Annabelle Clarke

PR Manager

Annabelle Clarke | Author

Eduardo Rodrigues

Content Writer

Claudia Tuñón

Isobel Coughlan

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

Alastair Shephard

Your car's exhaust not only reduces the sound of the engine, but also carries harmful fumes to the back of the vehicle instead of allowing them to enter the cabin. If your exhaust is damaged, you should get it fixed as soon as possible. 

But how much does an exhaust silencer cost to fix? This article will explain all. 

How much does it cost to repair an exhaust silencer?

Exhaust repair costs range from £30 for a simple repair to over £600 for a replacement part, depending on the car and type of garage.

Sometimes a patch or clamp is all that's needed, in which case a mechanic could have you back on the road in under an hour, with a bill of around £30 - £50.

In some cases, a new part is required, such as a back-box or centre silencer; these can range from £220 to over £500, including fitting.

There are a number of issues that could crop up at an MOT, particularly if the exhaust is leaking gases:

The term “exhaust” generally refers to a number of different parts that attach to one another. Whilst not all cars will have all of these parts, the following list includes most of the parts you need to know about:

Split your exhaust silencer replacement cost with 

 from Bumper. Choose from 1000s of reliable repairers across the country to split your bill with. Apply online and find a garage on our network today.

 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.

Exhaust Silencer Repair Cost

Kia, Jaguar, Peugeot – if car manufacturers love one thing, it's a good logo redesign. But with so much change underway in the motor industry, it can be tough to stay on top. 

Why not test your car brand knowledge with our free online car brand logo quiz? Get started below!

How many of these car brand logos do you know?

When your car suddenly starts squeaking, rattling, or making any other unusual engine noises, it’s usually a sign that something’s off. The good news is that strange car noises are often early warning signs, which means a timely intervention could save you from expensive repairs.

Let’s walk through nine common car noises, what might be causing them, and what to do next.

1. Why is my car making a noise when I turn?

If you hear clicking, knocking, or a grinding noise while turning your car, it’s often linked to issues with your CV joint, power steering system, or suspension components.

What should I do about a noise when turning?

If you hear clicking, knocking, or whining when turning, avoid driving long distances until it’s inspected. Check your power steering fluid level if you can, as low fluid can cause whining sounds. Clicking or clunking often points to worn CV joints or suspension parts, so have a mechanic look at it promptly to avoid further damage.

How much does suspension repair cost in the UK?

2. Why is my car making a rattling noise?

If your car is making a rattling sound while driving (or even idling), it usually means something under the bonnet or near the exhaust system is loose or worn out.

What should I do about a rattling noise in my car?

Check under the car when it’s cool for any visibly loose heat shields or exhaust parts. If the rattle gets louder while idling or driving, book a mechanic appointment soon. Rattles can be harmless, but they can also point to failing exhaust mounts or catalytic converter issues that need attention.

How much does it cost to replace an exhaust?

Ticking noises are usually an early sign of issues with your engine’s lubrication system of valve components. You might notice the ticking more when the engine is cold, or after the car’s been sitting for a while. While some ticking noises can be harmless, others can lead to performance issues or even severe damage if left unresolved. So, what causes ticking sounds in a car?

What should I do about a ticking noise in my car?

Start by checking your engine oil level and condition. If the oil is low or dirty, top it up or change it to see if that helps. If it continues, don’t ignore it – have a professional mechanic check it out. 

50% of UK drivers delay repairs due to cost

, and many end up paying the price with bigger, more expensive problems down the line. 

4. Why is my car making a squeaking noise?

If your car makes a squeaking sound when braking, accelerating, or starting up, it’s usually down to something worn, loose, or under stress.

What should I do about a squeaking noise in my car?

Start by checking the likely causes: brake pads, the serpentine belt, and the clutch if you drive a manual. If the brake pads look thin or worn, replace them as soon as possible. 

If the squeak happens on cold starts or when you accelerate, have the serpentine belt inspected for wear or tension. And if you hear it while changing gears, get the clutch checked. A quick visit to a mechanic can confirm the issue and prevent bigger problems later.

5. Why is my car making a whistling noise?

A whistling noise while driving usually means air is escaping from part of your engine, often through a cracked hose, vacuum leak, or damaged seal. The sound can be high-pitched and may get louder when accelerating or idling. This is one of those noises that’s easy to overlook, but it could be masking a much bigger problem with your engine’s air-fuel mixture.

What should I do about a whistling noise in my car?

Check for any obvious leaks in vacuum hoses or the intake system and listen carefully when the engine is idling. If you suspect a loose or damaged hose, avoid driving long distances until a mechanic inspects it, as air leaks can affect performance and fuel economy.

If one of these car noises turns into a real issue, don’t panic about the bill. With Bumper’s interest-free 

, you can avoid a lump-sum payment and handle the cost like a pro. It’s a smarter alternative to a traditional car repair loan, with no interest and no stress. 

6. Why is my car making a knocking noise from the engine?

If you hear a knocking or thudding noise from your engine, especially when accelerating, there might be some abnormal combustion or worn internal components.

What should I do about a knocking noise from the engine?

Stop driving if the knocking is loud or persistent, as it could signal serious engine damage. Check your car’s oil level and fuel quality, then book a professional inspection as soon as possible. Engine knocks can quickly worsen if left untreated. 

7. Why is my car making a scraping noise when driving or braking?

A scraping or grinding sound (especially when slowing down or turning) usually means some friction between parts of your car. It’s a noise you should never ignore, as it’s often linked to your car’s braking systems or wheels. You might notice the noise gets worse when you press the brake pedal or drive at low speeds. 

Avoid driving until you find the cause. Check for debris around the wheels and look for signs of worn brake pads. If the noise persists or braking feels weaker, get your car to a mechanic immediately, as braking issues can be dangerous.

8. Why does my car backfire when accelerating?

during acceleration, this could be a backfire caused by fuel igniting outside the combustion chamber. While it sounds dramatic, it’s often down to a simple issue that can be easily corrected.

What should I do if my car backfires when accelerating?

Check your fuel quality and make sure your car isn’t overdue for a service. Backfiring often points to ignition or fuel system issues, so arrange a professional inspection quickly to prevent damage to your exhaust or engine.

9. Why does my car vibrate while driving?

If your car feels like it’s vibrating or buzzing at higher speeds, it’s usually a sign that something’s misaligned in the wheels, drivetrain, or suspension. These vibration noises often start small and build gradually over time. You might notice them in the steering wheel, through your seat, or even under your feet. 

What should I do if my car vibrates while driving?

Slow down and pull over if the vibration feels severe or the car is hard to control. Check your tyres for visible damage or low pressure, then book a wheel alignment or mechanical check to diagnose any worn suspension or drivetrain parts.

Fix now, pay later with flexible car repair finance

If you’re hearing something suspicious, don’t wait until it becomes a major repair. With Bumper’s 

 option, you can split the cost of your fix into interest-free monthly payments, without the pressure of a lump-sum bill. Apply online in seconds, or directly through one of 5,000+ trusted garages and dealerships across the UK. Start now!

Some car noises are perfectly normal and nothing to worry about. These include the hum of tyres on the road, a soft whoosh from the air vents, the gentle sound of the engine idling, and the clicking of indicators. Occasional brake squeaks in wet weather or a faint fan belt sound during a cold start can also be normal. However, if noises become louder, persistent, or unusual, it may be a sign of a developing problem that needs attention.

A healthy engine should run smoothly with a consistent, steady hum. It’s normal to hear a quiet ticking as fuel injectors work, a low growl when accelerating, or a gentle whirring from belts and pulleys. These sounds indicate that components are operating as they should. Loud knocking, rattling, grinding, or high-pitched squealing, however, are not normal engine noises and are usually caused by an issue that needs a mechanic’s inspection.

9 car noises to look out for (and what to do)

Whether it’s a tiny chip from a passing lorry or a long crack creeping across your screen, you’ve probably got one question on your mind when it comes to repairing a windscreen: 

The good news is, repairing a chipped windscreen is usually fast, simple, and far cheaper than a full replacement. Here’s your handy guide to windscreen chip repair costs, what affects the price, and how to make your next visit to the garage a little more bearable with Bumper. 

How much does it cost to repair a chipped windscreen?

In the UK, repairing a chipped windscreen typically costs £40–£70. The exact amount depends on the size and position of the chip, the type of vehicle, and your garage’s rates.

Smaller chips, especially ones that haven’t spread, can often be fixed quickly and affordably. But leave it too long, and that small chip could develop into a full crack, leading to a 

How do professionals repair windshield chips? 

Most professional windscreen chip repairs take less than 30 minutes if the chip is small, shallow, and hasn’t started to spread. 

How much does a cracked windscreen repair cost?

If your chip has turned into a crack, the cost increases quite a bit. Replacing a cracked windscreen in the UK can cost between 

Why is a cracked windscreen more expensive?

Replacing a cracked windscreen costs more than a simple chip repair because modern car windscreens are far more advanced than they used to be – often integrated with high-tech features that require specialist parts and extra labour, including: 

These need to be carefully removed, replaced, and recalibrated when the windscreen is changed. The result? More time in the workshop, higher part costs, and sometimes even specialist tools or software to reset the tech. Expect replacement costs for these kinds of windscreens to reach anywhere up to £1,000.

Windscreen repairs are becoming more frequent and more expensive. 

According to insights from insurance firm Allianz

, the average windscreen claim in 2024 reached £327, up from £308 in 2022 – a £19 increase in just two years!

And it’s not just individual claim costs going up; the volume of claims is increasing too. More drivers are reporting windscreen issues and needing repairs, particularly for small chips, which rose 4% in 2023 compared to the previous year. Full windscreen replacements saw an even sharper increase, up 13% year-on-year.

One of the key drivers? These modern, new-fangled windscreens! 

Claims for heated windscreens alone increased by 21% between 2021 and 2023. The rise of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)-equipped vehicles is also pushing costs higher. In 2016, just 1% of windscreen claims involved ADAS recalibration. In 2023, that number jumped to 44% (that’s nearly half!). As these systems become more common, repairs require precise recalibration of sensors and cameras to make sure the road safety features work properly.

Can you repair a stone chip in a heated windscreen?

Yes, you can repair a stone chip in a heated windscreen, but it might be slightly trickier. Heated windscreens contain ultra-thin heating wires embedded between layers of glass. These wires are designed to defrost your windscreen quickly in cold weather. If a chip or crack forms near or over these elements, it can be trickier to repair without damaging the heating system. That being said, a repair is usually possible if the chip is small, hasn’t spread, and if the heating elements aren’t visibly damaged. 

Your garage may recommend replacing a heated windscreen if: 

Ford’s original heated windscreen tech – dubbed “Quickclear” in the UK – first appeared in the 1980s Granada Scorpio, using a barely visible mesh of wires to clear frost in under three minutes. It’s now a staple feature on many mainstream models, though replacing one can still cost significantly more than a standard screen.

Windscreen chips are typically caused by sudden impacts from small, hard objects that have enough force to displace the glass they hit. Here’s a more detailed breakdown: 

Harsh UK weather (e.g. hail, heavy rain, and grit spread during winter) can lead to sudden impact or gradual wear on your windscreen. Winter driving increases the risk of a chip, especially on rural or poorly maintained roads. 

One of the most common causes of windscreen chips is loose stones or grit kicked up by other vehicles’ tyres, especially lorries and vans. These stones hit windscreens at high speeds and cause immediate impact damage to the glass.

Over time, windscreen glass becomes more vulnerable to damage. Older windscreens may have developed tiny surface cracks or weakened areas due to natural wear, making them far more likely to chip when hit with even small debris.

Faulty or worn suspension components can indirectly damage your windscreen due to increased vibrations or harsh jolts when driving over potholes or speed bumps. Over time, these can weaken the windscreen structure or turn a small chip into a larger crack.

How soon should I repair my windshield chip?

You should repair a windscreen chip as soon as you spot it. Chips can spread fast, especially with temperature changes or when driving over potholes. Not sure whether the chip needs repairing or replacing entirely? Here are some signs it might be too late for a repair:

What happens if you delay a windscreen chip repair?

If you leave your windshield repair too late, you risk the damage getting worse and making it much harder to legally drive on the road:

Get your windscreen chip repaired easily with Bumper 

A chipped windscreen repair cost is annoying, but it doesn’t have to be expensive or stressful. Get it looked at early, compare costs at your local garages, and pay your way with Bumper’s 

. We partner with over 5,000 trusted garages and dealerships across the UK to help drivers spread the cost of vehicle repairs into simple, interest-free, monthly payments – even something as small as a windscreen chip repair costs! Applying takes minutes and doesn’t affect your credit score. Get back on the road today without breaking the bank – 

Yes, repairing a windscreen chip is absolutely worth it. A small chip can usually be fixed for £40-£70. If left untreated, it can crack and require a full windscreen replacement, which can cost up to £400, especially on modern vehicles.

Can I get a windscreen chip repaired for free?

You might be able to get a windscreen chip repair for free with comprehensive car insurance. Some policies cover chip repairs without affecting your no-claims bonus, usually with an approved repairer. Always check for excess charges, any annual limits, and whether your garage is part of your insurer’s network.

Is it okay to drive with a chipped windscreen? 

It’s legal to drive with a chipped windscreen in some cases, but it’s not always safe. Driving with a damaged windscreen can: 

Windscreen chip repair cost guide

Listers Audi Birmingham has been named the latest site to win Bumper’s Dealership of the Month following a training session, encouraging the team to be proactive in offering Bumper and maximise every opportunity. 

The Midlands site has used PayLater to empower customers to make essential repairs to their vehicles since 2018. 

To build the confidence of service advisors across the division, Listers Audi arranged an internal training session with Group Trainer, Chris Kitson. 

Focusing on how to talk about the interest-free monthly payment option with customers, the training day empowered advisors with new tools to better engage customers. 

Ed Sanders, Aftersales Manager, shared some encouraging results. 

“We've seen a noticeable uplift in recovery rates, red work sold, and parts sold per throughput – a real positive for us as a dealer,” said Sanders. 

“The training has given the relatively new team a fresh perspective, and it's been great to see their growing confidence when it comes to presenting and selling.” 

With over a 100% increase in PayLaters this month, Listers Audi Birmingham has been able to make a real impact to their local community, keeping their customers’ vehicles safe on the road. 

Tom Cox, Listers Brand Director, said, “Great results so soon after the training, well done to Ed and the whole team at Audi Birmingham for your engagement and commitment.” 

Steve Tapp, Service Manager, said, “In May, we took a proactive step to enhance the way we present Bumper’s monthly payment options to our customers. Recognising the importance of clear, transparent finance solutions, we retrained all of our staff across both Audi and Skoda.

“Previously, Bumper was often introduced only as a backup solution during objection handling. Following the training, we have now embedded Bumper into the core of our service process. The bookings team are discussing the benefits of Bumper at the time the booking is taken, in addition to the advisors presenting the option upfront at the point of the Vehicle Health Check, ensuring that customers are made fully aware of flexible monthly payment options from the very beginning. 

“This change means our customers benefit from complete clarity and choice when it comes to maintaining their vehicle, while our teams are empowered to offer a more professional, consistent, and customer-focused experience.” 

This impact has already started to show in their customer feedback, with a 4.9 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot. 

One customer said, “The Service was really good. It was a warm welcome. Dealing with Reece was great.” 

“The whole Bumper finance experience was excellent and extremely user-friendly,” said another. 

Congratulations to Ross, George, Amy, Reece, Jake, Ed, Steve, and the whole team at Listers Audi Birmingham on your win! 

New team at Listers Audi Birmingham win Dealer of the Month following Bumper training day

After a house, a car is likely to be one of the biggest purchases you make, so there’s plenty to consider: what model to buy, whether to finance or buy outright, and even 

It may not seem like a big deal, but depending on the type of car you’re looking for, the time of year can make a considerable difference in the price and availability of the model you want. In this article, we’ll go through just when is the right time to buy a car. 

It’s worth noting first off that there may not be a “best time” to buy; it could be your hand is forced by an unexpected repair bill, or even worse, an accident. It could also be that all of a sudden you need to carry an extra person, or a pet! 

So don’t feel too disappointed if you need to buy outside of the ideal time. Everything we discuss here is in an ideal world, where your vehicular needs and cash flow can allow the freedom to decide. 

That said, car prices do fluctuate throughout the year, especially on certain types of models, so it’s always worth planning ahead. 

If you’re on the hunt for a brand new car from a dealer, you can try a couple of different tactics, both revolving around the financial calendar. 

In the lead-up to a new model being released, dealerships will be keen to clear old stock out and make space for the newer model. This could be if a new version of the same model, or even if a similar model is launched, that replaces the old one. 

Manufacturers will typically give a rough estimate of when new cars will be available in showrooms, but you may need to call the dealer ahead of time to get a more accurate timeframe for when the new cars will be arriving.

The tax year runs from the 6th of April to the 5th of April the following year. Businesses close their accounts at the end of this financial year, and a drive to increase sales generally picks up around then.

This can mean dealerships might be slightly more accepting of an offer or two around this period, in order to clinch the sale. 

In a similar way to the previous point, salespeople and dealerships often have sales targets that reset each financial quarter. This puts late March, late June, late September and late December as optimum times to visit.

Around when a new registration is released

In the UK, car registrations are dated, in the current format - that has been in use since 2001 - the 3rd and 4th numbers designate the date, e.g. YR25 OLJ is a car registered between March and September 2025. 

Lots of people prefer to have the latest registration. This generally means a spike in sales around March and September. For people who don’t mind having the latest reg number, this could mean a better price.

This is because A - Dealers may be likely to want older plated cars off their forecourt before the new ones come out, and B - They may also be willing to let those same cars go at a lower price 

the new ones are released, due to a lower demand.

Buying a used car can save you thousands; even a car 3-4 years old can be up to 60% cheaper than new. Older cars can be an even bigger bargain, and if you time it right, you may be able to save even more.

For a lot of people, Christmas is an expensive time of year, with loads of things to pay for. That’s why car sales have historically been slow around December and January.

If you’re fortunate enough to be able to buy around Christmas time, you may find an offer on a used (or new for that matter) car is more likely to be accepted.

For your run of the mill hatchbacks, estates and SUVs, there’s no real correlation between demand and time of year, for open top sports cars, however, the weather and season can play a big part.

If you’re looking for a little 2-seater convertible, being able to plan ahead and buy one during winter or autumn could save you a pretty penny. Sellers will still want or need to get rid of cars during these times, but they’ll have much less haggling power if less people are looking to buy!

The opposite is true for cars that people tend to want in winter, 4x4s for snow, and rugged estate cars that don’t mind getting muddy, salty and generally beaten about, aren’t really on buyers' minds during the height of summer.

Buy performance cars at the start of the month

If you’re looking for a performance car, or even just a slightly older car, the VED (road tax) can be a considerable cost, with some rates over £700 per year. Factoring this in when timing your purchase could save you a tank of fuel's worth of cash. Because VED isn't transferable and you can only buy in full calendar months, you’ll need to tax the car from the moment you buy it. If this happens a few days before the end of the month, you’ll still get charged for that whole month.

Buy just after the start of the month, however, and you’ll get a full month's driving from that first payment. The same can be said for selling a car, or taking it off the road - do so nearing the end of a calendar month.

Sell your old car rather than trading it in

When trading in or part-exchanging your old car for a new one, the dealer needs to account for all their costs when calculating the amount they’ll pay. They’ll need to valet it, store it, and of course, add a profit margin. 

This means you won’t get as much for your car as if you sold it privately before the new purchase sites like Autotrader and eBay can be good for getting the best value for your old car. 

 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.

When is the Best Time to Buy a Car?

Petrol and diesel cars have been firmly in the crosshairs of environmental legislation in recent years, thanks to the large amount of pollution they pump into the atmosphere, and the limited supply of fossil fuels they use to do so.

Synthetic fuels may pose a solution to both these points, all without needing extensive modifications to existing vehicles. But what exactly are synthetic fuels, how are they made, and are they the answer to the impending 2030 petrol and diesel ban?

Synthetic fuel, also known as e-Fuel, is an alternative to petrol or diesel, but instead of being a refined version of the oil found naturally in the Earth's crust, it's a man-made fuel, produced through complex and innovative processes.

You may have heard of synthetic oil for use in your engine, as they are commonly specified for use in modern vehicles; however, synthetic fuel doesn’t follow quite the same method. Whereas synthetic engine oil starts with crude oil, the constituent parts of synthetic fuels are all extracted in a renewable way, and even the energy used comes from renewable methods such as solar and wind.

At the most basic level, synthetic fuels are a blend of carbon and hydrogen to form a liquid hydrocarbon fuel. Almost all fuels we use are hydrocarbons, from natural gas to diesel.

Hydrogen is gathered by extracting it from plain old water, in a process called electrolysis. Whilst it sounds relatively simple, this takes large amounts of energy to do. The other ingredient, carbon, is ideally captured from the large amounts of carbon dioxide in the air, but can also come from processed biomatter. 

Once collected, the hydrogen and carbon are combined and refined into petrol or diesel, depending on the materials used and processing involved.

Yes, the main selling point of eFuels is that they work as direct replacements for fossil-based petrol and diesel. The reliability, economy and performance would be matched by way of additives, just as synthetic engine oils are made.

An alternative to fossil fuels has been a priority for many years, due to both their polluting nature and the finite quantity of crude oil needed to produce them. Thanks to the way e-fuel is made, it is a CO2-neutral process, meaning it does not add CO2 to the atmosphere in the same way burning fossil fuels does. 

This means we can limit the effect our cars have on the environment, and add another option for those not yet ready or able to switch to electric. The prospect of synthetic fuels is so promising that an exemption to the EU 2035 petrol car ban was added.

One of the companies leading the way in synthetic fuel development is Porsche, most likely because the bulk of their business and prestige is from high-performance sports cars such as the 911, and they are famous for their incredible engines.

Whilst they do still emit CO2 into the atmosphere when burnt in an engine, eFuels are made by capturing carbon dioxide out of the air, meaning their carbon emissions are effectively neutralised.

However, one aspect that is not cleaner is the nitrogen oxide emissions; in some cases these have been found to be higher than when using conventional petrol fuel, the same can be said for carbon monoxide and ammonia.

What are the downsides of synthetic fuels?

Synthetic fuels aren’t widely used currently due to both cost and availability. The largest plant in the world in Chile is predicted to output around 55 million litres of eFuel in 2025, which sounds good until you learn that the UK alone uses around 17 billion litres of petrol. 

Because of this scarcity, the price is also very expensive, and with the amount of energy needed to produce it, it's not likely to come down to a price near that of normal fuels in the next few years. 

Another downside, especially when compared to electric vehicles, is the emissions that are still released when burned. As we discussed above, the NOx and carbon monoxide levels can actually be higher in some cases. This, coupled with the carbon dioxide emissions, means eFuelled vehicles will still need to be controlled in cities and large towns. 

Will synthetic fuels replace EVs and Hybrids?

Time will tell, but looking at the figures, it seems unlikely, at least for the majority of drivers. What may well happen is that synthetic fuels become available for those wanting to use older performance or vintage cars.

For the masses, though, eFuels will simply be too expensive to justify; hopefully, the cost of purchase and charging infrastructure of EVs will improve before the 2030 deadline. 

Synthetic Fuels Explained

How well do you think you know the signs on UK roads? Let's face it, no matter your driving experience, there's bound to be a few gaps in your Highway Code knowledge. Test your skill level with our free online road signs quiz.

And there you have it, our road sign quiz! How did you do? Are you ready to get back on the road, or should you book in for a Highway Code refresher course? Pass the quiz to a friend to see if they can beat your score. Thanks for playing!

QUIZ: How many of these road signs do you know?

Hora del reto: ¿Cuántas de estas señales de tráfico conoces?

Quiz: Wie viele dieser Verkehrsschilder kennen Sie?

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.