News

A car’s maintenance schedule can be easy to forget about. Every day, we jump in and out of our automobiles and everything runs as it should. We take it for granted, <a href="https://www.bumper.co.uk/">until something bad happens</a>.Avoiding unpleasant surprises can be as simple as keeping up with regular oil changes. They’re fast and cheap and absolutely vital to ensuring the smooth operation of your vehicle.They’re also easy to put off until later.&nbsp;But what if later never comes? Oil is an essential engine component that keeps the engine running by lubricating the heated, fast-moving metal parts to prevent them from seizing up.&nbsp;But motor oil isn’t formulated to last indefinitely. You need to change it on a regular basis. Depending on the car make and model and the quality of oil required, the interval between oil changes could be anywhere from 3,000 to 10,000 miles.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">What happens if I skip an oil change?&nbsp;</h2>The short answer is this: you could damage your engine — or worse.&nbsp;&nbsp;You might get lucky and skip a scheduled oil change without any problems, but you'll be taking a big risk.&nbsp; Every day you put it off, more gunk and dirt is collecting in your engine oil and making it less effective at doing its job. Wait too long and it will lose its viscosity entirely. Then you've got trouble.&nbsp;On the upside, regular oil changes help keep your car running smoothly and maximise your mileage.&nbsp;Here are 10 reasons why you shouldn't skip your next oil change.&nbsp;<h3 style="margin-left:0px;">Protecting your engine&nbsp;</h3>The oil in your engine reduces friction and heat by lubricating the moving parts. When the oil is fresh, it lubricates at peak efficiency and minimises the daily wear and tear from simply running the engine.&nbsp;As oil gets older, dirt, dust, and tiny bits of engine debris can build up, so its ability to lubricate is diminished. The result: your engine parts slowly start to disintegrate. That starts a vicious cycle whereby more wear and tear adds more dirt and gunk in the oil, which makes wear &amp; tear worse.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3 style="margin-left:0px;">Spending less on petrol&nbsp;</h3>No one likes spending money on petrol. Regular oil changes keep your car is running at peak efficiency. That means its runs at less effort and <a href="https://www.bumper.co.uk/blog/guide-to-reducing-fuel-consumption" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">uses less fuel.&nbsp;</a>As engine oil accumulates dirt and particles, the engine has to work harder to move and burns more gas per mile to make the same level of effort. The longer you wait between oil changes, the less your mileage will be.&nbsp;<h3 style="margin-left:0px;">Enjoying a smoother ride&nbsp;</h3>If you’ve ever waited a long time between oil changes, you probably noticed a difference in how well the car performed after the oil change was complete. Simply put, with fresh new oil, your engine’s spinning parts can move smoothly and use less power to make their revolutions.&nbsp;<h3 style="margin-left:0px;">Reducing your emissions&nbsp;</h3>An engine that runs efficiently also gives off less exhaust. Most new cars have an onboard computer that helps synchronize engine movements to get burn fuel cleanly and get the best mileage. When your oil is gunked up, with dirt &amp; debris, those systems can’t work properly. You emit more exhaust as the engine burns more petrol than it should.&nbsp;<h3 style="margin-left:0px;">Sustaining you warranty&nbsp;</h3>The manufacturer’s warranty for a new car can last as long as a decade — if you stick to its prescribed maintenance schedule. Skip too many oil changes and the terms of the warranty might render it void. If there’s ever a major repair it could cost you cost thousands more than it would have if the warranty was still valid.&nbsp;<h3 style="margin-left:0px;">Better resale value&nbsp;</h3>Resale value probably isn't the first thing on your mind when you buy a car. Eventually, however, the day comes when you want to sell or trade in your car for a new one.&nbsp;Keeping to a schedule of regular oil changes will increase your car's resale value. On inspection or in a test drive the engine will perform noticeably better. Keep a detailed record of oil changes and other regular maintenance and you might even improve your sale price.&nbsp;<h3 style="margin-left:0px;">Catching other problems early&nbsp;</h3>When you have an oil change done it gives the mechanic an opportunity to visually inspect your car under the bonnet. They'll see the battery, air filters, the brakes and whatever else they have on their standard list. That means they’ll be able to note any potential problems before they happen.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3 style="margin-left:0px;">It helps you keep to a schedule&nbsp;</h3>Every car has a suggested manufacturer’s maintenance schedule for regular servicing. Focusing on oil changes makes it easier to track the intervals and ensure you’re being seen by a mechanic at least once a year. Your mechanic will probably remind you about any upcoming scheduled maintenance in addition to the oil change, so you can book an appointment on the spot.&nbsp;<h3 style="margin-left:0px;">Avoiding buildup of dirt &amp; debris&nbsp;</h3>Over time your engine oil will naturally lose its viscosity, which means the engine starts to burn hotter. Wait too long to change the oil and it will turn into a thick, grimy sludge. This risks causing severe damage to the engine and other parts of the car connected to it.&nbsp;<h3 style="margin-left:0px;">Stopping catastrophes from happening&nbsp;</h3>If your engine oil turns to sludge, it won't be able to lubricate anymore, and your car engine will seize up. That means the metal parts fuse together under the intense friction and heat. It's almost impossible to fix, probably requiring a new engine or even a write-off of the car.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">Don't neglect the simple things&nbsp;</h2>When you build good habits in one area of life, it has a knock-on effect elsewhere. Keeping to a regular oil change schedule can help you stay mindful of your car’s mechanical needs and its potential vulnerabilities.&nbsp;Making time for something as mundane as an oil change can seem like a nuisance, but they are vital to your car’s healthy operation. If you want your car to last a long time and to perform well, take the time to get the oil changed. If you don't, expect to spend more — even a lot more — further down the road.&nbsp;

large_oil-change.png

medium_oil-change.png

small_oil-change.png

thumbnail_oil-change.png

oil-change.png

Oil changes can be a pain, but they’re essential to the smooth running of your vehicle. Can you cut corners and miss out the odd one or two? We look at the pros and cons.

Is it OK if I miss the occasional oil change? | Bumper Blog

Ten Reasons Why You Shouldn't Skip an Oil Change 

Aftersales

A regular car service is a mechanical check-up carried out at set intervals, usually at least once a year or after the car has racked up enough miles on the clock. The manufacturer specifies the timescale and provides a standard list of services for mechanics to follow.&nbsp;&nbsp;If the car is still under warranty, then the interval and services will be mandatory. If it's out of warranty, then there’s more flexibility in the timing and services performed — though for the sake of your car you should keep as close to the recommended schedule as you can.&nbsp;A scheduled service will replace old fluids and ageing parts and include visual inspections to make sure key components are working as they should.&nbsp;&nbsp;There are three different types of scheduled car service: interim, full and major. While different service centres might brand their service packages differently for marketing purposes, there will always be three levels and a tiered pricing structure to choose from.&nbsp;Each service level builds on the previous one and then adds extras that the car needs at different stages of its life on the road. The type of service you need depends on how much time has passed or how much driving you’ve done since the last scheduled service.&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">The three care service levels explained&nbsp;</h2><h3 style="margin-left:0px;">Interim car service&nbsp;</h3>An interim car service is the basic service bundle designed for high-mileage car owners who drive 20,000 miles or more annually. In their case, a single annual service may not be enough.&nbsp;An interim car service will normally wrap in an oil and oil filter change, plus a visual inspection of the car's essential exterior components, such as the tyres, lights, and windscreen wipers.&nbsp;Also included in an interim service bundle will be a topping-up of the engine, brake, and other key fluids; an inspection for any fluid leaks, and lubrication of all moving parts.&nbsp;<h3 style="margin-left:0px;">Full car service&nbsp;</h3>A full service, sometimes called an intermediate service, is often scheduled for every 12 months or whenever 12,000 miles is chalked-up on the odometer. It's designed for drivers with lower annual mileages and only needs one service a year.&nbsp;It comes with a wider range of replacement parts and visual checks, adding on to those conducted in the last interim service. These can include:&nbsp;<ul><li>Changing fuel and air filters&nbsp;</li><li>Changing spark plugs&nbsp;</li><li>Inspecting the brakes&nbsp;</li><li>Inspecting the air conditioning system&nbsp;</li><li>Inspecting radiator and coolant hoses&nbsp;</li><li>Checking bearings and shock absorbers&nbsp;</li><li>Testing electrical components like battery, starter, and alternator</li></ul><h3 style="margin-left:0px;">Major car service</h3>The third and final service level is the ‘major’. It's typically recommended every 24,000 miles or 24 months. If your last annual service was a full service, a major service will be next on the manufacturer’s recommended schedule.&nbsp;It's the most comprehensive bundle of the three and takes everything from an interim and full service then adds on replacing parts and fluids that wear out every couple of years. These include brake fluid and cabin filter.&nbsp;Brake fluid can become contaminated over time and affect how well the brakes work. That’s obviously a serious concern when you’re on the road motoring at speed. The cabin filter can also be clogged up with dust and debris over time, affecting the cabin's air quality.&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">Are car service intervals really necessary?&nbsp;</h2>A scheduled car service isn’t a legal requirement like an MOT. However, your new car warranty might compel you to stick to a standard servicing schedule. Even if you’re out of warranty, regular servicing is the best way to keep your car in the best possible condition.&nbsp;Although service intervals can be pricey, there are a number of benefits that make it worth doing:&nbsp;<ul><li style="margin-left:0px;">Cars with a full-service history have a higher resale value&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0px;">Regular inspections of key components and replacing worn out parts will detect problems and keep you on the road&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0px;">Changing your engine oil and oil filter annually increases fuel efficiency and keeps the engine running smoothly&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0px;">Inspecting brake pads, discs and callipers every year means your brakes and ability to stop stay at their maximum level&nbsp;</li></ul><h2 style="margin-left:0px;">What type of service do I need?&nbsp;</h2>Working out which type of car service you need for your car depends on your current mileage, how old your car is, the last scheduled service you had done, and the make and model of the vehicle.&nbsp;Keeping track of your car service schedule can be tricky so it's usually a good idea to book service visits around your annual MOT. Though the servicing itself is legally required, it's good for your car and your pocketbook. Scheduling both at the same time means one less visit to the garage, and many garages offer discounted packages for doing them both together.&nbsp;Since most drivers can’t easily do oil changes, replace oil filters, or check spark plugs at home, regular maintenance checks are normally the best way to keep your car running smoothly.&nbsp;A trained mechanic will lookout for any issues with your brakes and top up or change vital fluids like coolant, engine oil, and brake fluid.&nbsp;Failing to keep to the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule can affect your car warranty and the vehicle’s resale value.&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">Facing an unexpected car repair bill?&nbsp;</h2>If you do find yourself facing a large repair bill for something unexpected, <a href="http://www.bumper.co.uk/">car repair loans</a> can help ease the pain. You might also consider a ‘buy now, pay later service like ours. It lets you get the repairs you need quickly while deferring payments in easy interest-free instalments.&nbsp;

large_mechanic-servicing-car.png

medium_mechanic-servicing-car.png

small_mechanic-servicing-car.png

thumbnail_mechanic-servicing-car.png

mechanic-servicing-car.png

Regular auto maintenance comes in standard packages. Find out what each one includes, and what to do when a routine checkup turns into a major bill for repairs.

What are the main types of car service? | Bumper Blog

The Different Levels of Car Service Explained 

Team Bumper attended the first Motortec Madrid 2022 event following the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;The event, held annually, is one of the largest Automotive industry events in Europe. Described as a space for industry experts and innovators to exchange knowledge and best practices, Motortec sees over 700 companies exhibit annually. &nbsp;Across four days, Bumper showcased their interest-free monthly payments for aftersales invoices. A digital solution that allows customers at dealerships and garages to apply for finance in just a few clicks.Co-founder, Jack Allman said, "Motortec Madrid marks the start of Bumper's expansion into the Spanish market. With a widely established presence in the UK and a recent launch into Germany, we're in a strong position to expand in Spain.“Our talented and experienced sales team are engaging with dealerships and garages here in Spain about how Bumper can drive increased sales volume and maintain high levels of customer satisfaction”.Team Bumper received an exciting reaction to their innovative solution at Motortec and have secured many connections to propel them further into the Spanish market.&nbsp;<h2>About Bumper</h2>Founded in 2013, Bumper provides an interest-free digital payment platform for vehicle repairs and services, enabling owners to spread their costs. It also 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.Named 21st fastest growing fintech in the 2022 FT1000 rankings of Europe’s fastest growing companies, Bumper works with over 3,000 dealerships and garages across the UK and Republic of Ireland, helping over 160,000 drivers to fund their servicing and repair bills.Bumper operates from the UK, Spain and Germany.For more information on how Bumper can grow your aftersales volume contact our sales team at sales@bumper.co.uk.&nbsp;

large_motortec-madrid-2022.png

medium_motortec-madrid-2022.png

small_motortec-madrid-2022.png

thumbnail_motortec-madrid-2022.png

motortec.png

Team Bumper attended one of the largest automotive industry events in Europe, Motortec Madrid 2022, exhibiting their interest-free finance solution for aftersales invoices.

Team Bumper attend Motortec Madrid 2022 | Bumper Blog

Team Bumper attend Motortec Madrid 2022

To keep a car running like clockwork you need to bring it for regular servicing, usually after 5,000 to 6,000 miles of driving. Some services are quick and simple while others are time and cost-intensive. There’s a lot of variation in the price of what you pay, so how do you know if you’re getting good value for money?&nbsp;On average, UK car owners spend around £280 on servicing each year. The age of a car is obviously a major factor.&nbsp;&nbsp;Newer cars usually have fewer problems and the manufacturer’s warranty limits the cost in the first few years. Older cars are often out of warranty and the added wear &amp; tear from more years on the road means <a href="https://www.bumper.co.uk/">the cost of service and repairs</a> goes up.&nbsp;&nbsp;And not every year is the same. You'll spend more in a year when your car has had a breakdown or is scheduled for major service, less in years when only minor services are due.&nbsp;To help you navigate the wide range of costs and price tags out there we’ve analysed the top search engine results British car services and calculated the average prices you should expect.&nbsp;&nbsp;Here’s how it breaks down:&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">What are the different levels of car service?&nbsp;</h2>There are normally three levels of regularly scheduled car service: interim, full, and major. Manufacturers set different intervals for each one based on the age or mileage of the vehicle.&nbsp;&nbsp;<ul><li>Interim is usually recommended every six months of 6,000 miles&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Full service is usually recommended every 12 months or 12,000 miles&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Major service is usually recommended every 24 months or 24,000 miles&nbsp;</li></ul>The manufacturer draws from analysis of all the vehicles of your type it has on the road. It uses repair and breakdown data to determine when you should bring the car in to the shop and what parts and fluids need looking at.&nbsp;&nbsp;As the car gets older, naturally things start to break down. Scheduled service is meant to address common issues before they turn into a problem.&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">How much do scheduled service tiers cost?&nbsp;</h2>As the time and replacement parts required by the mechanic go up as you move up the three levels, so does the cost. Here are the factors that determine how much time and effort servicing will take:&nbsp;<h3 style="margin-left:0px;">Engine size&nbsp;</h3>Cars with an engine size smaller than two litres will usually be less expensive to service. High-performance cars with larger engines and more expensive components will cost more. Electric vehicles and some plug-in hybrids often need specialist servicing, which comes at a higher hourly rate.&nbsp;<h3 style="margin-left:0px;">Make &amp; model&nbsp;</h3>Popular cars like the Vauxhall Corsa and Kia Sportage will typically be in the lower price range for servicing since so many of them are on the road.&nbsp; Parts are cheap and readily available and their simpler design means they’re generally faster and easier to fix.&nbsp;<h3 style="margin-left:0px;">Warranty status&nbsp;</h3>If a car’s warranty cover is still in place, the cost of a scheduled service will be capped by the policy. Of course, to sustain the warranty's validity you have to stick to the prescribed service schedule. Skipping or putting off a scheduled service to save money isn't really an option.&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">What do different car services cost?&nbsp;</h2>Looking at the search engine results for UK car services we've been able to come up with these average prices. For reference, we assumed a 2019 1.2 Vauxhall Corsa SXi with 42,000 miles on the odometer.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3 style="margin-left:0px;">Cost of an oil change&nbsp;</h3>Changing engine oil and filter is usually part of an interim service, but you can also buy it as a standalone service. The average oil change and filter price was £61. Depending on the quality of engine oil and size of your engine, that price could go up.&nbsp;<h3 style="margin-left:0px;">Cost of an interim service&nbsp;</h3>The average cost of an interim service is around £96, with service centres including an average 35 checks in their interim service.&nbsp;<h3 style="margin-left:0px;">Cost of a full service&nbsp;</h3>The average cost of a full car service is currently around £158. Garages bundled in an average 53 checks in their full service.&nbsp;<h3 style="margin-left:0px;">Cost of a major service&nbsp;</h3>Not every garage offers a major service so lack of supply tends to push up the price. From those garages that do offer major car service, the average price was £219 for about 62 checks on average.&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">Cost of an MOT</h2>The price of a class four MOT, required for passenger vehicles that have seating capacity for eight passengers, Westminster limits the cost to £54.85 maximum. Beneath that level the price of an MOT can change significantly from one garage to the next. In some of our searches we found MOT prices as low as £20 when booked at the same time as an interim, full, or major service. Dealerships tend to charge more and most price an MOT at the maximum £54.85.&nbsp;<h3 style="margin-left:0px;">Cost of a combined MOT with service&nbsp;</h3>Since many garages offer discounts and package deals for booking an MOT together with an interval service, it makes sense to have your car serviced and get the MOT done all in one go. You’ll cut down on time without your car and save money on the overall price of a combined service.&nbsp;&nbsp;Even if the garage doesn’t offer discount, consider doing your MOT whenever your next scheduled service is due. You’ll save time and hassle, even if you don’t save money.&nbsp;Worried about how you’ll pay your next car repair bill? Consider an <a href="https://www.bumper.co.uk/">car repair loans</a> from Bumper. It’s easy and fast.&nbsp;

large_mechanic-explains-repair-costs.png

medium_mechanic-explains-repair-costs.png

small_mechanic-explains-repair-costs.png

thumbnail_mechanic-explains-repair-costs.png

mechanic-explains-servicing-cost

Bumper discusses the different types of car services and how much they cost.

What’s the annual cost of servicing a car? | Bumper Blog

What’s the annual cost of servicing a car? 

Bumper joined National Park Rangers in woodland near Calver for a unique day of volunteering. The team worked together to collect hundreds of vintage glass bottles and ceramics that were found when the site was recently cleared due to Ash Dieback Disease. It's believed that the area was on the site of an old Victorian tip.The Team found old Heinz bottles and Bovril glasses. Items that looked of interest were sent to archaeologists for analysis.It was important for the team to clear this glass to protect the safety of the wildlife and members of the public with four-legged friends who enjoy what the Peak District has to offer. Glass can also be a wildfire hazard as heat from the sun can cause devastating damage.The Team was extremely efficient and filled all the containers before the proposed finished time – this was probably propelled by a meal booked in the local pub after!Bumper is supporting the Foundation after signing up for its Peak Partner scheme, which allows businesses to care for the National Park while meeting their Corporate Social Responsibility goals.James Jackson, CEO said: “The Peak District National Park is an incredible area, right on the doorstep of our Sheffield office.“This partnership allows us to work closely with an amazing local organisation, but also to have a positive impact on the environment. Here at Bumper, our corporate social responsibility has always been a priority for us. Working in the automotive industry, we’re acutely aware of the progress our industry needs to make toward solving the climate crisis and we know we need to be doing all we can to support this.“We’re proud residents of Sheffield and love the area surrounding our office there. The Peak District National Park Foundation not only works to conserve the environment but is also a great asset for Sheffield.Becoming a Peak Partner was a no brainer for us, and we’re thrilled to be working with the Foundation. We really enjoyed our day clearing the woodland, meeting the staff who work in the National Park and talking about our CSR goals.”The Foundation’s fundraising development officer Claire Barlow said: “We’re delighted to welcome Bumper as a Gold Peak Partner. It was great to meet the team out in the Peak District, we’d like to say a huge thank you to them for their help and look forward to working with them in the future.”<h2>The Peak District National Park Foundation</h2>The Foundation is an independent charity that cares for the Peak District National Park. Its aim is to work towards a Peak District that is conserved and enjoyed by everyone. It funds projects that care for the landscape and wildlife in the park, help fight climate change, and connect people from all backgrounds and situations to nature and the outdoors.

large_team-bumper-peak-district.png

medium_team-bumper-peak-district.png

small_team-bumper-peak-district.png

thumbnail_team-bumper-peak-district.png

team-bumper-peak-district.png

Team Bumper took to the woods this month to help clear the Peak District in aid of wildlife conservation. 

Bumper volunteers with Peak District National Park | Bumper Blog

Bumper volunteers with Peak District National Park

Bumper has launched its digital payment platform for car repairs, servicing and add-ons in Germany.This marks UK-based Bumper’s debut in continental Europe, following last year’s launch in Ireland, and is part of an expansion plan which will shortly see it roll out across other key European markets.The service is launching with D+S Automobile, one of Germany’s most prominent Jaguar Land Rover retailers, following the recent Series A funding investment in Bumper by JLR’s InMotion Ventures investment arm.“We’re delighted to partner with D+S Automobile and offer its customers access to our portfolio of interest-free Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) and PayNow services,” said&nbsp;Jack Allman, CCO and co-founder, Bumper.“As Europe’s biggest automotive market, Germany will play a pivotal role in the growth of Bumper across the continent.“The average age of cars on German roads has increased to 9.8 years and is likely to continue to rise with the ongoing disruption of new car supplies. As these vehicles age the risk of major repairs becoming necessary also increases.&nbsp;“Our team in Germany is already talking to dealers and OEMs about how the Bumper platform is helping workshops in the UK and Ireland take the pain out of servicing and repair bills, prompting customers to authorise more work and building loyalty and satisfaction,” said Allman.The international expansion follows the Financial Times ranking Bumper as one of Europe’s fastest-growing companies in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ft.com/ft1000-2022">FT1000</a> for the second year in a row.

large_team-bumper-at-launch-event.png

medium_team-bumper-at-launch-event.png

small_team-bumper-at-launch-event.png

thumbnail_team-bumper-at-launch-event.png

team-bumper-at-launch-event.png

Bumper has launched its interest-free monthly payments for car repairs in Germany. 

Bumper Blog

how it works

about us

blog

careers