Car ownership involves making important decisions.

While it might seem like a small detail compared to some of the bigger questions you'll have as a car owner, choosing between premium and regular fuel is a big deal, especially when prices in the UK seem ever-increasing.

Premium fuel costs a lot more than cheaper fuels and is marketed with a whole host of benefits. But what exactly is the difference between premium fuel vs regular fuel? What about premium diesel vs regular diesel? Are premium fuels ever worth it? 

Today, we're looking at premium diesel and petrol vs regular fuels to see which you should invest in. Scroll on to get the lowdown on fuel now.

For most people with regular cars, paying for premium fuel is not worth it. 

If you drive a normal petrol or diesel car, splurging on premium fuels will offer you minimal benefit. If you regularly get your car checked and serviced, you should have no problems with engine deposits, and there are no real performance benefits from premium petrol.

Paying for premium petrol is only vital if you drive a high-performance petrol car. You’ll protect your engine from damage and ensure it runs as designed.

How much more expensive is premium petrol?

Premium fuels cost around 10p more per litre than their regular alternatives.

However, this can vary significantly and may further increase with rising fuel costs. For an average car, this equates to £5 more per tank. If you use your vehicle every day and fill it up frequently, this will eventually add up. 

Premium petrol vs regular petrol comparison

Most petrol cars are designed to run perfectly well on regular petrol and will experience

 no significant benefit from using higher octane premium petrol

Understanding the octane number is crucial for every car owner. It's the measure of a fuel’s antiknock properties. A higher octane number means the fuel is more likely to resist engine knocking and is suited for higher-performance engines. This knowledge empowers you to make the right fuel choice for your vehicle. 

A difference in octane number is the key distinguishing factor between premium and regular petrol. Regular petrol is typically rated at an octane number of 95, and premium petrol is rated at 98. 

Using a higher-octane fuel than recommended by your manufacturer isn't likely to harm your vehicle in any way, although it's difficult to justify given the higher costs and lack of benefit. 

As previously mentioned, certain high-performance petrol engines require a higher-octane fuel. This is because these engines typically operate under higher compression ratios and are more prone to knocking. 

Remember, high-octane fuels have superior antiknock properties. Premium petrol is required to ensure these engines' safe and efficient operation. 

What’s the difference between unleaded and super unleaded

Unleaded is the standard petrol available, and you’ll see this at nearly every petrol station. Super unleaded is a higher octane version of standard unleaded. 

For the most part, premium diesel is just marketing fluff. Frequent use offers little tangible benefit to your car. 

So, in this case, it’s not worth paying for premium diesel or super diesel over regular diesel in the UK. 

Unlike petrol engines, diesel engines do not use spark ignition to create power, so fuel quality doesn't affect them the same way. As a result, the octane number isn't a measure of diesel quality. Instead, diesel fuel has a cetane rating, which measures its ignition properties.

You may be familiar with the octane number, but the cetane number is less well-known. Premium diesel fuels aren't advertised with a higher cetane number because diesel engines are designed to run efficiently on the cetane number of standard diesel. Increasing the cetane number doesn't noticeably improve performance.

Premium diesel is differentiated by the presence of engine-cleaning additives, not a higher cetane number. 

For example, BP's Ultimate Diesel features ‘Active technology’ with molecules to combat engine dirt. This is the same for Shell Diesel. All diesel fuels meet a certain standard, and engines are built to perform well with standard diesel. 

Using premium diesel occasionally won’t harm your engine but consistently using it might not be cost-effective. Hopefully, that answers most queries about what’s the difference between normal diesel and premium diesel!

No. Premium diesel isn’t guaranteed to last longer in terms of mileage or fuel efficiency. The main difference is that it usually contains cleaning agents. These can help your engine last longer in the long term but provide no short-term durability benefits. 

Is supermarket diesel as good as branded diesel?

Yes. Supermarket diesel meets the same basic fuel standards as premium or branded diesel. It’s safe for all engines and helps your car run smoothly. It’s also a more cost-effective option.

The only main difference is that some premium diesels have cleaning additives that may potentially reduce engine deposits. 

The easiest way to discover the best fuel for your car is to look at the information on the fuel cap. Here, you’ll find what fuel you need and whether the manufacturer recommends high-octane options. 

You can also check your car’s manual or use an online car checker. Most petrol stations offer a variety of standard and premium fuels, so finding a fuel to suit your needs is straightforward.

If you do want to use premium diesel, the best ones to consider include:

All offer advanced engine cleaning formulas and meet relevant fuel standards. 

Do high-performance cars need premium fuel?

Premium fuel isn’t required for most types of cars but is recommended for some high-performance vehicles. 

Cars with high-performance petrol engines typically require premium petrol to run properly. This is usually made clear by the manufacturer; all cars that are designed to run on premium fuel will have a label on their fuel filler door to indicate this. 

If you ignore this guidance and put cheaper fuel into your high-performance petrol engine, you’ll likely notice reduced performance and efficiency. This might also result in damage to your engine due to excessive knocking. 

Premium diesel is also available, but no vehicles require premium diesel to run well. The main difference between premium and regular diesel is usually the addition of additives. 

These are chemical substances designed to clean the engine, ensuring the engine can run as efficiently as possible.

Knowing what's best for your car can be confusing with a wide range of premium and regular fuel products. For most petrol car owners, using premium petrol regularly will likely result in no performance benefits, and it will cost you a significant amount more than using cheaper fuels.

The only exceptions are high-performance petrol vehicles, where high-octane premium fuels are essential.

Despite the marketing hype around premium diesel, the truth is that regular diesel is the best choice for most diesel car owners. Your car is designed to run on regular diesel, and using premium diesel is unlikely to provide any discernible benefits. 

 offers zero-interest financing on car repairs, perfect for those large car bills. We have many partners nationwide who can fix your car without stress. 

Find your nearest garage using Bumper here.

 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.

Premium Fuel vs Regular Fuel: Is Premium Fuel Worth It?

Ultimate, Super Plus, Power & Co.: Ist Premium-Kraftstoff sein Geld wert?

In a manual transmission car, the clutch connects the engine, gearbox, and wheels. You can't drive your car without a functioning 

, which can leave you stuck in one place (and with a big potential bill). 

Knowing bad clutch symptoms is critical so you can catch problems early. A clutch can start to fail in many ways, including issues with bearings, hydraulics and more. 

Read on to learn all about clutch faults and slave cylinder problems, as well as how to recognise the symptoms of a failing clutch before it's too late, and you have to bear the 

A clutch is any device that transfers power from a source to a transmission or drivetrain.

 In a car, it connects the engine to the 

It’s composed of several different parts and often differs between cars. The one constant is three components: the ‘pressure plate’, ‘flywheel’, and ‘friction plate’. A system also needs to be present to actuate it. 

For more information about how clutches in manual and automatic cars work, check out our article 

If you suspect there’s something wrong with your clutch, you need to get it to the garage quickly. However, worn clutch symptoms aren’t always obvious. 

Here are some signs of a bad clutch that all drivers need to know: 

A failing clutch can feel spongy when you press it. So, if your clutch suddenly feels wrong, you might have a problem. 

Shifting through the gears should be effortless and smooth. Sudden juddering, grinding, or general difficulty switching gears is a red flag. 

Knowing where the biting point is becomes intuitive after driving for a long time. This should remain at the same place where the clutch plates meet. If it’s suddenly higher, something has changed. 

Burning smells are never a good sign. If you can trace the burning smell to your clutch or notice a stronger smell when changing gears, it points to a clutch problem. 

Most signs that you have a bad clutch are through movement and smells. But it’s worth visually inspecting your clutch. Fine black dust and general wear and tear are indicators that your clutch is too worn. 

 provided the car has been well cared for and its drivers have been sensible. The way you drive can have an impact on how long a clutch lasts. 

You can make your clutch last longer by not ‘riding’ it, avoiding holding the biting point for too long, and leaving it in neutral while parked. Your handbrake is your best friend! 

If you build these habits into your driving routine, you’ll prolong the life of your clutch and avoid hefty repair bills. 

We’ve recapped the signs of a bad clutch, but what are the faults causing these symptoms? 

Due to the system's complexity, there are a few ways in which the clutch can fail. Below are some typical reasons a clutch fails:

Integral to any clutch is a friction surface, similar to a 

, but working oppositely. The clutch plate is forced against the engine's flywheel to transfer power to the drivetrain. 

, if the friction material has been worn away, the clutch plate will not grip the flywheel properly and will slip. 

Depending on your driving style, the signs of a worn clutch may become apparent quite a long time before the clutch needs replacing. If you notice the clutch slipping in normal use, i.e., when accelerating on flat ground with little load, the clutch needs to be replaced. 

A high clutch pedal can indicate the clutch plate is wearing out, but in some cars, it can mean the clutch just needs adjusting. It’s best to take the car to a trusted garage and get them to check. 

If you leave a slipping clutch too long, the clutch plate bolts can start contacting the flywheel. This will require a new flywheel, which can easily double the clutch repair cost. 

Expensive car repairs can be worrying. With 

, you can split the costs of your car repair into interest-free monthly instalments. 

Because the clutch plate is spinning but still needs to be pressed against the flywheel, a bearing is used on the end of a lever. The lever is often called the clutch fork, and the bearing is a ‘Throwout bearing’. 

Bearings wear out through normal usage. Instead of a silent, smooth operation, the surfaces become worn and make noise when spinning. The throwout bearing is no different, but it only makes noise when the clutch pedal is pressed. 

Symptoms of a bad clutch throwout bearing 

Replacement clutch bearings can cost £300-£600. It is usually better to change the clutch plate, too, and vice versa. 

This is because most of the work is involved in removing the gearbox. Once that’s off, changing the clutch plate will only add £50 or so, and it will remove the need to

 pay to remove the gearbox again in the future. 

It takes considerable force to operate the clutch fork and disengage the clutch plate from the flywheel. A hydraulic system is used to enable a person to do this easily. 

The clutch pedal is attached to the master cylinder, this creates pressure in the oil lines, operating the slave cylinder, in a similar way to a

For this hydraulic system to work effectively, there are many seals in both the slave and master cylinders that need to withstand the high-pressure oil. If one of these fails, the clutch will not operate. 

Symptoms of a bad slave cylinder can come on suddenly and give very little notice. This means it’s imperative to get any issues looked at straight away, as they could render the car immobile quite easily. 

Typical repair costs for clutch hydraulics depend heavily on which cylinder is at fault. Because the slave cylinder is inside the clutch housing, the gearbox must

It’s recommended that you change the clutch plate and the slave cylinder, which could cost between 

Why is my clutch rattling and juddering? 

A few components inside the clutch system could cause a rattling sound. These include the main clutch bearing, loose clutch fork, or a faulty DMF (Dual Mass Flywheel). DMF issues are more commonly found in diesel-engined vehicles, which can cause a knocking sound and a vibrating feel through the clutch pedal. 

Many of these issues are challenging to diagnose without removing and inspecting the gearbox. Book in with your local garage for a personalised assessment. 

The cost of a clutch replacement can cost anywhere from £400 to £1,2000, depending on your car model and the specific clutch issue. 

Other factors that affect the price of a clutch replacement include the mechanic labour time, oils, liquids, small car parts, and clutch kits. 

Prices also change depending on your location, whether you have a front or rear-wheel drive, and your car’s age. 

Read an in-depth guide to clutch replacement costs now.

When to call an expert for bad clutch symptoms

An issue with your clutch can easily ruin your day by rendering your car immobile. If any of the symptoms mentioned above are present, it’s best to have the car inspected as soon as possible. 

 at no extra cost. To apply for a credit limit and see dependable garages in your area, enter your vehicle registration and postcode on 

How to recognise and check for clutch problems

Cómo detectar un fallo del embrague

Wie Sie Kupplungsprobleme erkennen und untersuchen

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! 

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.

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

Premium Fuel vs Regular Fuel: Is Premium Fuel Worth It?

How to recognise and check for clutch problems

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