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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

Breakdowns related to the Body Control Module (BCM) have doubled to over 36,000 per year, the AA has reported.

The onboard computer is responsible for the electronic vehicle systems, including lights, windows, wipers, alarms, and central locking. A fault in the BCM can affect multiple systems, often with no warning.

BCM faults are increasingly becoming more common, with the issue now entering the top five reasons for callouts.

Faults in the BCM can be caused by driver error, faulty entry key chips, physical damage, a computer glitch, or poor repair work. AA mobile mechanic Joe Morbin called out incorrectly connecting jump leads as a leading cause of BCM failures. 

Incorrectly connecting jump lead clamps to the wrong battery terminal will cause the current to flow in the wrong direction, potentially destroying the diodes and protection circuits inside the BCM.

Morbin also said a single BCM fault can affect several systems at once, which can be confusing for drivers trying to describe the problem. 

Body Control Modules breakdowns double since 2020

Body Control Module breakdowns double since 2020

The Independent Garage Association plans to call on the Government to increase the MOT fee to at least £95.

The IGA said the current fee is unsustainable, with garages not only facing inflation but also cost pressures relating to labour, rent, equipment, fuel, energy, compliance, administration and staff training.

Garage owners said that without an increase to the fee, garages would struggle to cope with the increasing cost burden, with a recent survey of IGA members showing strong support for the increase. The survey also revealed that a growing number are already reducing MOT capacity due to the increasing cost pressures.

Stuart James, Chief Executive of the Independent Garage Association,

It is a fact that the current MOT fee has remained static for 16 years. We are being advised by garage owners that without a significant increase to the MOT fee, they cannot continue to sustain this ever-increasing cost burden. 

"As the representative body for the independent garage sector, the IGA will continue to challenge the Government to deliver an acceptable resolution to this issue before it causes a level of consumer detriment."

There is no legal minimum fee for an MOT test in the UK. Garages can legally charge anything from zero to a maximum limit set by the government. The maximum fee for a car is currently £54.85. Tests for motorcycles cost up to £29.65, and vans (up to 3,500kg) cost up to £58.60. The fee has remained unchanged since 2010.

The IGA plans to state its case for the increased fee in upcoming Government talks.

Independent Garage Association pushes for MOT fee increase

IGA Pushes for MOT fee to increase to £95

Automatic braking, keyless entry and voice assistants. With so many high-tech features, our cars are starting to feel a bit like robots. What once felt like something from a sci-fi film now comes as standard on lots of new models.

Some would say driverless cars are the next milestone in the automotive-tech revolution. But we say, why not go one step further? With robots.

And what would these robots look like? Let's find out.

What would it look like if big car brands made robots?

What would it look like if car manufacturers made robots?

With hosepipe bans in place across large parts of the country this summer, many drivers have likely ditched the bucket and sponge for an alternative method.

However, experts have now warned that washing cars in this particular way could be wrecking them. The advice has also sparked a major safety concern.

Drivers using automatic car washes could be at risk of damaging their tyres, with harsh wheel cleaners and stiff brushes adding further friction to rubber already dried out by a long summer of hot weather.

The metal tracks and conveyor belts used in the automatic washes pose a risk by scratching against the sidewalls, with each visit stripping a little more of the tyre's protection.

Drivers are urged to be careful when checking their tyres for damage this summer, as products often designed to make a tyre look healthy can sometimes mask small cracks, which can be an early warning sign of the rubber deteriorating. 

Even minor sidewall damage can increase the risk of a puncture or blowout, which could leave drivers stranded and in need of roadside assistance. Small stones and debris, often kicked up into the tyres during an automatic wash, can cause a slow puncture that may go unnoticed for some time.

Automatic car washes may seem like a convenient fix to a car covered in dust from a hot and dry summer, but with average tyre replacement costs ranging from £45 to £250, drivers could face a large repair bill if tyres go unchecked.

To check, road users should gently run their hand over the surface of their tyres after using an automatic car wash to check for signs their tyre is starting to lose protection. A dry, brittle or unusually rough surface could indicate damage and drivers should consider seeking advice from a qualified mechanic.

This summer car washing method could be wrecking your vehicle

Washing your car like this could damage your vehicle

It takes less than a second. You pull up, park, and swing your car door open without a second thought. But if there's a motorcyclist or cyclist passing at that exact moment, that split-second habit could end in a serious accident and a fine.

This is the dangerous habit known as "car dooring."

Car dooring happens when a driver or passenger opens a car door into the path of an oncoming cyclist or motorcyclist, without checking first. It might seem like a minor lapse in concentration, but the consequences can be severe.

Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable in slow-moving or stationary traffic, where they're legally permitted to filter between lanes. That means a door swinging open unexpectedly from a parked or queuing car can catch them with almost no time to react.

Under Regulation 105 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations, it is an offence to open a car door and cause injury or danger to another person. Breaking this rule can land you with a fine up to £1,000.

It isn't just the driver who needs to be careful. If a passenger opens a door and causes a collision, the rider can still make a claim against the driver's insurance, since the person in charge of the vehicle can be held liable for their passengers' actions. 

This isn't a rare, one-off hazard either. A survey from 

 found 28% of motorcyclists have experienced a parked car door being opened suddenly in their path.

The good news is that avoiding this mistake requires just a small change in habit. Instead of opening your car door with the hand nearest to it, use your opposite hand. This forces your body to twist, which turns your head and shoulders towards the wing mirror and blind spot, exactly where an approaching cyclist or motorcyclist would be. It's a tiny adjustment, but it means you're much more likely to spot something before it's too late.

It's a small habit that could protect a motorcyclist's life and save you from a fine, penalty points, or worse.

Everyday driving mistake that could cost you thousands

Come with us on a car-themed pub crawl, as we recreate your favourite drinking spots in the style of some of the world's top brands. From British icons to Scandinavian cool, we’ve imagined what pubs would look like if some of the world’s biggest manufacturers swapped the showroom for the bar. The only question left to answer is: how much do they charge for a pint?

What would pubs look like made by iconic car manufacturers? 

How well do you know your cars? Find out with our fun and free car brake light quiz. The rules are simple. All you need to do is look at the cropped image of the car brake light and guess which car it is from the four available options. Good luck!

Quiz: Can you guess the car from the brake light?

Quiz: Guess the car from the brake light

Tyre replacement costs in the UK sit between £45 and £250, but can go as high as £500 for premium models.

Your tyres are the only part of your car that make contact with the road, so keeping them in good condition is essential for safety and braking performance. If your tyres are damaged or approaching the legal tread limit, replacing them promptly is key.

Here’s everything you need to know about tyre replacement costs in 2026.

The average cost of a new tyre typically ranges from £45 to £250+ per tyre, depending on the size, brand and type of tyre you choose.

Of course, some tyres can exceed these prices, but that only usually occurs for premium tyre models and specialist fitting.

 Many fitting centres include balancing in the price, although some may charge separately.

Here are average tyre replacement costs by tyre style for 2026.

 to split the replacement cost into interest-free repayments.

In addition to the style of tyres you buy, the type of vehicle you drive can have a significant impact on tyre costs.

The general trend is that larger vehicles typically require bigger tyres with higher load ratings, which increases replacement costs.

Here are average tyre replacement costs by car type for 2026.

Replacing all four tyres at once can be expensive, but it may be necessary if all tyres are worn evenly.

Because of the higher cost, many drivers choose to replace tyres in pairs to help maintain balanced handling and grip. If you’re unsure, Bumper suggests asking a mechanic for advice on the condition of your tyres.

What’s the average price of a new tyre?

So, that’s a breakdown of the tyre costs by type, style, and for a 4-tyre change. What about the true average?

For most UK drivers, a mid-range tyre costing between £75 and £120 offers a good balance between affordability and performance.

Budget tyres can be suitable for lower-mileage drivers, while premium tyres are often chosen for larger vehicles, motorway driving or performance cars.

Several factors affect the cost of replacing tyres, and it’s helpful to know them to get the best deal for your vehicle.

Why pay more for premium tyres? Some drivers choose premium tyres that generally cost more but may offer better grip, braking performance and longevity.

A realistic tyre budget depends on the type of vehicle you drive.

For many motorists, Bumper setting aside around £80 to £120 per tyre provides access to reputable mid-range brands with strong safety ratings. Smaller cars may cost less, while SUVs and premium vehicles often require a larger budget.

: While it can be tempting to choose the cheapest option available, tyres play a major role in braking distance and road grip, particularly in wet weather.

In some situations, yes, you can replace just one tyre.

However, many garages recommend replacing tyres in pairs on the same axle to maintain balanced handling and braking performance. An axle refers to a pair of wheels at the same end of the vehicle — either the front axle or rear axle.

If your existing tyre has significant wear, fitting a single new tyre alongside an older one may reduce grip.

Is it cheaper to repair or replace a tyre?

If the damage is minor, repairing a tyre is usually cheaper than replacing it.

However, not every tyre can be repaired safely. Damage to the sidewall, significant wear or structural damage will usually require replacement.

How much does it cost to fix a slow puncture?

A slow puncture can often be repaired for around £20 to £40, depending on the cause and location of the damage.

If the puncture is located within the central tread area and the tyre is otherwise in good condition, a repair is often worthwhile. However, if the tyre has been driven while flat or the damage affects the sidewall, replacement is usually the safer option.

While a tyre with a nail in it may not lose pressure immediately, it's best not to ignore the problem. Driving for extended periods can worsen the damage and increase the risk of a sudden puncture. 

Bumper suggests that if you notice a nail in your tyre, have it inspected as soon as possible to determine whether it can be repaired safely.

How do I know when my tyres need replacing?

Common signs that your tyres may need replacing include:

Keep an eye on the wheels! Regular tyre checks can help identify problems early and avoid unexpected replacement costs. 

Tyre replacement is usually a quick job. But it ultimately depends on how many tyres are being changed.

If wheel alignment is required, the appointment may take longer. Your mechanic will advise you if this is required.

Tyres are available from a range of providers, including tyre specialists, garages, dealerships and online retailers. 

Many drivers compare prices online before booking fitting at a local garage or choosing a mobile tyre fitting service.

Most tyres can be fitted at local garages, fast-fit centres, tyre specialists and dealerships. 

Mobile tyre fitting is also becoming increasingly popular, allowing a technician to replace your tyres at home or work for added convenience.

When all is said and done, tyre replacement costs can vary significantly depending on your vehicle, tyre size and the type of tyre you choose, but replacing worn tyres is one of the most important investments you can make in your car's safety. Check your tyres regularly and replace them before they reach the legal limit.

Whether you need 2 new tyres of a complete set, you can use a 

 to split the tyre replacement cost into monthly payments at no extra fee.

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

Tyre Replacement Cost Guide: £45 to £250+ (2026)

Tyre replacement cost

Find all the latest industry news and handiest car repair and service tips on the Bumper Blog. Want to get the Bumper view on something? Let us know and we’ll drop a blog post on it as soon as we can.