Alastair Shephard

Content Writer

Anything other than a quiet, smooth ride from your car can often be cause for alarm. The reality is that there are many different causes for juddering, from engine faults to brake and suspension issues. 

In this article I cover some of the most common causes of cars' juddering and how they are usually remedied, as well as how severe of a problem they can become. 

Juddering when driving can be a symptom of a few different problems, but regardless of the cause, it can be disconcerting, to say the least, especially as some causes can get worse with speed. These are the two most common reasons:

If your engine isn’t running smoothly, it can translate to a juddering or shaky ride, whether whilst accelerating or cruising at a constant speed. Engine misfires, often caused by old 

, a clogged mass air flow sensor or a failing coil pack can cause this.

Misfiring can also lead to engines sounding lumpy at idle, or stalling and cutting out when slowing and stopping, such as approaching a junction.

When tyres are fitted, the technician will use a balancing machine to add lead weights to counteract irregularities in the tyre and the weight of the valve, making them perfectly balanced. However, the weights are usually only stuck on and can fall off.

At 70mph your wheels rotate around 16 times per second, this means any imbalance in them can transfer directly to the car via the suspension, the vibration will get worse at speed and may even cause your steering wheel to wobble slightly.

Any unusual noises or vibrations are even more concerning if they happen whilst braking, as they may indicate an issue specifically with your brakes, these are some possible causes.

All modern cars have disc brakes on the front wheels, these use a flat disc and two pads to absorb energy and slow down the vehicle. If your brake discs are particularly old or have been used heavily - such as during a long downhill stretch - they can warp. 

Once warped, the discs will cause a vibration that transmits through the car's suspension and will be easily felt by any passengers in the car, even more so through the brake pedal itself.

Juddering or vibration from warped brake discs will feel more harsh, with a higher frequency at higher speeds, and vice versa. 

As an integral part of a car's suspension and steering system, the track rod ends connect the steering rack to the wheel hubs, allowing steering input to be transmitted to the wheels. 

Track rod ends use a ball and socket type joint to allow for movement in the suspension, these wear out over time. This can cause both a knocking noise when going over bumps, and vibration under heavy braking.

The flywheel is a key component that smoothes out the power delivery of an engine, a dual mass flywheel is in effect a more complex flywheel with multiple moving parts, that helps even further to reduce the level of vibration transmitted to the gearbox and therefore the car. 

Through normal use the springs and mechanisms in the DMF become worn, and reduce the effectiveness of the overall assembly. This leads to a significant increase in vibration felt in the car and through the clutch pedal.

All engines create vibrations, these are isolated from the body of the car via rubber-cored engine mounts, which absorb and dampen the vibrations. Over time, the heat and vibration from the engine can deteriorate these mounts, reducing their effectiveness. 

If your engine mounts are really bad, they can cause noticeable juddering or shaking of the car, this will be most noticeable when idling, changing gear or pulling away from a standstill.

The issues listed above can seem daunting, but most can be fixed with the replacement of a few parts, though some will require more labour costs than others. 

Fixing Juddering Whilst Driving or Accelerating

If your engine seems to be stuttering, misfiring or ‘breaking up’, then the replacement of the following components should be the first port of call:

If your juddering issue seems to get worse as you speed up, it might be caused by imbalanced wheels, many tyre shops offer a free balance check, but even so it can be done fairly cheaply.

One other cause that may feel similar to an imbalanced wheel is if your tyre has a bulge, check all around the tyre's tread and sidewall for a protruding lump. If found, organise a replacement to be fitted as soon as possible. 

Spread out the cost of new tyres with Bumpers zero-percent interest tyre financing

If the juddering only happens when braking, it is likely that something in the braking or suspension is awry, the first thing to check would be your track rod ends, many garages offer a free suspension check-up, where they can feel for play. 

If nothing is reported with the suspension, have a mechanic take the car for a test drive, warped brake discs are usually resolved simply by fitting a new set of discs and pads.

Fixing Juddering Whilst Idling on Your Car

Worn engine mounts can be diagnosed relatively easily, simply have someone open the bonnet and watch the engine as you give it a few revs, if it moves significantly - more than a few centimetres back and forth - then there’s a good chance you need new engine mounts. 

Dual mass flywheels are a little harder to diagnose at home, but any mechanic should be able to tell you if that is the problem after a short test drive. Unfortunately, a new DMF is likely to cost upwards of £1,000, so be sure to check out 

Bumper’s zero-percent financing for DMFs.

If you notice any new noise or vibration from your car, and you’re unsure what it is, it’s probably worth getting a mechanic to take a look. This is both from a safety point of view and to prevent the problem from getting worse and causing other faults to occur. 

Some of the issues mentioned above can be felt or heard inside the car before they are a safety issue, but problems involving brakes, suspension or the engine itself should be addressed immediately by a qualified professional.

Fix Any Issues With Your Car Through Bumper

 offers zero-per cent interest financing through one of the 

across the country, this gives you the opportunity to get your car sorted now, but pay for it over a period of time, at no extra cost.

Why Is My Car Juddering?

Warum ruckelt oder stottert mein Auto? 

Using finance to buy a car or pay for repairs and upgrades can help to grow your credit score. 

While timely repayments can get your numbers moving in the right direction, there are some potential bumps in the road you’ll want to steer clear of. 

With that in mind, it’s important to understand the ways that car-related finance could impact your credit health and how to keep an eye on your progress. Let’s shine a light on the details. 

To stay on top of your credit health, it's beneficial to regularly monitor your credit score and the information on your credit report. We recommend using Checkmyfile, the most detailed credit report you can get. They pull your data from the UK’s three main credit reference agencies – Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion – in one place, so you know where you stand. 

: Get a free 30-day trial with Checkmyfile and see how your repayments are affecting your credit score. It’s then £14.99 a month, and you can cancel online anytime. 

Taking out finance, like your interest-free Bumper plan, and managing it responsibly can improve your credit score. Here's how: 

: Your payment history has a big contribution towards your credit score. By making finance payments on time each month, you're building a positive payment record, which shows lenders you’re reliable. 

: Having different types of credit (such as car finance, credit cards, or a mortgage) can positively affect your credit score. Adding car finance to your credit mix can show lenders that you can handle various types of credit responsibly. 

: As you continue to make payments over the life of your finance agreement, you're establishing a long-term credit relationship. This can be viewed favourably by lenders and credit reference agencies. 

While timely payments can boost your score, late payments will have the opposite effect: 

: Payments made later than 7 days may be reported to credit reference agencies leaving a negative marker that can last for six years. 

: Late payments can cause a drop in your credit score, which can make it harder to be accepted for credit going forwards. 

: When you next apply for credit, lenders may offer you higher interest rates because they view you as a higher risk. 

By keeping an eye on your credit score and staying on top of your repayments, you're not just maintaining your vehicle – you're also getting your credit health in gear for a brighter future. So don’t forget to monitor your credit health with Checkmyfile. 

Remember, your credit score reflects your credit health. By managing your car finance well, you're paving the way for better credit opportunities down the road. 

How car finance can help tune your credit score 

An unusual or new smell coming from your car is usually a sign that something is amiss, but it can be even more of an issue if the smell in question is that of rotten eggs. Learn why this happens and how to solve the smelly problem. 

What Can Cause A Rotten Egg Smell In Your Car?

The smell of rotten eggs can be caused by a few different things in your car:

Can A Broken Catalytic Converter Cause a Rotten Egg Smell?

Yes, one of the most common sources for a smell akin to rotten eggs, is the catalytic converter. If this is the case, it will usually start to smell when the car is up to temperature - around 10-15 minutes into a journey.

The cause of this is not actually the fault of the 

, but more so the fueling system. If your car’s injectors are adding too much fuel into the cylinders, this unburnt fuel gets expelled out of the engine and is caught in the catalytic converter mesh.

One of the jobs of a catalytic converter is to turn the small amount of Hydrogen Sulfide produced by the engine into odourless Sulphur Dioxide, when excessive amounts of unburnt fuel is reaching the cat, the smell of rotten eggs; Sulphur, can be present inside and out.

The root cause of the issue can be a few things, including malfunctioning injectors, an erroneous sensor, or a broken air flow meter.

If the smell seems to come from near the 

, and doesn't seem to get worse when you drive, then it likely caused by a damaged or worn out car battery.

Thanks to the fluid inside, when a car battery is overcharged it can produce Hydrogen Sulfide - yep the same stuff we talked about above! 

A correctly operating alternator and battery setup will not overcharge the battery, but a damaged or worn-out battery can cause issues like this. 

Not only is this gas stinky, it is also dangerous for our health, this is one reason car manufacturers don’t like to mount the battery in the passenger compartment. 

In most cases a new battery, especially if yours is old or looking damaged, will solve the issue.

Behind the vents on your dash, there are many tubes and ducts that help direct the right temperature air to where you want it. 

If you don’t use this system regularly, condensation and moisture can cause mould to form. 

It might smell all the time, but will be most noticeable when you do eventually use the air conditioning or heater, when any mould or fungus will cause a smell to enter the cabin.

Is Your Car Smelling of Rotten Eggs Dangerous?

Regardless of where the smell is coming from, you should not ignore a rotten egg smell from your car. The gas that is usually the cause, Hydrogen Sulphide, can be very harmful to our health.

Short-term exposure to Hydrogen Sulphide can cause nausea, sickness and throat irritation, prolonged exposure can result in long-term health complications. 

If the smell is coming from mould in your car's vents, then this can be very damaging to your respiratory health, and you stop driving the vehicle immediately.

Should I Take My Car To a Mechanic if It Smells Like Rotten Eggs?

Whether the cause is your catalytic converter, battery or hidden mould, the consequences of not getting the rotten egg smell checked out could be severe. I’d recommend taking your car to a mechanic as soon as you pinpoint the smell to your car. 

In some cases the smell may come and go, it could depend on something as simple as the speed you're driving or even the weather, so try to pay close attention as soon as you smell anything eggy!

How to Prevent Rotten Egg Smell From Coming Back

This will depend on the cause of the problem, but with most of the causes discussed above, there isn’t much you can do once the problem has started, short of fixing the offending component permanently. 

That said, paying attention to your car's service and maintenance schedule can help, not only in the fact your car will run better, but with regular checks from a mechanic, small problems are sure to be found sooner.

 you can have your car repaired at one of many approved partner garages, with zero-interest financing. To find your nearest partner enter your car registration and postcode 

Why Does My Car Smell Like Rotten Eggs?

Wheel alignment costs in the UK can be anywhere from £30 to £60, depending on the service your car needs.

The condition and fine-tuning of your suspension and steering system is paramount to your car's safety, improving both handling and road holding performance. Not only that, but poor tracking or alignment can cause increased wear on your tyres. 

In this blog, we explore how much wheel alignment costs and why it’s so crucial for British drivers.

Prices depend on the exact model of car and location, but expect to pay anywhere from £30 to £60 for a two-wheel alignment (either front or back) and £50 to £100 for a four wheel alignment.

It is always best to consult a specialist garage experienced with high-performance vehicles to get an accurate quote tailored to your car’s specific requirements. 

 to split large repair costs into interest-free repayments. Perfect for those surprise fees!

High-performance vehicles or those with advanced steering and suspension systems often require more intricate wheel alignment procedures, which can increase costs. 

Standard 4-wheel alignments typically range from £50 to £100 in the UK, depending on the vehicle and location.

For high-performance cars, such as a Porsche Taycan or Tesla Model S, alignment costs can be higher due to the specialised equipment and procedures required. Similarly, luxury brands like Lexus or Audi may charge between £85 and £150 for a 4-wheel alignment, reflecting the precision and expertise needed.

Most modern cars benefit from a 4-wheel alignment, which adjusts all wheels for optimal handling and tyre wear.

A 2-wheel alignment, usually front wheels only, may suffice for older rear-wheel-drive cars or simpler suspension setups. Your mechanic will let you know if this is appropriate. 

Wheel alignment, or tracking as it’s often called here in the UK, is the process of adjusting a car's suspension and steering system to be in line with the manufacturer's specification. 

It can involve anything from making sure the wheels are both pointing dead ahead, to complex suspension geometry adjustments.

How often should you have a wheel alignment done?

Most manufacturers recommend having a wheel alignment once every three years. 

However, in areas with poor road conditions or for drivers who frequently mount curbs, it is advisable to have it checked at least once every two years.

Wheel alignment can have a significant impact on tyre wear, so it is often recommended to have at least a front wheel alignment performed when fitting new tyres to help maximise their lifespan.

A typical wheel alignment usually takes between 30 minutes and an hour.

As always, this depends on the car and the type of alignment. More complex vehicles or those requiring suspension adjustments may take longer.

The wheel alignment process can vary depending on the type of car and whether a 2-wheel or 4-wheel alignment is being performed. 

While different alignment systems exist, the general procedure typically follows these steps:

While minor adjustments may seem doable, wheel alignment requires specialised equipment and precise measurements.

Attempting it yourself can result in uneven tyre wear or handling problems. It is strongly recommended to have a qualified mechanic perform the alignment, especially if you are unsure or have no previous experience.

As well as regular alignment checks, you should have your tracking done if any of the following things are happening.

Incorrect alignment can cause uneven tyre wear, leading to the need for replacement much sooner than usual. 

If excessive wear appears on either the inside or outside of the tyre, have the alignment checked before fitting new tyres.

When driving on a flat road with no steering input, the car should travel in a straight line.

If it does not, first check the tyre pressures. If the issue persists, the tracking is likely out of alignment.

3. Steering wheel doesn’t return to centre

If the steering wheel does not naturally return to the centre when turning, or feels as though it wants to continue turning, the tracking may be off.

This is often caused by an incorrect caster angle, but it can also indicate worn suspension joints, so it is advisable to have the suspension checked when carrying out the alignment

If the steering wheel is not level while driving in a straight line, it may indicate that the alignment is off.

A knock from a curb or pothole can cause this, so the alignment should be checked as soon as possible.

Squealing is often easiest to spot when manoeuvring at low speeds, such as while parking. 

If the tyres make squeaking or chirping noises when turning, the tracking or alignment may be incorrect.

Like most car care, spending a little money and time on preventative maintenance can pay dividends in the long run. 

No, an MOT does not check wheel alignment. 

Poor alignment can affect handling and safety, so it should be checked separately. Knowing the wheel alignment cost in the UK can help plan this essential maintenance and keep your car safe on the road.

What happens if you drive with poor wheel alignment?

If you’re driving with poor alignment, then you can expect any of the following: 

It may seem trivial if the steering wheel is off or the car does not track straight, but ignoring alignment issues can have serious consequences. 

Poor tracking reduces grip, increasing the risk of losing control during an emergency manoeuvre.

Over time, uneven tyre wear from misalignment can further reduce their effectiveness and ability to disperse water.

Yes, wheel alignment is worth it as it improves handling and prolongs tyre life. It also ensures safer driving in general, which is always a bonus!

As stated above, ignoring alignment can lead to uneven tyre wear, reduced grip, dangerous driving, and higher fuel costs. Keep these away with prompt servicing.

If you’ve noticed any of the five common signs, such as squealing tyres, an off-centre steering wheel, uneven tyre wear, or unusual driving behaviour, you should have your car checked and aligned promptly to avoid further issues. 

Understanding the wheel alignment cost UK can help you plan for this essential maintenance, and hopefully, this blog has given you key insights for your car’s health.

Wheel alignment costs can be a bummer when they’re unexpected. 

you can split the cost of repairs into monthly payments at no extra cost. 

Apply online for up to £5,000 and choose from 1,000s of trusted repairers.

How Much Does Wheel Alignment Cost?

Wie viel kostet eine Achsvermessung? 

Having a chipped or cracked windscreen can be anything from a minor nuisance to a big repair bill, depending on how and when you deal with it. 

In this article, I’ll explain what you need to know about windscreen cracks and chips, and how best to deal with them. 

Technically yes you can drive with a cracked windscreen. Whilst the windscreen being cracked will not hinder the function of the vehicle, it could affect your ability to drive safely. 

If the crack is at all obscuring the view of the driver, this can be considered “use of a motor vehicle in a dangerous condition” by a police officer, an offence that comes with 3 penalty points and a fine. 

If the crack is on the passenger side then only use the car for essential travel, but essentially, I would always recommend replacing a cracked windscreen as soon as possible, if

Is it Illegal to Drive With a Broken Windscreen?

The act of driving with a broken windscreen is not specifically illegal, but you could be committing an offence if the damage is affecting your ability to safely drive. 

This could be from something as small as a minor chip if it’s directly in your eye-line.

The MOT rules are quite clear on windscreens, there are two main distinctions, chips vs cracks and the area in which the damage is in.

A crack or chip in the driver's view larger than 10mm is classified as an MOT fail

Any crack larger than 40mm (about the width of a credit card) anywhere on the windscreen will be an MOT fail.

It depends on the chip or crack. Unlike bodywork, glass is not easily repaired, but some damage can be fixed without needing a new windscreen.

Small chips - under 25mm - can usually be repaired, a chip classified as smaller than or approximately the size of a £2 coin. The repair consists of an epoxy resin being injected into the chip, filling it to be flush with the surface.

The chip will also need to be away from the outside edge, at least 7 cm in most cases. The excess is removed and the chip will be practically invisible once completed.

For a windscreen crack to be repairable, it needs to meet a few strict requirements; generally, these are to be at least 7 cm from an edge and less than 4 cm in size. However, in most cases, cracks will not be fixed by most repair companies.

How Much Does it Cost to Repair A Windscreen?

Windscreens are generally quite expensive components to replace, with many modern cars involving active safety cameras and sensors too. If your windscreen has a chip, make sure to get it fixed as soon as possible to avoid higher costs. 

How Much Does A WindscreenChip Repair Cost?

Small chips in your windscreen can be repaired for as little as £40

This will generally be per chip so if you have more than one make sure to factor this in. Chip repairs take around 30 minutes.

You can sometimes see companies offering free chip repair, often in supermarket car parks. 

Usually, these claim the cost from your insurer, so make sure to double-check your policy details before approaching one.

How Much Does Windscreen Replacement Cost?

If your windscreen has a large chip in it, or a crack over 40mm, you’ll need to have it replaced, 

, depending on the car and the features it has (auto-braking and rain sensors can make the job more complex).

As detailed below, you can have your windscreen replaced much cheaper through your insurance, usually, the 

windscreen excess will be around £100 - £130.

It’s actually fairly commonplace for comprehensive policies to cover windscreen replacements, and what’s more, it generally doesn’t affect your no-claims policy.

To have your windscreen replacement covered by your insurance policy, check your policy documents for information on how to claim. This will also detail the windscreen excess you’ll have to pay.

How Much Does a Replacement Windscreen Cost Through Insurance?

Like most costs in motoring, the standard excess cost has risen over the last few years, 

you can generally expect to pay £100 - £150 for windscreen excess from most insurers.

However, this cost is assuming you’re happy to use the insurers nominated provided, to use an unapproved supplier you may find yourself having to pay significantly more. 

Can You Prevent a Chipped Windscreen From Spreading?

Cracks do tend to grow over time, made worse by heat/cold cycles and vibration/impact from driving.

That said, chips can also turn into cracks if left too long, so it’s important to get any chips repaired as soon as possible, ideally with the car having as little use beforehand as possible.

Unfortunately, it’s near enough impossible to avoid the stone impacts that most often cause windscreen chips and cracks.

If your car is presenting large repair bills, 

 offers a zero-interest option to spread out car payments, from bodywork damage to large mechanical work. Choose from one of our many 

Cracked Windscreens: Is It Safe To Drive, Can You Repair Them & And How Much To Fix

Risse in der Windschutzscheibe: Darf man damit fahren, kann man sie reparieren und wie viel kostet die Reparatur?

Engine failure is one of the most costly issues any driver can face, often resulting in bills higher than the value of the car itself. If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, you may be wondering if your car insurance will cover the bill, we explain all in this blog.

If the engine failure is due to age, mileage or poor servicing, your car insurance will not cover the repair costs, this is regardless of the level of cover you have. 

The only instance your insurance might pay to repair a blown engine is if it was the result of a crash, fire or attempted theft.

Will Third Party Insurance Cover Engine Failure?

Regardless of cause, third party insurance will not cover engine failure, that’s because it only covers the other party’s vehicle, but not your own.

Will Third Party Fire and Theft Cover Engine Failure?

TPFT includes cover for your own vehicle in cases of theft or fire damage, so in theory should cover engine failure from either of these events, for a definitive answer contact your insurer.

As theft attempts usually amount to a broken window or damaged ignition barrel, rather than engine failure, many insurers would need strong evidence before they’d pay to replace an engine on this basis. 

Will Comprehensive Insurance Cover Engine Failure?

As comprehensive cover includes damage to your own car, if the engine failure is caused by an accident, the insurer should foot the bill to repair or reimburse you for the costs.

If caused by any other eventuality, it’s unlikely to be covered, read on for more details.

If the engine failure is the result of an accident, and you have comprehensive cover, the insurer is likely to cover the repair or replacement of your car. 

However, unless your car is particularly valuable, most engine replacements bills will deem the car “uneconomical to repair” meaning the car will be declared a write off instead of receiving a new engine.

When Insurance Will Not Cover Engine Failure

Even with the correct maintenance schedule and servicing, an engine can still fail, unfortunately 

insurance policies don’t cover for mechanical failure due to wear and tear.

Manufacturers or after sales warranties are typically used to cover these kinds of damages

Modern engines are finely tuned devices, with many moving parts. They need lubrication via the correct oil, changed at the 

, and effective cooling via their cooling system. 

If either of these are ignored, forgotten or overlooked, the engine may well suffer and fail prematurely.

Ultimately, insurance does not cover against lack of maintenance, 

even warranty companies will need to see evidence of manufacturer-recommended servicing before paying out for such a failure. 

Many cars are scrapped due to faults other than engine failure, such as rust, bodywork damage or simply old age. Even so, helping to prevent your engine from falling prematurely is relatively simple.

Advice

Why Is My Car Juddering?

How car finance can help tune your credit score

Why Does My Car Smell Like Rotten Eggs?

How Much Does Wheel Alignment Cost?

Cracked Windscreens: Is It Safe To Drive, Can You Repair Them & And How Much To Fix

Does Car Insurance Cover Engine Failure?

Does Car Insurance Cover Repairs?

What Is The UK's Legal Tread Depth?