 from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has revealed the average age of cars on UK roads is now 8.4 years - the highest ever on record.

The closure of car showrooms for long periods throughout 2020 meant fewer new cars were registered.

Currently, the average car on UK roads was built in 2011, with 10 million cars in service since 2008 or earlier.

The growing average age of vehicles on the road means consumers are more at risk of having to pay for unexpected repairs.

With the UK’s economy struggling to recover from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, over half of UK adults would find it very difficult or impossible to immediately pay an unexpected bill of £500 or more.

Consumers who are struggling to pay or would prefer to spend their disposable income elsewhere are increasingly turning to Buy Now Pay Later to alleviate some of the stress and pay back large bills in manageable instalments.

Bumper helps drivers split repair bills into interest-free payments, so they can keep their car in tip-top condition without breaking the bank.

Apply for a credit limit and search for local garages in our network by 

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.

Average age of cars on UK roads increases to 8.4 years

When was the last time you changed your tyres? 

How long tyres last and how many miles you can get out of them depend on several factors, and it’s vital to recognise when your tyres need replacing. 

While obvious damage like a puncture might be easy to spot, tyres may also need replacing if worn down or simply too old. 

So, how do you know when your tyres need to be replaced, and how much will it cost? Read on to find out how many 

 and the signs you need to change yours. 

Most tyre manufacturers and safety groups state 

The European Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation 

 states that tyres may be considered new for five years from the date of manufacture. However, tyres can last long if they are undamaged or not used often. 

 regularly for signs of wear and damage, but most garages recommend having them professionally checked. 

Professionals with a trained eye will easily spot immediate hazards and any areas of damage that might get worse if left unresolved. 

It might be better to consider the number of miles tyres last rather than thinking of it in a time period. 

How many miles do tyres last on a new car?

, your tyre life will depend on your vehicle, your driving style, and the type of roads you drive on. 

The average driver should get a minimum of 

out of their front tyres on a standard front-wheel drive car, while rear tyres can get up to 

Learn about replacing wheel bearings and their cost

As with any repairs to your vehicle, costs will vary depending on the 

 the smaller and narrower the tyre, the cheaper it will be. Thick tyres suitable for 4x4s are much more expensive than a standard run-around car. 

When buying car tyres, you really do get what you pay for

and it’s best to spend a little more. Fitting the wrong type of tyre on your car to save money could risk your and others’ safety. 

 can help you split the cost of tyres with our car repair finance options. Find a local garage 

It’s possible to repair car tyres, but it depends on the extent of the damage. Factors that will decide whether a

Your tyres may look healthy, but there could be invisible damage. These are the main warning signs that you should change your tyres. 

 replace your tyre if you have a puncture.

 However, depending on the depth and position of the damage, it may be possible to repair very minor punctures. 

One of the most common reasons for replacing your tyres is when the tread wears away and becomes 

 You can check this by yourself using a tool called a tyre gauge or by following this simple tip. 

 in your tyre periodically. These are signs that something is wrong. 

Old tyres can be brittle and age-racked with wear. Check for exposed or broken wire beads on your tyres, as this is another key sign they need a change. 

Realising you need new tyres isn’t always pleasant. Depending on your car needs, tyres can quickly rack up a hefty bill. However, 

split the new car tyre cost with interest-free monthly payments

Learn more about how our pay later tyre scheme can help you today. 

The easiest way to check your tyre tread is via the 20p test.

Take a 20p coin and place it in your tyre treads. If the tyre covers the outer band of the coin, then your tread is still within the legal limit. 

If not, it may need replacing, and you should visit your local garage as soon as possible. If you need more information on what to check on your car regularly, check out our 

handy guide to car checks before driving.

What is the legal minimum depth for car tyres?

The legal minimum depth of tyre tread for cars and other light vehicles is

across the middle three-quarters of the tyre. 

If it’s any less than this, you could be

and get 3 points on your licence. This is your sign to check your tyres! 

When you look closely, you’ll see each tyre is embossed with a unique set of markings. One of these markings is known as a DOT code. This acts as a unique code for your tyre, meaning you can identify how old the tyre is. Perfect if you want a cheat code or check your tyre’s age! 

DOT codes are made up of a string of several numbers and letters. But you only need to worry about the final four digits. 

DOT codes are a handy way to check your tyre’s age. Don’t forget to check the spare tyre’s age, too! You don’t want this to be too old to use if you ever need it. 

Apart from the risk of a fine, the condition of your tyres can also have a big impact on the car's performance

Worn-down tyres may have reduced grip, which could impact acceleration and breaking, so it really pays to have tyres that perform well. 

 on the back and front. Because tyre tread can have a big impact on handling, replacing just one tyre could cause your car to be unbalanced when moving. 

What should you do if your tyres are too old?

If your tyres are too old or have signs of wear, it’s time for a change to protect your safety. This means a spot for tyre shopping. 

However, remember these points to ensure a good fit before buying the first tyres you see. 

There comes a point when all tyres need a change. But you can extend their life by looking after them well. Here are a few tips to keep your tyres in good condition. 

Proper inflation is critical for a healthy car. To ensure your tyres are inflated, frequently check their pressure using a gauge and top them up as needed. 

If you install new tyres or notice vibrations when driving, you need to balance your tyres. You equalise the weight distribution around the tyre assembly and wheel to balance your tyres. This improves driving performance and reduces stress on the tyre. 

Harsh acceleration, sudden braking, sharp turns, and irresponsible driving can increase tyre wear and tear. 

Overloading your vehicle can put extra strain on your tyres and increase wear. Check your car’s manual to see the recommended weight capacity. 

Rotate your tyres approximately every 6,000 to 8,000 miles. This extended their wear and overall lifestyle, as tyres are no longer worn down in the same place. For example, you might rotate your tyres from side to side or back to front. 

Keeping on top of your tyre changes is critical for your safety, that of other road users, and your bank account. So, avoid last-minute costs and frustrating flat tyres and check your tyres regularly. You’ll thank yourself when you catch old tyres early! 

Do you need to replace your tyres? Are you looking for a garage that can split your payments into interest-free monthly instalments? Choose from 3,000 locations and sort it today with 

How long do car tyres last?

Fuel economy is often the last thing on drivers’ minds but with fuel prices rising higher than ever this summer you may want to pay closer attention.

In this guide, Bumper breaks down what fuel economy is, how it’s calculated, which cars are the most fuel-efficient, and what habits may be costing you more on the road.

Fuel economy is how far your vehicle can travel in relation to the amount of fuel used. This is measured in miles per gallon (MPG).

If your car gets 40 MPG, that means you’ll be able to drive 40 miles on one gallon of fuel. The average for UK cars is 37.8 MPG.

Hybrids can usually achieve a longer range. For example, the 2016 Prius can achieve around 50 –55 MPG.

A metric used most frequently in the US is MPGe. This represents the number of miles an electric vehicle can travel using the equivalent energy produced by a gallon of petrol – 33.7 kilowatt-hours of battery power.

A study by What Car? which simulated motorway, rural and town driving, found the top 10 most fuel-efficient cars to be:

What could be causing my vehicle to use more fuel?

Changing your oil frequently can reduce fuel consumption.

For newer vehicles (registered after 2013), new technology and improved fuel consumption mean you should only have to change your oil every 7,000–10,000 miles.

For older cars, oil changes should be carried out around every 3,000 miles.

A study by Automotive Service Excellence revealed that worn spark plugs can reduce your fuel economy by up to 30%.

If your MPG begins to rapidly decrease, there’s a good chance your spark plugs are at fault.

Fuel injectors are responsible for delivering fuel to your engine. If a leak occurs and less fuel makes it to the engine your fuel economy will decrease.

If you're worried about expensive replacement parts or repairs, 

you could benefit from 0% interest car repair financing with 

 and pay for car repairs in instalments in easy-to-manage monthly payments.

Oxygen sensors monitor the mixture of air and fuel. The incorrect mixture will decrease the efficiency of your engine.

Air conditioning is being used too frequently

 too frequently can harm your fuel efficiency, as unnecessary strain is placed on the engine.

Opening a window instead of using the air conditioning can help alleviate some of this stress, although it’s not advised to keep your windows down on the motorway as this causes additional resistance.

Turn off your engine where possible. Allowing your engine to idle in slow-moving traffic or outside school gates can be a big drain on fuel, so keep this to a minimum.

You can reduce your fuel consumption in a manual car by using the most appropriate gear. Both overworking and underworking the engine can have a negative effect on your fuel economy. When driving up a steep incline, use a low gear; when travelling fast on the motorway, use a high gear.

Common driving habits impacting fuel efficiency include driving too fast, accelerating too quickly and sudden braking.

Make sure to drive slowly with the flow of the traffic, and not just 

 Leave enough room between you and the vehicle in front, and allow the gears to naturally slow your vehicle.

Generally, keeping your car maintained with a regular service is a good way to reduce fuel consumption and improve fuel economy.

Bumper works with 1,000s of dependable dealerships across the UK and enables you to split your car repair bill into manageable chunks – interest-free.

You can apply to get pre-approved for any potential 

Look after your car and your bank balance – find out more about how Bumper works, and get your car repairs sorted today.

 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 Law

Bumper Content Writer

Average age of cars on UK roads increases to 8.4 years

How long do car tyres last?

Reducing Fuel Consumption: A Complete Guide for Drivers