Annabelle Clarke

PR Manager

Annabelle Clarke | Author

Eduardo Rodrigues

Content Writer

Claudia Tuñón

Isobel Coughlan

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

Alastair Shephard

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

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

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

Why Are Hybrid Cars More Expensive To Buy? 

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

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

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

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

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

They do still need the same level of maintenance and 

How Much Do Hybrid Cars Cost to Maintain? 

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

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

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

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

Another system that still needs maintenance is the

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

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

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

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

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

The main selling point of many hybrid vehicles is 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information on hybrid battery replacement, check out

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

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

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

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

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

Are Hybrid Cars High Maintenance? 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bumper in Sherwood Forest: An unforgettable retreat

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

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

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

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

What Does A Catalytic Converter Look Like?

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

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

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

Why Are Catalytic Converters Being Stolen? 

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

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

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

How to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft 

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

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

4. Be Aware and Report Any Suspicious Activity 

Does Insurance Cover A Catalytic Converter Theft? 

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

How to Claim on Your Insurance For a Stolen Catalytic Converter 

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

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

What Happens If Your Catalytic Converter Is Removed? 

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

Does Not Having a Catalytic Converter Damage Your Car? 

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

It’s also extremely likely you’ll get 

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

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

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

How Much Does Replacing A Catalytic Converter Cost? 

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

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

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

Other Costs Of Catalytic Converter Theft 

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

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

What To Do If Your Catalytic Converter Has Been Stolen 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Signs Your Catalytic Converter Has Been Stolen 

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

This is the biggest indicator, your car will now be 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his five cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.

How To Stop Your Catalytic Converter Being Stolen

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

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

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

As one of the defining parts of a hybrid vehicle, 

 is something every owner should be aware of. Over time, the cells can break down and reduce its performance, this happens through excessive usage, heat and general wear and tear. 

Hybrid batteries can be repaired, but the most cost-effective solution is usually to 

 with an off-the-shelf replacement, either new or reconditioned. This can rejuvenate a tired hybrid back to peak efficiency and performance. 

Whilst not a mechanical failure per se, those who have fallen victim to this crime would argue manufacturers of 

 should be doing more to protect the catalytic converter from theft. 

The converters in hybrids are more valuable than traditional 

, as they contain higher amounts of precious metals. This is the reason for certain hybrid cars being targeted. Catalytic converter theft can cost over £1,500 to fix, for more information read our guide to preventing catalytic converter theft. 

Cars are already very complex, with most using two or three 

 to control everything from the engine to the audio system. These systems use a multitude of sensors which can fail and throw up error messages, even if the car functions normally. 

Hybrid powertrains usually add in another one or two control units, one to manage the powertrain, and one to monitor the batteries. Again these use various sensors for temperature, speed and more. 

Any deviation in these sensor readings can cause dire warning messages on the dash, causing any driver to worry and spend time and money getting their car inspected. 

Hybrid cars contain all of the usual components of a 

, in addition to a heavy electric motor and battery. More weight in a car means higher forces and wear and tear on components such as brakes and tyres. 

Some of this problem is negated by manufacturers specifying higher load rating tyres, and utilising regenerative braking to reduce 

 wear, but it is still a consideration to make. 

The aforementioned increase in weight not only affects brake and tyre wear but also vehicle dynamics and handling. Whilst this isn’t a problem 95% of the time, it can have an effect on the stability and safety of a car in an emergency situation. 

The “moose test” is a type of vehicle test popularised by a Swedish car magazine, in which a car is swerved violently from side to side, as if avoiding an animal in the road. Most cars pass this test, but many 

 and in particular hybrid SUVs fail, with the sheer weight of them being the main factor. 

Another consequence of hybrid cars being heavier is more suspension wear, components such as bushes, joints and track rod ends take more load the heavier the car is. This can result in them needing more frequent changes compared to the 

Fuel efficiency is often one of the most touted benefits of a 

, but official MPG figures are quoted as a mix of motorway and city driving. The latter hybrids are quite good at, as they do not waste fuel whilst idling, and the inefficiencies of regular braking are reduced by the use of regenerative braking technology. 

However, on longer journeys, the hybrid battery can quickly become depleted, as less braking equals less regenerative charging, once the hybrid system is not being used, the petrol or diesel engine is then no better than a normal car, with the added weight fuel efficiency can actually be worse than a modern diesel. 

Choose Bumper For Interest-Free Car Repairs 

If your car, hybrid, petrol or diesel, needs work doing, Bumper offers zero-interest car repairs from one of its many approved garages across the UK. To get started, find a 

7 häufige Probleme mit Hybridautos

We take our cars to a garage to get them fixed or at least diagnosed, the last thing anyone wants is for the problem to get worse, or a completely new issue to arise. Unfortunately, that can sometimes happen, be that by 

In this blog, we’ll explore what your best course of action is in this situation, including how to approach the mechanic or garage, and what your legal rights are. 

Depending on the type of both the initial problem, and the new one, there are many reasons why your car feels, 

 or appears worse after a mechanic has done work on it. 

Without any error on the mechanic’s part, repairing one component can worsen or create a problem with another. This is most likely to happen if your car has done 

A great example of this is when working with the 

 on an older or high mileage car, the bolts that are used to hold everything together are subject to near-constant dirt, water, and road salt in the UK. 

So then, when removing a suspension arm bolt to change a 

 or bush, the bolt could snap, resulting in; the cost of a new bolt at best, or a new hub or suspension arm if the broken bolt cannot be removed. 

1. Fixing One Problem Highlighted A Different One 

Mechanical components on cars wear reasonably uniformly, with

 all taking a hit every time you drive, especially with the state of many of the UK’s roads. 

In some cases, changing worn-out parts can highlight other problems that were already there, but were not easily noticed. 

Whilst the first few points we’ve mentioned are physical or mechanical consequences of the complexity of modern cars, it is also possible that the mechanic simply messed up the job. 

Whether it be through pressure to work quickly, or complacency, something as simple as a spring clip being forgotten when changing brakes, can have serious ramifications. 

At the end of the day, mechanics are human, and we can all make mistakes, but this is not to say that they should be ignored or not made-good by the garage or mechanic. 

It is possible that shortly after your car was repaired, something completely unrelated also broke, stranger things have happened, and as we’ve mentioned, replacing parts can put stress on the other worn components in the system. 

Consider the nature and physical location of the problem, if you have just had new 

, and now your engine is refusing to start, there’s probably no correlation. 

If however you notice a lack of braking power, or a strange grinding noise, it’s fair to suspect the garage’s workmanship.

Your Consumer Rights When Having Your Car Repaired 

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, the garage has 

“an obligation to use reasonable care and skill when completing any repairs, servicing or investigations on your car”

. What constitutes unreasonable care or skill will depend on the fault and situation in general. 

The law isn’t too specific on what constitutes poor service, but we’d consider the following to be grounds for concern: 

What To Do When A Mechanic Makes Your Car Worse 

Ideally, before the car is sent in for repair, make some notes, pictures or video footage of the nature of the problem. Some garages will offer free checks of 

, suspension etc, which come with a report, this could be useful in diagnosing the issue, even if you take the car elsewhere to be fixed. 

Step 2: Don’t Jump To Accusations or Threats 

The garage or mechanic will be much more likely to help if you’re courteous and cooperative, rather than combative and threatening, even if you’re sure the problem was caused by them. 

Ask them to have another look, as you’ve noticed something new with the car, offering some ideas and information about when the noise or feeling is worse can help the mechanic diagnose the new problem. 

If the garage doesn’t want to help, or cannot find the cause of the problem, it might be time to get a second opinion. This is vital as not only does it get another set of eyes looking at the problem, but it may help to have another professional opinion on record if you need to take further action. 

To do this, seek out a well-reviewed garage, a specialist for your particular make of car would be even better, and ask if they can look over your car, you may have to pay a small fee for this. Some garages offer free

If you have communicated the problem with the original garage and received a professional second opinion, but the mechanic still refuses to accept liability, it might be time to start seeking professional advice. 

There are a few bodies that aim to resolve disputes with car repairs, check if the garage is a member of any of the following: 

If so, contacting them should be your next step, many offer a conciliation service whereby they will take information from both parties (you and the garage) and come to an agreement. 

How To Avoid Dodgy Mechanics In The Future 

Almost all mechanics and garages do not set out to rip off or defraud customers, and many will go out of their way to help if something unexpected happens such as what we've discussed here, they have a reputation to uphold after all. 

To find these garages and avoid getting caught out again, we’d recommend the following: 

To Find an Approved Garage And Split Payments, Use Bumper 

 offers zero-percent financing on car repair payments, which can majorly help with big bills. We also have 

 all over the UK, so you know your vehicle is in good hands. 

Are Hybrid Cars High Maintenance?

Bumper in Sherwood Forest: An unforgettable retreat

How To Stop Your Catalytic Converter Being Stolen

Top 7 Problems With Hybrid Cars

What To Do If A Mechanic Made Your Car Worse

Can You Trust A Dealership Garage For Servicing?

17 Common Car Repair Scams and Rip-Offs To Watch Out For

Vehicle Health Checks Explained