Annabelle Clarke

PR Manager

Annabelle Clarke | Author

Eduardo Rodrigues

Content Writer

Claudia Tuñón

Isobel Coughlan

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

Alastair Shephard

We've all done things we're not proud of behind the wheel – road-raging at other drivers, playing music too loudly, accelerating when we see the amber light. 

But not all bad driving habits are made equal. Some are particularly worse than others.

When one anonymous X (formerly Twitter) user took to the platform to confess their driving sins, they could be forgiven for thinking it was a habit everybody shared.

But unfortunately, it didn't go down the way they'd planned, as other users responded with absolute disgust.

Posted by @fesshole, an account sharing anonymous confessions on various topics, the motorist admitted to a driving habit so gross not even the strongest amongst us could stomach it.

I used to have a strange addiction”, the user began. They then explained how they “used to wipe my earwax on the underside of my driver's seat in my car.”

The user then confessed how they'd sold this waxy vehicle to another unsuspecting driver: “It got to a bad point actually, so if you're driving around in a 56-plate VW Golf covered in earwax then I personally apologise.”

Well, at least they've apologised to the new owner!

Some Twitter users, understandably, found this disgusting. One said, “This grosses me out." While another replied simply, “I hate”.

Other users seemed to see the funny side, with one user commenting, “The real test drive isn’t on the road—it’s the immune system of whoever bought that car.” Another said, “Volkswaxen golf”. 

However you see this confession one thing is for sure, if you're the owner of a 56-plate VW Golf, you'd better check under your seats.

Motorist admits to gross driving habit

Whether you're letting your imagination run wild or standing on a piece left on the living room floor, everybody loves a bit of LEGO – right?

But imagine if you could step into your very own showroom and select your favourite car made completely out of these colourful little bricks.

Well, now you can! We've used AI to turn the most popular cars on UK roads into marvellous LEGO creations.

Ready for a tour of our showroom? Step inside…

What would our cars look like made out of LEGO?

You’ve just passed your MOT — hooray! 

But what’s this? A list of MOT advisories? 

MOT advisories are small or potential future problems that should be checked as soon as possible. 

In this article, we’ll explain how to navigate MOT advisories, how long you have to fix them, how to stay safe, and other frequently asked questions. 

MOT advisories highlight potential issues or minor problems identified during your car’s MOT test. 

While they don’t pose an immediate safety risk, they could develop into more serious issues over time. Addressing advisories promptly is essential to maintaining your vehicle’s safety and preventing 

MOT advisories are given to inform owners about upcoming maintenance needs. This helps 

ensures road safety, and helps you prepare for future inspections. 

MOT advisories alert drivers to potential issues that, while not immediate safety concerns, may require attention in the future. 

 highlight severe defects that demand instant repair to comply with road safety standards and legal frameworks.

The critical difference between MOT advisories and failures lies in the level of danger and the urgency of action needed. Don’t take advisories too lightly, though. You must still get these checked out quickly.

Yes, MOT advisories are an important element of maintaining your vehicle’s safety and overall performance. 

While they’re not as urgent as MOT failures, they highlight potential danger in the future and may worsen over time if you don’t address them. 

and don’t fix it, the rust may spread to other parts of the car and weaken its structure. This will lead to a future MOT failure.

Ignoring MOT advisories won’t just lead to a bad MOT test. It can also result in breakdowns, higher repair costs, or even road accidents. So, it’s vital that you make repairs as needed.

Alongside preventing future issues, keeping on top of MOT advisories improves your car’s performance. 

When your car is in good condition, it delivers a smoother drive, 

 and less wear and tear from daily usage.

Plus, a well-maintained car has a higher resale value. So, if you plan to sell your car in the future, you should keep it in tip-top condition.

How long do I have to fix an MOT advisory?

MOT advisories don’t come with strict deadlines. They offer guidance on what to fix rather than safety concerns with deadlines.

However, it’s best practice to fix them as soon as possible. This will make your car safer and less likely to get worse.

Leaving an MOT advisory can lead to higher repair costs, future MOT failures, and an unsafe car. 

Most will worsen over time, so you should address them quickly while there’s no specific repair deadline. This is vital for your safety and will save you time and money in the long run.

Some MOT advisories are more common than others. Here are the ones UK drivers are most likely to see:

with MOT advisories can be a reasonable idea, but only if you know what to look for. 

Advisories show that the vehicle has problems that may become major issues. This can cost you time, money, and safety.

Don’t assume that a car is road-safe just because someone’s selling it. Always ask to see the car’s log book, check MOT details and ask for a professional opinion before you buy.

Other tips for buying a car with MOT advisories include:

Checking a car's MOT history helps uncover past issues, such as failed tests or recurring advisories. 

It can also verify the car's maintenance and repair history, ensuring you're making an informed decision and avoiding unexpected costs or safety risks.

Here's a quick step-by-step guide to checking a car's MOT history:

As long as you address them in good time, MOT advisories aren’t anything to worry about! 

However, this is your reminder not to put them off. Leaving them can lead to safety and performance issues, and you’ll have to spend a chunk of cash fixing larger problems. 

MOT advisory repairs and failure costs can set you back. However, Bumper’s here to help you navigate these frustrating expenses.

split the cost of MOT advisories and failure costs

 into manageable, interest-free monthly payments with Bumper.

Everything You Need to About MOT Advisories

Congratulations to LSH Auto Mercedes-Benz Stockport for being named the latest winner of Bumper’s Dealership of the Month. 

The team uses Bumper’s PayLater to split the cost of customers’ service and repair bills into monthly payments. 

Operations Manager for LSH Auto Stockport, Andrew King, noted how useful the interest-free monthly payment option was for keeping drivers safe on the road. 

He said, ‘Bumper is a great tool in assisting us to deliver a brilliant customer experience. Bumper is especially useful during the Christmas period when a customer's priorities may lie elsewhere and helps alleviate any anxieties about covering the bill.’ 

LSH Auto recently launched PayNow, allowing customers to make one-off payments remotely from their own device. 

Andrew said, ‘We find PayNow to be an incredibly useful tool, as it streamlines our checkout process with customers.’ 

The group also plan to implement the Bumper integration in Tjekvik’s self-service kiosks, allowing customers to pay by Bumper when they check-in. 

Congratulations to Andrew, Matthew, James, Joel and the whole team at LSH Auto Mercedes-Benz Stockport. 

LSH Mercedes-Benz Stockport win Dealership of the Month

Sniffling, sneezing and suffering from a nasty cold? If you’re like most people, you’ll probably reach for some over-the-counter relief. 

While those tiny pills and syrups might soothe your symptoms, they could also steer you straight into legal trouble if you get behind the wheel.

Experts warned that certain cold and flu medicines can turn you from a responsible driver into an offender.

Certain medications for flu or cold can cause drowsiness, slower reaction times, or even dizziness. But even if they don’t impair your ability to drive, it is illegal to drive with certain drugs in your system in the UK.

The consequences for dangerous driving are very serious: you can face an unlimited fine, a year-long driving ban, up to six months in prison and a criminal record.

If you feel drowsy or anything different from normal, read the side effects of the medicine you’ve taken and avoid driving.

Experts urged drivers to be careful and take the medicine you’ve been prescribed, follow the doctor’s advice on how to take the medicine, and stick to the prescribed dosage.

We all lead busy lives, and sometimes it may seem inconvenient to be unwell. However, driving under the influence of drugs is extremely serious and can have life-altering consequences.

Even if you are used to taking a particular medication and believe it doesn't impact your driving, if you are stopped by the police or involved in an accident, and the medication carries a warning against driving, you could still face charges.

Drivers warned to check bottle of popular cold and flu medication

You can say goodbye to frozen car locks and doors with this simple solution.

As winter tightens its icy grip, frozen car door locks and door seals can quickly become a frustrating issue. Water can seep into the key slot or weather stripping around your door, freezing solid and making it impossible to gain entry. 

While brute force or warm water may seem like quick fixes, these methods risk damaging your car's mechanisms or worsening the problem.

Fortunately, there is a simple solution that can keep you from being caught out in the cold.

For those without electronic key fobs, experts suggest water-resistant silicone lubricant inside the key slot where the mechanical key is placed to unlock the car.

Water-resistant silicone lubricant creates a protective, non-stick barrier. It is designed to repel moisture and prevent water from seeping into small spaces and freezing.

When sprayed into a car door lock, the lubricant coats the inner mechanisms, creating a waterproof shield that stops ice from forming and ensuring that your lock remains operational even when in serious cold.

Applying this magical spray is incredibly simple.

First of all you need to make sure that the product you’re using is labelled as ‘water-resistant silicone lubricant’ and is safe for use on metal and rubber components.

Then, insert the straw nozzle of the lubricant spray into the lock’s keyhole. Don’t over-spray! A brief two-second spray is usually sufficient.

Slide your car key in and out of the lock several times to ensure the lubricant spreads evenly across the internal mechanisms.

Use a clean cloth to remove any overspray around the lock to prevent mess or residue.

Beyond the locks, another common winter woe is finding the entire car door frozen shut. This occurs when water enters the weather stripping (the rubber seal lining the inside edge of your car door) and freezes.

The expert said that the spray can help with that, too, and here’s what you should do.

Lightly spray the silicone onto a clean cloth or directly onto the weather stripping.

If using a cloth, wipe it around the entire weather-stripping area to cover it entirely. However, if you’re spraying directly, spray a thin, even layer directly onto the rubber, but be careful not to overspray onto glass or paint.

This should be enough to protect the weather stripping for the season, but you may need to reapply after heavy cleaning or exposure to harsh conditions.

Lastly, the expert warned about the weather conditions when applying the lubricant.

If you decide to try this, make sure to do it on a dry day when temperatures are above freezing to allow the lubricant to adhere effectively.

Revealed: Hack to prevent frozen car doors and locks this winter

Many UK drivers don’t consider common MOT scams when booking their car for the annual test. However, knowing the signs is critical for saving time and money. 

In this blog, we’re gathered the top seven MOT scams and strategies to avoid them to ensure your next test goes without a hitch. Let’s get into it.

7 Common MOT Scams UK Drivers Should Know

 a few bad actors use common MOT scams to take advantage of unsuspecting drivers. 

The best way to avoid MOT scams is to know the signs of deception. Here are seven tricks you should be aware of.

1. Not Performing the Test Well (Or At All)

First, we’ll start with an outright criminal scam — not performing the test correctly or at all.

Some garages charge ‘bargain’ MOT prices much lower than the standard cost. This might seem great initially, but low costs mean the mechanics will either rush the test, miss out on checks, or, in some cases, not perform the MOT.

Remember, MOTs are there to ensure your car's safety—not just for a certificate. Plus, if the garage is caught, 

, and you might face a fine or points on your licence.

So, if the fee looks too good to be true, it might be a sign to stay away!

Next is unfair failure, one of the most common MOT scams. This happens when the

For example, an untrustworthy garage might replace your bulbs with broken ones or damage your wipers. Experienced mechanics know how to do this quickly and subtly. 

They’ll then charge you for these repairs, even if you know they weren’t broken before arriving at the garage.

Fake MOT certificates are one of the worst frauds on the list, as these are easy to fake and can land you in trouble if you don't realise the garage has handed you an unofficial document. 

Since 2011, MOT certificates are no longer official documents but simple papers (VT20/VT30) that are easy to fake. The real MOT record is stored online on a government database. 

 or getting a test, never rely on a paper 'certificate' provided by the seller. 

Instead, get the vehicle identification number (VIN) and test number from the VT20/VT30 document, and then use the official MOT checker to verify it. This ensures the MOT is genuine and avoids potential fraud.

While there are legitimate costs for parts and labour, some garages exploit this by inflating prices or exaggerating the time needed for repairs.

Always ask for a detailed breakdown of costs, compare quotes from multiple garages, and consider getting a second opinion if a price seems unusually high.

test meters to show falsely high pollution levels, pressuring you into paying for unnecessary repairs. This scam often targets drivers who may not be familiar with vehicle emissions standards.

and engine. Use a trusted garage with good reviews, and if you suspect bad behaviour, get a second opinion or retest elsewhere.

Poor garages may also exaggerate small issues as serious faults, leading to you paying more for repairs you don’t need. A key example of this is 

To confirm accuracy, check your advisory notes carefully and compare them with MOT test standards. It’s also helpful to know whether your car has any minor faults before arriving at the garage, this way, you have a better understanding of any

If you leave the vehicle at a test centre for repairs and it’s retested within ten working days,

Some garages do not tell you about the free retest option, which can lead to paying unnecessarily for another full MOT test.

To avoid this, know your rights—drivers are entitled to a free partial retest at the same garage for most failed items. Always ask for this retest if your car fails, and ensure repairs are completed promptly to meet the 10-day window.

Alongside knowing the common MOT scams, there are a few tips and tricks you can use to ensure high-quality service. These include:

as soon as possible. This will save other drivers from falling for scams.

Avoiding MOT scams comes down to staying informed and vigilant. Hopefully, this blog has given you a helpful starting point to protect yourself and your vehicle when your next test rolls around. 

Split the cost of MOT payments with Bumper

MOT costs and last-minute repairs can set you back. But that’s where Bumper comes in. 

You can split the cost of MOTs and service plans into manageable, interest-free monthly payments with Bumper.

Find out more about our MOT service plans here 

How to Avoid MOT Scams in the UK

We're please to announce Bumper has secured a £2 million investment from 

This is the first investment from London-based Salica and follows funding earlier this year from Suzuki Global Investments and Marubeni Ventures.

The additional funding comes at an important time for the business as it marks the millionth customer using its digital payment platform and its first acquisition, with the recent purchase of AutoBI, the provider of business intelligence tools for car retailers. 

Bumper has also been recognised as one of the fastest growing European startups in 2024 in the newly published 

James Jackson, Co-Founder and CEO, said: “Attracting high-profile investors of the calibre of Salicia Investments vindicates our approach to delivering a seamless digital payments platform for dealers in the UK and across Europe. 

“This year Bumper will facilitate £300m worth of car repairs, with one million customers having now used our services to fund over £0.7bn worth of aftersales bills. Salicia’s investment will empower us to achieve the ambitious growth plans we have set for 2025.”

Jemma Bruton, Managing Director of Salica Investments, said: “We are delighted to support Bumper, a highly successful fintech which is transforming the way car repairs are paid for through its pioneering digital solutions. This investment underscores our confidence in the business, its leadership and its growth potential.”

Bumper secures £2m funding from Salica Investments

Bumper obtiene 2 millones de libras de Salica Investments

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.