What's in a number plate? Quite a lot, actually. 

Car number plates give information about the age of a car, the area it's from, and, since 2020, its fuel type. With modern car design becoming even more outlandish, only one design feature stays constant: the number plate. 

Today, we're exploring all-things-number-plates. This blog has the lowdown you need, from UK number plate area codes and personalised plates to legalities and what green plates mean. Scroll down to get informed now. 

UK registration plates have evolved over the years. But the current style has been in place since 2001. This is how it's broken down: 

The first two letters are used to identify where the car was first registered. The first letter denotes the region, typically in a mnemonic style e.g. E = Essex, but not always. 

The second letter is allocated randomly to registration offices within that area. If you’re interested the chart can be found 

Or you can see a few examples of the UK number plate area codes below: 

2. UK number plate year codes (age identifier)

The two numbers that follow the registration plate area codes are the UK number plate year codes (also known as age identifiers). These show the age of the car down to the six month period. Age identifiers change every March 1st and September 1st. 

For example, cars bought from 1st March to August in 2021/22 have an age identifier of 21 and cars bought from 1st September to February in 2021/22 have an identifier of 71. 

See the table below to see how the UK number plate year codes work: 

Finally, random letters are then added to the number plate to give it a unique identity. These don’t have any meaning. 

How to calculate a car's age from the UK number plate year code

New UK number plate year codes are issued twice yearly. The second number indicates the year, and the first indicates what half of the year the reg was issued. The numbers used as the year refer to the unit of the year, e.g. BD51 = 2001, but this becomes less straightforward as the years go on. 

The first two numbers denote the age of the registration number but not necessarily the car. Although, in most cases, you can tell how old a car is from its number plate, it is not always a sure thing. 

For example, a car with “70” in its number plate is from September to February 2020/21. 

Before 2001, the number plates followed a ‘Prefix’ style where the characters followed the format of one letter, three numbers, and then three letters. 

In the Prefix format, the age is denoted by the first letter, ranging from A (1983) to X (2000), with only one new registration released yearly. 

Like the modern format, the first two letters of the last group give the area where the registration was first made. 

Some number plates are green because they’re on an electric vehicle. This format has been around since December 2020. 

Green number plates are only allowed on full EVs, and their purpose is to make spotting cars wrongly parked in EV-only spots easier. It also identifies the vehicle quickly for zero congestion or

Quick guide to personalised number plates 

Personalised number plates (also known as ‘Cherished Plates’) allow people to personalise their car by including their initials, age, and other personal touches. 

Here are some common questions about personalised registration plates. 

Where can I buy a personalised number plate? 

There are a few ways to buy personalised plates, the best place to start is the 

, but there are quite a few other private websites where you can search for certain sets of characters. 

Prices start at around £200 and can soar into the 

Many ‘personalised’ plates are just standard format number plates with special meanings. So, if your number plate contains your initials or means something to you, you can remove the number from the car to put it on another. 

There are a few requirements for this, including how old the car is and how long it has been on the road, but they are all laid out 

Yes, but you have to follow the same rules for spacing and format as other plates. 

One fundamental rule is that you cannot make a car appear newer than it really is by fitting a more modern registration plate. 

Your plates will be rejected if your desired personalised plate doesn't fit the format. 

Because number plates are used for identification, they need to be easy to read by both humans and ANPR systems. Your plates must meet specific guidelines, or they won’t be deemed road-worthy. 

The standard car number plate needs to have 79mm tall and 50mm wide characters. The spacing between letters should be at a minimum of 14mm. 

One trend that these requirements aim to curtail is placing letters close to one another to create a different spelling. Doing this will incur a £1,000 fine and 3 points. 

There are also strict requirements on letter font and colour. Deviation from the 

You may have noticed some number plates have a coloured border around them. This was technically illegal before 2020. 

After 2020, new legislation has made number plate borders legal as long as they follow specific criteria: 

What flag can I have on my number plate? 

In 2009, the rules changed for national identity flags on number plates. Cars registered in the UK can display a flag of England, Scotland, Wales, or the Union Flag. 

Abbreviations of the country names are also allowed but only under a specific guideline, such as “GB”, “Sco”, etc. The complete list is found 

The European flag surrounding the “GB” wording is also still permitted. This is because it removes the need to display a separate “GB” sticker on your car should you travel to Europe. 

Q plates are used on vehicles with either a classified or unknown history. These plates present no information regarding age or location. 

They are often seen on kit, agricultural, and imported cars. In these instances, a Q plate may be used as the vehicle's exact manufacture date is unknown, or they do not have a Vehicle Identification Number. 

Other vehicles often fitted with Q plates are ex-military vehicles that cannot have their history released. 

All about UK number plates - The bottom line

Though they usually go unnoticed, registration plates tell you a lot about your vehicle. Hopefully, this guide has helped you tell your UK number plate year codes from your area codes. Don’t forget this information when you need to workout when and where you purchased your car! 

Need help covering car repairs and surprise costs? Bumper is here to help you split bills into interest-free monthly payments. We’re also on hand to assist with finding local garages and dealerships because we believe car maintenance shouldn’t be stressful! 

 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 Do Number Plate Area Codes Mean? & Other Common FAQs

An internal combustion engine produces significant amounts of heat. In all modern car engines, this heat needs to be controlled and this is done with water. The water pump then is a vital component. 

In this article, we’ll explain a little about what it does, and why it's important to be able to check if the water pump in your car is failing. 

A car's water pump cycles water from the radiator, through the motor and back again, in order to keep the engine at a constant temperature. 

As mentioned, the action of burning fuel inside an engine creates a lot of heat. Typically engines run at around 80-100°C. 

The coolant system uses fluid to move heat from the engine to the outside air. It does this by passing the hot water through the radiator. Car radiators are positioned to allow maximum flow of air over them, reducing the temperature of the coolant. 

The coolant then flows back through the engine and cools the entire system, the 

 depends on your climate and engine type. The water pump is what makes this fluid flow. 

If you’re concerned about your car’s water pump, there are symptoms to look out for. We’re going to go over the main signs of water pump failure. 

The first and foremost thing to check is engine temperature during operation. Many cars have a gauge with an acceptable temperature level and a red or dangerous level.

Ensure the needle of the temperature gauge never enters the red zone, if it does, stop driving the car immediately, as excessive overheating can cause serious damage. 

Check under the vehicle before and after every trip. It may be necessary to open the bonnet and look around the sides of the engine to spot any wet patches or recently damp areas. 

Bear in mind the engine will have been hot enough to evaporate small drips. Patches of rust around the pump are also an indicator it has been dampened at some point. 

It might be helpful to place a plain piece of cardboard or paper under the engine after you park up. Held down with some weights, this will make any drips very easy to spot, especially if you park your car on gravel. 

If the water pump is damaged, and the coolant is not flowing properly, it may boil and exit the system as steam at the expansion tank or radiator. 

If the engine has overheated to this point, do not drive any further than is absolutely necessary, more heating could damage the engine irreparably. 

If you have started to notice a noise such as scraping, or whining from the side of the engine, this too could be the water pump failing. In any case, any such 

should be properly investigated and the car not driven until fixed. 

How much does a water pump replacement cost? 

On average, you can expect to pay between £250-700 for a replacement water pump. Of course, the cost will vary depending on your car’s age, make and model. 

If you're worried about car repair costs, Bumper can help. We've teamed up with trusted partners around the UK to offer 0%-interest car repair loans.

How critical are the cooling system and water pump 

As we’ve discussed, coolant is used to move heat away from the engine, so what happens if your water pump fails? 

Without cooling, an engine can quickly reach 150°C and beyond. At these temperatures, plastics around the engine will begin to soften and become weak and wiring will melt and cause shorts, but most terminally, metal engine components can warp. 

The head and block are the two main components of an engine, between them is a head gasket, which seals against the pressure of the combustion chambers or cylinders. 

If the head becomes warped, it is likely a loss of pressure in the cylinders will result. The level of pressure in a cylinder is known as ‘compression’ and head warping and head-gasket failure are common causes of low compression.

Low compression will make the engine run poorly and inefficiently, and in many cases not run at all. A vehicle that has suffered a warped head or head gasket failure cannot be driven. 

how much a head gasket replacement costs.

If you experience any of the problems listed above or have noticed any of the warning signs, it's important to get your car checked over as soon as possible. Water pump failure can lead to irreparable damage to the engine, and it will leave the car stranded. 

When repairing the water pump it’s recommended to change your cam belt 

 On many cars with a cambelt, the belt needs to be removed to change the water pump, so it makes economical use of the labour time to do both at once. 

If you need any assistance with car servicing and repair costs, enter your vehicle registration and postcode with 

 and apply for interest-free monthly instalments for maintenance invoices. 

4 signs your water pump is failing

4 Anzeichen, dass Ihre Wasserpumpe defekt ist

Twenty years ago, it was a simple choice: petrol or diesel. Today, there are nearly ten different fuel types to choose from. From petrol to plug-in hybrids, each one has benefits and drawbacks depending on usage.

But this can make choosing between petrol vs diesel vs hybrid even more of a challenge. Buying the wrong type could result in higher fuel costs, reduced practicality and even untimely repair bills. We're here to help you avoid this.

This expert-approved guide will highlight each fuel type, its pros and cons, and its best use cases. Scroll down to become an expert in minutes!

There are many benefits for each fuel type and also many drawbacks to consider. So, don’t rush your decision! Take your time to mull over this guide.

Petrol cars might catch your eye due to their lower price. Diesel cars might tempt those who make long-distance journeys or want better fuel economy. Hybrids are a great option if you’re not ready to go fully electric.

However, it’s not always this simple. Each fuel category has different car types, and we’ll discuss these below.

There are three types of hybrid cars. All use an electric battery and a combustion engine, but some significant differences exist. Plus, one is very similar to a diesel/petrol car.

Here’s everything you need to know about hybrids:

— These allow you to drive using your electric battery or standard fuel. The key difference here is that the battery in these cars is larger than that of other hybrids. They get plugged into an electric charging point for top-ups, but you must charge them regularly for the best experience.

— Mild hybrids are closest to diesel and petrol cars. These have small electric generators that run air-conditioning and start the car. Ultimately, the combustion engine will be the primary power source for movement.

— These cars run entirely on fuel or an electric battery. They can even use energy produced by braking to charge the battery, meaning you won’t have to plug into a charging point. These are also known as self-charging cars.

Weighing up whether or not to buy a hybrid car? Here’s how they measure up against petrol and diesel alternatives.

If you’re not ready for a hybrid car, your options are petrol and diesel cars. These run on the fuel you put in them and don’t require charging. No lifestyle changes here! 

We will explain the pros and cons of each type of fuel and hybrid below, but we’ll quickly compare petrol and diesel to help you decide.

These are the key petrol car strengths. But remember that petrol has a lower fuel efficiency than diesel and still leaves an environmental impact. Not ideal for your carbon footprint! 

Diesel cars are ideal if you’re a frequent long-distance traveller. However, they have a higher environmental impact and require expensive fuel.

Petrol vs Diesel vs Hybrid: Pros & cons of all fuel types

Choosing between petrol vs diesel vs hybrid isn’t easy. So, we’ve researched for you. See the advantages and disadvantages of each type below. 

Petrol is the one we're all familiar with and arguably the simplest of all in terms of mechanical complexity and cost.

In its basic form, petrol is burnt inside the engine to create mechanical power. The lack of various components compared to diesel (e.g. Diesel particulate filters, exhaust gas recirculation valves, dual mass flywheels and turbochargers) means fewer parts go wrong.

Petrol cars typically don't do as many miles to the gallon as diesel, though. Petrol is quite high in cost per kW compared to electric, although less so than diesel.

Although the ULEZs (Ultra Low Emission Zones) still permit most petrol cars without charge, there are plans to cease the manufacture of petrol and diesel cars in the 

Who do a mix of long and short journeys and don’t want to splurge. If you drive less than 15,000 miles per year, a petrol car will be cheaper than diesel. However, you could save more if most of your journeys are low-speed, short urban routes.

Diesel engine cars became popular in the early 2000s, mainly due to advancements in turbochargers and fueling technologies, allowing smaller diesel engines to compete (and exceed) petrol cars in fuel economy whilst still being powerful.

Economy figures upwards of 60 MPG can be seen from many common examples, even large vehicles such as VW Passats. Many people favour the power delivery of diesel and prefer driving them.

Since the 2000s, systems have been developed to help achieve these high performance and economy figures whilst lowering emissions. These include Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs), Exhaust gas recirculation valves and high-performing turbos. 

However, diesels are still falling out of favour among car manufacturers. This is due to their higher emissions. More carcinogenic NOx (nitrogen-oxygen) is released by these cars, so many makers are avoiding them in order to meet green targets.

Who drive long journeys and have higher-than-average mileage. They’re also great for those who frequently tow caravans or trailers.

When they released the first generation Prius Hybrid, Toyota took the world by storm. It achieved extremely high fuel economy through petrol and electric power usage.

Since then, almost every auto manufacturer has included at least one hybrid in their range. From two-door sports cars and family saloons to pickup trucks and commercial vehicles. Clearly, they’re popular with the public, but what benefits do they offer? 

It’s important to note that many different types of hybrids exist, including parallel systems, mild hybrids, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and more. All of these can also be offered with a petrol or diesel engine.

 and motor system powered by the combustion engine and regenerative braking. The basic premise is that both engine and motor can power the wheels but are only used in the best conditions for each. 

When pulling away, the motor will do most of the work. Once up to speed, the petrol engine will directly drive the wheels the majority of the time. The car splits power from the engine and electric generator as and when required to keep the batteries topped up.

The benefit of this system is that fuel economy is greatly improved, both due to optimisation of the power types and regaining otherwise lost energy when braking.

Who want an improved fuel economy and aren’t ready to go 100% electric. Self-charging hybrids are great for low to medium-mileage drivers but are not ideal for long journeys.

PHEV cars use similar tech to self-charging hybrids but do not contain a generator to allow the combustion engine to top up the battery. Most still use regenerative braking because the already present electric motor performs this. 

In terms of user experience, they are different from conventional hybrids and internal combustion engine (ICE) cars in that you are required to fill them up with fossil fuel and charge them from the grid.

Many PHEV systems offer a mode whereby they operate on electric power only. With ranges usually sub 40 miles, it can be the perfect vehicle for someone with a sub-20-mile commute. No petrol would be consumed here - as long as it can be charged each night.

The petrol or diesel engine allows extended journeys without needing to plan for charging stops, which can be an issue with electric-only vehicles. However, this is not their ideal scenario, as once the battery power is depleted, the combustion engine must carry the extra weight of the empty batteries and motor.

Who mostly make short commutes. However, they can cover long drives when needed. This is also a good option if you’re ready to switch from fuel but don’t want a completely electric vehicle.

Learn more about hybrid batteries with our 

guide on hybrid battery replacement costs and FAQs.

Electric vehicles have existed for many years, but recent battery and motor technology advancements have allowed for much better range and performance figures.

Charge at home or a service station, and an electric motor converts the stored energy into propulsion. EVs are reasonably simple mechanically, but as their adoption is still not widespread, you may find few and far between independent repairers and spare parts will be costly.

Electric vehicles have the apparent advantage of not needing fossil fuels. An old argument was that energy is still generated using coal and oil, but in 2021, 

 of the energy produced in the UK was from renewable sources.

This makes EVs a much more environmentally friendly option. Another benefit is the lack of air pollution added to towns and cities, which will help with the quality of life in years to come.

They do have their downsides, though. Retail prices are still at least 30% higher than combustion-engined equivalents, but that is reducing yearly as manufacturing tech improves.

If the initial purchase price is not an issue, if you lease your cars, for example, then EVs' main benefit is their running cost. Even with 2022’s elevated energy prices, it will typically only cost £8 to fully charge a typical EV.

Assuming a range of approximately 250 miles, that makes fueling your car around 8x cheaper than a diesel doing 40 miles to the gallon. Over a yearly mileage of 15,000 miles could result in savings of up to £2,000.

Who are ready to go green. Electric cars require a larger upfront cost but don’t require expensive fuel. They’re also great for drivers who live near charging stations. If you don’t have a local charging network, an electric car might not be best for you.

Low emission zones are another factor to consider. While some drivers won’t come into contact with them, others will want to opt for ULEZ-exempt cars to avoid hefty fees.

London’s ULEZ zone is one of the largest and charges larger, more polluting cars £12.50 per day on entry. The aim is to reduce the emissions in the area.

Luckily, most petrol cars after 2005 are ULEZ exempt. If you want a diesel car, you’ll have to buy a car after September 2015. In contrast, all hybrids are exempt.

If your city doesn’t have a low-emission zone yet, it might have one in the works. Oxford, Birmingham, 

, and other UK cities are considering adding clean air zones in the future.

Petrol vs Diesel vs Hybrid: Which Is Best For Me?

For most of us, checking our tyre pressure is the last thing on our minds. They'll check it at my next MOT anyway, so what's the point? 

Well, poorly maintained tyres can lead to significant, unexpected garage bills. Bills that could have been avoided. Poorly maintained tyres can sometimes lead to breakdowns and even severe collisions. 

In this guide, you'll learn how often to check tyre pressure, why it's so important, and how to check the tyre pressure measurements. Let's dive straight in. 

How often should you check tyre pressure?

That’s right, you should be checking your tyre pressure monthly. Always check when the tyres are cold and before you’ve made any journeys. Hot, or even warm, tyres may give false readings. 

At a petrol station, with a dealer, or with a portable compressor. 

Most drivers choose to check at a petrol station as this is easier and has an inflation zone. However, a portable compressor is good for those who want to check their tyre pressure from home. 

How to check your tyre pressure on a tyre: Quick steps

When checking your tyre pressure, use a gauge in the same unit of measurement shown in your car’s handbook. Three common measurements are used for tyre pressure: PSI, BAR and kPa. 

Follow these steps and you won’t Google “how to know tyre pressure” ever again! 

When should you check your tyre pressure?

When the tyres haven’t been driven or have been driven rarely.

When you drive, the tyres heat up, and their pressure rises. So, if you check your tyres after log drives, they’ll likely feel over-inflated, and you might (accidentally) adjust them wrong. 

The rule of thumb is to only check tyre pressure measurements after a 2 km (or shorter) drive. This gives an accurate reading, and you won’t over or underinflate the tyres. 

Yes! Regularly check the spare tyre’s pressure. 

No one wants to use the spare wheel, but you will have to rely on it in an emergency. Regularly checking it’s pressure will ensure you’re safe if you encounter a flat tyre. 

Most cars have a recommended PSI between 31 and 35.

 the pressure you’ll need depends on the vehicle and the tyre. Often, a sticker is on the inside of your door or under the petrol cap to show this. If not, consult your owner’s handbook or use 

If you’re planning to carry additional weight, such as a heavy rooftop box, the pressure requirement may differ, so consult your handbook. 

Why is it important to know your tyre pressure?

Tyres naturally lose pressure over time. Deflated tyres can affect your vehicle’s handling, the comfort of your drive, and your ability to brake. They can also cost you much more fuel, as increased friction means the engine must work much harder. 

You can inflate your tyres using a tyre inflation kit or a tyre inflation pump at a petrol station.

Follow these steps to inflate your tyres using a petrol station pump: 

Note that the tyre pressures at the front and rear will likely be different. Check all four tyres individually. 

Underinflated tyres aren’t good for your car. They increase fuel consumption, wear out faster and irregularly, increase CO2 emissions, and are more hazardous. An underinflated tyre is more likely to burst at a high speed. 

Overinflated tyres can also be a problem. This is because they’re hazardous on wet roads and have a reduced lifetime as the central part of the tread wears faster. 

Because of temperature changes, small punctures or cuts, or due to a damaged rim.

Some tyres deflate faster than others for no apparent reason. You may also not notice a damaged, rusty rim or small tyre punctures. This is why it’s critical to check your tyres regularly. 

Slow punctures are less noticeable than typical punctures. This means they go unnoticed for long lengths of time. But they will still cause your tyre to lose pressure and become unsafe. 

You can identify a slow puncture by looking for: 

When in doubt, contact an expert for professional advice. 

The UK legal minimum tyre tread limit is 1.6mm.

This depth must be even across the tyre's width, the central three-quarters, and all around. If your tyres are under or overinflated, they might break this law due to irregular or excessive wear. Another reason to check your tyre pressure frequently! 

Some petrol stations and tyre shops provide free tyre-checking services. Check beforehand, though. Most petrol stations use a coin-operated pressure pump, so you’ll need some spare change. 

Taking care of your tyres includes more than knowing their pressure. You should also: 

You should also stay up to date with MOTs, as tyres are checked thoroughly within this test. Being proactive is the best way to stay safe! 

Knowing how to check your tyre pressure is a vital skill. Luckily, it’s pretty easy and only has to be done every month. Bookmark this article so you always have an on-the-go guide for your tyres! 

Bumper puts you back in the driving seat by allowing you to take control of your finances. 

Spread the cost of repairs, servicing, MOTs, and parts. You'll receive a Credit Limit of up to £5,000 (depending on the garage you choose) and see 1000s of nearby garages and dealerships to use it at. 

To apply, enter your vehicle registration and postcode on 

How often should I check my tyre pressure? 

Keeping your vehicle clean is an important but often overlooked service item, that can help identify and prevent some fairly serious issues. 

It also shows you take care of your car, especially to prospective buyers. Here we answer and advise on the top 10 car cleaning queries. 

Before starting the task of cleaning a car, it’s best to gather all the required tools, so you’re not searching for a cloth or bucket whilst the car is covered in soapy water. Here’s a brief list of what we’d recommend: 

2. What soap should I use to clean my car? 

Many people often think that any soap will do the job, and whilst technically true, many soaps such as dish soap strip away more than just the dirt. 

Car paintwork is often treated with a wax coat to protect the paint, as long as you don’t scrub too hard, this wax coat should last for one or two washes. It serves to protect the paint as well as make dirt easier to remove. 

The harsh action of dish soap will easily remove this layer. Instead, use a high-quality ‘car shampoo’ that not only retains the wax coat but in some cases restores it. 

3. What sponge should I use to clean bodywork? 

In short, none! Traditional sponges are not kind to car paintwork. They trap dirt and contaminants in their pores, and then, when you clean the rest of the car, scrape these particles into the paint. 

It’s best to use a microfibre mitt, this has a much higher surface area and is softer to the paint. Combined with the two-bucket method below it protects and cleans the paint in a much kinder way. 

4. What should I use to clean my alloys? 

A traditional wash mitt is often too cumbersome and soft to clean wheels with. Many retailers sell a wheel cleaning tool, usually a firmer sponge on a handle, that will allow you to clean around the wheel spokes effectively. 

Specific wheel cleaning solutions are also available, often that you spray on and leave for 10 minutes or so to work. These loosen the stubborn dirt that is usually on alloy wheels, specifically targeting brake dust. 

Surprisingly no, with the right tools and cleaning products, a pressure washer is virtually redundant for all but the muddiest of cars. A bucket or hose for wetting and rinsing is usually sufficient. The exception is if the car has a lot of mud trapped under panels, wheels or in places that might get trapped in the engine. 

What's more, with the power of modern pressure washers it's quite easy to do more damage than good to paint, door seals and other components with high-pressure water. It’s much safer to stick to good old-fashioned elbow grease. 

6. Do I just need a bucket and a hose to clean my car? 

Sort of, we recommend a common technique called the two-bucket method. A hose is handy to wet the paintwork and release some loose dirt before using the wash mitt. 

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

What Do Number Plate Area Codes Mean? & Other Common FAQs

4 signs your water pump is failing

Petrol vs Diesel vs Hybrid: Which Is Best For Me?

How often should I check my tyre pressure?

10 top tips on how to clean your car

How to check the fluid levels in your car

Is servicing required? And is it worth paying for?

What is E10 fuel and will it damage my engine?