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Jonathan Westwood

Chief Compliance Officer

Jonathan Westwood | Author

Annabelle Clarke

PR Manager

Annabelle Clarke | Author

Eduardo Rodrigues

Content Writer

Eduardo Rodrigues | Author

Claudia Tuñón

Claudia Tuñón | Author

Isobel Coughlan

Isobel Coughlan | Author

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

Joseph Law | Author

Alastair Shephard

Alastair Shephard | Author

As the year comes to a close, many motorists are preparing to make the journey to visit friends and family for the Christmas period. Making the necessary vehicle inspections and preparations before leaving, whether it's a short trip or a lengthy journey, may spare you a lot of worry, time, and money. We’ve put together a list of tips for safe holiday driving. 

Anytime you go a long distance, you should always perform routine inspections on your car. Waiting for the next MOT or service is a typical error and can cause

, which is the last thing you want on your trip home for Christmas! The most crucial inspections to perform before driving are checking your tyres' pressure, tread depth, screen wash levels, engine oil levels, and coolant levels. 

Having an emergency pack ready may make a big difference if you get stuck on a lengthy journey. Before leaving your home, make sure to pack your car with the emergency supplies you might need if you’re left waiting at the side of the road. We recommend taking: 

3. Stay away from your car after drinking 

Although it may seem obvious, it's crucial to avoid getting behind the wheel of your car after a drink. Drink-driving puts you and others around you in danger and might result in criminal penalties if you’re stopped by the police. 

You might believe that it’s OK to sit or even sleep in their car after drinking, but even this is prohibited and may result in legal action. So if you want to drink to celebrate the holiday season, leave your car keys at home. 

As we've seen recently, the UK's temperatures have dropped dramatically, which may cause ice and snow to form on the roads. Before starting your journey, be sure to check the wear on your tyres. You should also stock up on de-icer and an ice scraper to ensure that you can remove any ice from your windscreen. 

Giving yourself plenty of time to get home for Christmas is vital. Roads busy with drivers off to see their loved ones cause more traffic than usual on the highways. Giving yourself more time allows for more frequent stops to rest. If possible, begin your journey before Friday, December 23, when holiday traffic will start to increase. 

Most likely, your car is packed with thoughtful gifts as well as your personal belongings. Store them in the boot or behind a cover on the rear seats to keep them hidden. Additionally, if you plan to stop somewhere overnight, be sure to take your valuables out of the car and keep them with you inside. 

6 top tips for driving at Christmas 

We're pleased to announce the Dealership of the Month for November 2022 is Mercedes-Benz of Exeter. Bumper Business Development Consultant, Marc Durrant, met the team on-site to deliver their award. 

The Exeter team had an impressive month using both PayLater, interest-free monthly payments available on repairs, and PayNow, a one-off secure link customers can use to pay remotely, to improve customer satisfaction. 

This improvement in customer satisfaction is demonstrated in their Trustpilot reviews. One commented, “Never having heard of Bumper I was surprised at the speed at which everything was arranged. Everything was done very efficiently and promptly.” 

Another said, “This was very helpful; I had a huge bill, was great to know I didn’t have to pay straight away and it’s interest-free!” 

Since joining Bumper’s network in April 2022, the site quickly implemented Bumper into their aftersales process helping customers drive away happier and safer. 

Congratulations to the team at Mercedes-Benz of Exeter! 

Dealership of the Month November 2022: Mercedes-Benz of Exeter 

Oil is essential in any engine, as it lubricates to prevent wear and heat. Unlike older cars, today’s vehicles require a specific type of oil. So, modern drivers must be on top of the kind of oil needed. 

Ensuring your car has the correct oil isn’t impossible, though! “What oil should I use for my car?” you’re in the right place. Today, we’re covering the main types of oil and their benefits to help you decide which is best for you. Scroll down to become an oil expert in minutes. 

Modern cars require different oil types, which will be listed in your vehicle handbook. However, you can also reach out to the dealer or a garage to find out which is needed for your car. 

Factors that affect the type of oil you need include: 

When in doubt, contact your mechanic or consult your vehicle handbook. You must double-check which oil is needed before putting any old type of oil in, as this may damage your engine. 

Engine oils come in different grades, specifications, and viscosities. But more about this further on in the blog! 

You should regularly check your engine oil level to keep your engine healthy and to ensure your car is road-safe. 

Neglecting your engine oil levels might mean you miss a drop in oil levels. When your oil level drops, your engine may be damaged, especially if you have a modern car with a smaller sump. Oil may spend less time cooling down in the sump, so the hotter oil will wear out your engine. 

You should check your car’s engine every few weeks or before long journeys. It’s also important to check your engine oil if the dashboard warning light appears. 

Engine oil lubricates the moving parts of your car. Since the engine produces lots of heat, oil lubrication allows all parts to move without dangerous friction. Using the wrong or insufficient oil can lead to severe damage and an unsafe car. 

But that’s not all that oil does! It also acts as an engine cleaner, collecting dust and dirt. This makes the engine safer and much more efficient. 

Other benefits of engine oil include a cooler engine, reduced emissions, and better fuel economy. 

The main three types of engine oil are synthetic, semi-synthetic, and mineral. These names refer to the oil's composition and method of manufacture and affect their performance. Here’s all you need to know about each type: 

Often identified purely by the lack of the words ‘synthetic’ or ‘semi-synthetic,’ mineral oils were used before synthetic technologies took hold. 

They are made entirely from mined crude oil, refined and processed similarly to other oil products. Since no chemicals are used, they can’t be called “synthetic.” 

This is the most common and affordable type of oil. It’s also non-toxic, biodegradable, and prolongs your engine life. 

Semi-synthetic oils are a mixture of synthetic and traditional mineral oils. Synthetic oils are still often derived from crude oil but have a significant portion of additives and modifiers to improve performance. 

This blend gives the oil a better performance than mineral oil but makes it cheaper than 100% synthetic car oil. Semi-synthetics are excellent for drivers who want the benefits of synthetic oil but not the hefty price tag. 

Semi-synthetic oil is also suitable for cars that aren’t driven too often or only for short journeys. 

Synthetic engine oil is made from complex synthetic materials, such as esters and polyalphaolefins (PAOs). No mineral oil is used to make synthetic oil, although crude oil still forms the base for many synthetic oils. Manufacturers don’t give away specific recipes, but the crude oil component is heavily ‘synthesised’ and chemically modified. 

Fully synthetic oil is generally the best-performing oil. It’s recommended for cars with extended oil change intervals and high-performance vehicles. In most brands, fully synthetic oil is the recommended type.

No, mixing different engine oils is not advisable, as this can harm your car’s engine. 

The different additives and viscosities in oils may interact with each other in unpredictable ways. This can cause unwanted damage, such as: 

These issues make your car unsafe to drive, leaving you, your passengers, and other road users in potential danger. 

If you must top off your engine oil, try to use the same type of oil already in your car. Drain the old oil out when changing oil types before adding new oil. 

If you don’t know what’s already in your car, you can check your owner’s manual or visit a reputable garage for professional advice. 

allows you to split the cost of repairs over interest-free instalments at thousands of partners nationwide.

Engine oil viscosity is the oil’s resistance to flow. Higher viscosity oil is thicker and flows slower, whereas low viscosity oil is thin and flows faster. Treacle is an example of a liquid with a high viscosity; water has a fairly low viscosity, and petrol is lower still. 

Viscosity is critical in engines and machinery. A moving system has specific design features to use certain types of lubrication. For example, a joint with slow and limited movement, such as a suspension component, would use seals and a very thick or viscous lubricant, such as grease. 

A high-revving engine with very tight tolerances and need for heat dissipation needs a lubricant free-flowing enough to be pumped around effectively but thick enough to provide adequate lubrication. 

Another critical property of engine oil is that it must operate effectively at cold and hot temperatures. This is important as car engines often go from completely cold to operating temperature multiple times daily. 

The SAE system of oil designation allows the easy labelling of oil for both viscosity and temperature performance. 

Oil ratings show the performance and suitability of engine oil. This helps you (or your mechanic) decide which is best for your vehicle. 

Let's take an example: the oil required for a 2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI is 

So, how does this compare against other oils? If we used 10w30 oil, the engine would suffer from excessively thick oil in cold conditions. But once up to temperature, the oil would be perfectly suited. 

In reality, the difference between the two would be indiscernible. However, using the incorrect oil could cause undue strain on your engine or invalidate the warranty. 

The best tip is to use the recommended oil as stated by your owner’s manual. 

The numbers on engine oils tell you about the oil’s viscosity performance. The most common options include 0W-20, 5W-30, and 10W-30. 

0W-20 is a synthetic oil designed for cars needing thin oil. However, it’s not recommended for cars operating in hot weather. 

As mentioned above, 5W-30 is a synthetic oil good for cold weather. It’s thinner than 10W-30 and suitable for most modern cars. 

10W-30 is a conventional oil that’s compatible with most cars. It’s an excellent choice for both cold and hot weather. 

A SAP rating tells you how many additives (sulphated ash, phosphorus, and sulphur) are used in the motor oil. These are added to protect the engine. 

While suitable for some cars, others can be harmed by SAPs. So, it’s critical to determine whether your car needs a low SAP oil before refilling it. 

 is used in the exhaust system to reduce harmful emissions. These can become clogged with soot and other components of exhaust gas, including sulphated ash and phosphorus. 

Low SAP oils, as the name suggests, contain less of these elements than normal oils. Therefore, they have a reduced effect on a diesel’s DPF. 

If your car is diesel, it will require low SAP oil. Some diesels do not have a DPF, typically over 20-year-old ones. 

High-mileage motor oil is designed specifically for cars with over 100,000 miles on the odometer. This oil provides more protection for older engines with more wear and tear. It’s also thicker than standard engine oil and contains additives to reduce leaks, oil consumption, and engine deposits. 

If you need high-mileage motor oil, select one specifically designed for your car make or model. Read the label carefully or ask an expert before refilling. 

Yes, you can use a specific oil for your car make and model. Some manufacturers, including BMW, Audi, Mercedes and more, have developed their own grading systems for oil, often including designations for long life, heavy duty and more. 

If you are unsure of which specific oil your car should use, check your owner’s manual, where the exact oil and 

What oil should I use for my car? The takeaway

Hopefully, this blog has introduced you to the different types of engine oil which you should use for your car. Remember, don’t mix engine oils and select the one stated in your owner’s manual. If in doubt, work with a local garage for some expert assistance. 

 offers interest-free car repairs and servicing. So, if your car’s service is due, enter your vehicle registration and postcode on our website to apply for monthly instalments at thousands of garages and dealerships 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.

What oil is best for my car? 

Team Bumper gathered in Antalya, Turkey for our first Hackathon. 

Split into three groups, members from the sales, growth, product, and development teams competed to create a new product. Tasked with one objective - take Bumper’s product offering to the next level - the teams had just two days to take their idea from conception to a valid, usable product. 

Judged by co-founders, James Jackson and Jack Allman, and members of the executive team, the groups’ products were scored in five key areas. 

Working flat-out, the developers had to work against the clock to make their team’s idea a reality. Developer Talut Tasgiran said, “The Hackathon was as fun as it was tiring! 

“The prototyped ideas will be incredibly valuable for Bumper. It was fantastic to meet with team members I hadn’t met in person before and see how hard everyone worked to achieve something so big in such a small amount of time.” 

The products created by our teams will undergo further development and rigorous testing before implementation into the Bumper system. 

Thank you to the three teams who took part in the event. We look forward to sharing our new features with our users in the future. 

Hackathon 2022: 3 teams compete to create new product 

Adding to Bumper’s trophy cabinet and wrapping up 2022 is the prestigious award for Autocar Drivers of Change for the Retail Category, received by our very own CCO, Jack Allman, who attended the event. Jack, along with CEO James Jackson, co-founded and launched Bumper – our innovative platform to ease the stress of unexpected bills faced by car drivers, enabling them to split repair bills into monthly instalments. 

 November at the Grosvenor Hotel in London. In partnership with automotive executive search specialists Ennis & Co, the Autocar Drivers of Change Awards are sponsored by SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) McLaren Automotive, TrustFord, Toyota GB PLC, Volkswagen Group UK and Peugeot. 

Held annually, the awards showcase the very best of the automotive industry’s talent and celebrate winners in 3 distinct categories – Retail, Digital and new for 2022, Diversity and Inclusion. 

Upon receiving this award, Jack said “A huge thanks to Autocar along with Ennis & Co and the sponsors for inviting me to come to this exciting and prestigious event in London. 

Thank you also for this award. It means a lot to us and the hardworking team at Bumper. This award recognises the innovation and the effort behind the Bumper platform that we are incredibly proud of. The platform is not only a good way to help the driver afford their bills, but also helps the dealer as well. By enabling the customer to spread the cost, the dealer can ensure the customer is able to approve all the necessary identified repairs.”

Bumper wins Autocar Award for Drivers of Change for Retail

The team at Bumper are delighted to have secured further funding worth £26.1 million ($30 million) during the Series A extension round which was led by Bumper’s partners, Revo Capital with participation from Autotech Ventures, InMotion Ventures (the investment arm of Jaguar Land Rover) and ITOCHU. 

As part of this extension round, Bumper also agreed to a new debt facility with Secure Trust Commercial Finance worth £20 million ($23 million) with some additional investment coming in the form of equity through various partners. 

The extension round ends just over one year after Bumper’s Series A round raised £10.5 million ($12 million) in June 2021, bringing the total investment to £36.6 million ($42 million).

James Jackson, CEO and co-founder of Bumper has commented on the recent funding:

“Bumper’s rapid growth trajectory has been incredibly exciting, and the new round of investment from our amazing partners means that we can continue this growth trajectory and pursue our lofty goals to expand further across Europe. As the cost-of-living crisis tightens, it’s never been more important to offer affordable and convenient payment options giving driver peace of mind when getting their vehicles repaired.” 

John Gribbon, Regional Managing Director of Yorkshire and the North East at Secure Trust Bank has said: “We first began working with Bumper’s management team nearly three years ago and since then the business has shifted up a gear, developing its technical capability and growing its network of dealerships thereby demonstrating the strength of its business model. Our close relationship with the team and our growing understanding of the business have allowed us to work quickly and flexibly, keeping pace with Bumper’s growing working capital needs. This latest investment round puts the business in pole position for further success.” 

Cenk Bayrakdar, Managing Director and Founding Partner at Revo Capital commented: “Bumper's impressive growth and history of achieving success through its comprehensive fintech solution for car repairs has well-positioned Bumper to accelerate its international growth. James and his team continue to prove Bumper's strength and effectiveness in this space, and we are excited to join them on the next leg of their journey and support Bumper’s R&D initiatives in Türkiye.” 

Alexei Andreev, Managing Director at Autotech Ventures, commented: “We are impressed by the clever finance tools and modern software used by Bumper, and how this technology is becoming essential in today’s economy. Autotech continues to support the team on its journey to becoming an industry-leading BNPL product.”

Finally, Mike Smeed, Managing Director at InMotion Ventures, also commented: “Our team continues to be impressed by Bumper’s remarkable growth in the UK, and more recently in Ireland, Spain and Germany. We are delighted to announce our additional investment into the business, and look forward to supporting the team as they expand across Europe”.

The funds will be used to continue Bumper’s expansion plans into Germany, Ireland, Spain and the Netherlands. 

Bumper secures a further £26m of funding in Series A extension round

Wiper blades are one of those things you probably don't think about very often. If your wipers work, you're happy. But if they fail, it can seriously affect your car and day-to-day life. 

Correctly working wiper blades are essential for safety and security reasons. The last thing you want is to be 

 with no visibility through your windscreen — or a failed MOT!

In this article, we'll delve into how often you should change your windscreen wipers, how to make them last longer, how much they cost, and how to change windscreen wipers. Let's dive right in.

You should change your windscreen wipers every year. 

Wiper blades may survive longer than this, but by replacing them at least once a year, you’ll ensure they’re always performing as intended. 

A set of new wipers will give you maximum visibility during rainy or snowy weather. So, consider making the change in autumn or at the start of winter. Also, if you live in a cold area you should change your wipers every six months to avoid weather-related damage.

 Remember to change the front and rear wipers! 

If your windscreen wipers display any streaking, skipping, splitting, or squeaking – it’s almost certainly time to invest in new blades. You should also change your blades if they are damaged, cracked, or torn in any way. Don’t wait until the 12-month mark!

How often should you check your wiper blades?

You should check your windscreen wipers at least every six months or more. Regular checks ensure you know the quality of your wipers and help you stay on top of yearly changes. 

This is a critical milestone to note when owning a car, especially in a region with varying weather conditions, such as the UK, for maintenance costs and safety reasons. 

As a guide, inspect your wiper blades every time you 

Yes, driving with faulty wipers is illegal. Low-quality wipers will also result in an MOT failure. But both can easily be avoided by investing in a new set every 12 months.

Bad wipers could see you face a £50 fixed penalty – but worse yet, if the police view your driving with poor visibility as reckless, they could hand out a £100 on-the-spot fine. This fine could increase to £5000 if the case is taken to court. 

Checking and replacing your wiper blades if needed is much cheaper than paying off fines. 

The rubber on wiper blades wears down over time as debris gets trapped between the blade and the windscreen. Additionally, the rubber can warp and distort over time due to heat exposure. 

Cold weather can degrade all types of rubber quickly, so it’s imperative not to use your blades to clear ice in winter. The rubber is made to be soft enough not to damage the windscreen, which means it will wear down with use. 

How to make your windscreen wipers last longer

Looking after your windscreen wipers is important, as it keeps them in better condition, improves your driving safety, and saves you money on replacements. Here are the best ways to make your wiper blades last longer: 

You’ll remove any dirt or debris that might be set on your windscreen, that would cause wear to the wipers as they scrape over it, windscreen wipers are only designed to move rainwater. 

With windscreen wipers being such a safety critical component, it’s important to get them fixed as soon as possible to avoid having to risk a dangerous and illegal situation. 

Wiper blades range in price from £5 up to £70 per blade, depending on the make and model. 

 offer free fitting or very cheap fitting, often no more than £10. High-end wiper blades are made from more durable materials and can be climate-specific. 

Wiper motor parts costs are usually in the region of £100-£160. The mechanism can be extremely expensive if the entire system needs to be replaced. But in most cases, joints or bearings can be changed separately. 

Fitting costs vary wildly depending on the car, and at the bottom end (on simple or older cars), it can take as little as 1-2 hours. At a rough rate of £50 per hour, equalling between £150 and £260 for the whole job. 

If your car is particularly complex, especially with a cramped engine bay, a mechanic may bill up to 4 hours to remove wiper motors and mechanisms. 

How does a wiper mechanism and motor work?

A moderately complex system of arms and gears moves the wipers across the screen. It’s usually situated under the scuttle panel or inside the engine bay. A motor drives this, and both parts can and do fail.

Wiper blades can be checked and changed at home or by a mechanic. If in doubt, contact your local garage dealer for professional assistance. 

It’s good to check your wiper blade before a long journey and regularly to avoid being caught far from home in a downpour.

Step-by-step instructions for checking wiper blades

Replacing your wiper blades is relatively easy to do. Here are the simple steps involved for a DIY change: 

First, check your owner’s manual for the correct wiper size and type for your car. The wiper size is usually described in millimetres. 

The wrong fit may result in windscreen damage or failure to clear water properly. 

Use a cloth or sponge to wipe the windscreen down. Never use abrasive cleaning products on the windscreen, as they can scratch the glass and reduce visibility. 

Also, avoid using any glass cleaners on your windscreen. Most contain alcohol or ammonia-based chemicals that could damage your wiper blades over time. 

Lay a piece of cloth or paper towel across your car's windscreen. This protects the wiper blade arm from scratching or damaging the glass.

Gently push down on the locking mechanism and hold it down while lifting the wiper arm until it’s released from its groove. 

The exact locking mechanism may vary from vehicle to vehicle, and if you’re unsure, simply consult your car’s handbook or look for an instructional video online. 

Once done, you should be able to easily remove your old windscreen wiper blades and wipe away any dirt or debris that has built up around where they attach to the arms. 

Next, replace the old wipers with new blades. Clip them in using the exact mechanism used to remove the old ones. 

Care should be taken with the plastic coverings and clipping mechanism – be patient and don’t try to force it. Doing so could damage the plastic housing or the blade itself. 

Give the new blades a couple of test wipes to ensure they work correctly by operating the screenwash function. 

Check that the wiper shows no signs of streaking, skipping, splitting or squeaking. 

Yes, you can get wiper blades professionally fitted. This process is straightforward, and most mechanics and automotive retailers offer a fitting service. 

 offer a windscreen wiper fitting service for around £5. Professional service is excellent if you want to avoid the hassle or don’t know how to change wiper blades.

You can buy wiper blades from online shops and automotive retailers. 

Online shops (e.g., Amazon) might seem quick and easy, but we recommend visiting a trusted automotive retailer such as 

You’ll be able to speak to an expert and ensure you buy wipers that are right for your car. They may also offer a fitting service for you – meaning you can get your wipers changed as often as you need to, hassle-free. 

The best wiper blades are the ones specified in your car owner’s manual. Before you look at style or technical functions, ensure the wipers are compatible with your vehicle. 

Also, manufacturers such as Bosch and Michelin are well-known for producing high-quality blades. These benefits are often both improved performance and longevity, so consider who you buy from.

Because new products are introduced all the time, it’s best to check a source like 

How often should you change your windscreen wipers - The takeaway

Windscreen wipers might seem minor, but they’re just as crucial as other car maintenance checks. Hopefully, this guide has helped you determine how often and how to change your windscreen wipers without fuss. Now, set a reminder in your calendar for your next change! 

Split the cost of car repair into monthly instalments at no extra cost with 

. Apply online for up to £5,000 and search for a trusted service partner.

How Often Should You Change Windscreen Wipers?

¿Con qué frecuencia se han de cambiar los limpiaparabrisas?

A headlight bulb replacement costs around £50 when professionally fitted, but they only cost £3 to buy in store. 

Few things are more vital to safe driving than headlights, especially in winter. Even before dark, they significantly improve your car's visibility, reducing accidents with other vehicles and pedestrians. 

This guide covers everything you need to know about UK headlight bulb replacement costs, including when to change them, average prices, and other common questions.

How much does a replacement headlight cost?

Headlight bulbs can cost as little as £3 from local car parts shops. However, you can expect fees of £15 to £100 for a professional replacement.

Independent garages often give better advice than chains and can help you fit them on the spot. But you can also buy from big brands, like Halfords and Wilco.

Fitting headlights yourself saves money and helps you understand your car. It’s a skill worth learning in case you ever need to do it in an emergency. However, if you’re unsure, you can get an expert to fit them for you. And we’ll explain where you can do this below. 

How much does it cost to buy and fit a replacement headlight bulb? 

The average cost of a new headlight bulb replacement can range from around £15 to £100, depending on your car, part costs, and whether it’s a complex fit. 

It’s worth noting that chain stores and garages charge different replacement fees. Some garages like ATS, Kwik Fit, or Wilco may charge more for the bulbs alone, but fitting is often free while you wait.

Headlight bulb replacement costs are lower than other surprise car problems. If you’re hit with a big bill, you can use

 to split the cost into interest-free repayments.

How much do Halfords charge to change a headlight bulb?

Halfords charges around £8 to £15 for fitting a headlight bulb, often offering free fitting when you buy bulbs from their store.

Prices vary by location and bulb type, but their service is quick and convenient for most drivers who don’t want to tackle the change alone.

Headlight bulb replacement cost by car make and model

Beyond garage vs DIY replacements, headlight bulb replacement costs can vary widely depending on your car’s make and model.

While most common UK vehicles only require a modest outlay, premium models or those with more complex lighting systems can be significantly more expensive.

Here’s a snapshot of typical UK price ranges for popular cars. These prices are only estimates.

Labour costs of headlight bulb replacements

Labour time for replacing a headlight bulb depends on the car and how accessible the unit is. 

Most jobs take 15 to 30 minutes per bulb, though tricky designs can take longer. Typical garage rates range from £50 to £100 an hour, similar to other minor repair work.

Lastly, the type of headlight you require can affect the final fee. Which brings us to the different types of headlights.

Here’s a quick overview of common headlight bulb types, how long they last, and estimated cost ranges. Read more about halogen vs HID bulbs at the end of this article. 