modern cars will enter limp mode to help reduce the volume of emissions, and even refuse to start once the engine has been turned off.

Alongside this, running your car without sufficient AdBlue can cause problems with the injector, pump or SCR catalyst - all things that are expensive to repair.

AdBlue consumption depends on the car you have and the type of driving you do. Some manufacturers suggest 3-5% of your diesel consumption, which roughly translates to 1.5 - 3L of AdBlue per 1,000 miles. 

If your car is using much more or less than this amount, that may be an indicator that something is wrong. Most garages, especially independent specialists and dealerships, will be able to scan the car for fault codes in this instance.

No, you should not drive your car with an AdBlue fault. 

In fact, many modern cars prevent you from starting the engine if there is a serious AdBlue fault. In others, the car will go into “limp mode” which is a reduced performance mode. It is not safe to drive in limp mode.

If you’re worried about expensive repairs, anything from AdBlue issues to bodywork, Bumper can help spread out the cost with easy 

. Apply online and choose from 1000s of approved garages.

 has been writing about cars for over eight years and writing for Bumper for over three, 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 cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.

AdBlue system repair cost (2025 UK Prices)

Brake binding not only affects how well your brakes work but also your car's efficiency. If you notice one of your brakes is binding, or it has shown up on an MOT, we'll explain all the costs involved in repairing it.

How much does it cost to repair a binding brake?

Repairing a brake that’s binding, or a seized calliper, can cost anywhere from £50 to £450, depending on the cause. 

If stripping and re-greasing the calliper is all that’s needed, expect to pay between £50 - £100 in labour time.

Sometimes, a new calliper is required. These can cost upwards of £400, depending on the make and model of car. Other costs, such as new pads and discs, can add to that, too.

To get help with your brake repair costs, consider using Bumper's 

 to spread out the payments with zero-per cent interest payments. 

Brakes get pretty hot even in moderate usage, and they are also subject to lots of road dirt, water and grime. These things, combined with age, can cause the sliding parts of the brake calliper to dry up and start to stick, rather than slide smoothly. 

Brake callipers are generally designed with one part bolted to the hub, and the other part mounted on a slider pin. This allows the calliper to move in and out as the brakes are used, and reduces wear on the pads.

A rubber boot is mounted to each pin that retains the grease needed to ensure smooth movement. Over time, these boots can deteriorate and split, allowing the grease to escape and dirt to enter the cylinder. 

How to tell if a brake is binding on your car

It’s not always easy to tell if a brake is binding. If you suspect a brake to be binding, check for one or more of the following:

How to fix a brake that is binding or seized

The repair needed will depend on the amount of time the brake has been binding and how badly the calliper is seized. 

Sometimes, the calliper can simply be freed off, the slider pins cleaned and re-greased, and the problem will be solved. However, if the brake has been left to get excessively hot, the pads, disc and calliper may be damaged too.

Damaged brake pads often have discolouration around the edges, typically reddish or white, depending on the type of pad. If you can feel a vibrating or juddering from the brake in use, it’s possible the disc is warped too. 

An overheated calliper is likely to need replacing too, as the seals will no longer be effective and it will probably need to be fully disassembled and rebuilt - something that isn’t usually done at a garage.

No, a binding brake will cause uneven and unpredictable braking, as well as have the potential to cause further damage to the brake pads, discs and wheel bearing.

 through hundreds of approved, nationwide garages. To get started, check out where your nearest participating repair garage is on o

Brake Binding Repair Cost

The condition of a car’s bodywork can make a huge difference to its overall appearance and value; a few small dents or scratches can make a new luxury look neglected and unloved. 

However, with some bodywork jobs being labour-intensive to get right, many people are apprehensive about sending their car in for bodywork repair. In this article, we’ll give a rundown of how much you should expect to pay for car bodywork repair.

Like many car repair jobs, the type of car and extent of damage are the biggest factors in how much it costs. Often, the largest portion of a bodywork repair bill is labour time, as preparation is key to ensuring a good paint finish. 

Facing an expensive bodywork repair? Split the cost with Bumper's 

Scratches in just the outer layer of the paint (known as the clear coat) can be fixed for as little as £50 in some cases, but the larger the scratch, the more expensive it will be. A handy way of telling if a scratch has gone through the clear coat is if it can be felt with a fingernail.

Scratches that have cut deeper than the clearcoat will need sanding and new colour applying. This can cost anywhere from £150 to £350+.

Small dents that don’t require paint repair can cost between £75 to £250, assuming they’re not too deep or close to a panel edge.

Large dents that need mechanical repair and paint repair can cost between £200 to £500, depending on the size and location of the dent, and the paint type.

If your car has significant damage on a panel that can be removed, such as a door, wing, bonnet or boot lid, it can be easier to replace the panel entirely instead of repairing bad dents or scratches.

Brand new replacement panels can cost anywhere from £600 - £1,800, including new paint and fitting. 

If a secondhand panel can be found, from a breaker, for example, it can reduce the cost to between £150 - £600, depending on whether the colour can be matched.

Bumpers often take the brunt of small scrapes and dents from parking and such; thankfully, they are designed to absorb a small amount of impact without cracking or denting. 

Repairing a scratch on a bumper typically costs between £75 - £350, depending on the type and depth of the damage. 

If you need to replace your bumper because the damage is significant, expect to pay at least £900 for a new panel and paintwork

Light scratches and bodywork damage can sometimes be repaired at home. It will be incredibly difficult to get the repair to blend in seamlessly with the rest of the paintwork, but it can improve the appearance of the car if done correctly.

Touching in scratches and scuffs can typically take a couple of days to do properly, and you’ll need plenty of supplies such as sandpaper, various types of paint, and a clean, dry area to work. 

Damage to paint, scuffs, scratches and light dents shouldn’t affect your ability to drive your car at all. However, if there are serious dents or any sharp edges created, you should not drive the vehicle.

Because the bodywork and bumpers of a modern car also provide strength and impact absorption, you should get any major damage checked over by a mechanic to make sure the safety of the vehicle is not compromised. 

From paint scratches to major dent removal and panel replacement, one of Bumper's nationwide approved garages will be able to help. What’s more is you can then spread the cost into interest-free payments with our 

Bodywork Repair Cost 2025 (UK Prices)

A body control module repair cost sits between £150 and £300 in the UK. 

The body control module (BCM) is a computer that controls many of your car’s electronic functions, from lights to central locking. 

When it fails, it can cause multiple electrical issues, which is why understanding repair costs is important. Learn more about average costs and what to expect below.

How much is a body control module repair cost in the UK?

On average, repairing a faulty BCM in the UK costs between £150 and £300, depending on the module type and the complexity of the fault. 

If a replacement is required instead of a repair, costs can rise significantly, often reaching £300 to £900 for more complex cars.

Several factors affect the cost of a BCM repair, such as:

No matter the cause of your BCM failure, you can use 

 to split the cost into interest-free instalments.

Yes. Many specialists can repair BCMs rather than replace them entirely. 

Overall, repairing a BCM can be much cheaper than buying a new module and avoids the need for lengthy reprogramming.

How long does body control module repair take?

Repair times vary depending on the fault, but most BCM repairs take 1 to 3 days.

Simple component repairs may be completed in a few hours, while more complex issues involving programming or testing can take longer. 

What causes body control module failures?

BCM failures can happen for a range of reasons:

These issues can prevent the BCM from communicating properly with other vehicle systems, leading to erratic behaviour or complete failure of certain functions. 

If left unaddressed, minor faults can escalate, potentially causing more expensive repairs or multiple electronic malfunctions.

Can water damage cause a body control module failure?

Yes. Water or moisture entering the BCM can corrode the internal circuitry or connectors, preventing it from working properly.

Even small amounts of water can cause intermittent faults. These can even lead to erratic electronics or complete failure of systems controlled by the module.

Preventing leaks and keeping the BCM area dry is key to avoiding this type of damage. So, if there’s excess water, head straight to the garage!

Common signs your body control module is failing

Like many car problems, BCM failures come with a range of signs, and depending on the symptoms, it might be tough to know the BCM is the cause.

If your BCM is failing, you might notice one or more of the following:

Is it worth repairing a faulty body control module?

In most cases, yes. It’s worth repairing a faulty BCM.

If your vehicle is in good condition and the BCM is the only issue, repairing it is more cost-effective than a full replacement. 

However, if your car has multiple electrical problems or is nearing the end of its life, replacement may not be worth the investment. 

A car’s BCM is usually located inside the cabin, often under the dashboard, behind the glove box, or near the steering column.

In some vehicles, it may be in the engine bay, as this position keeps it protected from moisture and heat.

While these are the most common positions, the BCM location can vary by make and model, but it’s always placed to allow easy access to wiring for the systems it controls. 

If you can't find it, don't worry! Your mechanic or dealership can locate the BCM.

Can you drive with a faulty body control module?

In many cases, the car can still be driven, but some functions may fail, such as lights, central locking, or indicators. 

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