Bumper has announced a major expansion of its partnership with CitNOW which will see its Buy-Now-Pay-Later platform embedded in vehicle health check videos sent to aftersales customers across Europe.

The service has been launched in the UK, where it is already available at over 700 sites, and will debut shortly in Germany and Spain followed by other European countries.

The integration with CitNOW Workshop, the widely-used eVHC tool, will enable customers to approve repair work online and arrange interest-free monthly payments at the same time on a single web page.

“This significant new integration with CitNOW will help relieve the workloads of busy workshop teams and enhance the conversion of aftersales revenue opportunities, while delivering a convenient and seamless digital customer experience,” said Jack Allman, Bumper co-founder and CCO.

“Customers receiving eVHC videos will now see what work needs to be authorised, how much it will cost and choose whether to split the bill over interest-free monthly instalments. Furthermore, as all of this can now be done digitally, it will free up service advisors to help those customers in need of greater attention.”

Commenting on the rollout Rab Fyfe, director of product at CitNOW, said: “Both Bumper and CitNOW provide similar dealership benefits in the workshop which help drive sales and efficiencies and deliver improved customer satisfaction. We already share a large customer overlap, so by working together we can help workshops achieve higher invoice values through increased parts sales, making this a natural partnership.”

This latest move marks the next stage of Bumper’s expansion into other European markets, following its launch into Ireland in April 2021, its first territory outside of the UK.

Bumper provides an interest-free digital payment platform for vehicle repairs and services, enabling owners to spread their costs. Formerly Auto Service Finance, the multi award-winning UK fintech company 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.

Co-founded by CEO James Jackson and CCO Jack Allman, Bumper is rated 89 in the 2021 FT 1000 listing of Europe’s fastest growing companies as well as the ninth fastest growing fintech business. Bumper works with 2,500 franchised dealers, over 700 garages and major car brands across the UK and Republic of Ireland, helping over 100,000 drivers to fund their servicing and repair bills.

Bumper is based in Sheffield and London, with a tech development centre in Ankara, Turkey.

An innovator and market leader, CitNOW supplies video and digital communications tools to over 6,000 automotive retailers (including 92 of the UK’s 100 largest car dealer groups) with over 10,000 users and 43 vehicle manufacturers. Its app-based video and image management platform helps dealers build stronger, more transparent and more productive customer relationships.

CitNOW's contactless communication tools improve processes in both sales and aftersales, helping to increase customer loyalty, stock turnover and revenue. In 2020, CitNOW helped retailers in 64 countries create more than ten million videos – an average of more than 27,000 every day.

Bumper partners with CitNOW to embed interest-free payments in eVHCs across Europe

With travel restrictions still in place, many of us will be considering a UK-based getaway this summer.

However, wear and tear caused by long journeys in heavy traffic, often with excessive baggage, can cause issues.

If your vehicle is not in tip-top condition, the added stress can lead to large repair bills and pose a threat to your safety.

 before driving off to your big summer getaway.

 found that unsafe tyres contributed to 521 accidents in 2018.

legal minimum for tyre tread depth is 1.6mm

. Without this depth, your car cannot properly grip the road.

Tyre pressure can also be an issue. Underinflation and side wall damage can even cause a blowout.

 noted 459 accidents caused by faulty brakes.

Worn brake pads, mechanical faults, and leaking fluid can all contribute to brake failure.

Faulty brakes can land motorists with a hefty fine and penalty points or worse cause a serious collision.

If you're wondering about the cost to replace brake pads and discs, then read more here.

 reported there have been 64 fatalities due to defective brakes since 2013.

Faulty steering racks, loose driving belts, and damaged hydraulic pipes can all cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle.

 reported 200 accidents in 2018 were caused by a fault with the steering. It is important this is checked regularly.

Get your car safe and summer-ready with Bumper.

Choose from 1000s of approved dealerships and garages and split the cost into monthly instalments, completely interest-free.

 of your next repair, MOT, or service bill.

3 vehicle checks to carry out before your summer getaway

Bumper is pleased to announce the Dealership of the Month Award goes to 

The award is presented to one of the top-performing garages leveraging Bumper’s interest-free finance to create a better customer experience.

The Motherwell team have embraced offering Bumper (branded as Arnold Clark EasyPay) with open arms since joining earlier this year.

Ricardo Fishbourne from Bumper, who presented the team with their trophy said, “Congratulations to the whole team at Arnold Clark Motherwell Motorstore, they’ve fully embraced the new Arnold Clark EasyPay (Bumper) system and have collectively provided a fantastic digital experience for their customers' payments.”

Craig Scott, Group Aftersales Development Manager added "With the company only recently switching over to the new Bumper platform, it’s great to see so many branches embrace this system. The ability to offer our customers 0% repayment plans is a critical part of our Aftersales experience, and the team at Motherwell have shown just how easy it is to promote our EasyPay options."

Well-done to the team at Arnold Clark Motherwell Motorstore!

Dealership of the Month: Arnold Clark Motherwell Motorstore

Wheel bearing replacement typically costs between £170 and £400. 

Wheel bearings let your car’s wheels rotate with minimal friction. They are vital for safety and must be replaced immediately if they fail.

Unsure when wheel bearings need replacing? Concerned about the cost? Or just want to know how they work? Here’s a simple guide to wheel bearing replacement costs and other common FAQs.

How much does it cost to replace wheel bearings? 

On average, it costs between £170 and £400 to replace wheel bearings in the UK. 

Wheel bearing replacement costs vary as labour rates differ between garages. Some bearings cost more but take less time to fit. Luxury cars usually have higher parts prices.

 to split the fee into interest-free monthly repayments.

Costs for different types of wheel bearings

You can estimate your wheel bearing cost depending on the type you buy. Here’s a quick overview of the different price brackets: 

Wheel bearing replacements are the same for most vehicles, so parts are usually affordable, and most garages know the job well. Parts cost £30 to £250, plus labour.

It’s usually cheaper to replace a bearing on a non-driven axle, as fewer parts need removing. On most front-wheel drive cars, the rear bearings cost less. The final price depends on the parts your car requires.

Cost of wheel bearing replacements by car type 

Wheel bearing replacement costs vary depending on whether your car is front-wheel, rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. 

The table below shows the typical price ranges.

Wheel bearing replacement costs by location

The cost to replace a wheel bearing in the UK varies based on location. Urban areas with higher demand and overheads tend to have higher prices, but this rule isn't always fixed. 

Below is a breakdown of average costs by city:

Wheel bearings allow car wheels to rotate with minimal friction. Made of races and balls, they handle the forces of bumps and turns.

Modern bearings often come as modular units for easy replacement, while older designs may require hydraulic presses to remove and fit them.

Wheel bearings last between 75,000 and 100,000 miles. The total lifespan depends on driving frequency and road conditions. They don’t need regular replacement, but will wear over time.

Consider having them checked at your next service, as all cars eventually need wheel bearing replacement due to standard wear and tear.

It’s good practice to replace all four wheel bearings at once, but it’s not mandatory.

Usually, only the worn or damaged bearings are replaced, unless your vehicle has very high mileage or shows widespread wear. Some garages may suggest you replace them in pairs. 

A droning noise that grows with speed often signals a failing wheel bearing.

Finding the exact one requires further checks. See below for how to examine wheel bearing issues.

Noise is usually the best way to identify a worn wheel bearing. 

In modern cars, a passenger can listen from different seats. Louder noise when braking often indicates a front bearing issue.

Once you know the general location of the faulty bearing, you can pinpoint the side. 

Drive at 40 mph or more on an empty road and drift left and right. Noise when drifting left suggests the right bearing, and vice versa.

While a mechanic will be best placed to properly diagnose your wheel bearing issues, there are some symptoms to look out for. 

Here are four signs drivers need to know: 

Worn wheel bearings often produce a constant droning or scraping noise. 

Because they support the wheels, noise may change with speed. If the sound stays the same at different speeds, it’s likely not the bearings.

Faulty bearings generate extra friction, making the wheel hotter after driving. 

You can carefully check for a warmer wheel, as this may indicate a bearing issue. However, avoid touching parts immediately after heavy braking, as they may be extremely hot.

Worn bearings allow wheels to move side to side, affecting steering and causing uneven tyre wear.

If your car pulls or feels unstable while steering, and you notice other signs, have the bearings checked promptly.

Excess wheel play when pulled during an MOT often signals a failing bearing. 

You can test this yourself with care, but a garage can check it quickly and safely, often as part of a free wheel alignment or bearing inspection.

Garages, such as Halfords, offer free alignment and bearing checks

Wheel bearings usually give warning signs before failing, but ignoring them can be dangerous.

The wheel hub, held by the hub nut, keeps the wheel and hub on the axle. If a bearing fails completely, the hub cannot hold the wheel, which can detach, causing loss of control and a serious risk of injury.

Yes, replacing wheel bearings is essential for passenger safety and vehicle performance. 

Worn bearings can cause noise, uneven tyre wear, and even wheel detachment, so timely replacement protects both your car’s value and those on the road.

Can you drive with a damaged wheel bearing?

Driving with a damaged wheel bearing is risky. You shouldn’t unless you’re driving to the garage.

In severe cases, the wheel could detach, creating a serious safety hazard. It may also cause damage to the wheel axle and hub.

Wheel bearings may last a long time, but any new noise or symptom should be checked promptly. This guide has covered how much to replace wheel bearings and common questions.

When in doubt, consult a professional mechanic for a safe solution. Never tamper if you’re not sure what you’re doing!

Don’t face last-minute repair costs alone. 

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 Wheel Bearings?

¿Cuánto cuesta cambiar los rodamiamento de un coche?

Wie viel kostet der Austausch von Radlagern?

Bumper’s Dealership of the Month award for September 2021 goes to Dees Ford Croydon.

The Croydon team have achieved their highest month on record with Bumper, offering customers the option to spread the cost through interest-free PayLater plans.

Having joined Bumper back in 2015, the site has always ensured Bumper is a central part of their customer service process, and it shows in their reviews:

"I would definitely recommend this service to all my family and friends. Big thank you to Ben and the staff at Fords who hooked me up to Bumper."

"Lovely customer service from the young lady that dealt with me, very helpful!"

Well done to Ben, Sam, Jordan and the rest of the team at Ford Croydon for your top performance!

Dealership of the Month: Ford Dealership makes Bumper a central part of customer service

The UK startup offering interest-free flexible payments for car repairs sets sights on Europe after ‘bumper’ year

UK-based auto fintech startup Bumper has raised $12M in Series A funding to roll out its car repair financing platform across Europe. The round is led by Silicon Valley based Autotech Ventures, with participation from Porsche Ventures and Jaguar Land Rover’s fund InMotion Ventures, and a group of prominent angel investors. The latest round brings total funds raised by the company to $17.5m.

Bumper enables customers to spread the cost of car repairs by offering interest-free, flexible payments to help drivers better afford necessary repairs and maintenance. Customers can split bills and authorise repairs in seconds via a fully digital automated process, making the process more efficient and removing the need for uncomfortable price negotiations with dealerships. 

With new car purchases currently at their lowest since 1998

 with a growing need for financing repairs on older vehicles. This is reflected in the European aftersales market, which is projected to 

Alongside the consumer offering, Bumper partners with the world’s leading OEMs including Volkswagen Group, Ford, Jaguar Land Rover and Nissan, and approximately 60% of the franchised UK dealer market currently use Bumper’s payment platform. For automotive partners, using Bumper’s payment solution increases repair conversion rates and reduces discounting and price negotiation, a costly practice which leads to losses for the retailer and poor customer satisfaction. Bumper charges a small transaction fee to the dealerships in exchange for providing the full cost of the repair up front.

Bumper is the only BNPL provider to aggregate thousands of vehicle and consumer finance data, with thorough affordability checks, ensuring it is always lending responsibly. To ensure both dealerships and consumers are protected from loan defaults, Bumper has developed a Machine Learning-enabled automotive scorecard as part of a rigorous credit checking process; this includes accessing the dealerships’ APIs to source customer information quickly and without laborious application processes.

Already a dominant player in the UK and Ireland, Bumper is currently rolling out its product in Germany, plans to launch in Spain and the Netherlands in the next three months, and has ambitions to be in every major European market by the end of 2022. The new funding will go towards hiring in these new markets, scaling the tech team, and marketing efforts as they build out the B2C proposition.

Plans are also in the pipeline for the widespread launch of a consumer app, which will act as a one stop shop for all automotive requirements, such as payments for congestion charges, parking and tolls, and approving repair work. The app is due to launch in the UK in January 2022.

Bumper was named eighth fastest-growing European fintech by the Financial Times this year, and has already been profitable for the last 18 months, with GMV (Gross Merchandise Value) set to triple by the end of this year. Unlike other Buy Now Pay Later models, Bumper’s transactions are typically large, one-off sums. This means that customers are not being encouraged to regularly borrow more than they can afford, and default rates are low.

 said: “The current process for handling car repairs is broken on both sides, with dealerships selling just 40% of identified repairs and drivers left out of pocket and with dangerous vehicles. Bumper offers a simple alternative to unexpected car repairs. It’s a very different proposition to other Buy Now Pay Later services, as we’re not encouraging people to buy things they don’t need, we’re enabling them to purchase necessary repairs at an affordable rate. We’ve seen huge demand for expanding the services we offer, and are looking forward to bringing Bumper to customers across Europe.”

 said: “Buy Now Pay Later is the fastest growing online payment method globally. Bumper’s market-leading proposition will benefit the millions of consumers who need more flexibility when paying for crucial repairs. The technology seamlessly integrates with the existing systems of dealerships and OEMs, which combined with rigorous credit checking, offers merchants and dealerships a level of security previously unseen in the industry. We’re looking forward to working with the Bumper team and supporting the expansion of the business across Europe.”

Alexei Andreev, Managing Director, Autotech Ventures said:

 “We are very excited about the Buy Now Pay Later business model, which has empowered consumers all over the world. We believe that automotive repairs and the aftermarket are the next big BNPL frontiers, and that modern software and clever financial tools can unlock substantial value for industry participants. The Bumper team has succeeded in building an industry-leading product in the UK and we are eager to support its expansion to Continental Europe. Bumper’s business ties with leading automotive OEMs, deep integration with dealerships and repair quotation tools create formidable entry barriers for other players. Autotech Ventures is fully committed to providing business development resources and bringing new partnerships to accelerate Bumper’s growth”.

 (formerly Auto Service Finance) 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.

Named eighth fastest growing fintech in the 2021 FT1000 rankings of Europe’s fastest growing companies, Bumper works with 2,500 franchised dealers, over 700 garages and major car brands across the UK and Republic of Ireland, helping over 100,000 drivers to fund their servicing and repair bills.

Bumper is based in London and Sheffield, with a tech development centre in Ankara, Turkey.

UK ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ provider Bumper raises $12M Series A from Autotech, Porsche Ventures and Jaguar Land Rover

For drivers, car servicing is an important habit to get in to. This may sound like another item on a long to-do list, but regular servicing keeps your vehicle efficient, reliable, and may save you money in the long run.

, and is it a legal requirement? Bumper’s complete guide to car servicing has all the answers.

An interim service checks all fluids and parts that need replacing frequently. Typically, the cost of an interim service includes checking:

In addition to fast-wearing parts and fluids, the cost of an interim service will check for:

Do I need a full or interim service and how often should I book in?

It’s generally recommended that you take your car for a full service once a year. However, if you drive more than 2,000 miles per month it is a good idea to book an interim service in between.

You should also book in for an interim service if you notice your 

vehicle isn’t performing as it should be.

Regular servicing is the best way to keep your car performing as it should, reduce breakdowns and maintain safety. Learn more about whether servicing is worth it, 

There are a few factors that determine the cost of a service, including: type of service (as already discussed), outstanding warranty, quality of service, size of engine, availability of workshop, and the make and model of the vehicle.

Cars with more readily available and cheaper parts like Ford Fiesta and VW Golf will tend to have lower-cost services, whereas performance vehicles and electric vehicles may be on the more expensive end of servicing.

If your car is still under warranty, it is important to follow the service schedule of the manufacturer, or you may risk voiding your warranty.

Some garages will offer a discount for booking an MOT and service together. As well as saving you heaps of time this can also help to keep your car more efficient as more regular checks on your vehicle will result in greater performance.

The maximum MOT fee set by the government is £54.85 for a car and £29.65 for a standard motorcycle. Typically, garages will charge around £30 for just the MOT but discounts for booking together vary a lot from garage to garage. We were able to find a promotion on Google for as little as £10. However, most were around £20.

Remember, you will have the cost of any repairs on top of the fee for an MOT and service. The average cost of an MOT including the fee and cost of repairs is £326.85.

Unlike an MOT test you are not legally required to service your car. However, it is generally recommended that you take your car for a full service once every 12 months to maintain performance and safety.

How to check a vehicle’s service history?

A vehicle’s service history is a good way to tell how well a vehicle has been maintained. This can be extremely helpful when 

The first place to check a car’s service history is in the service history booklet, which should have been completed after each service.

If the owner doesn’t have a service history booklet you can check with the dealership and request a copy. It is important to note that if the previous owner has completed a service elsewhere, the main dealer won’t have a record of this.

Split the cost of your next service bill with Bumper

 of servicing, repairs, parts, and accessories completely interest-free. Available at 1000s of trusted partner garages nationwide, you can apply to get pre-approved for up to £3,000. Start your application by entering your registration on our homepage. 

Alastair Shephard