Annabelle Clarke

PR Manager

Annabelle Clarke | Author

Eduardo Rodrigues

Content Writer

Claudia Tuñón

Isobel Coughlan

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

Alastair Shephard

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UK motorists collectively spend £3bn on tyre replacements 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bumper appoints International Sales and Partnerships Manager 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. There are more EV charging points than petrol stations 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Since its launch in 2010, more than 400,000 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11. The first EVs were created in the 1800s

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

12. General Motors’ EV1 cost over a billion dollars 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

16. Electric cars can accelerate faster than ICE vehicles

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

17. EVs could have wireless charging in the future

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

As part of a drive green initiative in 2016, the 

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

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

19. Electric vehicle battery costs are falling

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fun facts about electric cars - Looking to the future

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

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

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

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

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.

 21 Facts About Electric Cars You Probably Didn’t Know

Are Audis more expensive to maintain than other cars? It appears so. 

Figures from RepairPal show the average annual repair and maintenance cost of Audis is around £780, versus an industry average of around £500 for all other brands. 

That makes the average annual Audi repair cost comparatively high. That’s partly down to the fact that they are luxury cars using speciality parts. It’s exactly the high quality of these parts that make Audi parts more expensive than other makes. 

But it's also true that Audi drivers fall victim to unexpected issues at roughly twice the rate experienced by drivers of average cars. While the repairs required tend to be of similar severity as those experienced by other cars, even run-of-the-mill Audi repairs can 

If you do find yourself facing a sizeable repair bill for something unexpected, Bumper's ‘buy now, pay later’ service can help ease the pain. Search for a partner garage for 

One way to rank car brands for their reliability is to look at the average annual repair cost, the frequency of unexpected repairs, and the probability that a fix will be considered 'serious’. A serious repair is any fix that costs more than three times the 

Here’s what that looks like for Audis: 

The average annual Audi maintenance costs are £780.

Industry average maintenance costs are around £500.

The probability of needed repair is severe 

The good news for Audi fans is that the money invested in maintaining their favourite cars is probably worth the spend. Audi drivers report holding on to their vehicles for 150,000 miles or even longer. 

We did the research and went a little further to help you get to know the average Audi maintenance costs, according to WithClutch and CarEdge.com, these are the annual Audi costs for these specific models in pound sterling.

The top takeaway from the figures above is that you should need to factor in unexpected breakdowns on top of regularly scheduled maintenance when budgeting for Audi maintenance costs. Of course, it’s impossible to predict exactly when specific parts will break down on any Audi year and model. To understand the full cost of ownership, however, you have to look at standard Audi repair issues as well as the brand's reliability. 

Audi’s recommended schedule of service intervals calls for minor maintenance service every 10,000 miles and standard 

 service every 20,000 miles. According to data from RepairPal, the price for a 10,000-mile service falls between £100 and £120 on average, while the 20,000-mile servicing jumps up in price to between £380 and £500. 

Of course, there’s more involved in keeping an Audi on the road than scheduled maintenance. The average Audi owner’s annual repair bill comes to between £700 and £800 annually. Luckily, Bumper lets you split hefty a repair bill into smaller, easy-to-manage, interest-free payments

There are loads of variables to consider when it comes to calculating 

what kind of parts typically fail, where you purchase parts, who provides the labour, and the car’s reliability rating all come into play. Some Audis are more reliable than others, and newer models can be less expensive to fix thanks to shared components, electronics and other parts. 

Buying your own parts by cross-referencing part numbers is one great way to save. Scouring the Internet for reputable aftermarket brands or just doing your research on which brands are best to buy can save you hundreds and even thousands of pounds, depending on the job. It's also true that many aftermarket parts are as good — or even better — than the Audi originals. 

Take shock absorbers as an example. There are several aftermarket brands that are cheaper than Audi brand replacements, and some like Koni have a better reputation for performance and longevity. 

Audi offers its own financing plan to help owners manage their annual maintenance costs. You can purchase a prepaid maintenance plan under the 

 which guarantees that only trained Audi technicians using genuine Audi parts will service your car. 

Going prepaid can provide a simple hedge against cost inflation by fixing prices for parts and labour, making pre-paid somewhat cheaper over the long term. Audi Care plans are bundled according to the following intervals: 

The price of a pre-paid Audi Care contract will vary somewhat by the dealership, but most plans are priced between £700 and £1,000 depending on the Audi model and which intervals you select.

When a big Audi repair bill lands, try Bumper 

It doesn't matter which car you drive, bad luck can catch anyone out. If you do find yourself facing a sizable repair bill for your Audi, Bumper's ‘buy now, pay later’ service can help ease the pain. 

 is a car finance solution that lets you split a hefty Audi repair bill into smaller, easy-to-manage, interest-free payments. It works like this: 

The whole process takes a matter of minutes. Bumper lets you get the repairs you need quickly while deferring payments in easy interest-free instalments. 

Are Audis Expensive To Maintain?

Owning a car can be costly, but not all repairs hit your wallet equally. Routine jobs, such as oil changes and air filters, are simple. What really stings are the big-ticket repairs.

In the UK, the most costly car repairs typically include catalytic converter replacement, head gasket failure, and transmission repairs, each of which can potentially cost thousands of pounds, depending on the vehicle.

If you’re hearing strange noises under the bonnet, read on to see the most expensive car repairs in the UK and their typical price ranges.

The most expensive types of car repair explained 

Wondering what the most expensive types of car repair are in the UK? 

Here, we explain the biggest repair costs and what makes them so costly. Remember, you can use 

 to split the cost of repair into interest-free monthly instalments.

Replacing or repairing a faulty alternator typically costs between 

The alternator keeps your car’s electrical systems in balance and maintains the battery’s charge, ensuring it stays in good condition. If it fails, your battery may run out of juice prematurely, causing startup problems. 

Signs of a failing alternator include difficulty starting the car, a burning rubber smell, or whirring and squeaking noises from the engine. Quick replacement can prevent bigger, more costly issues down the line. Don’t put it off!

Fixing or replacing a faulty catalytic converter can cost 

for parts, with labour potentially bringing the total to 

The catalytic converter helps reduce pollutants in your car’s exhaust. Signs of a failing converter include increased fuel consumption, poor acceleration, higher emissions, rough engine running, or even the engine cutting out. 

If your car fails its emissions test, the catalytic converter likely needs attention.

Clutch and related transmission problems 

Replacing a car clutch typically costs around 

The clutch allows your car to engage and disengage the engine from the gearbox smoothly. Signs of a failing clutch include a loose or spongy pedal, a higher-than-normal biting point, difficulty shifting gears, or a persistent burning smell while driving. 

Because clutch replacement is a labour-intensive job, addressing issues promptly can prevent further damage and ensure your car runs smoothly and safely on the road!

Repairing a faulty head gasket typically costs between

The head gasket seals the engine’s cylinders and keeps coolant and oil from mixing. Signs of a problem include high temperature gauge readings, sudden loss of power, thickened engine oil, or white smoke and liquid coming from the exhaust. 

Like other repairs on this list, head gasket issues are difficult and expensive to fix. Spotting them early can save your future self from a massive repair bill.

Replacing a timing belt, or ‘cambelt,’ typically costs between 

The timing belt synchronises the crankshaft and camshaft, ensuring smooth power transfer from the engine to the wheels. 

If it snaps, tears, or cracks, it can cause serious engine and powertrain damage. Because of its location, replacement is time-intensive — as soon as you notice an issue, contact a mechanic.

Replacing a car radiator typically costs between

A vehicle’s radiator maintains the engine's optimal temperature, preventing overheating and ensuring proper oil viscosity. 

A common problem is a leak. Leaks are usually caused by rust, but poor maintenance, manufacturing defects, or low-quality fluids can also be factors. 

When a leak occurs, replacement is usually better than a temporary patch, as ignoring it can lead to far more expensive engine problems.

What is the most difficult part to repair?

Opinions vary, but the engine’s head gasket is often considered the most challenging part to repair.

Accessing it requires extensive disassembly, and incorrect installation can lead to severe engine damage. Experience and time are essential for a perfect fix, making it one of the trickiest and most labour-intensive repairs on a car.

What is the most expensive damage to a car?

Engine and transmission failures rank among the most expensive types of damage a car can sustain.

For example, a blown head gasket or a failed transmission can cost thousands of pounds to repair or replace, depending on the vehicle, often surpassing routine maintenance or minor collision repairs.

What is considered a major repair on a car?

Generally, major repairs involve critical systems essential to a car’s operation, such as the engine, transmission, suspension, or braking system. 

These repairs are nearly always costly and require specialist mechanic knowledge. They also take longer than minor fixes.

Examples of major repairs include issues with:

Luxury and high-performance vehicles, such as Range Rovers, BMWs, and specialist sports cars, often have the highest repair costs.

This is simply because their parts are more specialised and the labour time and knowledge needed to fix them is intensive.

In addition, general diagnostics are complex, which can result in repair bills far exceeding those of standard cars, sometimes reaching several thousand pounds.

Taking good care of your car and maintaining it properly can help prevent or minimise the damage from failures like the ones listed above.

But there's no way to avoid every issue. Some car components simply break down over time, and there’s not much anyone can do about it. 

As a driver, the best thing you can do is understand what are the most expensive types of car repair in the UK and be aware of how your vehicle works, including how the major components fit together. That way, it’s easier to detect if your car isn’t running as it should.

Whether you’re facing an expensive repair or a small fee, Bumper is here to help.

you can split the cost of repairs into monthly payments at no extra cost. 

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

What Are the Most Expensive Types of Car Repair in the UK?

Congratulations to our Dealership of the Month for May 2022, North Oxford BMW. 

The team at Oxford BMW have been recognised with this award for providing an outstanding customer experience and using Bumper’s PayLater as a key part of their aftersales process. 

Since joining the Bumper network in May 2021, the BMW team has received non-stop, 5-star reviews on Trustpilot. Here are a few of our favourites: 

‘Clayton was excellent. Clear and helpful advice. More good experiences from the North Oxford BMW team. Will recommend.’ 

‘Very happy with your service works very well for me. thanks’ 

Well done to Sean, Clayton, Michael and the rest of the team on your win! 

May's Dealership of the month: North Oxford BMW

The average cost of a full BMW service in the UK ranges from around £200 for smaller engines to £300 or more for larger engines.

However, these are basic averages. All BMWs follow a regular maintenance schedule based on mileage or time since the last service — so other factors might affect your car’s costs!

See the average BMW service costs and what’s usually included below.

Here’s a quick look at what you can expect to pay for a BMW service with costs varying by engine size and tips to save by combining with an MOT. 

We’ll explain them in more detail in the paragraphs below!

A major or full BMW service typically costs from £200 for smaller engines and around £300 or more for larger engines over 3 litres. 

Prices can vary depending on your location and chosen garage, so it’s worth shopping around — you might even save by combining your full service with an MOT. When under warranty, service intervals are mandatory, but once it’s expired, there’s more flexibility. 

How much does an interim BMW service cost?

An interim BMW service typically costs around £150 for smaller engines and from £300 for larger engine sizes.

Prices vary between garages, so it’s worth comparing quotes, and you can often save money by combining your interim service with an MOT.

Whether it’s minor upkeep or major work, you can use 

 to split the costs into interest-free repayments.

BMW service packages cover everything from routine maintenance checks in the Interim Service to more extensive wear-and-tear replacements in the Full Service.

BMWs follow a scheduled service plan based on mileage or time. 

Interim Services are every six months or 6,000 miles, and Full Services are typically annual to maintain reliability and value.

If you’re pressed for time or money, you might be tempted to skip a BMW service. 

This is not advised, as skipping a service can cause wear and tear, engine damage, reduced fuel efficiency, and lower resale value.

Regular maintenance prevents costly repairs and keeps your BMW running safely and smoothly. Don’t put Interim or Full Services off!

In general, yes, BMW maintenance costs are higher than standard cars due to premium parts and specialist servicing. 

However, as with any car brand, service costs vary by engine size, garage, and service type, but regular upkeep prevents expensive repairs in the long run.

DIY BMW servicing is possible for basic tasks like oil or filter changes, but BMWs require specialist knowledge for major work. 

Incorrect servicing can damage parts and affect warranties. If you have no experience, attempting repairs yourself can cause serious engine problems or safety issues. 

When in doubt, it’s always safer to leave complex work to qualified BMW technicians.

3 reasons to keep your BMW’s service schedule up to date 

Skipping a service might save you a few quid today, but your BMW won’t thank you tomorrow. Here are three reasons why you should book the service.

1. Regular service helps ward off part failures and breakdowns 

Driving any car causes wear and tear. There's no way to avoid it, even with a premium, finely tuned machine like a BMW. 