Cars are complex things, there are many different mechanisms, moving parts and components that can fail. This is why the noises they make when faulty, can be a great indicator of what is going wrong.

Below we’ll explain what some common car noises mean, and when to be concerned with them and get them fixed. 

Bumper knows a large repair bill on your car is the last thing you want to spend your money on, but sometimes repairs can't be avoided. 

Look after your car and your bank balance by splitting the cost or repairs into with

Clicking noise and the engine not starting 

If you hear a clicking noise when you try to start your vehicle, there may be a problem with the electrics – and more specifically the battery in your car. 

This clicking noise may be a sign that the battery does not have enough power to crank the engine because it is faulty, or your car has a 

Most service centres or garages will be able to do a free battery health check. Batteries most commonly fail around 

winter time, when the engine is harder to turn over

 and the battery is at near zero temperatures. 

If your engine squeals when started, it is usually the auxiliary belt. Also known as the fan belt or serpentine belt, it drives the ancillary components such as 

Because these components all draw rotational power from the engine, the belt is under a large load when first starting, this in combination with rubber belts becoming harder and less ‘grippy’ when cold, the belt can slip and cause a noise. 

Whilst the noise will usually go quickly when it first develops, it will get worse the longer its left. In some cases the belt can simply be tightened and this will remedy the problem, 

If the belt is not tightened or replaced to prevent the squeal, it will ‘glaze’ meaning the surface becomes shiny and no longer grips. Once this happens the belt will slip much more. 

Whilst this does not appear to be a huge problem, the belt will eventually snap due to the unindented wear. A snapped auxiliary belt will leave you stranded, as the battery will no longer be charging, and in some cases the 

, which could cause serious engine damage. 

If you sometimes hear a loud metallic sounding, high frequency tapping when the engine is started, that fades away after a few seconds, you may need to check your engine oil. 

Some cars have hydraulic tappets on the camshafts. These are simply devices that allow your engine to run with less maintenance than the old fashioned alternative - manual adjusted tappets. 

Because the tappets are hydraulic, they use the engine’s oil to operate. If your car's engine oil is low, it can take a few seconds for the oil to reach the tappets, which are right on top of the engine. 

Learn how to spread your car repairs over monthly repayments

Are loud hydraulic tappets a big problem? 

In some cars, the tappet noise is perfectly normal, even with the correct amount of oil in the engine. It is likely to be more prominent on 

, and when the car is left with the engine off for a period of time - such as overnight. 

If your engine oil is at the correct level and is the right grade for your car, and your engine makes a loud tapping noise when started every time, it may be a good time to take it to a mechanic. 

It is important when trying to diagnose or describe a car noise that you think is causing a problem, to listen out for the particular circumstance that causes the noise. These details can help a mechanic diagnose the problem and fix your car faster! 

Suspension systems are made up of multiple links and joints. Over time these wear out and become loose, causing noises when the car drives over a bump or pot-hole at speed. 

Another potential source of noises from the underneath of your car is the exhaust system. As this is suspended from rubber hangers, these wear out and allow the

 itself to move excessively, banging into the underside of the car. 

What causes a loud bang under my car when driving? 

If you hear a loud bang from your car where the noise is a deeper tone and sounds as though it's coming from the back or front of the car, it could be the suspension. Common replacement parts are wishbone bushes, track rod ends and drop links. 

If it appears to be coming from directly underneath and is more hollow and metallic in tone - like the sound of a metal pan being hit with a spoon, it’s more likely an exhaust issue. 

Find out more about car warning lights and what to do about them.

Is your car making a "whirring noise" when driving?

A car making a "whirring noise" can be caused by any 

. For example, if there’s an issue with your power steering system such as a leak, you may hear this noise when turning the wheel, and especially when turned all the way in either direction. 

You should address any issues with power steering as soon as possible with 

Also, if you hear a whirring noise that seems like it's coming from your engine then you'll want to get to your local mechanic quickly. 

Other common sources of whirring noises and water pumps, alternators, air conditioning pumps and worn clutches - anything that spins, will have a bearing in, and can wear out. 

 can cause parts such as the pump pulley to wobble as they rotate causing the noise as you drive. If you don’t replace any faulty parts in your water pump, your engine may overheat and fail. 

A consistent humming noise may have very different causes based on where the noise appears to be coming from and when it happens. 

If the noise occurs when the car is stationary, it’s a sign that the issue may be a leak from a part that moves irrespective of whether the car is moving or not, e.g. your exhaust system. 

What causes a humming noise when driving? 

If the humming noise only happens when you’re driving it may be something more serious, such as 

. In short, wheel bearings allow the wheels of your car to rotate without friction or excess heat. 

These bearings wear over time and typically need to be replaced every 80-120,000 miles, depending on the usage. 

There are two main things to check in identifying a wheel bearing noise: if the noise get faster/louder with increased speed, and if the noise changes when turning at speed. 

Wheel bearings are critical to the safety of your car, and will affect tyres and vehicle control if left too long - if the two points above are true about the noise in your car, take it to a mechanic as soon as possible. 

Find out more about replacing wheel bearings.

A whistling noise while you drive is most likely caused by a leak somewhere in your engine, maybe as a result of a faulty or cracked hose in your turbo or vacuum system. 

These pipes are vital for keeping your engine running properly and would affect performance and economy. The parts usually don’t cost a lot to replace, but failure to do so will eventually lead to bigger problems. 

You may notice that your car makes a specific noise when your car is turning. Depending on the noise, it may signify any number of issues. It’s important to differentiate if the noise happens when turning the steering wheel, stationary or not, or whilst turning a corner. 

Noise when turning the wheel usually indicates a fault with the power steering system. Often the pump will cause a noise when the bearings become worn. It will usually coincide with heavier steering. 

If your car makes a noise when driving round corners, such as at roundabouts, it could indicate a fault with the suspension or tracking, or maybe be a wheel bearing, as described above. 

Another possibility is a worn CV joint. A Constant-Velocity joint is what enables the drive from the

 to be transferred to the wheels whilst turning. When worn they make a distinctive clicking sound, which increases in frequency with the speed of the vehicle, and volume with the level of steering angle. 

Whatever the noise, sounds when you turn can indicate there is an issue with your steering and should be addressed as soon as possible. 

Any engine issues will usually be more apparent when pulling off and accelerating uphill, than when at cruising speed. Similarly, braking noises will often get louder the harder the brakes are applied. 

Typically heard from the top of the engine bay, and sounds like air leaking from the engine. You might also hear a noise from underneath the car. 

If the noise is upfront, a turbo pipe leak could make a roaring noise, this will be accompanied by a lack of power and often more smoke than normal from the exhaust. 

At the other end of the spectrum, an exhaust leak from underneath the car could also cause a louder noise when accelerating. This will often be alongside a strong smell of exhaust fumes inside the car. 

Both noises would be easier to hear from outside the car. Try having someone gently rev the car's engine - in neutral - whilst you hear from the outside. 

Worried a noise in your vehicle may be a sign of something serious? Use 

 to find your local garage and pay for repairs in manageable monthly instalments, at no extra cost with a car repair loan. 

 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.

9 Car Noises To Look Out For (And What To Do)

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1 in 5 UK drivers admit to driving unsafe cars because they

and a quarter of drivers aged 17 to 24 say they put off repairs to avoid extra costs. This results in many dangerous vehicles on the road and a higher likelihood of 

Repairing your car is critical. To help manage the costs, a significant proportion of drivers use payday loans to cover car expenses. However, this isn’t always the best solution either. 

In this article, we’re exploring why payday loans aren’t always the best idea for car costs with honest advice and unbiased information. 

Before we discuss the pros and cons of payday

, we’ll quickly provide an overview of what they are. 

A payday loan is a short-term, unsecured loan that often comes with high-interest rates. These are also known as salary loans, payroll loans, payday advances, or cash advance loans. 

Payday loans are usually available for £500 or less and are a popular option for those with lower credit scores. But they’re not your only option.

It’s vital to be informed before applying for any 

. Here are the transparent benefits and drawbacks of payday loans for car repairs. 

Alternatives to payday loans for car repairs

Realising your car needs urgent repair is stressful. Before you sign up for a payday loan, consider alternative options and assess how they’ll affect your finances. 

Alternative payment options for car repairs include: 

Payday loans vs Bumper’s interest-free finance: A comparison

loans are used for car or vehicle expenses

, but they often have large interest rates. Typical interest rates work out to be 1,300% APR. 

In fact, one company we found offering payday loans for car repairs estimated a 6-month £2,000 loan would cost £3273.94, including interest. This is 

Companies offering payday loans tend to prey on those with 

‘Payday loans for bad credit’ is a phrase that appears frequently when searching online. This may seem appealing if you have a low credit score, but you’ll likely be charged a much higher interest rate. 

Finder.com reported that the average payday loan user is younger, between the ages of 25 and 30, single, in rented accommodation, and on a low income, with a household income of less than £1,500 per month. 61% of these users admitted to feeling less confident about managing money. 

Payday loans may seem like a quick solution to your car repair problems but could leave you with large amounts of interest to pay and your credit score negatively impacted (if you’re unable to make the repayments). 

Why interest-free loans are more sustainable than payday loans

 interest-free, buy now pay later loans for car repairs keep things simple. 

They have a 0% APR, meaning what you borrow is exactly what you pay. The garage covers the lender's cost in the form of a small percentage charge, so there is no need to worry about depositing extra cash to cover the interest. 

 and risk management systems uses artificial intelligence to make lending decisions based on previous loans, meaning we can lend responsibly and not push customers into debt. 

It also ensures we can lend to many people. Our average acceptance rate is 95%. 

Participating garages offer interest-free loans. Our' find a garage' tool allows you to find local garages using your postcode. 

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to car financing. However, it’s important to understand that payday loans aren’t always as friendly as they seem. Hopefully, this blog has helped you understand how payday loans work and encouraged you to conduct your own research before choosing one car repair financing method. 

 helps you spread the cost of any repairs at no extra cost. With 0% interest and the chance to split bills of up to £5,000, we’re here to help when your car goes wrong. We also offer quick online pre-approvals, allowing you to skip the paperwork and access help whenever needed. 

Apply for a credit limit and find a reliable service partner 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.

Here’s Why You Should NOT Use Payday Loans For Car Repairs

Credit cards can quickly come to the rescue when you’re short on cash. But while our plastic friends have often had our backs when faced with a large bill, a new form of payment has grown in popularity: Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL). 

BNPL is a finance option that allows you to make purchases by splitting the cost into monthly payments, often interest-free. Currys, Ikea, ASOS, Pretty Little Thing, and Very.co.uk are just some of the big names offering the option as an alternative to credit cards. 

But which one is better? How do BNPL vs credit cards measure up? Today, we’re delving into the two options to help you get an unbiased option. Let’s go. 

, it’s helpful to consider the pros and cons of both options. This gives you a transparent view of both, allowing you to choose the one that’s right for you without any false marketing. 

First up, here are the pros and cons of credit cards. 

Get your FREE credit report with Checkmyfile 

to see what lenders may see when they check your report. Try it FREE for 30 days, then £14.99 a month. Cancel anytime.

Next, we’ll look at the advantages and disadvantages of 

. Remember these before signing up for anything! 

Buy Now Pay Later vs Credit Cards - How do they measure up?

So, how does each side fare in the buy now pay later vs credit cards fight? Both options have positives and negatives, so which one is best for you is down to your financial needs. 

Here’s a quick comparison between the main factors: 

 is a Buy Now Pay Later provider for car repairs and servicing. 

We’re here to take away the stress of breakdowns and hefty repairs with 0% interest financing. You can spread the costs and match with an experienced garage near your home. 

When it comes to being accepted, Bumper provides an instant response so you know if you’ve been accepted there and then. 

Buy Now PayLater vs. Credit Cards

It’s pretty normal for drivers to continue driving with dashboard warning lights on. The fear of large repair bills is enough to put many drivers off taking their vehicles to a garage. 

But failing to take action when your car warns you of a problem can be a costly and sometimes dangerous decision. 

In this guide, we examine what dashboard lights mean and what to do if they pop up. No more ignoring that check engine light symbol! Scroll down to get started. 

The Check Engine Light or Engine Management Light links to the Engine Control Unit and is displayed if there is a problem with your engine’s performance. Depending on how urgent the warning is, the light can illuminate in different colours.

Here’s a quick overview of each colour: 

The Engine Management Light and Engine Control Unit cover a variety of sensors all over the vehicle. This makes identifying the problem difficult. Here are some common causes of the Check Engine Manage Light: 

What should you do if the check engine light comes on?

If the check engine light comes on, note the colour of the light. If it is an orange or amber colour and you feel the car is performing as it should, you can continue your journey, but make sure you book in with a garage as soon as possible. If the check engine light is red, you should find a safe place to stop and contact a 

 service. It is not recommended you continue your journey. 

Don't panic about the possibility of repairs, as 

 can help with 0% interest monthly instalments. 

. The ABS prevents your vehicle from skidding by quickly releasing and applying the brakes on the wheel. 

If the ABS light comes on, your brakes may still work, but the ABS might not engage, which may be a problem if you need to make an emergency stop. 

If the ABS and brake system lights are on at the same time, then your vehicle is unsafe to drive. Also, if the ABS light is illuminated, you should drive carefully and 

 in with a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. 

 is here to help with car repair costs. Split the cost of your car repair in interest-free monthly instalments. 

If the battery light on your car illuminates and stays on, this indicates there is a problem with the 

. There are three reasons this could happen: 

This is the most common reason. Over time, the terminals on the battery can erode, or the cables can become unplugged or damaged. If there is damage, the battery won’t be able to hold charge from the alternator. Your battery may need replacing. 

The alternator creates the electrical charge stored in your battery. It powers the headlights, radio, heater, and electric windows. If the alternator fails, no electricity will be generated, and your car will eventually lose power and stop. 

 belt can be a severe problem, as the belt controls not only the alternator but also the coolant pump and power steering. If the battery light stays on, the engine becomes hot, or you find it hard to steer, you may have a problem with the alternator. 

What should I do if the battery light appears?

You should turn off unnecessary electrical systems such as the radio and headlights (if it is safe). 

If you are close to home or a garage, you can continue to drive cautiously for a short distance until your vehicle is checked by a qualified mechanic. 

If you are far from home, you should not continue to drive. If your power steering fails, you may find it difficult to drive. It’s important to note that once you turn your engine off, a damaged battery may not charge enough to turn it on again. 

Also known as the low tyre pressure light, the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System alerts you when the pressure is low. 

Underinflated or overinflated tyres can result in tyre wear. Overinflation results in decreased traction. This will result in premature wear at the centre of the tyre. 

Underinflation will cause your car to feel sluggish, decrease fuel economy, and create excessive heat build-up. This will result in premature wear on both sides of the tyre. 

 using a gauge and adjust it according to your car’s manual. If the light continues, you may have a puncture. 

 You should have your tyres changed or repaired by a professional if this light turns on. 

5. Traction Control Light/Stability Control

The Traction Control System is activated when your car detects one or more of the wheels has lost traction. This can happen in wet or icy conditions. 

When traction is lost, the engine transfers power from the slipping wheels to the wheels with grip. If the Traction Control Light is illuminated and stays on, the system has a problem. 

In some vehicles, the light illuminates when the system is engaged and goes off when the vehicle regains traction (you can check this in your car’s manual). 

If the light is on all the time, the system will be shut down, and you should take the vehicle to be checked by a qualified mechanic. You should also take extra precautions while driving to the garage. 

Your car’s brakes are undoubtedly its most important safety system. If the brake light comes on and stays on when the hand brake is disengaged, your brakes could have a problem. 

The most likely reason for this is low brake fluid. Using your owner’s manual for guidance, locate the 

 reservoir and top up, if necessary, to the correct amount. 

Make sure to use the correct fluid for your engine. This can be found in the owner’s manual. You may have a leak if the light remains on when the fluid is at the correct level. 

. If it sinks slowly to the floor, check under your vehicle for any yellow liquid leaking. You may have a problem with your brake pads if there is no leak. The warning light can stay on when brake pads are significantly worn. 

Some cars have a separate light for worn brake pads that looks like this:

You should not drive further with a brake fluid leak or worn 

. Carefully stop in a safe place and contact a breakdown service. 

There are several reasons the Oil Pressure Warning light could be illuminated. Here are some common ones: 

Oil lubricates the engine, ensures all the moving parts are working correctly, and helps the cooling and cleaning process. If the oil is not kept at the correct level, you could cause costly damage to the engine. 

Check under your car — if an oily patch is underneath, you must contact a qualified technician. 

 by locating the dipstick. Remove the stick and wipe it with a cloth. Once wiped, replace the stick and pull it out again. You will be able to see the level of oil. 

If you’re unsure how to locate the dipstick or what the correct oil level should be, this can be found in your car’s manual. 

Reason 2: Your oil pump needs to be replaced

If the oil pump isn’t working, the pressure will drop. This makes it hard for the oil to lubricate the moving parts in your engine, which may result in the engine making a loud noise while running. 

Check your oil level. If it is fine and there is no sign of a leak, the light may indicate a faulty pump. You should not continue to drive with a faulty pump — this could cause a lot of damage to your engine. 

If your oil level is fine, there is no sign of a leak, and your car sounds and runs normally, it could be a faulty sensor. It is not recommended that you drive your vehicle. You should contact a breakdown service. 

The Engine Temperature Warning light indicates your engine is overheating. You should stop when it is safe and check the coolant levels under the bonnet. Be careful when doing so, as the bonnet could be hot. 

If you’re unsure how to locate the coolant tank, consult your car’s manual. 

If necessary, top up the coolant and wait at least 30 minutes for your engine to cool before continuing your journey. 

The fuel indicator light means your car is low on fuel, and you should fill your tank as soon as possible. 

Can I drive with the fuel indicator light on?

It is not recommended you drive far with the fuel light on. 

You should keep your tank around a quarter full at least to keep the fuel pump lubricated. If the fuel pump is continuously unlubricated for extended periods of time, this can significantly reduce its life span and make it expensive to replace. 

How many miles can I go with the fuel indicator light on?

You may have to drive with the fuel indicator light on if you're far from your nearest garage. 

How many miles you can travel differs greatly between car makes and models, and other variables such as tyre pressure, gear choice, and the road surface can have a big effect. 

Here is a rough guide for popular models taken from the RAC:

 The arrow next to the light indicates which side of the vehicle your fuel cap is located. 

Common reasons for the airbag and seatbelt warning light illuminating are: 

If dirt has become stuck in the seatbelt catch, this can cause the seatbelt to not lock properly or cause the computer to think the seatbelt is not fastened. 

The wires under the driver or passenger’s seat can be damaged by items being stored or trapped under them. 

The car’s clock spring allows the steering wheel to turn whilst maintaining the connection between the electrical system, horn, and airbag. 

If the clock spring is damaged, the airbag and seatbelt light may illuminate. 

The car may have been in a minor accident that wasn’t big enough to trigger the airbag but triggered the warning light. In this case, the light would need resetting. 

Dashboard Warning Lights: A Complete Guide for Your Car

 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 

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. 

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

9 Car Noises To Look Out For (And What To Do)

Here’s Why You Should NOT Use Payday Loans For Car Repairs

Buy Now PayLater vs. Credit Cards

Dashboard Warning Lights: A Complete Guide for Your Car

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