You can get far more for your money buying used. New cars are said to depreciate between 10-20% as soon as they leave the dealer forecourt. Consider a slightly older car, and you can save even more than that. 

However, with the complexity of modern cars, especially hybrids, is it wise to buy a second-hand one? In this article, we explain the ins and outs of buying a used hybrid car.

Buying any used vehicle can be daunting, from checking the car's condition to making sure the seller is legitimate. To get the best deal you can, consider following these steps:

Buying a used hybrid is very similar to buying a conventionally powered vehicle; service history and condition are just as important as age or miles. It’s also good to target models that were reliable when new to reduce the chance of expensive breakdowns. These are some top picks:

Later model cars had improved engine durability along with improved handling and general interior quality. Available as both a conventional hybrid and a plug-in, the Prius is a firm favourite among those looking for a cheap-to-run, reliable hybrid.

Other favourites using the same hybrid tech include the Auris, Rav4 and Hybrid Avensis.

Whilst the first generation 330e was a popular hybrid executive saloon, its small battery only offers a real-world EV only range of 15 miles, even less with a few years under its belt. 

The 330e is a good combination of efficiency, style and speed, with nearly 300hp on tap, capable of a sub-6 second 0-60 time. Thanks to its popularity when new, there are plenty of 330e deals to be had on the second hand market.

For those looking for a larger family car, the Kuga PHEV offers more space and carrying capacity. Its clever sliding second row of seats allows either a cavernous boot, or the ability to easily carry 5 adults. 

The PHEV model had a good EV only range, but it might be wise to avoid the first model year (2020) as it suffered with later-resolved engine and battery issues. Higher spec models come with loads of tech; excellent sound systems, large touch screen nav systems and mobile phone unlocking/starting.

Certain hybrid models have developed a bad name for reliability, some earning this very soon after launch. We’d advise avoiding the following unless you are offered a very good deal:

JLR hybrids such as the Range Rover Evoque Hybrid, and the Range Rover Sport had a worldwide recall issued for the low to high voltage converter, in some models, a permanent fix is still being developed.

These problems are in addition to the brand's reputation and standing on reliability charts, usually falling somewhere near the bottom. With the expensive components in a hybrid powertrain, it's best to avoid without a substantial warranty. 

Peugeot and Vauxhall hybrids (Stellantis)

The Stellantis group makes a number of hybrid models across their numerous brands, all using the same battery and motor tech. Sadly this means almost all of them suffer the same issues with battery degradation.

Some owners are noting 15-20% loss of battery capacity after just two years. Thankfully there is a comprehensive warranty offered on the battery system, covering it for the first 8 years or 100,000 miles, but make sure this transfers to your ownership, and check all the terms and conditions if it does.

Buying a used hybrid car requires many of the same checks and inspections as a petrol or diesel one, with the addition of a few key steps:

Error messages on the dash are an obvious thing to check for, both before and after a test drive, as the owner could have cleared them before viewing. There are many different OBD2 scanners that can allow you to check individual cell voltages. 

Battery cell voltages should be consistent, ideally within 0.3v of each other. These hybrid battery checking apps can also give an idea of battery discharge rates when driving. 

If you don’t have a scanner, look out for how fast the hybrid battery charges and discharges on the power indicator. It varies depending on the model of car and battery size, but it should be able to move away from a stop at least 5-10 times before the battery is empty. 

Similarly, if it charges very quickly too (i.e. in less than 5 stops using regenerative braking), there’s a good chance the battery has degraded. 

In most hybrid vehicles the engine should come in and out to assist the motor almost seamlessly. There certainly shouldn't be any jerking or jolting as it starts. 

The engine should only come on when the battery is completely discharged, and you accelerate, if it's staying on all the time, even after a while of driving, including some regenerative braking, the battery might be in poor condition.

Similar to the engine engagement, regenerative braking shouldn’t feel harsh or juddery, it should be barely noticeable, and should change force depending on the level set in the cars settings. 

Some hybrids have brake pedals that feel less controlled than a traditional car, because they use a brake-by-wire system that simulates brake pedal feel, allowing the regenerative braking to slow the car down before the brakes are used.

However, the pedal should still feel responsive whilst driving, and braking should be progressive and immediate when pressed harshly. 

Like all used cars, remember to sort out the V5 paperwork properly, and receive all the service records, manuals and any other paperwork the owner has, if the car is a plug-in hybrid, remember to get the battery charging cable, as they can be expensive to buy. 

Hybrid battery packs are large and use exotic materials, meaning replacement can cost anywhere from £1,500 to £6,000 including labour. This varies depending on the age of the car and the size of the battery pack of course.

This is why it's so important to check the condition of any hybrid car’s battery before purchase. We’d recommend spending some time and money on getting an OBD scanner and learning how to use it. 

Part of the high replacement cost is labour; replacing a hybrid battery requires mechanics that are trained in high voltage work, and have access to the software needed to “code-in” the new battery to the cars ECUs.

Once you've purchased your used hybrid, split the cost of repairs and maintenance with Bumper's 

. Apply online and choose from thousands of top-rated garages and dealerships across the country.

Used hybrid buying guide – what to look out for and what to avoid (2026)

Used Hybrid Buying Guide

Running a car is expensive; every driver is all too familiar with the ever-increasing running costs like insurance, road tax and fuel. But car repairs can be a large and unexpected surprise that pops up when you least want it to.

That’s why buying a car with a view to keeping potential repair costs low is always a good idea. Whether it's through simplicity, availability or reliability, a car that presents fewer and smaller bills is a good thing. 

These are our top picks for cars that are generally cheap to repair.

Still the most common car on the road in the UK, the Fiesta benefits from very cheap parts costs and an extremely large selection of garages to choose from. You’d be hard-pressed to find a non-dealer mechanic who hasn’t worked on a Fiesta! 

Because of their popularity and Ford’s good service network, parts are relatively cheap compared to other brands. Dealer rates seem high, but they are quite reasonable compared to other brands.

We’d suggest a car without the troublesome wet-belt engine, such as the 1.5 diesel or any petrol made before 2012.

A combination of popularity and Japanese high-quality engineering makes these cheap to run and repair. Over 80% of all the Yaris sold in the last 20 years are still on the road!

One thing to look out for, as with many Japanese cars, is rust. Check under the sills and subframes before you commit to one. But find a well-serviced one, and you’re more than likely in for years of low-cost motoring.

Thanks to years of development, under various other model names (VW Polo, Seat Ibiza etc), the Fabia is a very well made car. Skoda uses high quality rust proofing, and very robust engine and drivetrain designs. 

The only fly in the ointment being that parts costs can be higher than other European or Japanese manufacturers. Dealer labour rates are also high, though for the same reason as the others, most garages will be able to work on a Fabia.

The Focus still remains as the benchmark for family hatchbacks, offering a good amount of room, at a reasonable price point, and low running costs. For the same reasons as the Fiesta, parts and dealer rates are some of the lowest out there. 

Mechanic knowledge too is not a problem, and any independent garage will be happy to work on one. As with the Fiesta, it’s recommended to avoid a wet-belt engine. 

The way the Prius’ drivetrain works has earned it a near bulletproof reputation for reliability. Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive connects the electric motor and petrol engine to the wheels in a way that cuts out many of the components traditionally responsible for high repair bills. 

These include a clutch, dual mass flywheel, gearbox, starter motor or alternator. Of course, the system that does this can have issues, but they are renowned for their robustness. 

Just be sure to check the battery health of any potential purchase, as replacing it can be very expensive. For more on buying a used hybrid, we have a separate buying guide to help.

In a similar vein to the Fabia mentioned above, the Skoda Octavia shares many parts with other Volkswagen Audi group cars, meaning both the manufacturer and design of its components are tried and tested. 

That said, Octavia parts can also be more expensive than some brands, but still not in the same realm as premium marques such as BMW or Audi. If you need even more space, the Octavia estate offers a cavernous boot to transport luggage or pets. 

A simple, normally aspirated (not turbo or supercharged) petrol engine with a manual gearbox, has less things to break than a high performance engine, with 8 and speed automatic transmission.

The latter is likely to also have more added components to increase power, decrease fuel consumption and add luxury. This is the one of the reasons the Yaris, Fiesta and Prius are on the lists above, they use simple drivetrains. 

Not only does this make cars more reliable, it also cuts down on labour costs, as there tends to be less work involved in repairing or replacing broken parts. 

It stands to reason that the more a car breaks down, the more it's going to cost per year to keep running. Some cars, despite having many modern, complex components, are still reasonable to repair. 

This is usually due to high manufacturing accuracy, and good design. This often goes hand in hand with a long manufacturing run, i.e. the car model being in production for a long time, and a large manufacturer with lots to spend on R&D. 

Usually when a car breaks down, it will need new parts to get it back on the road again. The cost of those, and how easy they are to get, is a major factor in overall repair costs. 

If parts are hard to get locally, garages can be forced to use more expensive suppliers, have a part shipped in from abroad, or risk having a disassembled car clog up their lift or workshop.

Certain jobs on particular models can require specific knowledge and experience, as well as access to the correct diagnosis software. Mechanics that have this, are in high demand and therefore charge more for labour. 

A simple car, that any garage can work on, will enable you to use trustworthy but non-specialist garages, which in some cases can half the per-hour labour costs. 

Even if you own a car that’s economical to repair, you can still be caught short by a large and unexpected repair bill. That’s where Bumper can help. Split your bill with interest-free 

. Apply online and choose from thousands of reliable repairers.

What are the cheapest cars to repair in the UK? (2026 guide)

Cheapest cars to repair

When they launched, plug-in hybrid cars were heralded as the perfect compromise between expensive and polluting diesel cars and low-range electric vehicles. But with the advances in battery technology, are PHEVs still worth buying?

A hybrid vehicle uses both electric motors and internal combustion to power it. The first mainstream hybrid, the Toyota Prius, used a battery that could only be charged by the car's engine or regenerative braking. 

Plug-in hybrids typically use a larger battery that is still charged by the engine and regenerative braking, but can also be charged from an EV charge point; this gives the benefit of being able to do short journeys on electric power, without the range issues of full EVs.

Whilst a PHEV sounds like the ideal solution, consider both your use case, budget and the limitations of the cars available.

Plug-in hybrids have all the disadvantages of both power sources; they have a complex internal combustion engine that needs servicing, and they have a high-voltage, expensive electrical motor, controller and battery system.

As a result, they often rank lower than their petrol or electric counterparts in reliability charts.

In some cases, they can be more expensive to fix compared to internal combustion-powered vehicles, requiring EV-qualified mechanics when working near the battery.

Whilst there are some outliers, as a general rule, PHEVs are more expensive to buy than petrol or electric vehicles. This is again because they are more complex to manufacture. 

This means that for the same budget, you are likely to get a lower-spec vehicle compared to buying a pure electric or petrol/diesel car. Depending on usage, PHEVs can be more expensive to run than EVs.

The costs to run a PHEV vary depending on what type of journeys you make and where you charge. 

If you use a PHEV mostly for short journeys, on battery-only power, and can charge at home, the running costs are comparable to an EV. However, if you use it for longer trips, where the petrol engine is activated, the costs are in line with a standard hybrid car.

In some cases, such as when used for only long journeys, and without charging at home, the MPG can be worse than a hybrid or even a petrol-powered car, as PHEVs are generally heavier.

If you fall into any of these categories, we would suggest looking at other fuel types:

We’ve covered a lot of the downsides of a plug in hybrid, but if your situation is close to the following criteria, it could well be worth looking into a PHEV:

PHEVs can be good company cars, depending on the EV only range. Whereas all BEV (battery electric vehicles) are charged at 4%, PHEV rates start at 8% and rise to 17%, depending on their electric only range. However, this is set to change in April 2028. 

The table below shows the current and proposed BiK rates for PHEVs that produce less than 50g of CO2 per Km. Double check any PHEV you are looking into, as some SUVs emit more than this rate, subjecting them to an even higher BiK tax.

If your PHEV, EV or petrol/diesel car has an issue, Bumper can help with repair costs, without breaking the bank. Choose from one of 

 and spread the cost into manageable monthly payments.

Is a PHEV worth it in 2026?

Is a PHEV worth it?

Tesla remains one of the most popular EV brands sold in the UK. In this article, we’ll take a look at how reliable they are and how their most popular models rank compared to other cars.

In a recent What Car? reliability survey, the Model 3 placed 9 out of 20 cars. This might make you think the Model 3 is unreliable, but EV’s in general are proving to be more reliable than ICE (internal combustion engine) cars, thanks to their relative simplicity. 

The Model Y, Tesla’s most popular model, fares even better in reliability scores, regularly placing highly in the reliability charts. Discover our full 

There are 4 different Tesla models you can get in the UK. If you’re considering one but want to make sure it’s reliable, here's a full rundown. 

Are Teslas more reliable than petrol or diesel cars?

When comparing the reliability of Tesla’s most popular models (the Model Y, 3 and S), to the average internal combustion engine car, the electric vehicles almost always come out on top.

This is despite the numerous Tesla build quality issues talked about in the motoring world, but thanks to their simplicity, almost all EVs tend to be more reliable than their equivalent petrol or diesel cars.

Like all cars, Teslas come with their fair share of common faults, some due to design issues, some to manufacturing, and some to software. Because Tesla shares a lot of parts and designs between models, some issues affect more than one car:

Is Tesla ownership different to traditional cars?

With over-the-air (OTA) diagnostics and servicing, Tesla set out to revolutionise the dealer-customer experience, and they mostly succeeded, with many other manufacturers now following suit.

Own a Tesla, and you are likely to be pleasantly surprised when a new feature suddenly appears on your dashboard. 

With the cars already being crammed full of tech like powerful processors, large screens and multiple sensors, adding a new driving or infotainment feature is entirely possible, without the car needing to leave your driveway. 

Recent features added to existing Tesla cars:

With the cars able to connect wirelessly to Tesla’s servers, any issues can immediately be looked into by a diagnostic tech. Drivers can also call any of the many service centres to check out unusual behaviour or faults they have noticed. 

This is in stark contrast to vehicles of the past, where drivers had to take them to a pre-booked and costly garage for diagnostic and repair.

Mobile mechanics have been around for decades, but Tesla 

run mobile service vehicles they call the Mobile Rangers. 

These can be booked through the app, to change things like low voltage batteries, bulbs and other minor repairs. 

The way Tesla manages to offer such a customer-focused service is that they do not operate franchised dealerships, like almost every other manufacturer. 

The dealership is owned by the company themselves, allowing better control over stock movements, price changes and vehicle updates. 

It also means they can offer a competitive warranty, Tesla service centres are known for generally being good with paying out for repairs.

If you have an older Tesla that is out of warranty, another type of EV, or even a petrol or diesel car, Bumper can help with zero-interest car repair financing. 

, and spread out your car repair costs into manageable monthly installments.

How reliable are Teslas? (Buyer's guide 2026)

Are Teslas Reliable?

The thermostat in your car’s engine is a small but vital component. It regulates the engine's temperature by allowing coolant to flow into the radiator when needed. Thermostat issues can be worrying because they can often mimic a blown head gasket. 

Thankfully, thermostats are a relatively cheap problem to fix, but can easily develop into something worse if left unattended. In this article, we’ll take a look at how much thermostat issues cost to repair, how to detect them, and when you should get them fixed.

How much does it cost to replace your engine's thermostat?

Like all car repair costs, thermostat replacement can vary depending on the type of car and what type of garage you take it to. 

What are the symptoms of a failing engine thermostat?

A broken or sticking thermostat produces some tell-tale symptoms:

How to tell a broken thermostat from a head gasket issue

The symptoms of a broken thermostat can be similar to those of a damaged head gasket, so it’s important to take note of all the symptoms before worrying too much.

A failing head gasket is usually accompanied by one or more of the following, whereas a faulty thermostat would not:

A good test to do to rule out a head gasket issue is a block or combustion leak test. This cheap kit uses a special liquid that changes colour when it comes in contact with exhaust gases. 

In general, a thermostat is a device that regulates the temperature of a system, be that inside a room, or in this case, of an engine. They are in effect, a heat-controlled valve, allowing coolant to flow through the radiator.

The radiator removes heat from the coolant, in turn cooling the engine. If the thermostat sticks closed, the engine will not be able to shed the excess heat. If it sticks open the coolant will constantly flow through the radiator, preventing the engine from reaching operating temperature. 

Up until recently, most cars’ thermostats were entirely mechanical, using a piece of expanding and contracting wax, to open the valve. In many modern cars though an electronic thermostat is used, which allows more precise control.

How important is repairing an engine’s thermostat?

Despite the thermostat being a small and relatively inexpensive part, its role is crucial to the health of the engine. An engine with a stuck-open thermostat will perform inefficiently and eventually run poorly. 

An engine with a thermostat that is sticking in the closed position is on borrowed time. Without adequate cooling, the engine can easily overheat. If this goes unnoticed, the engine heat can do serious damage, such as warping heads and cracking engine blocks.

Whether your car's issue is the result of a stuck thermostat or something far worse, Bumper can help with the cost. Rather than paying up front, Bumper’s interest-free 

 allows you to split the cost of repairs into monthly payments. Apply online or at the garage or dealership.

How much does it cost to replace a car thermostat? (2026)

Thermostat Replacement Cost

Timing chain replacements can cost anywhere from £900 to £2,000 in the UK. That’s around twice as much as most timing belt replacements. In this article, we’ll discuss what factors affect the timing chain replacement cost and why they cost so much more than a belt to replace.

How much does it cost to replace a timing chain?

On average, a timing chain is likely to cost between £800 and £1400 to replace, but this can vary greatly depending on the make and model of the car and where you take it to have the work done.

With premium marques, such as BMW, Mercedes and Audi, expect the upper end of the above range.

Economy cars, such as those made by Ford, Toyota, Vauxhall, etc, are usually less, mainly through lower parts prices and less complexity, averaging around £1,200 in 2026.

What affects the timing chain replacement cost?

Like any vehicle repair, there are numerous factors that affect the cost of replacing a timing chain in a vehicle, including the complexity of the engine, parts availability and cost, and labour rates.

Certain engines, such as the Volkswagen Audi Group Diesel 3.0 V6, have the timing chain at the back of the engine, meaning the whole engine needs to be removed to complete the job. Others, particularly performance cars, also need the engine removed, as the space under the bonnet is so limited.

The type of garage you take the car to also has a massive impact on price; independent garages are typically cheaper than the main dealer.

Why is a timing chain so much more expensive to replace?

In years gone by, an engine having a timing chain was almost always preferable, but there is a growing list of cars that have timing chains that are known to be problematic:

This engine powered many different BMW models from 2007 to 2014, such as the 3 series, 2 series, 5 series, X1, X3 and others. Basically, any 1.6, 2.0 or 3.0 diesel engine in a car made between 2007 and 2015 may be affected. 

This otherwise great engine was marred by poor timing chain reliability, with many cars needing new chains and tensioners if caught in time, and others needing new engines. 

The fault is thought to be a combination of an issue with the sprocket design, chains stretching prematurely, and tensioners not being reliable.

Land Rover 2.0 Ingenium Engine (2015 - 2019)

A common fault with JLR’s (Jaguar Land Rover) 2.0 diesel engine is well known in the industry. The most common cause of failure is the plastic chain guides that wear down and break, causing both a loose chain and debris in the oil. 

The problem is so systemic that a number of class action lawsuits have been filed across the world, Jaguar issues various changes to the engine in 2019, that helped with some of the issues, but timing chain problems are still not uncommon.

In cars with known timing chain issues, such as those listed above, general advice suggests replacing around 100,000 miles at most. The best way to check is to consult a local independent specialist.

Unlike servicing, or even timing belts, cam chains usually have a lifespan set by the manufacturer. This is because they’re usually considered to last the life of the engine, many owners of the cars mentioned above will attest to the contrary, though!

Because there are often no set replacement intervals, it’s important to keep an eye (and ear) out for the following symptoms of a worn timing chain on your car:

What happens if you ignore a worn timing chain?

Timing chain replacement is expensive, but it is far cheaper than the alternative; replacing an entire engine - which is what is likely to be required if your timing chain snaps or jumps. 

Once the timing chain starts to stretch, the guides or tensioners wear, or you notice any of the symptoms above, some amount of damage is already done, and continuing to use the car will only exacerbate it. 

For this reason, it’s important to get your car checked out as soon as possible, especially if it’s a model known to have timing chain issues. 

Bumper can help with timing chain replacement

If your car is making a suspicious noise that sounds like timing chain wear, or needs any other repair work done, Bumper's interest-free car repair finance can help. Split the cost of repair and maintenance into monthly instalments with no added costs. Apply online and choose from thousands of garages and dealerships.

How much does a timing chain replacement cost? (2026)

Timing Chain Replacement Cost

All modern cars will have either a MAP sensor or a MAF sensor, and some have both. MAP (Manifold Absolute Pressure) sensors measure the pressure of the air entering the engine. MAF (Mass Airflow) sensors or meters measure the amount of air entering the intake manifold. 

Both are needed to ensure smooth and efficient operation of the engine, allowing the ECU to make minute adjustments to the amount of fuel injected to keep a perfect fuel to air ratio.

How much does it cost to replace a MAF or MAP sensor?

Replacing a MAF or MAP sensor typically costs between £190 and £400, depending on the make, model and age of the car, and what garage you take it to.

Cars such as performance cars and luxury ones with large, complex engines can cost even more than this if the part is particularly difficult to access. 

In some cases, your mechanic may suggest simply cleaning the sensor first, which will cost less. However, there will still be labour charges. Typically, this can be completed in one or two hours at a cost of around £70 to £250.

Can cleaning the MAF/MAP sensor help fix the issue?

Yes, it’s usually worth cleaning the MAP or MAF sensor before replacing, especially if diagnostic checks show the sensor is working but not correctly. 

Because MAP and MAF sensors sit in the intake air stream, they can become clogged with dirt, pollen, and even oil or soot, especially if your car is fitted with an EGR system. 

Modern engines use an electronic control unit (ECU) to accurately and continually monitor the engines’ performance and efficiency. 

It does this by utilising numerous sensors that measure the incoming air and outgoing exhaust gases, both their volume (MAP/MAF sensors) and chemical composition (oxygen sensor). 

Without adequate information, for example, when a sensor is faulty or giving erroneous readings, the ECU can have trouble monitoring the engine's performance, which leads to poor running.

Because they read similar things, the symptoms of a faulty MAF or MAP sensor are usually very similar. They include:

Yes, in most cases a MAP or MAF sensor that is not reading correctly, will cause an engine warning light to illuminate, this will cause the car to fail an MOT.

Even if your engine management light is not illuminated, the engine is very likely to be producing higher than normal emissions readings, which could be enough to fail an MOT.

Can I drive with a faulty MAP or MAF sensor?

It’s unlikely that a MAF or MAP sensor will render the car completely undriveable, but it could well cause it go into limp mode, which can be extremely dangerous depending on when it happens, for instance on a motorway or at a busy junction. 

For this reason it's always recommended to get the issue fixed as soon as possible.

 on anything from MAP sensor replacements, to wheel refurbishments, to engine rebuilds. Apply online and choosen from 1,000s of trusted garages and dealerships across the country.

How much does it cost to replace a MAP or MAF Sensor? (UK 2026)

MAP and MAF Sensor Replacement Cost

The Audi A4 is a midsize saloon or estate, popular for its spacious cargo space, luxurious interior and premium build quality. However, premium brands such as Audi are often more expensive to repair, thanks to higher parts and labour costs. 

In this article, we’ll take a look at how much it’s likely to cost to repair cooling issues on your Audi A4, including parts, labour and ongoing costs.

How much does it cost to repair the cooling system on an Audi A4?

Depending on the exact issue, repairing cooling issues on an Audi can cost between £30 and £1,000+. Other factors include what type of mechanic you take the car to and what engine it has.

As a car’s coolant system is very complex, the potential costs can range greatly, from under £30 for a new expansion tank cap to major engine work.

In some cases, a faulty coolant expansion tank cap can allow the normally pressurised system to boil over and lose coolant. A new cap can be bought for as little as £30 and fitted yourself, without any tools needed. 

A coolant leak from a damaged hose, radiator or fitting can cost between £100 and £500 to repair. On the top end of the scale, major issues such as a leaking water pump, head gasket failure or worse, can easily cost over £1,000 or more to fix properly.

In some cases, something like a cooling fan may not be working due to either wear or an electrical fault. Repairs of this nature will typically incur time for diagnostics and repair, generally costing around £150 - £300, depending on the fault.

What type of coolant does an Audi A4 use?

Audi A4s generally use a variation of G12 or G13 coolant, which is usually a purple/pink colour, but be sure to check your owner's manual to confirm before buying or using. 

This type of coolant is specifically designed for engines that have aluminium components, as certain chemicals are not recommended for use in contact with aluminium and can cause damage. 

How much does coolant for an Audi A4 cost?

Typically, G12 or G13 coolant can be bought for around £6-£10 per litre, in ready-to-use form. Most Audi A4 models will take between 5 and 10 litres to fill the system. 

It’s often cheaper to buy concentrate, though, and mix it yourself, providing you read the dilution instructions correctly.

Car cooling systems use a closed system of liquid coolant to move heat from the engine to the radiator, where it is dissipated by incoming cool air. This is achieved by an engine-driven water pump, and a system of hoses. 

An efficient cooling system is needed because engines create a lot of heat when running, and overheating can cause serious damage to major components.

If your radiator is damaged, be it through age or damage from road debris, it can easily cause a coolant leak. However, in most cases, it is a better option to buy a new radiator than pay for a repair to be made. 

This is because replacement radiators are generally less than £100 for a non-genuine part, one exception potentially being if the car is a rare or high performance model, where parts are hard to find.

Can you drive with a damaged cooling system?

If your cooling system is not working effectively, either because of a leak, an ineffective radiator, or a broken radiator fan, or something else, you should avoid using the car completely. This is because even a short journey can cause the engine to overheat.

Running an overheating engine, even for less than a minute, can cause permanent damage to the head or engine block, both costing thousands to repair. 

If your car has a coolant issue, or any other problem likely to present big bills, consider Bumper’s 

Bumper helps you spread the cost into manageable monthly payments. Apply online and choose your trusted repairer today.

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer