Alastair Shephard

Content Writer

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

As we head into November, drivers are being reminded of a common, but easily avoidable, mistake that could result in a hefty £2,500 fine and three penalty points on your licence. 

Rain is a given in the UK, but one simple check could keep you out of trouble and make your journey safer. When the rain starts to fall, a working set of windscreen wipers is essential to give you a clear view of the road. 

However, over time, wiper blades can degrade and stop working properly, which not only impairs visibility but also puts you at risk of serious fines.

Drivers are now being urged to inspect their windscreen wipers before setting off, especially during rainy spells. 

It’s best to check the wipers regularly, as worn-out or damaged blades can leave water streaks that blur your view – a potentially dangerous situation on a rainy road.

Driving with faulty wipers not only makes your commutes unsafe for you, pedestrians, and other road users but it could leave you thousands out of pocket too.

The legal backing for this advice comes from Section 40a of The Road Traffic Act, which makes it illegal to use a vehicle in a dangerous condition. This law applies to wipers, among other vehicle components, so keeping them in top condition is not just recommended – it’s required. 

Failing to do so could lead to a fine of up to £2,500 and three points on your licence if the poor condition of your wipers compromises your control over the vehicle.

To avoid fines and stay safe, inspect your wipers for any splits in the rubber or streaks left on the glass after use. 

A fresh set of blades is often affordable and easy to install, so replacing them as soon as they wear down is a small price to pay compared to a potential £2,500 penalty.

Alongside checking your wipers, ensure your headlights are fully functional and use them during heavy rain or low visibility. 

The law stipulates that you should be able to see at least 100 metres ahead when driving in wet weather; if you can’t, you’re again at risk of being fined under the ‘Using a Vehicle in a Dangerous Condition’ offence.

Rainy-day driving mistake that could cost you £2,500

Hailstorms aren’t an everyday occurrence in the UK, but when they do show up, they can wreak havoc on unsheltered cars. 

If your car’s been caught short and now has hail damage, don’t worry! There are some tried and tested ways to repair car hail damage, so your vehicle will be looking as good as new in no time.

This blog looks at the different types of hail damage, common repair costs, prevention strategies, and whether you can claim hail damage on your insurance. Those dents will be gone in the blink of an eye! Let’s get started.

Hail damage isn’t always the same. The damage can range from minor dents to severe broken glass, depending on the storm. Here’s a quick overview of hail damage for cars:

How often do hailstorms happen in the UK?

Hailstorms aren’t very common in the UK, but they tend to appear from September to April during the transition between seasons. 

, hail is most common in the western parts of Britain since the area is closest to the North Atlantic and Irish Sea. When cold showers reach the cold land in winter, hail is created. 

Eastern England and south-east Scotland see more hail in spring when 

 Most hailstones are smaller than 25mm. However, they can be as small as 5 mm and grow up to 50mm! 

How much does hail damage cost to repair?

Hail damage repair costs depend on the type of damage to your car. 

Here’s a quick breakdown of costs based on the four kinds of damage described earlier in the blog:

Fix hail damage as soon as possible. Some problems may 

The best way to avoid hail damage repair is to protect your car from the get-go. You can do so in a few simple steps. 

If you’re unlucky enough to get caught in a hailstorm, don’t panic! 

There are multiple ways to access hail damage repair, such as the following:

Most drivers should contact their local garage or dealership for professional advice. These experts can assess the damage and create a personalised repair plan.

This may include paint repair, paintless dent repair (PDR), new windows, or structural repairs.

While garages are recommended, if you’re knowledgeable about cars, you may want to tackle the hail damage yourself. 

For example, DIY dent removal kits can be used on minor dents. However, they may not be as seamless as 

 If you’re unsure or haven’t worked on a car before, it might be best to contact a professional.

You should seek professional help if the hail damage is extensive (e.g. broken glass, large dents, or severe paint chipping). Trying to fix large areas of damage yourself 

As stated above, if you’re unfamiliar with cars or DIY work, it’s always best to leave it in capable professional hands!

 you can split the cost of repairs with no extra charges.

 will pay out for car hail damage. However, it’s usually considered an ‘at-fault’ claim, meaning your premium will go up when it’s time to renew.

This doesn’t always seem fair, but it’s more due to the language used by car insurance companies. ‘At-fault’ means that no one else’s insurance will cover the costs, leaving your insurance company to foot the bill. 

Unlike comprehensive car insurance, third-party packages won’t cover hail. So, if you don’t have a sheltered parking spot and live in an area prone to hail, it’s best to opt for comprehensive insurance. 

If you’re unsure, you can check your policy coverage by logging into your insurance portal or looking at past paperwork. You can also reach out to the company if you can’t find the information. 

Always check before renewing or purchasing insurance!

Hail damage can be costly and frustrating, but hopefully, this guide has helped you minimise your risk or find relevant repair costs. 

If your car has sustained damage, review your insurance policy and reach out to a local garage for professional assistance. Avoid DIY repairs unless you have enough experience!

 offers zero-interest financing on car repairs, perfect for covering pesky hail damage. We work with many partners nationwide who can fix your car without stress. 

Find your nearest garage using Bumper here.

Car Hail Damage in the UK

Glow plug replacement costs in the UK range from £125 to £250. These small but essential 

 components ensure smooth starts, especially in cold conditions.

If your glow plugs fail, your engine may struggle to start, idle roughly, or emit excessive smoke. So, it’s key to keep an eye on them for a smooth drive.

Learn more about glow plug replacement and what to expect below.

How much does it cost to replace glow plugs?

The average cost for replacing glow plugs in the UK is £170.

However, prices can range from £125 to £250 depending on your vehicle's make and condition. These costs include changing all of your glow plugs in one go.

The cost of glow plug replacement varies based on your vehicle and the manufacturer’s recommended parts. Additionally, the type of mechanic—whether a mobile mechanic or a dealership technician—can impact the total diesel glow plug replacement cost.

Here’s a quick overview of glow plug replacement costs per car manufacturer, looking at the approximate cost of parts and labour. 

These costs may change depending on your car model and individual needs.

Your location can also affect the cost of glow plugs. 

How much are glow plugs at your local garage? Here are some average costs from across the UK:

How do I know if my glow plugs need replacing?

There are a few symptoms to keep an eye out for when it comes to replacing your glow plugs. These include:

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to talk to a mechanic about a glow plug replacement. 

, you can spread the cost of any repairs at no extra cost. Learn 

If you notice any of the symptoms above, it could indicate a problem with your glow plugs. 

Here are some common problems and quick fixes to help you get back on the road:

Glow plugs can be expensive to replace due to the cost of the parts and the labour involved. 

High-quality plugs for modern diesel engines are pricier, and labour costs can add up if they're hard to access. Some cars also require specialised tools, which can increase the overall cost as garages might need to import them or you might need to travel to a specialised mechanic.

In most diesel vehicles, there’s typically one glow plug per cylinder. For example, a six-cylinder engine would have six plugs. 

 manufacturer, or modifications. Always refer to your owner’s manual for specific details.

You should replace your glow plugs every 80,000 to 100,000 miles or when they show signs of failure. Driving conditions, maintenance habits, and the quality of the glow plugs can all impact their lifespan. It's wise to have them checked during regular maintenance so you can drive knowing they’re in tip-top condition!

How long does it take to replace glow plugs?

Replacing glow plugs typically takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on your car’s make and model. 

Some engines are easier to access than others, affecting the overall repair time. Similarly, it may take longer if the glow plugs are seized or hard to reach.

Always factor in extra time and ask your garage for an estimated time frame to get a more accurate idea.

Are there any warning lights for glow plugs?

Many diesel vehicles have a glow plug warning light, usually a coil or spiral symbol. It lights up while the plugs heat and turns off once ready or the engine starts. 

may also appear, although it can indicate other issues as well.

Jump to Bumper’s complete dashboard warning light guide now.

The accurate answer depends on your car's make, driving style, and material quality. Check your owner’s manual for answers, or 

contact the dealership for specific advice.

Many manufacturers' warranties cover glow plugs if they fail due to a defect but not if they wear out from normal use. Always check your warranty details for a clearer answer, or ask your dealer for specific coverage on glow plugs.

Yes, faulty glow plugs can damage your engine. If they don't heat properly, the engine may struggle to start, leading to rough idling or misfires. 

Over time, this can strain other parts, such as the fuel injectors and the starter motor, potentially leading to costly repairs.

No, it's not advised. Driving with faulty glow plugs can cause poor performance and engine misfires, putting you and others at risk. 

If you must drive, keep the trip short and head straight to a mechanic.

Checking your diesel engine’s glow plugs is an important but simple part of regular maintenance. Before starting, make sure the engine is off and you're in a well-ventilated area for safety. 

Some models may need a special tool to remove glow plugs, so check your car’s requirements. Look for cracks, wear, or carbon buildup, and replace damaged plugs quickly. 

Always refer to your owner’s manual and new plug instructions, and contact a professional if unsure about your glow plug replacement. 

Hopefully, if you’re considering a glow plug replacement, this guide has helped you discover approximate costs and what to do next. 

Don’t forget to check for glow plug symptoms and check whether your problem is covered under warranty before you consult a mechanic. 

Glow plug repairs on the horizon? Bumper is here to help.

, 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 It Cost To Replace Glow Plugs?

¿Cuánto cuesta cambiar las bujías de pre-calentamiento?

Our cars can communicate problems in many different ways, from warning lights on the dashboard to noises or vibrations. Sometimes though, the only symptom is a strange smell, coming either from the engine, exhaust or inside the cabin. 

In this article I’ll run through some of the most common odours you are likely to smell, and what they mean. 

My Car Is Making A Strange Smell, Is It Serious?

Without identifying what is causing the smell, and exactly what it smells like, it's impossible to say, but one thing’s for sure, you shouldn’t ignore a funny smell coming from your car. 

Whilst it could be something as simple as forgotten groceries under a seat, it could also be something as serious as a 

Whilst this guide will be a handy tool to potentially identify the problem, we always advise taking your car to a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.

Whether in a car or not, an unexpected smell of something burning is always cause for concern. 

There could be any number of sources of this smell from a vehicle, including melted or burning wiring, an 

, cooked brakes or a failed bearing somewhere attached to the engine, such as the AC system or alternator.

What to do if your car smells like burning

Pull over as soon as it's safe, turn off the engine and exit the vehicle. Whilst standing well back, examine the front and rear of the car to see any obvious evidence of smoke.

Don’t open the bonnet or boot without first taking precautions to check for fire. If the smell persists, but there are no obvious signs of fire, look over the car more closely, trying to identify the source of the smell. 

A sweet smell is often indicative of a coolant leak, it can be made worse by the fluid dropping onto a hot surface such as the exhaust manifold.

Whilst it may not present an immediate issue, you should at the very least check your cars coolant level.

If the level is low or the problem is persistent, ensure to keep it topped up before having it fixed as soon as possible.

If your coolant is leaking and causing a sweet smell to enter the cabin, it's important to have it fixed as soon as possible.

Coolant leaks are difficult to fix without the correct tools and equipment, so it's best to take it to a 

The smell is a result of sulphur dioxide, usually from a clogged catalytic converter. This is one of the most difficult smells to deal with as it can be extremely pungent and unpleasant. 

Take your car to a mechanic as soon as you notice an egg-like smell from your car, sulphur dioxide l is dangerous to our health, and the fact you can smell it at all means you are breathing it in!

How to fix an egg smell from your exhaust

Whilst the catalytic converter being blocked is usually the cause of the smell, it is not always the source of the problem. Oftentimes the cat can be blocked due to an over fuelling issue, caused by a bad sensor or faulty fuel system. 

To remedy this problem, an inspection of the car is needed, an ECU scanner would help to diagnose the problem at its source, then the offending sensor/injector/filter replaced.

A musty smell is generally caused by damp and/or stale air. 

This can be through lack of use or a faulty window or door seal allowing moisture into the cabin. The smell can often be trapped in the numerous soft furnishings including seats, carpets and headlining.

With modern cars being very well sealed from the atmosphere, any smell in the interior can be very apparent, but thankfully it is something you can try to tackle at home. 

First try to identify any source of leaks, the common culprits are boot seals and door seals, but feel around the carpets and interior - particularly after it has 

If there is no discernible leak coming in, you can try removing the smell. 

I always start by vacuuming out the carpets and seats, this gives you a chance to check under the seats too. 

If the smell is very bad, you may want to use an upholstery cleaner on the seats and carpet following the instructions on the bottle, and ideally sucking up excess moisture with a wet vacuum. 

Once cleaned, the car needs to dry out, if you or a family member has a dehumidifier, this is the fastest solution, leave it running inside the cabin for a few hours and check again. 

If not, a small fan with the windows cracked open will encourage airflow which will help out the drying process (don’t do this if it's raining, though!) 

Whether your car is diesel or petrol-powered, smelling fuel at any time other than whilst filling up is cause for concern, in the best case scenario fuel is leaking and causing a danger to other road users, the worst case is much more severe. 

As soon as you smell a strong petrol or diesel smell inside the car, and it is not from a recent fill-up stop, assess the situation as soon as possible. Remove everyone from the car whilst doing so. If in any doubt call roadside assistance.

If the smell appears to be coming from the front of the car, it’s possible there is a leak somewhere in the fuel system, such as at an injector or fuel rail. Do not attempt to fix this unless you are a qualified mechanic. A smell from the rear could mean a leaking or punctured fuel tank or 

If you are getting an oily, acrid, plastic-like smell coming from the engine, it's possible leaking oil is dripping onto something hot. This could be from something like a leaking turbo, oil filter housing or faulty PCV system.

The two main things to consider if you smell this is your health, and the engine’s oil level. The smoke will contain nasty compounds that are not good for you and your passengers, and the loss of oil could mean disaster for your engine too. 

How to fix burnt oil smell from car engine

This one is probably best left to the professionals, you could do some minor investigation by looking over the engine when its fully cooled down and the smoke and smell has gone, to see for any evidence of oil leaks. 

Take your car to a garage to have them look over the engine and ancillaries for leaks and drips.

Preventative maintenance is key to avoiding all sorts of problems, including mechanical and odorous issues. 

Here are my top tips for preventing problems, and smells from arising.

Cars are complex machines that require regular upkeep and maintenance, keeping on top of these is a good way to avoid unforeseen problems. Your car's manufacturer will list the service intervals in the manual, this is a great starting point for keeping track of maintenance.

Keeping your car clean is also a good way to avoid further issues, not only is it more appealing should you wish to sell the car, but excess dirt can hide problems that would otherwise be spotted early.

Engine oil is the only thing preventing your engine from excessive wear, it forms a lubricating layer on metal components that would otherwise rub together. Oil does degrade over time and with the usual heating and cooling cycles of using your car. 

This is why it's important to change it according to the manufacturer's recommendations or better, this usually means every 

Having work done on your car at regular intervals also allows you to monitor potential issues, such as excessive oil consumption.

Just like in a house with stagnant air, damp and musty smells can build up over time if adequate ventilation is not provided. If a car is used daily, the action of entering and exiting, running the air conditioning and opening the windows should be enough to prevent a musty smell from developing.

However, if your car has even a small leak, or there has been a period of 

, where clothes and shoes are bringing in moisture to the interior of the car, it may be enough to produce a damp environment. 

There are a few things you can do to help this, ensure the 

 and the blower is used on low even when not needed, this will bring in fresh air from outside. The air recirculation button should not be pressed.

So we’ve gone through all of the possible smells your car can make, in particular, keep an eye (or nose!) out for smells like burning, petrol and sulphurous/egg smells. 

These can pose an immediate danger to either you or your car.

If you are noticing any of the smells we’ve discussed here, or have other faults that need addressing, Bumper’s zero-interest financing allows you to spread out the cost of car repairs and maintenance. 

 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.

A Guide To Car Smells and What They Mean

Not only is it inconvenient, but your car's engine cutting out can be very dangerous, especially when tackling junctions and roundabouts. If you find your car is cutting out regularly, take 10 to read this article, exploring all the possible causes.

Why Does My Car Keep Cutting Out or Stalling?

There are multiple reasons why your car could be cutting out, these will generally fall under the following: an electrical issue (faulty sensor or control module), a fuelling issue (blocked fuel filter or bad fuel pump), or a spark issue (faulty ignition coil or bad spark plugs). 

10 Most Common Reasons a Car is Cutting Out

Your engine needs a constant, uninterrupted supply of fuel to run smoothly. Debris and dirt in your fuel tank or lines can cause blockages that cause stalling or cutting out. 

Another area to check is the fuel filter, this prevents the aforementioned detritus and contaminants from making it to the engine. Over time the filter can become clogged and restrict the flow of fuel.

In a petrol car, the fuel and air mixture is ignited by the spark plugs, which are connected to an ignition coil. Older cars tend to have one coil pack for all the cylinders, and others have individual coils, one for each spark plug.

With the heat and vibration present in an engine bay, the coils can break down over time, and fail to power the spark plugs correctly.

To ensure the correct running of your engine, an airflow meter is used to monitor how much air is entering the engine. If the sensor has become clogged or damaged the ECU will be unable to correctly adjust the fuel input, causing poor running and stalling.

Issues with air flow meters don't always require immediate replacement, they can often be removed and cleaned to resolve the problem. 

An integral part of the fuel system is the pump that moves fuel from the tank to the engine, they are electronically powered and can sometimes wear out or fail. In this case, insufficient fuel will be delivered to the engine, naturally causing running issues.

Alongside the air flow sensors, ECUs use many other sensors to monitor the state of an engine, these include cam position sensors, crank position sensors, knock sensors and manifold pressure sensors. 

As sensors are often exposed to high levels of vibration and elevated temperatures, they can break down over time and produce erroneous or incomplete data to the ECU. 

A petrol engine requires air, fuel and an ignition source. Ignition inside the cylinder is provided by a spark plug. Over time spark plugs can become worn and deteriorate, reducing the strength of the spark, and therefore the efficiency of the engine. 

In extreme cases very old spark plugs can cause stalling or idling issues, the colour of the spark plugs can indicate if worn spark plugs are the cause of the problem.

Some older cars at idle, i.e. when there is no accelerator input from the driver, use an Idle Control Valve to keep the engine ticking over with a low enough RPM to not stall, but not excessively waste fuel. 

A sticky or worn Idle Control Valve can cause an engine to stall, this is especially common to happen when slowing down to a stop, such as at a junction or traffic lights. 

There are numerous electrical systems that control the running of an internal combustion engine, including ignition timing, fuel supply and the management of both combined. 

Any damage to the wiring loom can cause erratic running and stalling issues, which can also often occur at irregular intervals.

The systems mentioned above naturally require electrical energy to operate, this is provided by the car’s battery, which is topped up whilst driving by the alternator. 

Issues with either the alternator or the battery can cause running issues, by interrupting the power supply to the ECU, ignition coils or various other systems.

As obvious as it sounds, it's surprisingly easy to run out of fuel, this can either be caused by a faulty fuel level sensor, meaning the gauge is showing the incorrect level, or of course a distracted driver!

If your car is a diesel, you may need to have the fuel system bled before it will restart, as there is likely to be air in the fuel lines. 

Regular servicing and maintenance can identify issues such as worn-out spark plugs, coil packs or blocked fuel filters. Having this done can mean any future stalling issues are both less likely to occur and easier to diagnose and fix.

Repair Stalling Issues Easily With Bumper

Some of the most common issues we’ve discussed above can mean unfortunately timed bills, to ease the inconvenience of these, 

 offers zero-interest financing on car repairs, offered by 

Why Does My Car Keep Cutting Out?

Warum geht mein Auto ständig aus?

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.

Advice

Rainy-day driving mistake that could cost you £2,500

Car Hail Damage in the UK

How Much Does It Cost To Replace Glow Plugs?

A Guide To Car Smells and What They Mean

Why Does My Car Keep Cutting Out?

Why Is My Car Juddering?

How car finance can help tune your credit score

Why Does My Car Smell Like Rotten Eggs?