close-up-of -car-on-hydraulic-lift-in-professional-auto-repair-shop

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

How much should you expect to spend every year on keeping your car in smooth running order? A 2020 study by Kwik Fit found that the average UK driver spends around £1,300 every year on 

 That includes petrol, trips to the car wash, but crucially — repairs and breakdown recovery.

Ranked by cost, you won't be surprised that petrol is the biggest line item in the budget. But maintenance and repairs come in a close second.

Those figures don’t tell the whole story. Unexpected repairs and breakdowns 

. Numbers from WarrantyWise suggest the average bill for an unexpected repair is north of £600, and the more expensive the car brand, the higher the cost. 

shock car repair bill, it's worth looking at what you can do to keep your car in top condition and avoid unpleasant surprises (and you could even consider applying for 

Close to 10 per cent of drivers try and save on car maintenance by putting off 

 or delaying routine servicing. Experts agree that waiting until repairs are absolutely necessary is a ‘false economy’ that often costs drivers more in the long run. 

To avoid unexpected repairs and breakdowns, the best way to ensure your car is operating efficiently is to regularly maintain it. If you don’t, you run the risk of 

 if problems go undetected and lead to major repairs. 

But there are effective ways to keep visits to the mechanics to a minimum. Here are five proper ways to trim the cost of auto maintenance and repairs. 

Getting more life out of your car’s moving parts is often as simple as taking it easy behind the wheel. 

and tyres will all last you longer if learn to relax a bit and be sensible when you’re on the move. 

Follow these simple techniques and your car will repay you with fewer trips to the mechanic: 

Pay attention to what’s happening further up the road and brake gradually as the situation demands. Gradual versus ‘sudden’ braking will keep your discs and brake pads from wearing out before their normal lifespan expires. If you hammer the brakes on a regular basis it creates more friction and brakes down their component materials faster. 

Don’t keep your foot pressed down on the clutch pedal after you switch gears. Doing that means the clutch isn’t fully re-engaged, which could cause the plates to slip on the gearbox shaft. Over time that will cause significant and expensive damage to your transmission. 

Steer clear of speed bumps and potholes: 

Your vehicles undercarriage, exhaust, and tyres can all be damaged by flying over potholes and speed bumps. The end result can be a painfully expensive repair bill — all of which could be avoided by taking it slow over speed bumps avoiding potholes entirely 

2. Don’t put off scheduled service visits 

At risk of repeating ourselves, most car makers suggest that you bring your car in for a full end-to-end service every 12 months or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. 

While the fear of an unexpected repair bill can make people fearful about taking their car in for a checkup, in the end it can lead to a bigger repair bill when you’re hit with a failed MOT inspection down the road. In fact, the Royal Automobile Club found that close to 60 per cent of drivers who hadn't been in for regular service paid between £500 and £1,000 in order to pass the MOT. 

Keeping your car and undercarriage free from dirt and dust can help keep grit out of moving parts and stop slow-but-steady damage to the vehicle's exterior. Kwik Fit’s study of repair costs also found that UK drivers spend an average of £60 every year taking their car in to the car wash. While that might not seem like a lot of money, over the course of a car’s normal lifespan (circa eight years) you could cut close to £800 from your maintenance costs by cleaning the car at home. 

Electric vehicles are increasing in popularity and repair costs are part of the attraction. Along with being more sustainable, e-cars are rightly hailed for being cheaper to maintain. Their motors contain fewer moving parts. And perhaps most importantly, charging an electric vehicle is significantly cheaper than filling a tank with diesel or petrol. 

The latest industry research shows that electric cars are about 25 per cent 

with a traditional petrol-fired internal combustion engine. On average, that equates to savings of about £300 annually. 

If you’re willing to sit through a few YouTube videos and learn how to handle basic car maintenance, you can save a lot of money every year by avoiding leaving your car in a service bay for a mechanic to do the work instead. 

When you take your car in to a garage, you’re paying for both parts and labour. In many cases, a bit of shopping around will locate the same parts for less than what the mechanic is going to charge you for them. Learning how to do things like change spark plugs and do oil changes can save you hundreds of pounds every year. 

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 high are auto maintenance and repair costs in the UK? 

You’ve just got a car repair quote — and it’s more than you can afford right now. It’s an unexpected expense, and you need to figure out quickly what your options are.

With the cost of everyday life already stretched, an urgent repair bill can put real pressure on your finances. One option that many drivers turn to is a car repair loan.

Car repair loans can help you spread the cost of an unexpected bill into manageable monthly payments so you can get back on the road without paying everything upfront.

On this page, you’ll quickly find out how they work and what to consider before choosing one.

There are several ways to pay for unexpected car repairs in the UK, from spreading the cost with finance to using savings, credit cards, or garage payment plans, each with different costs and approval requirements.

Below, you’ll find the main car repair loan options and their pros and cons.

A personal loan is money borrowed from a bank, building society, or online lender that you repay in fixed monthly instalments over an agreed term. You usually receive the full amount upfront and can use it for car repairs or other expenses.

 People needing to cover a large repair bill and who prefer structured, longer-term repayments.

A credit card lets you pay for car repairs upfront and repay the balance over time. 

Some cards offer 0% interest promotional periods, but standard rates apply once these end. Bumper recommends checking the fine print for your card before making any payments.

 Smaller repair bills or short-term borrowing when you can repay quickly.

Some garages offer their own finance or “pay later” options, allowing you to split the cost of repairs directly with the workshop. 

However, these plans aren’t always on offer and may be subject to the garage’s own terms — which may not be very favourable.

Drivers who want an in-garage solution without arranging external finance.

Specialist providers focus specifically on car repair finance (such as Bumper), allowing you to spread the cost of a repair bill into monthly payments. 

In many cases, the garage is paid directly and the customer repays the provider over time.

 Drivers facing unexpected repair costs who want a fast way to spread payments.

A car repair loan is a specific form of lending that helps pay for car maintenance or repair bills. These loans split the costs into multiple payments over a series of months, allowing you to minimise the impacts of a big surprise cost.

Usually, the amount is paid directly to the garage doing the work, and the car owner repays the loan company in monthly payments until it is complete.

Can you get a car repair loan with a bad credit score?

If you have a low credit score, it may still be possible to get help covering the cost of car repairs, but approval is never guaranteed. 

Lenders will look at your overall financial situation, including your income, existing credit commitments, and ability to make repayments, rather than just your credit score alone.

Who gives car loans for poor credit scores?

Car repair finance for bad credit is typically available through specialist lenders or providers that offer flexible eligibility checks, including some garage finance options and dedicated repair finance services. In some cases, you may also consider credit cards with lower limits or personal loans aimed at “near-prime” borrowers.

Advantages of car repair loans for low credit scores

The main advantage is that these loans may still be accessible even if you have a poor credit history, as some lenders focus more on affordability and current financial circumstances than your credit score alone. 

They can also provide fast access to funds, helping you cover urgent repair costs and get back on the road without delay, while spreading payments into manageable monthly installments.

Drawbacks of car repair loans for low credit scores

However, there are drawbacks to consider. Interest rates may be higher, credit limits can be lower, and not all providers will accept applicants with poor credit histories. 

It’s also important to ensure repayments are affordable, as missed payments could further impact your credit file.

For a more detailed breakdown of options, see our guide to 

 service is the speed of approval. Simply, apply online and choose from thousands of reliable repairers. Applications can be completed in just a few seconds.

Banks and credit unions typically charge interest on money lent, but car repair loan companies like 

Bumper makes money by charging the garage a small service charge instead. But don’t worry. This cost will never be passed on to you through inflated rates. We’re here to make the experience easier, not more stressful.

What fees are there for securing a car repair loan?

As the borrower, none! There shouldn’t be any fees to the customer to secure a car repair loan.

Here at Bumper, we charge the garage a small service charge, and that’s it. Assuming you make all the repayments on time as agreed prior to arranging credit, there are no fees to be paid with our car repair finance.

At Bumper, it couldn't be easier. Our website will guide you through the steps one by one. To get started, visit our 

The process for car repair finance is simple:

Enter your reg & postcode to search for a trusted local service partner.

Apply for up to £5,000. We don't need to know how much your bill will be.

Get an instant decison and a unique code to give to the garage.

Book an appointment with your selected service partner. When it's time to pay, give them your code and they'll set up the rest.

What information do I need to apply for a car repair loan?

If you need a loan to get your car fixed, you’ll need a few personal details.

On our website, you will be asked to provide information about your car and location. From there, we’ll present a suitable selection of local garages.

We also do a ‘soft credit check’ in order to guarantee eligibility for a car repair loan, and this will require information such as your full name, address, date of birth, and any current credit lines you have.

Do I have to provide security for a car repair loan?

No, unlike many bank loans, you don’t need to provide collateral for a car repair loan.

This means you don’t need to own your own home or car outright to get approved for a car repair loan, making the process much easier.

An option lots of people use for large purchases is a credit card. This allows you to cover the cost of large bills without needing to pay upfront, but they do have their downsides.

credit card companies offer zero interest rates

 on a fixed term, say 18 months, these are usually offers rather than permanent schemes, meaning it's very important to check and double-check what interest you'll have to pay.

After the first month, many credit card lenders charge in the region of 20% APR, with this compounding if payments are missed. If your credit score isn't perfect, this rate can skyrocket to 40 or 60%.

Bumper allows guaranteed 0%-interest repayments over a timescale that is established before the money is lent, meaning you won't get any surprises when your statement arrives next month.

As well as Bumper or using a credit card, there are a few other ways to spread the cost of car repairs, each with its own downsides and benefits.

Paypal has offered a buy now pay later option for a while, for some customers can give 4 months zero interest loans.

Whilst its platform is widely used online and in e-commerce purchases, in our experience, there aren’t many garages that will accept a PayPal scheme.

Another downside is that PayPal’s standard credit limit is £1200, which is often not enough for more serious repairs.

Klarna is a payment tool that is popular in retail stores and is available in a few garages, but this is limited by the very same points mentioned above, including a restrictive payment plan and limited availability.

A few garage chains in the UK offer a buy now, pay later service within their group, which allows customers to spread the cost.

Whilst these can be a great help, we’ve found not all branches offer the service, and as such, you need to be sure your local garage offers the service and can accommodate your vehicle in your preferred time period.

They also tend to be less flexible, requiring a fixed rate for deposits, repayment times, and amounts. This can be difficult to manage if your car repair bill is significant.

Will a car repair loan impact my credit score?

When applying for a car repair loan, we will do a soft credit check, which will not affect your credit score. Once your loan is approved, paying back the loan in time with the schedule agreed could actually improve your credit score.

how car finance affects your credit score

Can you get a repair loan with bad credit?

All loan providers will check your credit score to determine if you qualify for particular products. Bumper

s car repair loans can be a good option for those with low credit scores. However, approval will depend on the individual's circumstances.

Car Repair Loans: Loans, Finance & Plans Explained (2026)

Car Repair Loans: Everything You Need To Know

When it comes to considering a car’s lifespan, mileage is a vital metric to consider. But as straightforward as it sounds, mileage is more than just accumulated driving distance over time. There are a number of variables that can make mileage more or less of an issue. 

High mileage can also mean more unexpected maintenance and repairs. That makes mileage a key question when you’re buying a used car. In reality, you should be asking how much time you will likely have with a car that’s seen its fair share of motorways, maintenance, and repairs. 

You might have heard that a car with 200,000 miles on it is probably headed for the junkyard. That's often true. 

But what about cars that have racked up less? When does a car’s overall mileage put it into ‘high mileage’ territory, and should a big number on the odometer stop you from purchasing a used car? 

In this article we’ll look what is high mileage for a car, along with the other factors that will influence its value and likely longevity. 

Generally, high mileage on a car is anything beyond 1000 miles a month or 12,000 miles per year. Mechanics usually agree on the figure as ‘average’ car use. More than that is considered high mileage, so a three-year-old car with 40,000 miles, for example, would be in the high mileage range. 

Still, mechanics typically use the phrase 'high mileage' when a car has 100,000 miles or more on the odometer. That sort of mileage can put a lot of owners off and many cars don't come with warranty cover for more than 100,000 miles. 

But the truth is, a car’s mileage often doesn’t actually give you much practical insight into its condition. In fact, a car that’s been used regularly is often in better shape than a car that’s been used off and on, or left to sit unused for long periods. 

So, mileage is only part of the story. What you really need to know is 

. A lot can depend on the make and model, the owner’s level of care, and other factors. 

In many cases, the owner’s level of care for the car is the single most important factor in determining how the machine holds up over the years. A car that’s been well-cared-for may be good to make it to 200,000 miles or more. 

Preferably, someone selling a used car should be able to provide you with at least basic information on how it’s been maintained and information on how it was driven. Was it used for daily commuting, for business purposes, mainly for leisure trips at weekends? 

In addition to those questions, other things to look for include: 

Of course, if a car has had a number of owners, that info may be sketchy or unavailable, which takes us to the next tip. 

There's single rule for deciding if a car has too many miles, but looking at its history can give you an idea of its likely lifespan going forward. 

If you were presented with two identical cars, one with 50,000 miles on it and another with 70,000, the normal reaction would be to select option one. It has the lowest mileage so it's had less wear and tear, right? 

Maybe. What if the 50,000-mile car was previously part of an urban car-club scheme, while the 70,000-mile car was privately owned by someone who commuted from a market town to a trading estate via motorways and A-roads. Would that change your mind? 

The car-club car has probably been driven extensively in town. That puts a lot of wear and tear on a car’s clutch and brakes. When mileage is accumulated over short journeys, the engine is often cold — so oil’s ability to protect internal components is at its lowest point. A car club car also won't be treated with the same care by the people who drive it. 

A single owner is much more likely to treat their car with care and use it for longer trips on the motorway. On the motorway, you leave the clutch or the brakes mostly untouched and the engine operates at a relatively low set of revolutions, so internal components are better protected. 

You're also a lot less likely to pick up the scrapes and bumps that are a reality of city driving. Longer journeys also give a car more time to reach its optimal temperature, so your engine oil is better able to do its thing. 

A car with a small number of owners is generally a good sign. The more hands a car has passed through, the greater the chance of an unreported crash, deferred maintenance or other undesirable events. 

For this reason, single-owner cars are the holy grail every used car buyer looks for. It makes it much easier to find information about the car’s service history or know if it's been involved in a collision. 

However, here’s where you have to take the big picture into account again. What 

 of miles did the owner put on the car? Were they an aggressive driver who drove with their brakes, or more of relaxed driver who could take the daily stresses of British roads in stride? 

If you’re contemplating a used car purchase, don’t be put off by the speedometer reading alone. Do your homework and you could bag a bargain with miles of road life left to offer. 

 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.

What is high mileage for a car? 

Welche Laufleistung ist bei einem Auto hoch?

Keeping your car in tip-top condition is one of the best ways to stave off mechanical failures and unexpected repairs. It might sound like common sense, but many drivers fail to do the most simple — and relatively inexpensive — things that can keep cars running smoothly. 

. But put those things off for too long, and you’re inviting trouble. 

What simple steps can you take to maintain your car and keep it out of the mechanic’s service bay? Here, we’ve gathered the best tips to help you learn how to prevent car problems. Let’s get started. 

How to prevent car problems — 7 tips drivers must know

From driving sensibly to keeping your car clean, we’ve asked the experts and compiled the top 7 tips you need to know to prevent car problems. Get your notepad out and jot these down to keep your car healthy. 

This one should go without saying, but if you want to keep your car in tip-top condition, not ragging it and treating it like a rally or a race car should be your priority. 

You don’t have to drive like your nan, but sympathetically driving your car should keep your hard-earned cash in your wallet and not in the till of the local mechanic. 

Driving your car with a little more caution will help reduce wear and tear and allow you to get more miles out of each tank. 

Not only that, but driving sensibly, changing gears smoothly, treating the steering wheel, the 

, and even the pedals with some care and attention will pay dividends in the long run. 

Also, driving sensibly means you’re looking ahead and watching for hazards, reducing your need to slam on the 

 every 5 seconds - the more aggressive you are, the more likely you are to burn through fuel and require costly repairs. 

Plus, if you’ve removed an extended warranty cover, it’s unlikely to cover you for wear and tear. So, if you want to keep your money in your pocket, treat your car carefully. 

Yes, the underneath of a modern car’s bonnet can appear to be as complex as the USS Enterprise, but checking the spark plugs on your car still remains an easy fix, even for a non-petrol head. 

Always consult your user manual before you do it, just in case, and if you aren’t sure, raise it as a concern at your 

, you’re checking to make sure they don’t show signs of wear and tear. If they do, this could be an indication that they need replacing. Also, they can be representative of the state of your engine. 

So if the spark plugs are shot, and you don’t think you’ve put the car through its paces to warrant their wear, take the car to a garage to get it checked over. 

Just like us, cars need fluids to stay healthy. Replenishing your 

 can save its life. Get into the habit of checking the oil fortnightly. This is easy and includes:

While you’re checking the oil level, also check the coolant levels. If this needs topping up, fill it up with half and half distilled water to antifreeze. 

And don’t forget to check the screen wash too. Being able to see out of your windscreen is essential to staying safe. 

Not only is it a legal requirement to ensure the 

 on your tyres is at a suitable depth - the legal minimum in the UK is 1.6mm, but you should consider changing your tyres when they are between 2mm and 3mm; it could also save your life. 

The tyres grip the car to the road, and if they aren’t in tip-top condition, they aren’t gripping tightly. 

, meaning you’ll hose through fuel quicker than you usually would, so keep them topped up according to your user manual guide. And don’t forget that the pressure can be different for the back and the front tyres. 

If you need to change a tyre, align the wheels professionally to help reduce the wear on your new tyres, as this will help improve your steering and how the car handles. 

If you never clean your car, maybe this might persuade you to get out the soap and sponge.

You could significantly extend the life of your car simply by 

. That's right. Number 5 on the list of how to prevent car problems is to keep your vehicle clean. 

It's no joke. Dirt, grit and muck can get into the moving parts, accelerating wear and tear and causing corrosion. By giving your car a quick clean once a month, especially during the winter months, will remove the road salt, which can be incredibly corrosive. 

You can clean your car yourself, or for a small fee, you can take it to a car wash. Either way, keeping on top of this easy win could help keep your car healthy.

Lights are a crucial safety factor. From the headlights and brake lights to turn signals, you need your bulbs to always work. This keeps you safe and decreases the likelihood of crashes and expensive car damage — preventing car problems also includes keeping yourself and others safe on the road! 

Plus, keeping your lights in good condition will help you avoid on-the-spot fines for obscured lights. So, test your lights at least once a month to be sure. 

We know filters aren’t the most exciting aspect of your car. But oil and 

 become clogged over time, so you must stay on top of changing them. 

While your filters will likely be changed during your car service, you can do them yourself if you realise they’re clogged. You can also call a mobile mechanic to quickly swap them from your home. Perfect if you’ve realised they are clogged but don’t want to tamper with your car. 

Your car’s handbook will cover cleaning and changing your filters. Always use genuine replacements. Cheaper filters might damage your car in the long term and result in future car problems.

Bonus tip - Have flexible payment options ready 

Bad luck can catch anyone out when it comes to cars and maintenance. If you do find yourself facing a sizable repair bill for something unexpected, our ‘buy now, pay later’ service can help ease the pain. 

 lets you get the repairs you need quickly. while deferring payments in easy interest-free instalments. Visit our 

If you’re interested in how to prevent car problems, you might want to switch your focus and look at making your car more reliable. 

Your aim should always be to make the car road safe and efficient. So, use the tips on this page and stay up to date with services to ensure the car is healthy and ready to go. 

Alternatively, you could also investigate the 

How to prevent car problems - Final Thoughts

Knowing how to prevent car problems will help you keep your car healthy, safe, and affordable to maintain. So, don’t put it off! Start checking your car today to see if you can prevent future issues now. 

 is here to help if you’re experiencing unexpected car problems and need help with splitting the cost. Apply and spread the cost of services, MOTs, repairs, accessories, and parts today. 

How to prevent unexpected car problems

Every car owner in the UK needs to pass the annual MOT inspection in order to keep their vehicle ‘street legal.’ But do you know what happens if your car 

First of all, don’t panic! You’re not the first person whose car has failed an MOT, and you won’t be the last. Although repairs can be costly and you won’t be left with much choice, with car finance options like 

 available, you might find yourself back on the road faster than anticipated. 

However, you’ll want to get repairs done reasonably quickly — or do without your car until whatever’s broken is fixed. 

Forewarned is forearmed. Here’s everything you need to prepare for a possible MOT #fail. 

An MOT is the UK’s annual vehicle check that ensures your car is roadworthy and won’t pose a risk to yourself or other drivers. The MOT is carried out according to the UK’s Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. 

How high are auto maintenance and repair costs in the UK?

Car Repair Loans: Loans, Finance & Plans Explained (2026)

What is high mileage for a car?

How to prevent unexpected car problems

What Can Fail An MOT & What To Do Next

Will a car dealer let me finance car repairs?

How to use a Car Battery Charger

When is my MOT due?