Travelling to Europe in your own car affords many benefits, saving costs on car hire, taking as much luggage as you want, and more. 

But there are some occasions where having your own vehicle with you in a foreign country is less than ideal, especially if it’s currently broken down at the side of an Autoroute or Autobahn. 

Below we’ll take a look at how best to prepare and deal if your car breaks down while driving abroad in Europe. 

Precautions to take before driving to Europe 

Road laws differ from country to country, so it’s essential that you take note before you leave of what rules you need to follow. Don’t forget you’ll need to comply even if only passing through. 

There are a few things you need to bring for most European countries, check the specific rules for the countries you’ll be visiting but here's a rough idea of what to bring: 

The laws and customs may be different too, so make sure you comply with these, a starting point of the following things will get you most of the way, but again check specific countries' laws: 

What to do if your car breaks down while travelling? 

Regardless of country, you should pull over into a safe place if possible, then evacuate all passengers to the side of the road, ideally a short distance from the carriageway and behind a barrier. 

What happens if my car breaks down in France? 

Move the car to a safe location if possible 

If your car still drives, getting off the carriageway will be far safer than obstructing it. Be careful not to block emergency exits and lanes on certain motorways. 

Ensure everyone is wearing their hi-viz vest, safely get everyone out of the car, and have all passengers move a little way from the road, ideally to behind a barrier. Do not stay inside, in front of or behind the car. 

If the car is obstructing the road, walk 150 metres behind the vehicle, still behind the barrier, and alert other drivers of the danger. 

At least 30 metres behind the car, place your warning triangle clearly visible on the ground directly behind the car. 

Use the orange boxes at the side of the road, or call 112 from your mobile phone. Describe your location as best you can. 

Finally, wait for help to come, ensuring all members of your party are out of the direct sun or are wearing adequate warm clothes, depending on conditions. 

What to do if my car breaks down in Spain? 

If possible, move your car to a safe location

Make sure to move your car off the carriageway, without blocking any exits.

Spain has similar laws to other countries in Europe regarding hi-vis vests and waiting outside your car, so be sure to have all passengers move away from the road, ideally to behind a barrier. Do not stay inside, in front of or behind the car. 

Place your warning triangle and warning light 

In Spain, it is the law to carry two warning triangles - place your warning triangle clearly visible on the ground, at least 30 metres back from your vehicle. 

Since January 2021, Spain also requires every car to have a ‘luz de emergencia V-16’, an 

 that should be placed on the roof of your car. Complete this as per the instructions on the device. 

Use the orange boxes at the side of the road, or call 112 from your mobile phone - this number works all across Europe. Describe your location as best you can. 

What to do if my car breaks down in Germany? 

If you can, move your car to a safe location. Leaving your car on the carriageway could be very dangerous.

Put on your hi-vis vest, ensuring every passenger has one too, and wait outside your car, be sure to have all passengers move away from the road, ideally to behind a barrier. Do not stay inside, in front of or behind the car. 

Place your warning triangle clearly visible on the ground, at least 30 metres back from your vehicle. 

Call 110 for the German emergency number, and they will be able to put you through to an English-speaking advisor. 

What to do if your car breaks down on a German autobahn

Because of the higher speed limit and potential danger on the German Autobahns, a dedicated service is established to tow you from the main carriageway to a designated safe zone. 

If you’ve broken down on the Autobahn, call from one of the roadside emergency telephones, and follow the arrows on signs beside the road to get to one. 

Once safely off the motorway, call the regular emergency number or your European Recovery service should you have one. 

Should I get a European breakdown cover before going to Europe? 

 of drivers' purchase breakdown cover driving in the UK, but many of these policies don't cover going abroad, or if they do, only in certain circumstances. Luckily there are short-term policies available through most breakdown companies. 

Does my UK breakdown cover me in Europe? 

Most common breakdown services such as the RAC and AA offer varying levels of coverage, including extras such as from-home recovery if your car fails to start, unlimited callouts etc, but be sure to check with the provider if yours includes cover whilst abroad. 

None of the Basic, Standard or Complete packages offered by both the 

 mentions any European cover, but both offer a year-long European cover option. 

This can be tailored to suit how much cover you need and in what specific countries you’ll be travelling to. 

Benefits of the European cover include a 24/7 English-speaking helpline, unlimited assistance to get your car to a garage, and the cost to transport your broken car back home.

If your current provider doesn’t offer roadside assistance in Europe, there are many companies offering short-term or one-trip cover that can be very reasonably priced. 

What to do once your car is recovered back to the UK 

 Have over 3,000 partner garages and repair centres around the UK, they also make it quick and easy to split the cost of your car’s repairs into monthly payments, all with no interest or fees. 

Apply to split your bill at 1,000s of dependable service partners nationwide.

 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 Happens if I Break Down Abroad? 

The 1.5 million potholes on UK's roads cost motorists £1 billion a year in repairs. 

Drivers reported 1.5 million potholes on roads to 51 UK authorities between April 2018 and June 2021; this figure would undoubtedly be far higher if potholes on major highways and motorways were also reported. So we started to wonder: how tall would the hypothetical skyscraper be if all of the reported potholes in the UK were placed on top of one another? 

According to data gathered by the RAC from 190 of the 207 local highway authorities in Britain, three out of four local authorities (or 75%) have switched to a "risk-based approach" to repairing potholes. This means that councils will take into account the type of road, the amount of traffic the road carries, and the mix of road users in addition to the size, width, and depth of a pothole. All municipal highway administrations are accountable for the upkeep of their individual road networks under the terms of the Road Traffic Act of 1980. Surprisingly, there isn't a nationwide legal standard that specifies what constitutes a pothole. 

A pessimist would say that a local government short on funds might just change the categorization of a pothole to avoid filling and repairing the damaged road. 69% of local transportation authorities only look into potholes that are 40 mm or deeper. 

The hypothetical tower reaches 11,250 metres, which is roughly the cruising altitude of a civil aircraft (10,000–12,000 metres), comfortably taller than Mount Everest (8,849 metres), deeper than the Pacific Ocean (11,022 metres), and nearly 100 times taller than the London Eye. If even one-quarter of the reported potholes on local roads were, for example, 30mm deep, this would mean that over two-thirds of local highway, authorities would not investigate further (13,500 metres). 

Given that the majority of local traffic authorities in the UK only investigate potholes that are at least 40mm deep, the cumulative depth of the 1.5 million reported potholes on local roads is 60,000 metres. This sum will get you halfway there. The Kármán Line is an invisible line at 100,000 metres above sea level when the atmosphere becomes too thin for conventional aeroplanes. 

According to earlier data, 32% of UK drivers experience damage from hitting a pothole, which forces them to replace at least one tyre every year. Given that the average cost of replacing four tyres is £397, or £99.25 per tyre, owners of the 40.8 million licenced vehicles in the UK must pay a yearly replacement cost of £1,127,352,960 due to pothole damage.

Tips for reducing damage caused by potholes 

Always leave a two-second gap between you and the car in front, as they may brake or swerve to avoid a pothole if it suddenly appears. This way you will have a clear view of the road and more time to react. 

If possible, slow down and steer away from a pothole 

Sometimes it's impossible to completely dodge a pothole. If you can see one coming, attempt to slowly approach it without braking abruptly and gently veer away. 

The expected lifespan of a car tyre is 10 years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. Regularly examining your tyres, especially before a lengthy trip, should help you spot any issues in the earliest stages. The centre three quarters of every tire's tread must measure at least 1.6 millimetres across in order for it to comply with current UK driving regulations. 

Split the cost of tyres, repairs, and services into interest-free monthly payments with Bumper, and choose from 1000s of dependable service partners. 

How tall is the combined depth of the potholes on UK roads?

In many ways, the electronic control unit can be considered the most important component in a modern car, through it all primary functions operate. Below we take a look at exactly what it does, and what issues it can cause.

The acronym ECU refers to a car's Engine Control Unit, there are many other control units in modern cars such as: 

As the name suggests, the ECU is a device that controls and monitors various parameters and systems in a car. The first ECUs were basic microprocessors that only monitored basic engine parameters such as 

With the advent of things such as electric windows and doors, reversing cameras and parking sensors, modern cars have multiple control units alongside the ECU, such as Body control modules, lighting modules and more. 

All of these fulfil the same function within their respective system, to control and display data about the car’s status, either changing parameters or displaying issues to the driver.

Modern ECUs control or read almost everything that happens in and around the engine. There is a plethora of sensors that report back and parameters, of which the ECU will regulate, monitor and take action. 

For instance, the ECU uses data from the engine on RPM, Ignition timing, fuel injection rates and exhaust gas composition, to detect whether the combustion is happening exactly as it should. 

In the instance of any faults, such as a misfire, the ECU will detect and make changes accordingly, whether that is to alter the ignition timing or display an error message to the driver. 

Other control units such as body-control units monitor the status of things such as bulbs, windows, door locks, wiper motors and more. Again allowing the car to display an error message to the driver. 

Typically a modern car will have around 4 different ECUs; including the engine control unit, body control unit, ABS control unit and alarm/immobiliser control unit. 

But luxury cars will often have even more than this, with some vehicles having a separate unit to control things such as infotainment systems, active aerodynamics and more. 

The most common cause of ECU damage, especially in the UK, is water damage. A lot of manufacturers mount the ECU near the passenger or driver footwell, as this is convenient for all the electrical systems whilst being protected from the elements. 

However, the elements can sometimes get into this area, as things such as car sunroofs, windows and windscreens can leak. The water can then run down into the footwell and damage the ECU. 

Another common cause of ECU damage is faulty or badly modified electrical systems, such as shorts and wiring issues. Jump starting incorrectly can also cause problems, as high electrical loads can be sent through the ECU. 

Some cars can suffer if the battery is left to drain to empty too often or for too long, damaging the ECU’s internal battery system. 

One of the main jobs the ECU does is control the fueling and ignition of the engine. On 

 cars, this means the ECU can increase or decrease the amount of fuel injected, and on turbocharged cars, the amount of turbo pressure is permitted. 

An ECU remap is the process of adjusting the parameters to which the ECU adjusts fueling, timing and turbo pressure to produce more power. They can also be adjusted to increase the efficiency of the engine if required. 

ECU remaps achieve the best results on turbocharged cars, where the horsepower can often be increased by more than 50%, but care should be taken to longevity and also any insurance, finance or servicing requirements when doing this.

In many cases, the ECU will be damaged beyond repair, but it’s always worth looking into specialist independent repair services. These often exist for more niche and rare collector cars, where replacement parts are not readily available. 

After an ECU has sustained damage, it will usually cause many issues with the running of the car, if the main ECU has been damaged in any way, it will often cause the car to fail to start completely. 

If it can be repaired, depending on the severity and complexity of the ECU, it could cost between £200 - £500 to repair.

If your ECU is damaged beyond repair, you’ll need to replace it with a like-for-like part. This can be expensive in certain circumstances. Complete ECU replacements can cost between £300 and £2,000 for the parts and labour. 

Whilst the parts can be quite expensive, in the region of £300-£600 for a regular car, the labour, speciality software, and tools required can often be the main cost. 

The main issue to be found is that many control modules on modern cars are digitally keyed to other parts of the car, such as immobilisers, ignition barrels, door locks and such. In some cases, an ECU needs to be sold as a set, alongside immobilisers and ignition barrels. 

If you need some assistance with covering the cost of an ECU repair, split the bill with Bumper, completely interest-free, and find a local service partner to carry out your repair.

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.

Electronic Control Units Explained

The most predominant automotive trend of the last ten years is evident. Motorists prefer taller, larger, 4-wheel drive-style vehicles over hatchbacks and estates. The numbers don’t lie! In 2021, SUVs made up nearly 

of the total car sales across Europe. Now that’s impressive. 

Although the benefits of both Crossovers and SUVs may be many, are there as many deciding factors between the two? What is the difference between crossovers vs SUVs? Today, we’re going to find out. 

In this article, we’ll explain what each is, how, and if they differ. As well as helping you decide if a crossover or an SUV is best for your particular needs. Scroll down to find out more. 

 and refers to a car that mixes road-going passenger cars with offroad vehicles. 

 was based on a pickup truck, first released for sale in 1963 by the famous American automaker Jeep. It soon became a favourite of families needing extra passenger and luggage space. 

The original Jeep Wagoneer had a critical design feature that some people still consider the defining feature of an SUV - a body-on-frame vehicle. It had a sturdy steel ladder chassis and a car body bolted on top. This made it easy to make passenger cars that share pickup truck components. 

Since then, car designers worldwide have realised many motorists enjoy the higher driving position, off-road capability, and feel of safety that a large, high-up vehicle affords.

First, it was mainly companies that also produced utility vehicles made SUVs, such as Ford, Land Rover, Toyota and others. Now, after the definition of what makes an SUV has changed slightly, almost every manufacturer includes one in their lineup. 

Crossovers are technically small SUVs, larger than traditional estate or hatchback cars. 

These are a more recently introduced body type, and the crossover evolved to be a higher vehicle that didn’t have the large engine or physical bulk of a full-size SUV. 

Instead of a ladder chassis, they are typically built using the same engineering architecture as their car cousins. For instance, the

 sold in 2022, the Nissan Qashqai, is built on the platform used for the Renault Megane. 

Modern cars have used this ‘Unibody’ design, where the body also forms the chassis, for a long time, but it is trendy in Europe as it tends to allow the cars to be more compact. As well as using a unibody design, they are often only equipped with front-wheel drive. 

What is the difference between a crossover and an SUV? 

We’ve explored what defines each type of vehicle, but what matters is the difference between them, which will allow you to make an informed decision. 

In some ways, the crossover is the baby brother to the SUV. They have many of the same positive characteristics, but there are some crucial differences: 

Is there a grey area between crossovers and SUVs?

No, there isn’t a grey area between crossovers and SUVs. Though similar, there are distinct differences between the two types of vehicles, as noted above. 

Yes, SUVs are typically more powerful than crossovers. 

Because SUVs use utility vehicle components as a base, they are often available with the same range of engines. These are generally larger diesel engines that are made for towing heavy loads. 

Due to them being based on smaller passenger vehicles, Crossovers typically have smaller engines. This does, however, mean they are more fuel-efficient. 

Typically, no. Because crossovers are heavily based on car chassis and designs, they often only incorporate front-wheel drive. All or four-wheel drive requires adding components such as gearboxes and changes to the car's chassis. 

Conversely, SUVs are often built on utility vehicle platforms, such as pickup trucks or 4x4 vehicles. This means they often have the infrastructure for native 4-wheel drive. 

This doesn’t mean that all SUVs have 4WD, though. Many are offered in 2WD for

 better value SUVS with good fuel economy. 

SUVs usually cost more than crossovers due to their more complex construction and the fact there’s less demand. 

Vehicles such as the Range Rover SV and Toyota Hilux are larger and more powerful than many other vehicles on the market but are aimed towards the luxury segment, again increasing the price tag. 

Even after the purchase, SUVs will cost more money to run. Their larger engines are less efficient and cost more to tax than a typical crossover. They are also typically more expensive to insure. If you're looking for a more affordable SUV, then be sure to check out our guide to the 

One crucial factor that leads people to choose SUVs and other larger cars is the perceived safety benefits. While SUVs are 

than smaller cars, are SUVs notably safer than crossovers? 

A benefit of crossovers is their lighter weight, which means they have less momentum to stop when braking, and they have better cornering performance for avoiding obstacles. 

The statistics show that you’re more likely to survive a crash the larger the vehicle. This is a testament to the high build quality and ability to incorporate better and more numerous safety features into larger vehicles. 

The question of whether SUVs or crossovers are safer is a difficult one to answer. In theory, Crossovers should be less safe due to their

yet they are less likely to be involved in an accident in the first place. 

There are three basic categories of SUVs: 

Get the lowdown on the benefits and drawbacks of SUVs vs crossovers below. 

Now we’ve highlighted the differences, which one is the best? Well, this question, like many car-related decisions, depends on your personal circumstances and preferences. 

If you need a comfortable and luxurious car that can carry 5-7 people and tackle some serious off-road challenges, you need an SUV. 

A crossover could be perfect for you if you’re unlikely to ever need a 4-wheel-drive but would benefit from the higher driving position and large overall size compared to a hatchback. As we’ve discussed, they are also more budget-friendly to buy and use. 

With the vast array of models on offer, choosing the right car for you can be tricky. But we’ve done the research for you. Find some of the best-rated cars currently on sale below. 

Formerly seen as a cheap car brand, their recent offerings have improved reliability, comfort and style. The latest Kia Sportage is available in petrol, diesel and hybrid variants. 

If you have a larger family, they are available with seven seats. Kia’s 7-year warranty should also give some peace of mind with the cost of repairs. 

Honda has a well-deserved name in reliability and engineering excellence. The CR-V has been one of the best-selling crossovers since its inception. 

Both the diesel and petrol engines have great reviews, but the Hybrid is the one Honda is most proud of. Whilst some may find the interior a bit busy, the outside is modern and stylish, with moulded panels giving it an excellent road presence. 

The new generation of Mazda vehicles have a very striking appearance, and the CX-5 is no exception. It features high-tech LED headlights as standard, with sleek lines that somewhat downplay the large size. Perfect for those wanting a larger vehicle without the stigma. 

Want a crossover that still feels like a sports car? Well, add the Porsche Macan to your radar. This new compact luxury SUV crossover has a 261-hp turbocharged 2.0-litre inline-four engine to provide a sleek driving feel. Perfect for tackling twisty roads with ease. 

Finally, the Hyundai Palisade is an attractive crossover you need to consider. With family buyers in mind, this crossover has three rows of seating, upmarket finishings, and convenience features. Pair this with a 3.9-litre V-6, and you have an impressive vehicle.

In its various forms, the quintessential British SUV, the Range Rover, has always focussed on luxury. The flagship Range Rover has, up until recently, even used a body-on-frame design, just as the original SUVs did. 

While not topping the charts for reliability in past years, Jaguar Land Rover has improved its quality control systems and produces more high-quality vehicles. 

The range-topping Range Rover SVR features a 5.0 litre supercharged V8 and can reach 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, faster than many sports cars. 

Whilst the Hilux offered by Toyota in the UK isn't the biggest SUV they make - it's actually known as the Toyota Prado outside of the UK and Europe - it can certainly be considered a large SUV here in Britain at over 4.5m long and nearly 2m wide. 

Toyota is well-known for its reliability, and the new Land Cruiser should not disappoint with its high-tech but reliable 2.8L diesel engine. Its towing capacity is one of the best in its class at 3,000kg. 

It also comes equipped with all the modern off-road systems, such as hill descent and electronic traction control to prevent wheel slip. Its large ground clearance also aids it in crossing land that is not suitable for most other SUVs. 

Whilst not following the traditional mantra of SUVs, the Touareg has always been of the unibody design. This isn't to say it can't hold its own across rough terrain. It just fits in better in the city. 

With their recent trend towards luxury, the latest Volkswagen comes with all modern features such as adaptive cruise control, a sumptuous leather interior and park and lane assist. 

When it comes to full-size SUVs, you can’t beat the Chevrolet Tahoe. With plenty of power, intelligent Super Cruise driver technology, and up to 122.9 cu ft of cargo space, there’s lots to enjoy about this vehicle. 

Three engine options are available, and the entry-level option is a 355-hp V-8. However, you can level up to a 420-hp V-8. Simply divine. 

Though it’s been around for two decades, the Cadillac Escalade still reigns supreme on the SUV scene. The current rendition offers a luxury experience with a high-tech OLED interior, a 6.2-liter V-8 engine, a 36-speaker audio system, and three rows of seating. 

When browsing crossovers and SUVs, remember that the main difference is the frame on which the vehicle rests. If it’s based on a commercial truck, it’s an SUR. If it’s based on a car, it’s a crossover. Both have their benefits, but it ultimately depends on what you’re looking for. 

Hopefully, this guide has helped you move forward in your car-purchasing process. So, what will it be? Whatever you choose, Bumper is here to help you spread the cost of serving, MOTs, repairs, and parts. 

Get started today. Enter your vehicle registration and postcode on our website to begin.

Crossover Vs SUV: Which is Better? 

Oil is essential in any engine, as it lubricates to prevent wear and heat. Unlike older cars, today’s vehicles require a specific type of oil. So, modern drivers must be on top of the kind of oil needed. 

Ensuring your car has the correct oil isn’t impossible, though! “What oil should I use for my car?” you’re in the right place. Today, we’re covering the main types of oil and their benefits to help you decide which is best for you. Scroll down to become an oil expert in minutes. 

Modern cars require different oil types, which will be listed in your vehicle handbook. However, you can also reach out to the dealer or a garage to find out which is needed for your car. 

Factors that affect the type of oil you need include: 

When in doubt, contact your mechanic or consult your vehicle handbook. You must double-check which oil is needed before putting any old type of oil in, as this may damage your engine. 

Engine oils come in different grades, specifications, and viscosities. But more about this further on in the blog! 

You should regularly check your engine oil level to keep your engine healthy and to ensure your car is road-safe. 

Neglecting your engine oil levels might mean you miss a drop in oil levels. When your oil level drops, your engine may be damaged, especially if you have a modern car with a smaller sump. Oil may spend less time cooling down in the sump, so the hotter oil will wear out your engine. 

You should check your car’s engine every few weeks or before long journeys. It’s also important to check your engine oil if the dashboard warning light appears. 

Engine oil lubricates the moving parts of your car. Since the engine produces lots of heat, oil lubrication allows all parts to move without dangerous friction. Using the wrong or insufficient oil can lead to severe damage and an unsafe car. 

But that’s not all that oil does! It also acts as an engine cleaner, collecting dust and dirt. This makes the engine safer and much more efficient. 

Other benefits of engine oil include a cooler engine, reduced emissions, and better fuel economy. 

The main three types of engine oil are synthetic, semi-synthetic, and mineral. These names refer to the oil's composition and method of manufacture and affect their performance. Here’s all you need to know about each type: 

Often identified purely by the lack of the words ‘synthetic’ or ‘semi-synthetic,’ mineral oils were used before synthetic technologies took hold. 

They are made entirely from mined crude oil, refined and processed similarly to other oil products. Since no chemicals are used, they can’t be called “synthetic.” 

This is the most common and affordable type of oil. It’s also non-toxic, biodegradable, and prolongs your engine life. 

Semi-synthetic oils are a mixture of synthetic and traditional mineral oils. Synthetic oils are still often derived from crude oil but have a significant portion of additives and modifiers to improve performance. 

This blend gives the oil a better performance than mineral oil but makes it cheaper than 100% synthetic car oil. Semi-synthetics are excellent for drivers who want the benefits of synthetic oil but not the hefty price tag. 

Semi-synthetic oil is also suitable for cars that aren’t driven too often or only for short journeys. 

Synthetic engine oil is made from complex synthetic materials, such as esters and polyalphaolefins (PAOs). No mineral oil is used to make synthetic oil, although crude oil still forms the base for many synthetic oils. Manufacturers don’t give away specific recipes, but the crude oil component is heavily ‘synthesised’ and chemically modified. 

Fully synthetic oil is generally the best-performing oil. It’s recommended for cars with extended oil change intervals and high-performance vehicles. In most brands, fully synthetic oil is the recommended type.

No, mixing different engine oils is not advisable, as this can harm your car’s engine. 

The different additives and viscosities in oils may interact with each other in unpredictable ways. This can cause unwanted damage, such as: 

These issues make your car unsafe to drive, leaving you, your passengers, and other road users in potential danger. 

If you must top off your engine oil, try to use the same type of oil already in your car. Drain the old oil out when changing oil types before adding new oil. 

If you don’t know what’s already in your car, you can check your owner’s manual or visit a reputable garage for professional advice. 

allows you to split the cost of repairs over interest-free instalments at thousands of partners nationwide.

Engine oil viscosity is the oil’s resistance to flow. Higher viscosity oil is thicker and flows slower, whereas low viscosity oil is thin and flows faster. Treacle is an example of a liquid with a high viscosity; water has a fairly low viscosity, and petrol is lower still. 

Viscosity is critical in engines and machinery. A moving system has specific design features to use certain types of lubrication. For example, a joint with slow and limited movement, such as a suspension component, would use seals and a very thick or viscous lubricant, such as grease. 

A high-revving engine with very tight tolerances and need for heat dissipation needs a lubricant free-flowing enough to be pumped around effectively but thick enough to provide adequate lubrication. 

Another critical property of engine oil is that it must operate effectively at cold and hot temperatures. This is important as car engines often go from completely cold to operating temperature multiple times daily. 

The SAE system of oil designation allows the easy labelling of oil for both viscosity and temperature performance. 

Oil ratings show the performance and suitability of engine oil. This helps you (or your mechanic) decide which is best for your vehicle. 

Let's take an example: the oil required for a 2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI is 

So, how does this compare against other oils? If we used 10w30 oil, the engine would suffer from excessively thick oil in cold conditions. But once up to temperature, the oil would be perfectly suited. 

In reality, the difference between the two would be indiscernible. However, using the incorrect oil could cause undue strain on your engine or invalidate the warranty. 

The best tip is to use the recommended oil as stated by your owner’s manual. 

The numbers on engine oils tell you about the oil’s viscosity performance. The most common options include 0W-20, 5W-30, and 10W-30. 

0W-20 is a synthetic oil designed for cars needing thin oil. However, it’s not recommended for cars operating in hot weather. 

As mentioned above, 5W-30 is a synthetic oil good for cold weather. It’s thinner than 10W-30 and suitable for most modern cars. 

10W-30 is a conventional oil that’s compatible with most cars. It’s an excellent choice for both cold and hot weather. 

A SAP rating tells you how many additives (sulphated ash, phosphorus, and sulphur) are used in the motor oil. These are added to protect the engine. 

While suitable for some cars, others can be harmed by SAPs. So, it’s critical to determine whether your car needs a low SAP oil before refilling it. 

 is used in the exhaust system to reduce harmful emissions. These can become clogged with soot and other components of exhaust gas, including sulphated ash and phosphorus. 

Low SAP oils, as the name suggests, contain less of these elements than normal oils. Therefore, they have a reduced effect on a diesel’s DPF. 

If your car is diesel, it will require low SAP oil. Some diesels do not have a DPF, typically over 20-year-old ones. 

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

What Happens if I Break Down Abroad?

How tall is the combined depth of the potholes on UK roads?

Electronic Control Units Explained

Crossover Vs SUV: Which is Better?

What oil is best for my car?

How Often Should You Change Windscreen Wipers?

Different Types Of Turbo Faults & How To Detect Them

What coolant should I use in my car?