As we head into November, drivers are being reminded of a common, but easily avoidable, mistake that could result in a hefty £2,500 fine and three penalty points on your licence. 

Rain is a given in the UK, but one simple check could keep you out of trouble and make your journey safer. When the rain starts to fall, a working set of windscreen wipers is essential to give you a clear view of the road. 

However, over time, wiper blades can degrade and stop working properly, which not only impairs visibility but also puts you at risk of serious fines.

Drivers are now being urged to inspect their windscreen wipers before setting off, especially during rainy spells. 

It’s best to check the wipers regularly, as worn-out or damaged blades can leave water streaks that blur your view – a potentially dangerous situation on a rainy road.

Driving with faulty wipers not only makes your commutes unsafe for you, pedestrians, and other road users but it could leave you thousands out of pocket too.

The legal backing for this advice comes from Section 40a of The Road Traffic Act, which makes it illegal to use a vehicle in a dangerous condition. This law applies to wipers, among other vehicle components, so keeping them in top condition is not just recommended – it’s required. 

Failing to do so could lead to a fine of up to £2,500 and three points on your licence if the poor condition of your wipers compromises your control over the vehicle.

To avoid fines and stay safe, inspect your wipers for any splits in the rubber or streaks left on the glass after use. 

A fresh set of blades is often affordable and easy to install, so replacing them as soon as they wear down is a small price to pay compared to a potential £2,500 penalty.

Alongside checking your wipers, ensure your headlights are fully functional and use them during heavy rain or low visibility. 

The law stipulates that you should be able to see at least 100 metres ahead when driving in wet weather; if you can’t, you’re again at risk of being fined under the ‘Using a Vehicle in a Dangerous Condition’ offence.

Rainy-day driving mistake that could cost you £2,500

Hailstorms aren’t an everyday occurrence in the UK, but when they do show up, they can wreak havoc on unsheltered cars. 

If your car’s been caught short and now has hail damage, don’t worry! There are some tried and tested ways to repair car hail damage, so your vehicle will be looking as good as new in no time.

This blog looks at the different types of hail damage, common repair costs, prevention strategies, and whether you can claim hail damage on your insurance. Those dents will be gone in the blink of an eye! Let’s get started.

Hail damage isn’t always the same. The damage can range from minor dents to severe broken glass, depending on the storm. Here’s a quick overview of hail damage for cars:

How often do hailstorms happen in the UK?

Hailstorms aren’t very common in the UK, but they tend to appear from September to April during the transition between seasons. 

, hail is most common in the western parts of Britain since the area is closest to the North Atlantic and Irish Sea. When cold showers reach the cold land in winter, hail is created. 

Eastern England and south-east Scotland see more hail in spring when 

 Most hailstones are smaller than 25mm. However, they can be as small as 5 mm and grow up to 50mm! 

How much does hail damage cost to repair?

Hail damage repair costs depend on the type of damage to your car. 

Here’s a quick breakdown of costs based on the four kinds of damage described earlier in the blog:

Fix hail damage as soon as possible. Some problems may 

The best way to avoid hail damage repair is to protect your car from the get-go. You can do so in a few simple steps. 

If you’re unlucky enough to get caught in a hailstorm, don’t panic! 

There are multiple ways to access hail damage repair, such as the following:

Most drivers should contact their local garage or dealership for professional advice. These experts can assess the damage and create a personalised repair plan.

This may include paint repair, paintless dent repair (PDR), new windows, or structural repairs.

While garages are recommended, if you’re knowledgeable about cars, you may want to tackle the hail damage yourself. 

For example, DIY dent removal kits can be used on minor dents. However, they may not be as seamless as 

 If you’re unsure or haven’t worked on a car before, it might be best to contact a professional.

You should seek professional help if the hail damage is extensive (e.g. broken glass, large dents, or severe paint chipping). Trying to fix large areas of damage yourself 

As stated above, if you’re unfamiliar with cars or DIY work, it’s always best to leave it in capable professional hands!

 you can split the cost of repairs with no extra charges.

 will pay out for car hail damage. However, it’s usually considered an ‘at-fault’ claim, meaning your premium will go up when it’s time to renew.

This doesn’t always seem fair, but it’s more due to the language used by car insurance companies. ‘At-fault’ means that no one else’s insurance will cover the costs, leaving your insurance company to foot the bill. 

Unlike comprehensive car insurance, third-party packages won’t cover hail. So, if you don’t have a sheltered parking spot and live in an area prone to hail, it’s best to opt for comprehensive insurance. 

If you’re unsure, you can check your policy coverage by logging into your insurance portal or looking at past paperwork. You can also reach out to the company if you can’t find the information. 

Always check before renewing or purchasing insurance!

Hail damage can be costly and frustrating, but hopefully, this guide has helped you minimise your risk or find relevant repair costs. 

If your car has sustained damage, review your insurance policy and reach out to a local garage for professional assistance. Avoid DIY repairs unless you have enough experience!

 offers zero-interest financing on car repairs, perfect for covering pesky hail damage. We work with many partners nationwide who can fix your car without stress. 

Find your nearest garage using Bumper here.

Car Hail Damage in the UK

Glow plug replacement costs in the UK range from £125 to £250. These small but essential 

 components ensure smooth starts, especially in cold conditions.

If your glow plugs fail, your engine may struggle to start, idle roughly, or emit excessive smoke. So, it’s key to keep an eye on them for a smooth drive.

Learn more about glow plug replacement and what to expect below.

How much does it cost to replace glow plugs?

The average cost for replacing glow plugs in the UK is £170.

However, prices can range from £125 to £250 depending on your vehicle's make and condition. These costs include changing all of your glow plugs in one go.

The cost of glow plug replacement varies based on your vehicle and the manufacturer’s recommended parts. Additionally, the type of mechanic—whether a mobile mechanic or a dealership technician—can impact the total diesel glow plug replacement cost.

Here’s a quick overview of glow plug replacement costs per car manufacturer, looking at the approximate cost of parts and labour. 

These costs may change depending on your car model and individual needs.

Your location can also affect the cost of glow plugs. 

How much are glow plugs at your local garage? Here are some average costs from across the UK:

How do I know if my glow plugs need replacing?

There are a few symptoms to keep an eye out for when it comes to replacing your glow plugs. These include:

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to talk to a mechanic about a glow plug replacement. 

, you can spread the cost of any repairs at no extra cost. Learn 

If you notice any of the symptoms above, it could indicate a problem with your glow plugs. 

Here are some common problems and quick fixes to help you get back on the road:

Glow plugs can be expensive to replace due to the cost of the parts and the labour involved. 

High-quality plugs for modern diesel engines are pricier, and labour costs can add up if they're hard to access. Some cars also require specialised tools, which can increase the overall cost as garages might need to import them or you might need to travel to a specialised mechanic.

In most diesel vehicles, there’s typically one glow plug per cylinder. For example, a six-cylinder engine would have six plugs. 

 manufacturer, or modifications. Always refer to your owner’s manual for specific details.

You should replace your glow plugs every 80,000 to 100,000 miles or when they show signs of failure. Driving conditions, maintenance habits, and the quality of the glow plugs can all impact their lifespan. It's wise to have them checked during regular maintenance so you can drive knowing they’re in tip-top condition!

How long does it take to replace glow plugs?

Replacing glow plugs typically takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on your car’s make and model. 

Some engines are easier to access than others, affecting the overall repair time. Similarly, it may take longer if the glow plugs are seized or hard to reach.

Always factor in extra time and ask your garage for an estimated time frame to get a more accurate idea.

Are there any warning lights for glow plugs?

Many diesel vehicles have a glow plug warning light, usually a coil or spiral symbol. It lights up while the plugs heat and turns off once ready or the engine starts. 

may also appear, although it can indicate other issues as well.

Jump to Bumper’s complete dashboard warning light guide now.

The accurate answer depends on your car's make, driving style, and material quality. Check your owner’s manual for answers, or 

contact the dealership for specific advice.

Many manufacturers' warranties cover glow plugs if they fail due to a defect but not if they wear out from normal use. Always check your warranty details for a clearer answer, or ask your dealer for specific coverage on glow plugs.

Yes, faulty glow plugs can damage your engine. If they don't heat properly, the engine may struggle to start, leading to rough idling or misfires. 

Over time, this can strain other parts, such as the fuel injectors and the starter motor, potentially leading to costly repairs.

No, it's not advised. Driving with faulty glow plugs can cause poor performance and engine misfires, putting you and others at risk. 

If you must drive, keep the trip short and head straight to a mechanic.

Checking your diesel engine’s glow plugs is an important but simple part of regular maintenance. Before starting, make sure the engine is off and you're in a well-ventilated area for safety. 

Some models may need a special tool to remove glow plugs, so check your car’s requirements. Look for cracks, wear, or carbon buildup, and replace damaged plugs quickly. 

Always refer to your owner’s manual and new plug instructions, and contact a professional if unsure about your glow plug replacement. 

Hopefully, if you’re considering a glow plug replacement, this guide has helped you discover approximate costs and what to do next. 

Don’t forget to check for glow plug symptoms and check whether your problem is covered under warranty before you consult a mechanic. 

Glow plug repairs on the horizon? Bumper is here to help.

, 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 It Cost To Replace Glow Plugs?

¿Cuánto cuesta cambiar las bujías de pre-calentamiento?

Not only is it inconvenient, but your car's engine cutting out can be very dangerous, especially when tackling junctions and roundabouts. If you find your car is cutting out regularly, take 10 to read this article, exploring all the possible causes.

Why Does My Car Keep Cutting Out or Stalling?

There are multiple reasons why your car could be cutting out, these will generally fall under the following: an electrical issue (faulty sensor or control module), a fuelling issue (blocked fuel filter or bad fuel pump), or a spark issue (faulty ignition coil or bad spark plugs). 

10 Most Common Reasons a Car is Cutting Out

Your engine needs a constant, uninterrupted supply of fuel to run smoothly. Debris and dirt in your fuel tank or lines can cause blockages that cause stalling or cutting out. 

Another area to check is the fuel filter, this prevents the aforementioned detritus and contaminants from making it to the engine. Over time the filter can become clogged and restrict the flow of fuel.

In a petrol car, the fuel and air mixture is ignited by the spark plugs, which are connected to an ignition coil. Older cars tend to have one coil pack for all the cylinders, and others have individual coils, one for each spark plug.

With the heat and vibration present in an engine bay, the coils can break down over time, and fail to power the spark plugs correctly.

To ensure the correct running of your engine, an airflow meter is used to monitor how much air is entering the engine. If the sensor has become clogged or damaged the ECU will be unable to correctly adjust the fuel input, causing poor running and stalling.

Issues with air flow meters don't always require immediate replacement, they can often be removed and cleaned to resolve the problem. 

An integral part of the fuel system is the pump that moves fuel from the tank to the engine, they are electronically powered and can sometimes wear out or fail. In this case, insufficient fuel will be delivered to the engine, naturally causing running issues.

Alongside the air flow sensors, ECUs use many other sensors to monitor the state of an engine, these include cam position sensors, crank position sensors, knock sensors and manifold pressure sensors. 

As sensors are often exposed to high levels of vibration and elevated temperatures, they can break down over time and produce erroneous or incomplete data to the ECU. 

A petrol engine requires air, fuel and an ignition source. Ignition inside the cylinder is provided by a spark plug. Over time spark plugs can become worn and deteriorate, reducing the strength of the spark, and therefore the efficiency of the engine. 

In extreme cases very old spark plugs can cause stalling or idling issues, the colour of the spark plugs can indicate if worn spark plugs are the cause of the problem.

Some older cars at idle, i.e. when there is no accelerator input from the driver, use an Idle Control Valve to keep the engine ticking over with a low enough RPM to not stall, but not excessively waste fuel. 

A sticky or worn Idle Control Valve can cause an engine to stall, this is especially common to happen when slowing down to a stop, such as at a junction or traffic lights. 

There are numerous electrical systems that control the running of an internal combustion engine, including ignition timing, fuel supply and the management of both combined. 

Any damage to the wiring loom can cause erratic running and stalling issues, which can also often occur at irregular intervals.

The systems mentioned above naturally require electrical energy to operate, this is provided by the car’s battery, which is topped up whilst driving by the alternator. 

Issues with either the alternator or the battery can cause running issues, by interrupting the power supply to the ECU, ignition coils or various other systems.

As obvious as it sounds, it's surprisingly easy to run out of fuel, this can either be caused by a faulty fuel level sensor, meaning the gauge is showing the incorrect level, or of course a distracted driver!

If your car is a diesel, you may need to have the fuel system bled before it will restart, as there is likely to be air in the fuel lines. 

Regular servicing and maintenance can identify issues such as worn-out spark plugs, coil packs or blocked fuel filters. Having this done can mean any future stalling issues are both less likely to occur and easier to diagnose and fix.

Repair Stalling Issues Easily With Bumper

Some of the most common issues we’ve discussed above can mean unfortunately timed bills, to ease the inconvenience of these, 

 offers zero-interest financing on car repairs, offered by 

Why Does My Car Keep Cutting Out?

Warum geht mein Auto ständig aus?

Anything other than a quiet, smooth ride from your car can often be cause for alarm. The reality is that there are many different causes for juddering, from engine faults to brake and suspension issues. 

In this article I cover some of the most common causes of cars' juddering and how they are usually remedied, as well as how severe of a problem they can become. 

Juddering when driving can be a symptom of a few different problems, but regardless of the cause, it can be disconcerting, to say the least, especially as some causes can get worse with speed. These are the two most common reasons:

If your engine isn’t running smoothly, it can translate to a juddering or shaky ride, whether whilst accelerating or cruising at a constant speed. Engine misfires, often caused by old 

, a clogged mass air flow sensor or a failing coil pack can cause this.

Misfiring can also lead to engines sounding lumpy at idle, or stalling and cutting out when slowing and stopping, such as approaching a junction.

When tyres are fitted, the technician will use a balancing machine to add lead weights to counteract irregularities in the tyre and the weight of the valve, making them perfectly balanced. However, the weights are usually only stuck on and can fall off.

At 70mph your wheels rotate around 16 times per second, this means any imbalance in them can transfer directly to the car via the suspension, the vibration will get worse at speed and may even cause your steering wheel to wobble slightly.

Any unusual noises or vibrations are even more concerning if they happen whilst braking, as they may indicate an issue specifically with your brakes, these are some possible causes.

All modern cars have disc brakes on the front wheels, these use a flat disc and two pads to absorb energy and slow down the vehicle. If your brake discs are particularly old or have been used heavily - such as during a long downhill stretch - they can warp. 

Once warped, the discs will cause a vibration that transmits through the car's suspension and will be easily felt by any passengers in the car, even more so through the brake pedal itself.

Juddering or vibration from warped brake discs will feel more harsh, with a higher frequency at higher speeds, and vice versa. 

As an integral part of a car's suspension and steering system, the track rod ends connect the steering rack to the wheel hubs, allowing steering input to be transmitted to the wheels. 

Track rod ends use a ball and socket type joint to allow for movement in the suspension, these wear out over time. This can cause both a knocking noise when going over bumps, and vibration under heavy braking.

The flywheel is a key component that smoothes out the power delivery of an engine, a dual mass flywheel is in effect a more complex flywheel with multiple moving parts, that helps even further to reduce the level of vibration transmitted to the gearbox and therefore the car. 

Through normal use the springs and mechanisms in the DMF become worn, and reduce the effectiveness of the overall assembly. This leads to a significant increase in vibration felt in the car and through the clutch pedal.

All engines create vibrations, these are isolated from the body of the car via rubber-cored engine mounts, which absorb and dampen the vibrations. Over time, the heat and vibration from the engine can deteriorate these mounts, reducing their effectiveness. 

If your engine mounts are really bad, they can cause noticeable juddering or shaking of the car, this will be most noticeable when idling, changing gear or pulling away from a standstill.

The issues listed above can seem daunting, but most can be fixed with the replacement of a few parts, though some will require more labour costs than others. 

Fixing Juddering Whilst Driving or Accelerating

If your engine seems to be stuttering, misfiring or ‘breaking up’, then the replacement of the following components should be the first port of call:

If your juddering issue seems to get worse as you speed up, it might be caused by imbalanced wheels, many tyre shops offer a free balance check, but even so it can be done fairly cheaply.

One other cause that may feel similar to an imbalanced wheel is if your tyre has a bulge, check all around the tyre's tread and sidewall for a protruding lump. If found, organise a replacement to be fitted as soon as possible. 

Spread out the cost of new tyres with Bumpers zero-percent interest tyre financing

If the juddering only happens when braking, it is likely that something in the braking or suspension is awry, the first thing to check would be your track rod ends, many garages offer a free suspension check-up, where they can feel for play. 

If nothing is reported with the suspension, have a mechanic take the car for a test drive, warped brake discs are usually resolved simply by fitting a new set of discs and pads.

Fixing Juddering Whilst Idling on Your Car

Worn engine mounts can be diagnosed relatively easily, simply have someone open the bonnet and watch the engine as you give it a few revs, if it moves significantly - more than a few centimetres back and forth - then there’s a good chance you need new engine mounts. 

Dual mass flywheels are a little harder to diagnose at home, but any mechanic should be able to tell you if that is the problem after a short test drive. Unfortunately, a new DMF is likely to cost upwards of £1,000, so be sure to check out 

Bumper’s zero-percent financing for DMFs.

If you notice any new noise or vibration from your car, and you’re unsure what it is, it’s probably worth getting a mechanic to take a look. This is both from a safety point of view and to prevent the problem from getting worse and causing other faults to occur. 

Some of the issues mentioned above can be felt or heard inside the car before they are a safety issue, but problems involving brakes, suspension or the engine itself should be addressed immediately by a qualified professional.

Fix Any Issues With Your Car Through Bumper

 offers zero-per cent interest financing through one of the 

across the country, this gives you the opportunity to get your car sorted now, but pay for it over a period of time, at no extra cost.

Why Is My Car Juddering?

Warum ruckelt oder stottert mein Auto? 

Using finance to buy a car or pay for repairs and upgrades can help to grow your credit score. 

While timely repayments can get your numbers moving in the right direction, there are some potential bumps in the road you’ll want to steer clear of. 

With that in mind, it’s important to understand the ways that car-related finance could impact your credit health and how to keep an eye on your progress. Let’s shine a light on the details. 

To stay on top of your credit health, it's beneficial to regularly monitor your credit score and the information on your credit report. We recommend using Checkmyfile, the most detailed credit report you can get. They pull your data from the UK’s three main credit reference agencies – Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion – in one place, so you know where you stand. 

: Get a free 30-day trial with Checkmyfile and see how your repayments are affecting your credit score. It’s then £14.99 a month, and you can cancel online anytime. 

Taking out finance, like your interest-free Bumper plan, and managing it responsibly can improve your credit score. Here's how: 

: Your payment history has a big contribution towards your credit score. By making finance payments on time each month, you're building a positive payment record, which shows lenders you’re reliable. 

: Having different types of credit (such as car finance, credit cards, or a mortgage) can positively affect your credit score. Adding car finance to your credit mix can show lenders that you can handle various types of credit responsibly. 

: As you continue to make payments over the life of your finance agreement, you're establishing a long-term credit relationship. This can be viewed favourably by lenders and credit reference agencies. 

While timely payments can boost your score, late payments will have the opposite effect: 

: Payments made later than 7 days may be reported to credit reference agencies leaving a negative marker that can last for six years. 

: Late payments can cause a drop in your credit score, which can make it harder to be accepted for credit going forwards. 

: When you next apply for credit, lenders may offer you higher interest rates because they view you as a higher risk. 

By keeping an eye on your credit score and staying on top of your repayments, you're not just maintaining your vehicle – you're also getting your credit health in gear for a brighter future. So don’t forget to monitor your credit health with Checkmyfile. 

Remember, your credit score reflects your credit health. By managing your car finance well, you're paving the way for better credit opportunities down the road. 

How car finance can help tune your credit score 

An unusual or new smell coming from your car is usually a sign that something is amiss, but it can be even more of an issue if the smell in question is that of rotten eggs. Learn why this happens and how to solve the smelly problem. 

What Can Cause A Rotten Egg Smell In Your Car?

The smell of rotten eggs can be caused by a few different things in your car:

Can A Broken Catalytic Converter Cause a Rotten Egg Smell?

Yes, one of the most common sources for a smell akin to rotten eggs, is the catalytic converter. If this is the case, it will usually start to smell when the car is up to temperature - around 10-15 minutes into a journey.

The cause of this is not actually the fault of the 

, but more so the fueling system. If your car’s injectors are adding too much fuel into the cylinders, this unburnt fuel gets expelled out of the engine and is caught in the catalytic converter mesh.

One of the jobs of a catalytic converter is to turn the small amount of Hydrogen Sulfide produced by the engine into odourless Sulphur Dioxide, when excessive amounts of unburnt fuel is reaching the cat, the smell of rotten eggs; Sulphur, can be present inside and out.

The root cause of the issue can be a few things, including malfunctioning injectors, an erroneous sensor, or a broken air flow meter.

If the smell seems to come from near the 

, and doesn't seem to get worse when you drive, then it likely caused by a damaged or worn out car battery.

Thanks to the fluid inside, when a car battery is overcharged it can produce Hydrogen Sulfide - yep the same stuff we talked about above! 

A correctly operating alternator and battery setup will not overcharge the battery, but a damaged or worn-out battery can cause issues like this. 

Not only is this gas stinky, it is also dangerous for our health, this is one reason car manufacturers don’t like to mount the battery in the passenger compartment. 

In most cases a new battery, especially if yours is old or looking damaged, will solve the issue.

Behind the vents on your dash, there are many tubes and ducts that help direct the right temperature air to where you want it. 

If you don’t use this system regularly, condensation and moisture can cause mould to form. 

It might smell all the time, but will be most noticeable when you do eventually use the air conditioning or heater, when any mould or fungus will cause a smell to enter the cabin.

Is Your Car Smelling of Rotten Eggs Dangerous?

Regardless of where the smell is coming from, you should not ignore a rotten egg smell from your car. The gas that is usually the cause, Hydrogen Sulphide, can be very harmful to our health.

Short-term exposure to Hydrogen Sulphide can cause nausea, sickness and throat irritation, prolonged exposure can result in long-term health complications. 

If the smell is coming from mould in your car's vents, then this can be very damaging to your respiratory health, and you stop driving the vehicle immediately.

Should I Take My Car To a Mechanic if It Smells Like Rotten Eggs?

Whether the cause is your catalytic converter, battery or hidden mould, the consequences of not getting the rotten egg smell checked out could be severe. I’d recommend taking your car to a mechanic as soon as you pinpoint the smell to your car. 

Alastair Shephard

Content Writer