Airbags have been standard fitment on all cars for the last few decades, and for good reason; they help reduce injury in the event of a collision. But, like any additional component in a car, they cost money to replace should something go wrong. 

This article takes a look at the costs associated with an airbag replacement or repair.

If your airbags have deployed because of an accident or fault, expect to pay anywhere from £200 to £2,000+ to repair the damage.

However, in most cases its best to let your insurance assess with and deal with the car. Often, if the airbags have deployed, it means the car will be uneconomical to repair, and as such will be considered a write-off.

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If the damage to the rest of the car is repairable and has been deemed safe, it is possible to replace the airbags. In most cases, they will also cause damage to various parts of the interior, such as the steering wheel, dashboard and seats. 

Along with the airbags needing replacing, it is quite likely that the seatbelt pre-tensioners will have activated too. These are explosive charges that pull occupants into the seat, and only work once. 

The time it will take the garage to replace the airbags and repair any damaged interior panels will depend on the number of airbags deployed and the availability of parts.

In most cases, your insurer will first conduct an assessment of the damage to see if it’s worth repairing, which can add another few days to a week.

After the damage has been assessed, new parts will be ordered, usually directly from the manufacturer, and fitted. In total, this can take anywhere from a few days to a few months.

No, airbags serve a very important role, and do not work twice. Once they have deployed, they need to be replaced. They are also likely to deposit debris and gases into the car, something that will not be safe to be around. 

Furthermore, any collision forceful enough to set off airbags also means the car should be fully inspected by a professional before being driven.

This is to ensure the various other safety components, such as impact/crash bars and crumple zones, are not damaged. 

In October, the largest ever vehicle recall was issued, after a fault was discovered with certain airbags made by now-folded Japanese company Takata.

The recall affects cars from many manufacturers, including Citroen, BMW, Toyota and more. It covers a wide range of products, made between 2002 and 2018, in total, around 67 million airbag units are affected. 

If your car has sustained damage, either mechanically or to the bodywork, Bumper can help spread out the cost of large repair bills with a 

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 has been writing about cars for over eight years and writing for Bumper for over three, 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 cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.

How much does it cost to repair an airbag?

Whilst originally formed to make their own sports cars, Abarth is best known for their association with Fiat, making performance versions of many of their models over the years, including the Abarth 595, the Punto Evo and the 124. 

If your Abarth needs work done, from routine servicing to mechanical repairs, read on to get an idea of the likely costs you should expect to pay.

These are some rough estimates for servicing costs on Abarth models

Servicing prolongs the life of your car and is likely to be a requirement if the car is leased or financed. 

Not only do large servicing bills increase the annual costs of running a car, but they may also mean that previous owners are less likely to have serviced the car at the dealership, if buying secondhand.

It’s essential to change your car's cambelt within the recommended intervals, so as to avoid much larger repair bills should it break whilst driving.

Suspension components for a regular Fiat 500 are usually pretty well priced, as the cars are simple and plentiful. The Abarth parts, however, are a little more specialised, with fewer cars on the road, meaning they are more expensive.

Bodywork repair costs are usually only determined by the extent and location of the damage, and not necessarily the model or make of the car. However, there are some paint codes that are particularly difficult to match, increasing the costs.

Engines are typically quite expensive to repair as they are very complex and require specialist tools. The Abarth 500 and 595 have the added disadvantage that they are quite tightly packaged, meaning some jobs take more time than on other cars.

If you have any of the costs listed above looming, such as bodywork damage or a knock from your suspension, Bumper can help spread the cost. Split your bill into monthly payments with Bumper's 

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How much does it cost to repair an Abarth?

Water can be extremely damaging to your car if it gets in the wrong places. If water is leaking into your car from a sunroof or door seal, it's important to get it fixed as soon as possible to avoid further damage. 

How much does it cost to repair a car water leak?

Repairing a water leak on your car can cost between £40 and £350+, depending on the cause of the leak and the type of car it is. 

In some cases, a leak is caused by a misfitted seal or one that has come loose. It’s worth checking this yourself before taking the car to a garage, but if you did, it shouldn’t cost more than £40-50 for the mechanic to refit the seal.

It’s also quite common for seals to perish and split over time. If this is the case, the seal will need to be replaced entirely. These can range in price, typically costing between £50-100 for a door or boot seal. Don’t forget to factor in labour costs if you're getting a garage to fit it. 

Sunroofs are a common source of water leaks, either due to perished or damaged seals, or a mechanism that is no longer closing the roof properly. Repairing a leaking sunroof can cost anywhere from £40 for a new seal to £200+ if the mechanism needs to be replaced or repaired.

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What are some common causes of car water leaks?

Any place that opens, such as a door or window, can be a source for water leaks, but these are some common places to check first:

It’s not always immediately obvious that you have a water leak, but noticing one or more of the following common symptoms should necessitate having a look for the source of the leak. 

Issues resulting from a water leak can range from some damp carpets to incredibly expensive electrical repairs, depending on the car and the source of the leak. 

At the least, an ongoing water leak is likely to cause a musty smell, and issues with the windscreen fogging up in cold weather. 

If left for a long period of time, mould can easily begin to form in waterlogged carpets and upholstery. This is usually fairly easy to clean off, but in some cases can mark fabrics. Not to mention the health issues!

In certain cars, the consequences can be much more severe, especially if the car’s ECU or wiring is located anywhere the water is leaking or running, repairs can run to thousands of pounds. Even a corroded earth connection can cause a multitude of problems.

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A seized brake caliper can occur on almost any car, and with brakes being such a vital safety system, it’s important to get any potential issues fixed as soon as possible. In this article, we’ll discuss how much it’s likely to cost to repair a seized brake caliper.

It will cost between £125 and £600 to repair a seized brake caliper, but the make and model of the car, as well as the extent of the damage, can affect the final cost.

In some cases, the caliper can be disassembled, the slider pins cleaned and re-greased, and put back on the car. This should only take an hour or so in labour, typically costing around £85 and £175.

In more severe cases, where the caliper needs to be fully rebuilt, a new one will be fitted, generally costing anywhere from £150 and £300 per corner.

If the brake caliper has been seized for some time, and caused the brakes to overheat, this will require a new disc and set of brake pads too, likely bringing the bill to around £600.

Brake calipers have a moving and a static part, in order to apply braking pressure to the disc. If this movement is hindered by corrosion, a lack of grease, or simply a lack of use, the caliper can become stuck in the clamped position, effectively holding the brake on.

It happens mainly to rear brake calipers, as they often have a handbrake mechanism built in, too. But it can happen to either the front or rear.

The usual causes of a seized brake caliper are age or a lack of maintenance. Both the slider pins and brake piston are shielded from road dirt and water by rubber seals. If these are damaged during a repair or have degraded over time, they will no longer protect the piston or slider pins.

This leads to water and dirt entering, and subsequently both washing away lubricating grease, and allowing moisture in, which then corrodes vital components.

Once part of the slider pins or pistons have begun to corrode, they are difficult to separate or clean, and tend to bind or stick easily.

If it’s the slider pins that have seized, they can, in some cases, be simply taken apart, cleaned up and re-lubricated. This can sometimes also be done to a slightly rusty brake piston.

If the corrosion is too bad, and the parts are pitted or will not move freely, a new caliper will be required. Thankfully, these aren’t overly expensive, starting at around £90 for a small car, but rising to many hundreds for performance on luxury vehicles.

When replacing a brake caliper, it is good practice to replace the brake pads, and if the seized brake has overheated, both the pads and discs should be replaced, on both sides.

Once the brake work has been done, the system will need bleeding. This is a good time to have your brake fluid flushed.

No, a caliper that is seized will not apply proper braking force, meaning your brakes will be unbalanced and potentially very poor. This is in addition to the fact that a seized caliper is likely to overheat and damage the discs, pads and even the caliper itself if not repaired soon enough.

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How much does it cost to repair seized brake calipers?

In most cars, the gearbox is not actually that close to the gearstick. There is a linkage of either cables or rods that translates your gear selection to gear changes in the box. 

However, these linkages can wear out, become stiff or break over time and use. This article will cover the various costs associated with having your gearbox linkage repaired. 

How much does it cost to repair a gear linkage?

In general, a gearbox linkage repair costs between £70 and £400, depending on the cause of the problem and the parts needed to repair it. 

A simple bushing replacement can cost as little as £70 if the main linkage mechanism or cables are okay and not stretched or damaged.

Replacing gear shifter cables typically costs over £200, if using parts from the manufacturer – which is generally recommended, for smooth shifting without alignment or adjustment issues.

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Gear linkages connect the gearstick to the gearbox, allowing the driver to change gears. They are present in most cars.

In most modern cars, the gearbox is under/beside the engine, meaning the gearstick in the passenger compartment is a few feet away. This means a system of linkage bars and pivots, or cables, is needed to actuate the gearbox selector lever. 

The only cars that don’t usually feature a gear linkage system are rear wheel drive ones, which have the gearbox situated in the transmission tunnel, between the driver and passenger. In these cars, the gearstick often connects straight to the gearbox.

In general, gearbox linkages just deteriorate with age and use. They typically have numerous joints, pivots and moving parts that are often subject to road dirt and water. Over time, these parts wear as they rub together. 

Due to the precise nature of a gearbox, it does not take much wear in the linkage to cause issues selecting gears. 

Another fault that can appear as a gearbox linkage problem is the engine mounts. They are there to allow the engine to move slightly, absorbing vibration.

However, when they become overly worn, the engine can jolt under acceleration or gear changes, causing issues selecting and retaining gears. 

Symptoms of a worn or broken gear linkage

It’s usually pretty easy to tell if a gear linkage is worn or broken. Look out for the following:

It is highly recommended that you don't drive a damaged or broken gear linkage. Not only can it cause internal problems to worsen, but it is likely to leave you stranded, unable to select gears.

Instead, get the car to a garage as soon as possible, and have the linkage inspected and repaired.

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How much does gearbox linkage cost to repair?

Leaking fuel is a major problem; it poses an immediate danger of fire, and also produces fumes that are harmful if breathed. It’s important to get any issues with your fuel system repaired as soon as possible. 

This guide explains how much it’s likely to cost, and what the potential causes of your fuel leak are.

It can cost anywhere from £30 to £1,600 to repair a fuel leak. The exact cost will depend on the component that is causing the leak and how long it takes to find and fix that issue.

The best-case scenario is that your fuel cap is not sealing properly. This is worth checking yourself, and could cost as little as £30 to replace, if the seal or mechanism is broken. Check for telltale signs of marks underneath your filler cap, especially after filling up.

Damaged fuel filters can also be the cause of a leak; it will often be from the rear of the car. Expect to pay around £60-90 for a new filter, or £200-500 for a filter housing replacement, if it’s broken.

A damaged fuel line is another common cause of a fuel leak. If it's a small, easy-to-access one fuel line, it could be fixed for around £120 and £300 (or more, if it's a larger, more expensive part).

A split in the fuel tank or the tank filler pipe can cost between £300 and £900 to fix. They are generally not repairable and will need to be replaced. If bought from a dealer, these parts can be expensive and require a few hours to replace.

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It’s important to address a potential fuel leak as quickly as possible. If you notice any of the following, be sure to get the car checked out as soon as possible:

Modern cars tend to use plastic or rubber fuel tanks, filler pipes and fuel lines. These are susceptible to both physical damage from debris flicked up from the road surface and ageing over time.

Other components, such as seals and gaskets, can harden over time, causing them to no longer seal against the fuel pressure inside the system. 

In some cases, yes, using E10 fuel can cause fuel leaks, mainly in older cars. In late 2021, E10 fuel became the standard type of fuel sold at UK petrol stations. It differs from the older E5 fuel by having 5% more ethanol in it – hence the name.

The main issue with this new, higher ethanol fuel is that the fuel lines used in older cars are not resistant to ethanol. It can therefore degrade and break down the rubber faster, causing leaks. 

This is predominantly only an issue with cars made prior to 2010, but it’s important to check your car’s compatibility to be sure. Use the 

As soon as you notice a fuel leak, you should have the car inspected urgently. Not only does a fuel leak pose a fire hazard, but the fumes from it are also extremely dangerous if breathed in. 

In many cases, garages will offer to check over the car for a small fixed charge, only charging more once the problem has been identified. Be wary of garages that offer free checkups as an incentive to get you in the door.

No, you should not drive a car that has a known fuel leak. As mentioned above it can be extremely dangerous, even if the car is a diesel. It could also cause further issues with the car, including damaging fuel pumps and allowing air into the system.

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How much does it cost to repair a fuel leak?

Limp mode or limp home mode, is your car's way of protecting itself from a minor issue causing a lot of damage. It can be triggered by any number of faults or erroneous sensor readings, meaning it can sometimes be difficult to fix. 

In this article, we’ll explore the potential costs of repairing whatever is causing the limp mode and how to investigate further. 

How much does it cost to repair a car in limp mode?

Repairing a car in limp mode can cost anything from £45 to £2,000+, depending the cause of the problem. Unfortunately, the cause could be one of hundreds of issues.

The first thing to do is have a diagnostic scan done; some garages will charge around £50 as a starting cost to have the fault codes read. This should tell them what the cause of the problem is.

Below are some common causes of limp mode and their associated repair costs.

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Limp mode is when a car's ECU temporarily limits the power the engine can produce when a fault is present. The fault is likely to be detected by one or more of the sensors on the engine or exhaust.

In general, a car will have 10-20% of its normal power output whilst in limp home mode, allowing you just enough power to get the car to the side of the road safely. 

There are many faults that can cause a car to go into limp mode, ranging from minor sensor faults to blown engines and other major issues. This is done to protect the engine and other components from further damage. 

For example, if the car detects a serious misfire, it will engage limp mode to protect the engine and catalytic converter from the effects of over-fuelling.

If the car has gone into limp mode, then the ECU will almost certainly have stored the error code. Connecting to the car via the OBD port with a suitable diagnostic tool will enable the codes to be read.

From there, systems can be further investigated, or parts replaced to fix the root cause of the limp mode event. Once parts have been changed or repaired, the car’s ECU can be cleared of fault codes, removing any warning lights on the dashboard. This also means any existing or new faults will be clearly identifiable.

Many faults can cause limp mode; it can also be caused by a faulty sensor, despite there not being a fault present at all. Below are some common faults that are likely to cause limp mode, though be mindful that this list is far from exhaustive:

Only to get the car to a safe place, such as a layby or refuge area on a motorway. In limp home mode, the car will have too little power to drive on the road safely, making roundabouts and junctions very dangerous. 

Whether the underlying issue is an inexpensive sensor or a major engine issue, it can often mount up to a large repair bill, accounting for diagnostics, parts and labour. 

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How much does it cost to repair limp mode?

With alloy wheels getting bigger, cars getting heavier, and road conditions seeming to get worse, it’s no surprise that more and more drivers are finding alloy wheel damage an increasingly common occurrence. Thankfully, buckled car wheels can be repaired, but what is that likely to cost?

How much does it cost to repair a buckled wheel?

Minor dents in your alloy wheels can be repaired for around £70 to £100 each, depending on the severity and location of the damage. In many cases, further damage to the same wheel can be repaired at the same time. 

More severe dents or buckles could cost more, or may not even be possible to fix, meaning you could need a new alloy. Dealership prices can range from £250 to £700+, depending on the size and type of wheel. 

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If your alloy wheel has a crack in it following an impact with a large pothole or kerb, repairing it can cost between £60 and £180, depending on the size of the crack and wheel. 

Be sure to use a reputable repair centre for alloy wheel crack repair. Not all alloy wheel cracks can be repaired; if the damage is very bad, the wheel should be replaced entirely.

Yes, although they require more care than steel wheels to repair, alloy wheels can be repaired. To ensure the material does not fracture, repairers often heat up the metal first. 

In many cases, dented alloy wheels need to be repaired on a specialist machine that accurately balances the wheel between operations, making the end result perfectly balanced and unlikely to cause any vibrations when driving.

Can I drive on a buckled or dented alloy wheel?

You should not drive on a damaged alloy wheel, due to the unknown risk of tyre and wheel integrity. The best course of action is to replace the damaged wheel with the spare (if your car has one) whilst you get it repaired. 

Not only does a buckled wheel pose an immediate danger, but it can also damage or cause excessive wear to other components, such as wheel bearings and track rod ends. 

In many cases, it’s not possible to prevent wheel damage, especially if a pothole is obscured by a puddle or is unavoidable in the road. However, taking some precautions can reduce your overall risk.

As well as mechanical repairs, many of Bumper’s approved garages can also repair alloy wheels. This means you can be back on the road with no concerns of wheel damage, all with zero-per cent financing. Find your nearest garage here.

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer