Following a month of outstanding customer feedback, Thurlow Nunn Dereham has been crowned Bumper’s latest Dealership of the Month. 

The Norfolk-based site has used Bumper’s PayLater option to split the cost of customers’ bills into interest-free monthly instalments since 2016. 

This long-standing partnership has resulted in lots of positive customer feedback for the site through Bumper’s Trustpilot integration, which gives advisors real-time access to customer reviews and ratings. 

One Vauxhall driver, Wendy, said, “Decided to split my Thurlow Nunn bill with Bumper to save me moving money from my savings as the loan is interest-free. 

“I found the Bumper site easy to use (I'm not very technical) and it only took a few minutes to complete.” 

With the option to split the cost, drivers can take out more advisory work than before, keeping their vehicles safer for longer. 

Another customer explained, “I have used the Bumper arrangement several times now, and it really allows me to keep the car in a better roadworthy shape than it would be if I had to wait to save up enough financial resource before looking at what needs repairing or servicing.” 

This is also reflected in dealers’ key metrics. A recent case study found a 100% increase in amber work conversion with a proactive approach to Bumper. 

Louise Glister, Service Manager at the site, said, “Customer experience is something we’re constantly evolving and improving here at Thurlow Nunn, and we’re pleased to have found a payment solution that helps us on that journey. 

“A complete payment platform that does more than just process payments, Bumper affords our customers the opportunity to get all their repairs completed regardless of how much they have in their account. Meaning they can get back on the road and back to their daily lives.” 

Well done to Louise, Lydia, Clare, and the whole team at Thurlow Nunn Dereham on your outstanding win! 

Thurlow Nunn Dereham Take Dealership of the Month Crown

When your car’s suspension starts acting up, things can get rough, both literally and financially. Wobbly handling, strange noises, or uneven tyres are all red flags that something’s not right underneath. But how much will a suspension repair cost? Let’s take a closer look at what affects the price and how you can make it all much easier on your wallet with Bumper’s repair finance. 

How much does it cost to fix car suspension?

Suspension repair bills vary depending on your car’s make and model, the extent of the issue, and whether you’re replacing one part or the whole system:

Can you reduce the cost of suspension repairs?

? Let’s talk about some simple ways to save.

First, get different quotes from a few local garages. Prices can differ, so it’s worth comparing to see if you can save even just a little bit. When you’ve found your garage, consider using aftermarket parts instead of official ones – they’re often cheaper and work just as well. 

But most importantly, don’t put off the repair. Catching suspension issues early can prevent bigger (more expensive) problems from snowballing later down the line.

Facing a big suspension repair bill? Bumper lets you split the cost into monthly instalments with their easy interest-free 

A car’s suspension system absorbs shocks from the road, maintains tyre contact with the surface, and keeps a smooth ride by supporting vehicle handling and comfort. 

It’s made up of shock absorbers, coil springs, and other suspension parts that protect your car from the road beneath. A healthy suspension system means safer driving, better vehicle handling, and longer-lasting tyres. Let it wear down, and you could be looking at knock-on damage to your brakes, steering, and more.

What are common suspension issue symptoms?

There are some common symptoms that can make it easy to spot suspension issues, worn-out shock absorbers, and even full suspension failure:

What would be affected by a vehicle with faulty suspension?

A faulty suspension can affect other parts of your car, leading to further damage and expensive repairs. Uneven tyre wear and poor contact with the road are common issues, as the suspension no longer offers good alignment or stability. 

Brake pads and front brake discs may also be affected as they take on extra strain when shocks aren't properly absorbed. If your vehicle has air suspension, problems with the air compressor can become an expensive fix. 

Pay for suspension repairs without the stress

Never pay for your car repair bill in full again. With Bumper's 

 into 3–6 manageable monthly payments with 0% interest and no sneaky fees.

Apply in minutes, either online or at one of thousands of select garages. Get your car fixed and your finances back on track. Join over 500,000 drivers who’ve already chosen Bumper to take the sting out of unexpected repair costs.

How much does suspension repair cost in the UK?

Whether it's a low-speed scrape in a car park or a surprise knock from a rogue bollard, bumper damage can be frustrating and expensive. But here’s the good news: you don’t always need to replace your bumper; sometimes it just needs a quick repair. Let’s see what affects bumper repair costs, what your choices are, and how to make paying for repairs easier with Bumper’s 

How much will it cost to repair a bumper?

The cost of fixing a bumper in the UK depends on a few key things: the type of damage, the make and model of your car, and whether you go for a replacement or repair.

Luxury cars and specialist paints can push these numbers higher still, but if the damage is mostly cosmetic, you’re likely looking at a relatively low cost.

In many cases, yes, it’s worth getting your bumper repaired. If the structure is intact and the damage is mostly surface-level, a skilled technician can fix cracks, fill dents, and repaint it without needing to replace the entire bumper.

Bumper damage can knock hundreds off your car’s resale value. Even small scuffs can make potential buyers wonder what else has been neglected.

Worse still, cosmetic damage can expose your car to rust or structural issues over time. In other words, try seeing it as a way of retaining your car’s value when it comes to selling – not doing so could have a big impact on your car’s final price.

Need to get your bumper fixed now? See how our 

 can help you spread the cost with 0% interest monthly payments.

What are the different types of bumper repairs?

Here are the most common types of bumper damage and how they're typically repaired:

These fixes tend to be quicker and more affordable than full replacements, and they keep your car looking sharp.

What’s included in your bumper repair quote?

Got a bumper repair quote that seems a bit high or is just confusing? Let’s break it down so you know exactly what you’re paying for.

Most car bumper repair quotes include a few standard things:

Spread bumper repair costs with…Bumper!

We know vehicle damage seems to come at the worst time – that’s why Bumper makes it a little easier when it does happen! Spread the cost of car body repairs and bumper fixes with our convenient 0% interest 

. There are no hidden fees, and most customers are approved in minutes with a soft credit check.

You can apply online or directly through your garage; over 5,000 UK garages already offer Bumper at the point of service. And with a 92% 5-star rating on Trustpilot, you’re in good hands. Keep your car looking its best without the financial stress. Apply now!

What does bumper repair cost in the UK?

How well do you know your popular cars? Who doesn't know their Polos from the Pumas? Or their Corsas from their Qashqais? It's time to find out, as we prepare to play, guess the car from the car part! 

And that concludes our car parts quiz. How did you do? Now that you've finished, count up your points, refresh the page and pass to a friend to see who gets the best score.

QUIZ TIME: Guess the car from the car part

Thinking about replacing your timing belt (or cambelt) but worried about the cost? It’s one of those jobs you can’t ignore, but you don’t want to overpay either. 

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the cost of a timing belt replacement, what affects it, and how to avoid bigger (and more expensive) problems down the road.

How much should I pay for a timing belt replacement?

In the UK, the average timing belt replacement will set you back somewhere between £300 and £700. That covers the belt plus the cost of labour to strip down the engine and fit the new parts.

If you drive a luxury model or a car with a more complicated internal combustion engine, you can expect the price to climb past £1,000. Not cheap, but trust us, it's worth it to avoid the kind of extensive engine damage that a broken timing belt can cause.

Labour costs, which vary depending on the garage, car, and materials needed.

What factors affect the timing belt replacement cost?

Several things impact what you’ll pay for your timing belt replacement:

Yes, timing belt replacements are expensive, but 

replacing it is much, much worse. Spending a few hundred now on proper maintenance avoids potentially bigger problems later.

If a timing belt breaks while you're driving, you’re looking at:

Compared to that, the average cost of £300–£700 for a timing belt replacement is a no-brainer.

Looking for a smarter way to pay for your timing belt replacement? Bumper’s 0% interest 

 lets you split the cost into easy monthly instalments. Get your car fixed sooner and get back on the road with Bumper!

How do I know if my timing belt needs replacing?

You’ll know it’s time to replace your timing belt if you start to notice any of the following:

It’s best not to leave it until you notice any of these warning signs, though. Instead, replace your timing belt in line with the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations:

How to save money on your timing belt replacement costs

Replacing a timing belt is one of the more expensive maintenance jobs, but there are some nifty ways to reduce the final cost. Here’s how you can lower your timing belt replacement cost and avoid paying more than you need to:

Take control of your car replacement costs with Bumper

Replacing your timing belt is one of the smartest ways to keep your car on the road and your wallet away from expensive engine replacement costs. And with Bumper’s 

, you don’t have to worry about the full cost hitting you all at once. Spread your final bill over 3 to 6 easy monthly payments so you can get back on the road sooner without the stress of waiting around. Apply online or at one of our 5,000+ partner garages – approval takes minutes, so start now!

How much does it cost to replace a timing belt in the UK?

Bumper has identified a shift in customers choosing to pay repair bills outside of dealership opening hours.

Over two-thirds (67%) of customers using Bumper’s PayLater service, where bills are split into interest-free monthly payments, are completing transactions remotely out of hours. 

While 33% of PayNow transactions, which facilitate direct payments via card or Pay by Bank, are also happening when dealerships are closed. 

Bumper’s analysis identified that most of the repair work is driven by customers authorising Vehicle Health Check (VHC) advisories with link

"By expanding the number of rooftops utilising our services and integrating with more dealer systems, we're seeing customers embrace the ability to authorise and pay for repair work at their convenience,” said 

Daniel Christie, Bumper’s Head of Sales.

“VHCs are proving to be a game changer for remote payments, giving customers instant access to the information they need. 

Consequently, most transactions now occur in the evening, when car owners are at home and have time to make informed decisions and without the pressure of in-person upselling. This move

drives conversions, making aftersales transactions more profitable. 

“These automated out-of-hours payments are also helping to streamline dealership operations, freeing up valuable resources to be used elsewhere by allowing teams to focus on 

Last year, Bumper facilitated £300m worth of transactions and is on track to exceed £1.1bn this year. 

Bumper identifies shift in customers paying VHC repair bills outside dealer opening hours

Noticing that your car battery keeps dying is never pleasant. There’s nothing worse than turning the key and hearing that dreaded clicking sound, or worse, nothing at all.

However, there are a few common reasons behind this situation and, more importantly, a few ways to prevent your car battery from draining quickly. Here’s what you need to know.

Common reasons your car battery is draining quickly

Noticing your car battery draining repeatedly? It might be because of these reasons. 

Popping to the shops might be more harmful than you think. 

Starting the engine draws a significant amount of power, and if the alternator doesn’t have enough time to replace that energy, your battery may gradually weaken. 

This means that if you regularly drive short distances, your battery may not have the opportunity to fully recharge. 

Car batteries don’t last forever. On average, they need replacing every three to five years.

If your car is struggling to start or if the lights seem dimmer than usual, your battery might be on its last legs.

Forgetting to turn off your headlights and interior lights or even leaving a USB charger plugged in can drain your battery overnight. 

Some newer cars turn lights off automatically, but it's always worth double-checking when you leave your vehicle.

Faulty charging system (defective alternator)

Your car relies on the alternator to keep the battery charged while driving. 

If the alternator is faulty or the drive belt is slipping, your battery won’t receive the power it needs, eventually leading to a flat battery.

A local garage can help you resolve this problem, and 

 from Bumper can help you split the costs.

Notice that your car battery keeps dying when the weather changes? Well, that’s because very hot or freezing weather can impact your battery’s performance.

In the cold, the battery has to work harder to start the engine. In contrast, excessive heat can cause the battery fluid to evaporate, leading to internal damage.

Even when your car is switched off, certain systems, such as alarms, clocks, and infotainment units, continue to draw a small amount of power. 

This is known as a parasitic drain, and although it’s typically minimal, faulty components or aftermarket parts can sometimes cause excessive draw, leading to a flat battery.

How to prevent your car battery from dying 

These days, you don’t have to put up with your car battery draining quickly. Use the tips below to prevent future frustration.

When you park and lock up, make it a habit to switch off the headlights, interior lights, and unplug any accessories before leaving your vehicle. It only takes a few seconds, but it can save you from a flat battery.

If you mainly take short trips or don’t drive daily, you may want to try going for a longer drive once a week. 

Of course, this won’t be possible for everyone. In this case, consider investing in a trickle charger or battery maintainer to keep your battery topped up when your car is parked for long periods.

Don’t ignore dashboard battery warnings. Take action if this appears. 

These could all be early indicators of a dying battery or charging problem, and you can prevent a dead battery by acting fast.

Extreme temperatures can cause dead batteries if your car is left exposed.

Parking your car in a garage helps protect it and extend battery life. If a garage isn’t available, try to park in a shaded or sheltered spot.

Sometimes, there are no signs before a car battery dies.

A quick battery health check can identify potential issues early. Many garages will test your battery and alternator for free or at a low cost. 

It’s best to check before winter or long road trips.

Why your electric car battery keeps dying 

Just like petrol or diesel cars, electric vehicles are susceptible to battery drain when left unused for an extended period.

Some reasons for poor EV battery health include:

Preventing fast EV battery drain is also preventable. 

If you’ve noticed your EV battery keeps losing charge, start with the following strategies:

Whether you drive a petrol car or an EV, a car battery that keeps dying is never fun.

But with a bit of regular maintenance, attention to warning signs, and smart charging habits, you can prevent unexpected breakdowns and improve your car’s health.

Empty batteries are just as frustrating as last-minute repair costs.

, 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. 

Why Your Car Battery Keeps Dying & How To Fix It

Congratulations to Glyn Hopkin Kia Romford. The East-London-based site has been recognised as Bumper’s next Dealership of the Month. 

The team use Bumper’s PayLater option to split the cost of customers’ bills into interest-free monthly payments. 

Feedback from customers using the interest-free option at Kia Romford has been overwhelmingly positive, with an average rating of 4.9 out 5. 

One customer wrote, “Fantastic service, 0% for spreading payments over 3 months - service personnel were amazing, helpful, informative and a credit to the company.” 

Another described their service from Bumper following their visit to the dealer. 

They said, “Left a call back request to clarify payment plan. Bumper operative reverted quickly and resolved the issue." 

The Glyn Hopkin group also use Bumper at their contact centre to introduce payment flexibility earlier in the customer journey. 

Recent research from Bumper revealed a 17% increase in average invoice value from initial application to final payment when PayLater was used at the contact centre. 

When asked about the win, Natalie Barnes, Branch Manager at Glyn Hopkin Kia Romford, said, “A huge well-done to the team on this outstanding win. 

“We started using Bumper just over a year ago and we’re pleased to say, the impact on our customer experience has been tremendous. 

“The option to split the cost gives customers that extra peace of mind, knowing that no matter the size of their bill, there won’t be a negative impact on their hard-earned savings or any interruptions to their priority bills. 

“We’ve already seen happier customers who are more likely to return thanks to the option to PayLater.” 

Congratulations to Bradley, Natalie, Samantha, Sian, and all the Kia Romford team.

Alastair Shephard

Content Writer