Annabelle Clarke

PR Manager

Annabelle Clarke | Author

Eduardo Rodrigues

Content Writer

Claudia Tuñón

Isobel Coughlan

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

Alastair Shephard

When was the last time you changed your tyres? 

How long tyres last and how many miles you can get out of them depend on several factors, and it’s vital to recognise when your tyres need replacing. 

While obvious damage like a puncture might be easy to spot, tyres may also need replacing if worn down or simply too old. 

So, how do you know when your tyres need to be replaced, and how much will it cost? Read on to find out how many 

 and the signs you need to change yours. 

Most tyre manufacturers and safety groups state 

The European Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation 

 states that tyres may be considered new for five years from the date of manufacture. However, tyres can last long if they are undamaged or not used often. 

 regularly for signs of wear and damage, but most garages recommend having them professionally checked. 

Professionals with a trained eye will easily spot immediate hazards and any areas of damage that might get worse if left unresolved. 

It might be better to consider the number of miles tyres last rather than thinking of it in a time period. 

How many miles do tyres last on a new car?

, your tyre life will depend on your vehicle, your driving style, and the type of roads you drive on. 

The average driver should get a minimum of 

out of their front tyres on a standard front-wheel drive car, while rear tyres can get up to 

Learn about replacing wheel bearings and their cost

As with any repairs to your vehicle, costs will vary depending on the 

 the smaller and narrower the tyre, the cheaper it will be. Thick tyres suitable for 4x4s are much more expensive than a standard run-around car. 

When buying car tyres, you really do get what you pay for

and it’s best to spend a little more. Fitting the wrong type of tyre on your car to save money could risk your and others’ safety. 

 can help you split the cost of tyres with our car repair finance options. Find a local garage 

It’s possible to repair car tyres, but it depends on the extent of the damage. Factors that will decide whether a

Your tyres may look healthy, but there could be invisible damage. These are the main warning signs that you should change your tyres. 

 replace your tyre if you have a puncture.

 However, depending on the depth and position of the damage, it may be possible to repair very minor punctures. 

One of the most common reasons for replacing your tyres is when the tread wears away and becomes 

 You can check this by yourself using a tool called a tyre gauge or by following this simple tip. 

 in your tyre periodically. These are signs that something is wrong. 

Old tyres can be brittle and age-racked with wear. Check for exposed or broken wire beads on your tyres, as this is another key sign they need a change. 

Realising you need new tyres isn’t always pleasant. Depending on your car needs, tyres can quickly rack up a hefty bill. However, 

split the new car tyre cost with interest-free monthly payments

Learn more about how our pay later tyre scheme can help you today. 

The easiest way to check your tyre tread is via the 20p test.

Take a 20p coin and place it in your tyre treads. If the tyre covers the outer band of the coin, then your tread is still within the legal limit. 

If not, it may need replacing, and you should visit your local garage as soon as possible. If you need more information on what to check on your car regularly, check out our 

handy guide to car checks before driving.

What is the legal minimum depth for car tyres?

The legal minimum depth of tyre tread for cars and other light vehicles is

across the middle three-quarters of the tyre. 

If it’s any less than this, you could be

and get 3 points on your licence. This is your sign to check your tyres! 

When you look closely, you’ll see each tyre is embossed with a unique set of markings. One of these markings is known as a DOT code. This acts as a unique code for your tyre, meaning you can identify how old the tyre is. Perfect if you want a cheat code or check your tyre’s age! 

DOT codes are made up of a string of several numbers and letters. But you only need to worry about the final four digits. 

DOT codes are a handy way to check your tyre’s age. Don’t forget to check the spare tyre’s age, too! You don’t want this to be too old to use if you ever need it. 

Apart from the risk of a fine, the condition of your tyres can also have a big impact on the car's performance

Worn-down tyres may have reduced grip, which could impact acceleration and breaking, so it really pays to have tyres that perform well. 

 on the back and front. Because tyre tread can have a big impact on handling, replacing just one tyre could cause your car to be unbalanced when moving. 

What should you do if your tyres are too old?

If your tyres are too old or have signs of wear, it’s time for a change to protect your safety. This means a spot for tyre shopping. 

However, remember these points to ensure a good fit before buying the first tyres you see. 

There comes a point when all tyres need a change. But you can extend their life by looking after them well. Here are a few tips to keep your tyres in good condition. 

Proper inflation is critical for a healthy car. To ensure your tyres are inflated, frequently check their pressure using a gauge and top them up as needed. 

If you install new tyres or notice vibrations when driving, you need to balance your tyres. You equalise the weight distribution around the tyre assembly and wheel to balance your tyres. This improves driving performance and reduces stress on the tyre. 

Harsh acceleration, sudden braking, sharp turns, and irresponsible driving can increase tyre wear and tear. 

Overloading your vehicle can put extra strain on your tyres and increase wear. Check your car’s manual to see the recommended weight capacity. 

Rotate your tyres approximately every 6,000 to 8,000 miles. This extended their wear and overall lifestyle, as tyres are no longer worn down in the same place. For example, you might rotate your tyres from side to side or back to front. 

Keeping on top of your tyre changes is critical for your safety, that of other road users, and your bank account. So, avoid last-minute costs and frustrating flat tyres and check your tyres regularly. You’ll thank yourself when you catch old tyres early! 

Do you need to replace your tyres? Are you looking for a garage that can split your payments into interest-free monthly instalments? Choose from 3,000 locations and sort it today with 

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 long do car tyres last?

Congratulations to the team at Snows Winchester for winning Dealership of the Month for June 2021.

The site first joined Bumper back in May 2016 and has since helped hundreds of customers pay for their car repairs over interest-free monthly instalments.

The Winchester team pride themselves on great customer service and frequently receive 5-star reviews on Trustpilot.

‘Very clear and concise explanation from the Service Advisor on the benefits of spreading the costs of repairs and very easy and quick to set up.’ – Keith (Snows Winchester Customer)

‘Good service and professional team. I will highly recommend.’ – Sergio (Snows Winchester Customer)

account manager, Marc, has looked after the site since they came onboard, he said, ‘The team at Snows Winchester have seen some great results from helping customers spread the cost of their service work.

There is always a friendly and professional atmosphere when I visit and the service advisors use Bumper to their advantage, increasing customer satisfaction and retention.’

Well done to the team at Snows Winchester!

Bumper helps drivers split repair bills into interest-free payments, so you can keep your car in tip-top condition without breaking the bank.

Apply for a credit limit and search for local garages in our network by 

Winchester winners: Snows Winchester named Dealership of the Month

The average exhaust replacement cost in the UK is around £450, and if you have exhaust problems, it’s essential to get it fixed promptly.

If your car sounds different, smells unusual inside, or vibrates underneath, your exhaust system may need to be replaced. A faulty exhaust can hurt performance, reduce efficiency, and even affect your health.

Wondering how much a new exhaust costs and how to tell if you need one? Here's what to know.

Exhaust replacement usually costs between £300 and £600, depending on your car, the parts, and labour. Smaller cars are cheaper, while larger or luxury models cost more.

Most of the time, only sections after the catalytic converter need replacing, as these are more prone to rust. Modern cars use bolted flanges, which can seize over time and lead to extra part replacements.

There’s no one-size-fits-all price, but you’ll find typical costs below.

 can help you split the exhaust replacement costs into interest-free repayments. 

Exhaust replacement costs by manufacturer 

How much is a new exhaust for each car brand? Check the table below for average costs.

Alongside your car make and age, a new exhaust cost depends on where in the UK you’re based. Urban areas tend to have higher costs than rural garages. 

Here’s a quick overview of how prices can change. 

How much is a full exhaust replacement system cost?

A full exhaust system replacement in the UK typically costs 

. This is more expensive than just replacing sections like the back box or mid-pipe, which usually cost less. 

A complete system replacement covers every part, from the manifold to the tailpipe, ensuring that all worn components are replaced simultaneously.

Yes, replacing a faulty exhaust improves your car’s performance, fuel efficiency, and reduces harmful emissions. It also prevents costly damage and health risks. 

In the UK, timely exhaust replacement can save money in the long run and help your car pass its MOT.

Exhaust repairs are cheaper but may be short-term, while replacements provide a long-lasting solution.

Repairs usually fix specific issues like leaks or damaged parts and cost between £100 and £400. Replacements involve swapping larger sections or the entire system, costing £300 to over £1,000. 

can help you manage the cost of replacing specific parts of the system.

You rarely need to replace the whole exhaust at once. It's made of separate parts to simplify manufacturing, fitting, and repairs.

Replacement costs vary by car, part, and how much rust is underneath. Here are the main exhaust parts, listed from engine to rear bumper.

The exhaust manifold bolts to the engine and channels gases from each cylinder into one pipe, usually called the downpipe, which runs down the side of the engine.

In turbocharged cars, the turbo is often mounted here, making removal trickier. This section may also include a Lambda sensor that monitors oxygen levels for the engine's computer.

How much does it cost to repair an exhaust manifold leak?

New manifold costs range from £300 to £1,000, gasket replacement from £300 to £400, and seals cost £40 to £150.

The manifold is bolted to the engine, so repairs often need removing other parts and can be costly. Replacing the gasket is cheaper but takes longer. 

Many cars have the catalytic converter built into the downpipe or front exhaust section under the engine. Some also have a second converter in the midsection.

Catalytic converters use materials like Platinum and Palladium to reduce harmful gases. Because of their value, they are often targeted by thieves and can be worth hundreds in scrap.

How much does it cost to repair a catalytic converter?

The cost of a replacement OEM catalytic converter is between 

, while the cost of a type-approved catalytic converter replacement will be between 

The midsection of the exhaust often includes a silencer, resonator, and a secondary Lambda sensor.

The silencer reduces exhaust noise, while the resonator removes high-pitched sounds. The secondary Lambda sensor checks if the catalytic converter is working properly.

How much does it cost to repair an exhaust mid-section?

Midsection replacement ranges from £300 to £500, rising to £700 for luxury models. High-performance and luxury cars usually cost more due to extra silencers in the mid-pipe. 

Rust and seized bolts can add to the cost if nearby parts also need replacing.

Diesel vehicles from 2009 use diesel particulate filters (DPFs) that trap soot from the exhaust. The car’s ECU burns off the soot every 200-500 miles, but the filter can clog if the car isn’t driven regularly.

How much does it cost to repair a clogged DPF? 

Cleaning and repairing a DPF costs between £100 and £250, while replacement runs from £300 to £500.

Cleaning services may restore the filter, but sometimes replacement is necessary depending on the damage.

The back box under the rear bumper connects to the midsection and reduces engine noise using baffling materials. Some performance cars have a wider back box with two exhaust tips for better flow.

Replacing the back box costs between £250 and £600, depending on the car. 

This is another part that will vary depending on the type of car. It has fewer rusty connections but is exposed to water, salt, and mud near the rear wheels.

6. Exhaust Hangers, Sensors and Flexible sections

Exhaust hangers use rubber and steel to suspend the system and reduce vibration, while flexible sections prevent strain from engine movement. 

Lambda sensors, which relay exhaust gas data to the ECU, cost between £100 and £250 to replace, and flexi pipes that add flexibility cost between £120 and £1000. 

Genuine parts are recommended since aftermarket sensors often cause errors and fail sooner.

How do you know if your exhaust needs replacing?

Many parts make up your exhaust, and several signs can indicate a fault. Common signals you need a replacement include:

Is it illegal to drive with a broken exhaust?

Yes, driving with a broken exhaust is illegal in the UK. Get it fixed as soon as possible.

Yes, major leaks or unsafe emissions will cause your car to fail its MOT. Minor corrosion usually results in an advisory only.

Realising you need an exhaust replacement isn’t fun, but driving with faulty parts can be a serious health risk. Hopefully, this blog has helped you troubleshoot your issue and understand the approximate exhaust replacement cost.

Exhaust replacement costs can tighten your budget. 

 with Bumper's car repair finance, 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. 

How Much Does an Exhaust Replacement Cost?

¿Cuánto cuesta cambiar el tubo de escape de un coche?

Wie viel kostet der Austausch eines Auspuffs?

Congratulations to the team at John Clark VWPC Dunfermline, who’ve won Bumper’s Dealership of the Month for July 2021.

The team’s commitment to providing their customers with the best possible experience was exceptional, and it was great to see that offering Bumper has become an integral part of their aftersales process.

Joining Bumper earlier this year, the team at Dunfermline have helped nearly 50 customers split their repair bills and drive away happier and safer.

Well done to the team at John Clark VWPC Dunfermline!

Dealership of the Month: John Clark VW Dunfermline

’s aftersales payment services across its network of 160 dealerships in Scotland and England.

The rollout covers the in-store and online digital payment of servicing, accident repairs and MOTs as well as parts and accessories on the group’s Autoparts eCommerce platform.

Bumper’s payment solutions have also been embedded within Arnold Clark’s video health checks to ensure all customers are offered complete payment flexibility and convenience.

Aftersales customers will be offered the option of

Bumper’s interest-free Buy-Now-Pay-Later (BNPL) services

 under the Arnold Clark Easy Pay banner, enabling them to spread costs over three months (£50 to £5,000), six months (£250 to £5,000) or 10 months (£500 to £5,000).

Additionally, the deal provides a Pay-Now option for customers choosing to settle the full balance of aftersales work online. This service works via SMS or email, giving customers a convenient and secure way to pay for their repairs remotely.

Jack Allman, CCO and co-founder of Bumper, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with 

, one of the biggest and most progressive franchised dealer groups in the UK.

“We’ve been working closely with the Arnold Clark team for a number of months to create a seamless finance platform. The launch marks one of the most integrated rollouts of our payment platform, creating faster approvals and less administration for busy workshops, while offering customers more convenience and flexibility in how they settle their bills.”

Commenting on the partnership, Scott Grant, Arnold Clark’s group aftersales director, said: “We are really excited to be working with Bumper to help further digitalise our aftersales processes. We have been impressed by the speed of the rollout, along with the support and reporting capabilities of their platform.”

Bumper, formerly Auto Service Finance, provides an interest-free digital payment platform for vehicle repairs and services, enabling owners to spread their costs. The multi award-winning UK fintech company delivers an instalment financing solution using proprietary AI-enabled technology to facilitate real-time lending decisions.

Bumper enables dealerships and garages to sell a larger proportion of red and amber work, reducing workshop downtime with no risks or liabilities, while also creating greater customer loyalty.

Co-founded by CEO James Jackson and CCO Jack Allman, Bumper is rated 89 in the 2021 FT 1000 listing of Europe’s fastest-growing companies as well as the ninth fastest growing fintech business. Bumper works with 2,500 franchised dealers, over 700 garages and major car brands across the UK and Republic of Ireland, helping over 100,000 drivers to fund their servicing and repair bills.

Bumper is based in Sheffield and London, with a tech development centre in Ankara, Turkey.

Arnold Clark partners with Bumper to digitalise aftersales payments

Bumper has announced a major expansion of its partnership with CitNOW which will see its Buy-Now-Pay-Later platform embedded in vehicle health check videos sent to aftersales customers across Europe.

The service has been launched in the UK, where it is already available at over 700 sites, and will debut shortly in Germany and Spain followed by other European countries.

The integration with CitNOW Workshop, the widely-used eVHC tool, will enable customers to approve repair work online and arrange interest-free monthly payments at the same time on a single web page.

“This significant new integration with CitNOW will help relieve the workloads of busy workshop teams and enhance the conversion of aftersales revenue opportunities, while delivering a convenient and seamless digital customer experience,” said Jack Allman, Bumper co-founder and CCO.

“Customers receiving eVHC videos will now see what work needs to be authorised, how much it will cost and choose whether to split the bill over interest-free monthly instalments. Furthermore, as all of this can now be done digitally, it will free up service advisors to help those customers in need of greater attention.”

Commenting on the rollout Rab Fyfe, director of product at CitNOW, said: “Both Bumper and CitNOW provide similar dealership benefits in the workshop which help drive sales and efficiencies and deliver improved customer satisfaction. We already share a large customer overlap, so by working together we can help workshops achieve higher invoice values through increased parts sales, making this a natural partnership.”

This latest move marks the next stage of Bumper’s expansion into other European markets, following its launch into Ireland in April 2021, its first territory outside of the UK.

Bumper provides an interest-free digital payment platform for vehicle repairs and services, enabling owners to spread their costs. Formerly Auto Service Finance, the multi award-winning UK fintech company delivers an instalment financing solution using proprietary AI enabled technology to facilitate real-time lending decisions.

Bumper enables dealerships and garages to sell a larger proportion of red and amber work, reducing workshop downtime, with no risks or liabilities, while also creating greater customer loyalty.

Co-founded by CEO James Jackson and CCO Jack Allman, Bumper is rated 89 in the 2021 FT 1000 listing of Europe’s fastest growing companies as well as the ninth fastest growing fintech business. Bumper works with 2,500 franchised dealers, over 700 garages and major car brands across the UK and Republic of Ireland, helping over 100,000 drivers to fund their servicing and repair bills.

An innovator and market leader, CitNOW supplies video and digital communications tools to over 6,000 automotive retailers (including 92 of the UK’s 100 largest car dealer groups) with over 10,000 users and 43 vehicle manufacturers. Its app-based video and image management platform helps dealers build stronger, more transparent and more productive customer relationships.

CitNOW's contactless communication tools improve processes in both sales and aftersales, helping to increase customer loyalty, stock turnover and revenue. In 2020, CitNOW helped retailers in 64 countries create more than ten million videos – an average of more than 27,000 every day.

Bumper partners with CitNOW to embed interest-free payments in eVHCs across Europe

With travel restrictions still in place, many of us will be considering a UK-based getaway this summer.

However, wear and tear caused by long journeys in heavy traffic, often with excessive baggage, can cause issues.

If your vehicle is not in tip-top condition, the added stress can lead to large repair bills and pose a threat to your safety.

 before driving off to your big summer getaway.

 found that unsafe tyres contributed to 521 accidents in 2018.

legal minimum for tyre tread depth is 1.6mm

. Without this depth, your car cannot properly grip the road.

Tyre pressure can also be an issue. Underinflation and side wall damage can even cause a blowout.

 noted 459 accidents caused by faulty brakes.

Worn brake pads, mechanical faults, and leaking fluid can all contribute to brake failure.

Faulty brakes can land motorists with a hefty fine and penalty points or worse cause a serious collision.

If you're wondering about the cost to replace brake pads and discs, then read more here.

 reported there have been 64 fatalities due to defective brakes since 2013.

Faulty steering racks, loose driving belts, and damaged hydraulic pipes can all cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle.

 reported 200 accidents in 2018 were caused by a fault with the steering. It is important this is checked regularly.

Get your car safe and summer-ready with Bumper.

Choose from 1000s of approved dealerships and garages and split the cost into monthly instalments, completely interest-free.

 of your next repair, MOT, or service bill.

3 vehicle checks to carry out before your summer getaway

Fuel economy is often the last thing on drivers’ minds but with fuel prices rising higher than ever this summer you may want to pay closer attention.

In this guide, Bumper breaks down what fuel economy is, how it’s calculated, which cars are the most fuel-efficient, and what habits may be costing you more on the road.

Fuel economy is how far your vehicle can travel in relation to the amount of fuel used. This is measured in miles per gallon (MPG).

If your car gets 40 MPG, that means you’ll be able to drive 40 miles on one gallon of fuel. The average for UK cars is 37.8 MPG.

Hybrids can usually achieve a longer range. For example, the 2016 Prius can achieve around 50 –55 MPG.

A metric used most frequently in the US is MPGe. This represents the number of miles an electric vehicle can travel using the equivalent energy produced by a gallon of petrol – 33.7 kilowatt-hours of battery power.