Engines produce significant amounts of heat through normal operation. If the cooling system is not performing effectively, and the engine is allowed to overheat, this can cause serious problems for the engine. We’ll review the common causes, problems and solutions to engine overheating. 

Scroll down if you're in a rush and need to find out exactly what to do NOW if your car is overheating.

Engines have a specific temperature range they should operate within. This is regulated by the cooling system via a thermostat. Its purpose is to maintain an acceptable temperature range regardless of engine load or external conditions. 

An engine that is running too hot - the needle is in the red range of the gauge - or one that's temperature is increasing steadily with normal driving can be considered to be ‘overheating’.

If the engine heats up beyond safe temperatures, a warning light will come on.

All modern cars will have some form of gauge that indicates the engine's temperature, usually a dedicated dial that will start at cold and move to normal as the engine warms up. 

It’s good practice to keep an eye on this dial whenever driving, especially if you notice the gauge at anything more than normal temps. 

Some situations like towing a heavy trailer, or idling in traffic on a very hot day may affect the temperature slightly, but those situations should be very rare in the UK’s climate. 

What if my car doesn't have a temperature gauge? 

Some cars don’t make space for a dedicated temperature gauge, either due to a design choice by the manufacturer or a cost-cutting measure. 

Don’t worry though, almost all cars will have at least a low and high-temperature warning light - check your owner’s manual for more information. 

You’ll see this light when the car is first turned on, usually presenting as a blue light, to indicate the engine is cold - this should turn off after 10-20 minutes of driving. 

Should you notice your temperature gauge is sitting higher than normal, or is rising with normal driving conditions, your engine may be overheating. 

1. You should park as soon as it’s safe to do so and turn off the engine. 

2. If the gauge is only slightly above the middle, leave the engine to cool down and continue your drive after 30-40 minutes. Be prepared to stop again should the engine continue to overheat. 

3. If the engine has overheated to the red zone of the gauge, or you have not noticed it increasing until this point, stop the car as soon as possible. 

4. Call for assistance immediately from your breakdown cover

5. It is not recommended to continue driving, as the heat will only increase until the engine suffers fatal damage. 

The cooling system on any engine is designed to remove as much heat as possible from the engine and components connected to it, the first step to diagnosing an overheating engine is to check the coolant system for faults. 

An ECU scanning tool could help identify if any of the temperature sensors are reading higher than normal levels, this will help pinpoint where the issue is. Thermostats should be tested to ensure they are opening and allowing the radiator to work effectively. 

There are a few different reasons your car may be overheating, most stem from a fault with the cooling system. Two reasons for overheating engines could be no coolant or a blocked radiator. 

Engine cooling systems use a liquid coolant to remove excess heat from the engine, by transferring it into the air via a radiator. If the coolant system has no coolant left due to a leak or natural evaporation, the cooling system will not work. 

If you don’t know what coolant to use, check our guide 

The coolant system uses a radiator to remove heat from the engine. They are similar to a household radiator (except they work in the opposite way) in that they have thin ‘fins’ of metal for higher surface area. 

These fins can become blocked with dirt and debris from an ageing cooling system and create blockages in the system as a whole. Once the coolant is blocked from flowing around the system, heat can no longer be removed and the engine will gradually overheat. 

How much does it cost to fix an overheating engine 

Noticing the problem early is key. If the engine is overheating due to a cooling issue such as a leaking radiator, blocked hoses or failing water pump, and the engine hasn’t been driven excessively whilst overheating, typical repair costs for an overheating engine should be between under £300-400. Noticing the problem early is key. 

However, if the engine is exhibiting the signs detailed above, particularly loss of power, then your engine may need serious repair work. In some cases, this will involve a new cylinder head, but at the least, a new head gasket is probably required. 

 but a new cylinder head could easily run between £1000-1500 to fix. 

Don't face a hefty repair bill alone. Split the cost into interest-free monthly instalments at thousands of partner garages nationwide.

How to tell if my engine has been damaged by overheating 

Engines are manufactured to precise tolerances, overheating can easily cause the metal components to warp or crack under the mechanical and temperature stresses.

If this happens there are often clear signs of overheating these include smoke from the engine bay, loss of power, and issues starting the engine. 

If you experience any of these problems after your engine has been driven whilst overheating there’s a good chance your engine is seriously damaged.

If you have an overheating engine and are unsure what to do, it may be time to speak to an expert. With 

, you can split the cost of service and repairs into interest-free monthly payments at 1000s of dependable garages and dealerships. 

 has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his five cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.

What To Do If Your Engine Is Overheating

 need a specific fluid or oil to ensure they operate correctly. But did you know you need to do a transmission oil change every now and then? This is your sign to book a gearbox service. 

If you’re here, you’re likely wondering how much is a transmission fluid change. Keep reading because this blog covers typical gearbox service costs, why cars need transmission fluid, how often you need to change it, and more FAQs you were too afraid to ask. 

Ready? Let’s get into it. Scroll to learn more about transmission fluid changes. 

cost of a transmission fluid change is between £200

The cost of draining and changing transmission fluid comes down to various factors, such as location and car make. Knowing your car’s factors can help you estimate the cost. But more on this below. 

Worried about the cost of car repairs? Bumper is changing the world of 

car repair finance with 0% interest-free monthly installments

. Find a service partner to get started. 

Average costs for transmission fluid changes by car make

Different car models have different requirements when it comes to transmission fluid changes. 

In this section, we'll provide a breakdown of the average cost for transmission fluid changes by car make in the UK to help you find an accurate estimate. 

Transmission fluid acts as a lubricant for the gears 

and other components within the transmission system, preventing them from grinding against each other and causing damage. 

As a car owner, you may already be aware of the importance of regularly

, but many people forget that their car's transmission system also requires routine maintenance. 

This is where transmission fluid comes into play. 

Over time, this fluid can start to break down due to heat and pressure, leading to reduced performance or even complete failure of your car's transmission system. That's why it's important to have your transmission fluid changed regularly by a professional mechanic. 

When people discuss changing transmission fluid, it can get confusing in the UK where many people drive manual cars and they need a different kind of service and fluid, a gearbox oil change. 

in your automatic transmission or manual gearbox, then you can seriously damage your car and could need to

When it comes to changing the transmission fluid in your vehicle, there are two main methods that can be used: a 

It's important to understand the difference between these methods to make an informed decision about which is best for your specific needs. 

A flush involves using a machine to pump new fluid into the transmission while simultaneously pumping out the old fluid. 

This method is often faster and more thorough than a simple change because it removes the old fluid from the system. 

However, some mechanics caution against flushing as it may dislodge debris or particles that could cause problems later. 

On the other hand, a simple change involves draining out some of the old fluid and replacing it with fresh liquid. 

This method is generally less expensive than a flush, but it doesn't completely remove all of the old fluid from your transmission. 

While this might not be as thorough as a flush, many experts recommend doing regular changes rather than less frequent flushes. 

Ultimately, both methods have pros and cons depending on what you're looking for in terms of cost and 

 for your vehicle's transmission system. 

If you're unsure which option is right for you, consult with an experienced mechanic who can help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and budget constraints. 

How many years does transmission fluid last?

 your transmission fluid every 60,000 to 100,000 miles

Like any other fluid or part, transmission fluid has its lifespan and needs to be changed periodically. It really depends on your car’s make and model, as not all cars have the same cooling capacity or oil needs. 

Do driving conditions impact transmission fluid lifespan?

Yes, driving conditions can have a significant impact on how long transmission fluid lasts. 

If you drive your car regularly in stop-and-go traffic or heavy loads often, your transmission will work harder than usual. 

This increased workload means that the transmission's temperature will rise more frequently than if you were driving under normal circumstances. As a result, this causes wear and tear on the components inside the gearbox, leading to the degradation of internal parts and lubrication efficiency over time. 

Do all vehicles need to change transmission fluid at the same time?

No. The type of vehicle also plays a crucial role in determining how long transmission fluid lasts. 

Some cars may require more frequent changes due to their design specifications or unique performance requirements. 

For example, sports cars with high-performance engines generally need more regular maintenance intervals for their transmissions than those with standard engines. When in doubt, contact your local garage or manufacturer. 

What are the signs that you need a transmission fluid change?

If you notice any of the following symptoms, it may be time for a transmission fluid change: 

Ignoring these signs can lead to more serious problems down the line, such as damaged gears and even complete transmission failure. That's why it's crucial to change your transmission fluid when you notice any of these warning signals. 

Does your car run better after a transmission fluid change?

Yes, by changing your transmission fluid regularly, you can improve your car's performance in three main ways. 

Firstly, the fresh fluid helps to reduce friction between components within the transmission system, resulting in smoother shifting and more efficient power transfer to the wheels. 

Additionally, properly functioning transmission fluid can help prevent 

 by dissipating heat generated during operation. 

This helps maintain optimal operating temperatures, which leads to increased fuel efficiency and reduced wear on internal components over time. 

Lastly, regular transmission fluid changes also help prolong the lifespan of critical components such as gears and bearings by reducing wear caused by contamination or lack of proper lubrication. 

Will changing the transmission fluid stop slipping?

Transmission slipping is a problem that plagues many car owners, and many factors can cause it. 

One common culprit is low transmission fluid levels. When there isn't enough fluid in the system, the gears may not be lubricated properly, causing them to slip or grind together rather than engage smoothly. 

Many drivers wonder if changing their transmission fluid can fix this issue. The answer is:

Sometimes, simply adding more fluid to the system can solve the problem. However, if there are other underlying issues with the transmission (such as worn-out 

 or damaged seals), changing the fluid alone may not be enough to address slipping. 

To better understand whether or not you should change your transmission fluid to fix slipping issues, it's best to consult an expert mechanic. They will be able to diagnose any underlying problems and give you advice on how best to proceed. 

Transmission oil change costs - The takeaway

While it may seem like an unnecessary expense at first glance, investing in 

, such as a transmission fluid change, is essential for keeping your car running smoothly for years to come. 

 now rather than waiting until major issues arise could save you time and money in future repairs or replacements. 

Bumper can help you split the cost of car repairs and services. 

Search for a reliable garage in your area by entering your registration and postcode with Bumper for 

How Much Does A Transmission Fluid Change Cost?

¿Cuánto cuesta cambiar el aceite de transmisión?

Wie viel kostet der Wechsel des Automatikgetriebeöls?

If you find yourself struggling to afford your car payments in the UK, maybe because of the soaring cost of living or your circumstances have changed, don’t panic. 

We understand it’s a very worrying situation but we’re here to help. 

We’ll walk you through what to do when you can’t pay your car finance anymore, and explain your options. 

We’ll show you that you can manage the situation and relieve the pressure on your finances - not to mention the pressure on you.

The first thing you should do is get in touch with your lender. 

Not paying your car finance means you’re breaking your contract, it’s important to be open with the car finance provider straight away. 

They’ll appreciate the fact that you’re being proactive and that you want to make the situation right. 

What Will Happen If I Can’t Pay My Car Loan Repayments?

There are a few possibilities when you stop making your car repayments. 

This is likely the order in which things will happen.

Firstly, your lender will write to you when you miss a payment to discuss your situation and the possible options to get you back on track. 

If you miss more payments and don’t contact them they’ll issue a default notice. This will be recorded on your credit file. 

Further missed payments could then result in late payment penalties. 

These fees can vary between lenders but you can check how much your lender charges in the small print of your contract. 

Missing several payments could result then mean a County Court Judgment being made against you. 

A CCJ is an official demand for repayment by the lender. We’ll talk more about how late car payments affect your credit file and credit rating a little further on. 

Finally, as a last resort, your car may be repossessed. 

This will only happen if you’ve missed several payments and you simply can’t make them up. 

Or if you’ve not been in touch with the lender, and are deliberately avoiding them. 

Many lenders will work with you to find a solution, and repossession is always the final option for them. 

Apart from a genuine concern for clients, it’s also in a finance company’s interest to keep these agreements going. 

Here at Bumper, we’ve spoken to people who work at car finance companies and they’ve assured us that repossession really is a last resort. 

Don’t worry when you get in touch with them – contacting them quickly is the best move you can make.

Will late car finance payments affect my credit score? 

Yes, missing car loan payments can lower your credit score. 

Your credit score reflects how well you’ve repaid loans and credit agreements in the past, so not keeping on top of your car payments will result in a lower credit score.

This could be a problem in the future as lenders use your credit score to decide whether or not you can borrow. 

Another issue is that the default marker and County Court Judgment stay on your credit file for six years. 

This can significantly reduce your chances of getting a good mortgage or loan deal in the future. 

What are my options when I can’t afford my car payments? 

The most common options for someone struggling with car payments are to do the following:

Let’s go over each of these options in more detail.

Can I give my car back to the finance company? 

You might be able to hand your car back depending on the type of finance you’ve taken out and how much is left to pay. 

Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) and hire purchase (HP) contracts

 do let you return the car – a process called 

However, this is only an option if you’ve repaid 50% or more of the loan (including fees and interest). 

If you haven’t repaid over 50% you can pay the difference as a lump sum, although we appreciate this might be difficult when you’re struggling to make your repayments. 

Something else to consider with voluntary termination is that, if you’ve repaid more than 50% of the loan, you’ll lose that extra money if you hand the car back. 

In our opinion, voluntary termination is a better option if you have an HP agreement rather than a PCP. 

This is because with Personal Contract Purchase you’ll also have to make the large final payment, which might be difficult to fund. 

Refinancing for cheaper monthly payments 

means taking out a new loan that has better, more affordable terms. The new lender then repays your original loan. 

A cheaper monthly payment is the goal of refinancing, and you can achieve this via a lower interest rate or longer loan term. 

This might sound ideal in theory, but you do need to be a little careful with refinancing, as you can pay significantly more money overall. 

On the plus side, the lower monthly payments help with the immediate financial pressure you’re under. 

If you’re interested in refinancing the first thing to do is find out from your lender how much they need to settle the loan. Then search for any available deals with other finance companies. 

If you want to part-exchange your car for a cheaper one, again, you’ll have to ask for a settlement figure from your lender. 

You’ll also need to find out how much your car is worth. You can do this online but you could also visit a few car salesrooms for a value. 

Hopefully, your car will be worth more than the settlement figure and you can part-exchange for a cheaper vehicle.

If the car is worth less than the amount you need to settle the loan you’ll have to find the difference yourself, which may or may not be possible.

 that might be helpful in this situation.

This means you borrow the difference between your car’s value and the loan settlement figure. For this to work, though, you’d need to find a much cheaper car so the monthly payments do reduce. 

Are there any organisations that can help? 

 offer free help and moral support to people struggling to repay car finance and other types of borrowing. 

They provide confidential independent advice to help you find a way out of your current financial difficulties. 

 is another source of free support if you can’t afford to pay your car finance. 

They offer an online and telephone service, but also Webchat, so you can quickly ask a question or find out more information from a trained debt adviser. 

Hopefully, this article has given you a plan of action to help if you find yourself unable to pay car repayments. 

The key step is to contact your lender before you actually miss a car payment if you can and to be open in explaining why you can’t afford your repayments. 

Even if you’ve missed a payment they should respond positively if you do this, and you’re also giving yourself the best chance of relieving the debilitating pressure of financial difficulty. 

Fit car repairs, services, MOTs, and accessories into your monthly budget with Bumper. Split the cost into monthly payments, completely interest-free. Choose from over 1000s garages and dealerships.

has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

What Happens If You Can't Afford Your Car Payments

Gearboxes can be manual or automatic. Whilst in the UK the number of automatic vehicles is rising, the majority of cars are still manual. This is an important distinction to make as in this article we're going to talk about gearbox oil changes, their cost, why they’re important and even if you can perform them yourself.

, its primary function is to lubricate and cool the internal components of the gearbox, ensuring smooth gear changes and extending the lifespan of these sensitive mechanical parts.

Without proper lubrication from gearbox oil, the metal gears inside your car's transmission would grind against each other and cause significant damage over time. This can lead to expensive repairs or even complete failure of the transmission system altogether.

What's the difference between gearbox oil and transmission fluid?

Gearbox oil is specifically designed for manual transmissions and helps lubricate gears and bearings while preventing corrosion and wear. Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) serves a similar function but also plays a role in hydraulic systems within an automatic transmission.

It's really important to note that you need to know what your car needs before you about trying to do a

 or gearbox oil change. As such, it's always best to consult with a trusted mechanic or refer to your owner's manual when selecting which type of oil to use during an oil change.

How much does it cost to change gearbox oil in the UK?

The average cost of a gearbox oil change in the UK is between £60-120

. It can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of vehicle you own and where you take it for servicing.

One significant factor is the brand or model of your car. Luxury cars with high-end gearboxes tend to cost more than standard models due to their intricate components.

Another factor affecting price is whether you take your vehicle to an independent garage or dealership for servicing. Independent garages are usually cheaper than dealerships since they have lower overheads and fewer staff members typically work there.

Dealerships' pricing tends to be higher due to their reputation as specialists in specific brands; hence they may use OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts which are typically more expensive than aftermarket parts used by independent garages.

In summary, if you need a gearbox oil change in the UK, expect some variation in prices based on various factors such as car model and where you decide to get it serviced - either at an independent garage or dealership. 

If you're worried about the cost of your gearbox oil change, even though you know you need to get it done, consider Bumper. Bumper is changing the world of 

 with 0% interest-free monthly instalments. 

The average cost for gearbox oil changes by car make

Benefits of changing your manual gearbox oil

Regular maintenance and inspections are vital for the smooth functioning of any vehicle. A gearbox oil change is a crucial part of this regular maintenance process. Not only does it improve the performance and efficiency of your car, but it also extends the lifespan of your gearbox significantly.

Regularly changing your gearbox oil reduces the risk of breakdowns and costly repairs, as it helps to prevent wear and tear on gears caused by friction between metal parts. Additionally, fresh oil ensures that all moving parts within your gearbox remain lubricated properly, which ultimately reduces heat buildup that can cause damage to internal components.

Moreover, if you neglect proper maintenance procedures such as gearbox oil changes over time, not only will you have to pay for more expensive repairs or replacements later down the line - but also experience reduced fuel efficiency due to decreased performance from an ageing transmission system.

 like gearbox oil changes in addition to regular servicing schedules can save you money in the long run while ensuring that your vehicle continues running smoothly without any unexpected surprises along its journey on UK roads!

How often should you change the gearbox oil?

When it comes to changing the gearbox oil in your vehicle, there are some recommended guidelines that you should follow. Most manufacturers suggest that you change your gearbox oil every 50,000 miles or five years, whichever comes first. However, if you frequently drive in harsh conditions such as stop-and-go traffic or extreme temperatures, it may be necessary to change the oil more frequently.

There are also certain factors that may require more frequent oil changes. For example, if your vehicle is used for towing heavy loads or off-roading on a regular basis, this can put additional strain on the gearbox and cause accelerated wear and tear. In these cases, it's recommended to change the gearbox oil at least every 30,000 miles or three years.

One easy tip is to avoid harsh driving habits like sudden stops or starts, which can cause excessive wear on both the gears themselves and the lubricant protecting them.

Regularly checking for leaks or other signs of damage is also crucial when it comes to preserving your gearbox's health. If you notice any 

unusual noises or vibrations while driving

, don't hesitate to take your car to a mechanic for inspection - catching problems early on can save you money down the line.

Finally, always use high-quality oils specifically designed for use in gearboxes. While cheaper options may seem tempting at first glance, they often lack essential additives that protect against wear and tear over time.

By following these simple tips and tricks for keeping gearbox oil in good condition, you'll be able to extend its lifespan while ensuring optimal performance from your vehicle overall.

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

What To Do If Your Engine Is Overheating

How Much Does A Transmission Fluid Change Cost?

What Happens If You Can't Afford Your Car Payments

How Much Does It Cost To Change Gearbox Oil In The UK?

Does Car Finance Help Your Credit Score?

10 top tips for driving in Europe

What If The Mechanic Doesn't Fix My Car?

2023 Guide to the Best Car Finance Deals