Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

Alastair Shephard

Content Writer

Twenty years ago, it was a simple choice: petrol or diesel. Today, there are nearly ten different fuel types to choose from. From petrol to plug-in hybrids, each one has benefits and drawbacks depending on usage.

But this can make choosing between petrol vs diesel vs hybrid even more of a challenge. Buying the wrong type could result in higher fuel costs, reduced practicality and even untimely repair bills. We're here to help you avoid this.

This expert-approved guide will highlight each fuel type, its pros and cons, and its best use cases. Scroll down to become an expert in minutes!

There are many benefits for each fuel type and also many drawbacks to consider. So, don’t rush your decision! Take your time to mull over this guide.

Petrol cars might catch your eye due to their lower price. Diesel cars might tempt those who make long-distance journeys or want better fuel economy. Hybrids are a great option if you’re not ready to go fully electric.

However, it’s not always this simple. Each fuel category has different car types, and we’ll discuss these below.

There are three types of hybrid cars. All use an electric battery and a combustion engine, but some significant differences exist. Plus, one is very similar to a diesel/petrol car.

Here’s everything you need to know about hybrids:

— These allow you to drive using your electric battery or standard fuel. The key difference here is that the battery in these cars is larger than that of other hybrids. They get plugged into an electric charging point for top-ups, but you must charge them regularly for the best experience.

— Mild hybrids are closest to diesel and petrol cars. These have small electric generators that run air-conditioning and start the car. Ultimately, the combustion engine will be the primary power source for movement.

— These cars run entirely on fuel or an electric battery. They can even use energy produced by braking to charge the battery, meaning you won’t have to plug into a charging point. These are also known as self-charging cars.

Weighing up whether or not to buy a hybrid car? Here’s how they measure up against petrol and diesel alternatives.

If you’re not ready for a hybrid car, your options are petrol and diesel cars. These run on the fuel you put in them and don’t require charging. No lifestyle changes here! 

We will explain the pros and cons of each type of fuel and hybrid below, but we’ll quickly compare petrol and diesel to help you decide.

These are the key petrol car strengths. But remember that petrol has a lower fuel efficiency than diesel and still leaves an environmental impact. Not ideal for your carbon footprint! 

Diesel cars are ideal if you’re a frequent long-distance traveller. However, they have a higher environmental impact and require expensive fuel.

Petrol vs Diesel vs Hybrid: Pros & cons of all fuel types

Choosing between petrol vs diesel vs hybrid isn’t easy. So, we’ve researched for you. See the advantages and disadvantages of each type below. 

Petrol is the one we're all familiar with and arguably the simplest of all in terms of mechanical complexity and cost.

In its basic form, petrol is burnt inside the engine to create mechanical power. The lack of various components compared to diesel (e.g. Diesel particulate filters, exhaust gas recirculation valves, dual mass flywheels and turbochargers) means fewer parts go wrong.

Petrol cars typically don't do as many miles to the gallon as diesel, though. Petrol is quite high in cost per kW compared to electric, although less so than diesel.

Although the ULEZs (Ultra Low Emission Zones) still permit most petrol cars without charge, there are plans to cease the manufacture of petrol and diesel cars in the 

Who do a mix of long and short journeys and don’t want to splurge. If you drive less than 15,000 miles per year, a petrol car will be cheaper than diesel. However, you could save more if most of your journeys are low-speed, short urban routes.

Diesel engine cars became popular in the early 2000s, mainly due to advancements in turbochargers and fueling technologies, allowing smaller diesel engines to compete (and exceed) petrol cars in fuel economy whilst still being powerful.

Economy figures upwards of 60 MPG can be seen from many common examples, even large vehicles such as VW Passats. Many people favour the power delivery of diesel and prefer driving them.

Since the 2000s, systems have been developed to help achieve these high performance and economy figures whilst lowering emissions. These include Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs), Exhaust gas recirculation valves and high-performing turbos. 

However, diesels are still falling out of favour among car manufacturers. This is due to their higher emissions. More carcinogenic NOx (nitrogen-oxygen) is released by these cars, so many makers are avoiding them in order to meet green targets.

Who drive long journeys and have higher-than-average mileage. They’re also great for those who frequently tow caravans or trailers.

When they released the first generation Prius Hybrid, Toyota took the world by storm. It achieved extremely high fuel economy through petrol and electric power usage.

Since then, almost every auto manufacturer has included at least one hybrid in their range. From two-door sports cars and family saloons to pickup trucks and commercial vehicles. Clearly, they’re popular with the public, but what benefits do they offer? 

It’s important to note that many different types of hybrids exist, including parallel systems, mild hybrids, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and more. All of these can also be offered with a petrol or diesel engine.

 and motor system powered by the combustion engine and regenerative braking. The basic premise is that both engine and motor can power the wheels but are only used in the best conditions for each. 

When pulling away, the motor will do most of the work. Once up to speed, the petrol engine will directly drive the wheels the majority of the time. The car splits power from the engine and electric generator as and when required to keep the batteries topped up.

The benefit of this system is that fuel economy is greatly improved, both due to optimisation of the power types and regaining otherwise lost energy when braking.

Who want an improved fuel economy and aren’t ready to go 100% electric. Self-charging hybrids are great for low to medium-mileage drivers but are not ideal for long journeys.

PHEV cars use similar tech to self-charging hybrids but do not contain a generator to allow the combustion engine to top up the battery. Most still use regenerative braking because the already present electric motor performs this. 

In terms of user experience, they are different from conventional hybrids and internal combustion engine (ICE) cars in that you are required to fill them up with fossil fuel and charge them from the grid.

Many PHEV systems offer a mode whereby they operate on electric power only. With ranges usually sub 40 miles, it can be the perfect vehicle for someone with a sub-20-mile commute. No petrol would be consumed here - as long as it can be charged each night.

The petrol or diesel engine allows extended journeys without needing to plan for charging stops, which can be an issue with electric-only vehicles. However, this is not their ideal scenario, as once the battery power is depleted, the combustion engine must carry the extra weight of the empty batteries and motor.

Who mostly make short commutes. However, they can cover long drives when needed. This is also a good option if you’re ready to switch from fuel but don’t want a completely electric vehicle.

Learn more about hybrid batteries with our 

guide on hybrid battery replacement costs and FAQs.

Electric vehicles have existed for many years, but recent battery and motor technology advancements have allowed for much better range and performance figures.

Charge at home or a service station, and an electric motor converts the stored energy into propulsion. EVs are reasonably simple mechanically, but as their adoption is still not widespread, you may find few and far between independent repairers and spare parts will be costly.

Electric vehicles have the apparent advantage of not needing fossil fuels. An old argument was that energy is still generated using coal and oil, but in 2021, 

 of the energy produced in the UK was from renewable sources.

This makes EVs a much more environmentally friendly option. Another benefit is the lack of air pollution added to towns and cities, which will help with the quality of life in years to come.

They do have their downsides, though. Retail prices are still at least 30% higher than combustion-engined equivalents, but that is reducing yearly as manufacturing tech improves.

If the initial purchase price is not an issue, if you lease your cars, for example, then EVs' main benefit is their running cost. Even with 2022’s elevated energy prices, it will typically only cost £8 to fully charge a typical EV.

Assuming a range of approximately 250 miles, that makes fueling your car around 8x cheaper than a diesel doing 40 miles to the gallon. Over a yearly mileage of 15,000 miles could result in savings of up to £2,000.

Who are ready to go green. Electric cars require a larger upfront cost but don’t require expensive fuel. They’re also great for drivers who live near charging stations. If you don’t have a local charging network, an electric car might not be best for you.

Low emission zones are another factor to consider. While some drivers won’t come into contact with them, others will want to opt for ULEZ-exempt cars to avoid hefty fees.

London’s ULEZ zone is one of the largest and charges larger, more polluting cars £12.50 per day on entry. The aim is to reduce the emissions in the area.

Luckily, most petrol cars after 2005 are ULEZ exempt. If you want a diesel car, you’ll have to buy a car after September 2015. In contrast, all hybrids are exempt.

If your city doesn’t have a low-emission zone yet, it might have one in the works. Oxford, Birmingham, 

, and other UK cities are considering adding clean air zones in the future.

Petrol vs Diesel vs Hybrid: Which Is Best For Me?

It's no secret that garages can have a reputation as untrustworthy and if you pick the wrong one, you’ll end up with a 

This isn’t the case with most garages. Most are reputable businesses and supply excellent service, but how do you tell the good guys from the bad? 

We've put together a handy guide so you’re in the know. 

How good is the advisors’ knowledge? Have they explained everything in detail? When you’re being advised of the required work, you should be confident you know what you’re paying for. 

If you’re not, ask questions. What does that part do? Why does it need to be replaced? What are the consequences of not replacing it? 

A representative of a good, reputable garage will be well-trained and ready to answer any questions you have. 

Possibly the easiest thing you can do is check the garage’s reviews. Garage owners know that reviews are key to keeping customers walking through the door. 

Word-of-mouth is heavily relied upon in the automotive industry and garages know this. A dependable site will supply the best service possible to ensure their reviews are positive. 

Check their star rating and find out what other customers think. Make sure to check further back than the last month to get the full picture, but if the majority of their reviews are 4 to 5 stars you can be confident you’re dealing with a trustworthy repairer. 

Garages are required to display certificates and insurance for customers to read. If you can see their certificates in plain sight they should be trustworthy. 

Although not the sole indicator of a reliable garage, but are they manufacturer-approved? 

 or Volkswagen franchisees? You can check this on the 

Remember most garages are happy to give a free quote for your vehicle. If you’re not happy with the quote, or you’re not happy with the service provided. Go somewhere else and get a second opinion. Don't agree to work if you’re not confident in them completing. 

 with Bumper and see 1000s of dependable garages and dealerships for

Enter your details to apply to spread the cost of your vehicle maintenance into interest-free monthly instalments. 

Bumper’s guide to choosing a reputable garage

For most of us, checking our tyre pressure is the last thing on our minds. They'll check it at my next MOT anyway, so what's the point? 

Well, poorly maintained tyres can lead to significant, unexpected garage bills. Bills that could have been avoided. Poorly maintained tyres can sometimes lead to breakdowns and even severe collisions. 

In this guide, you'll learn how often to check tyre pressure, why it's so important, and how to check the tyre pressure measurements. Let's dive straight in. 

How often should you check tyre pressure?

That’s right, you should be checking your tyre pressure monthly. Always check when the tyres are cold and before you’ve made any journeys. Hot, or even warm, tyres may give false readings. 

At a petrol station, with a dealer, or with a portable compressor. 

Most drivers choose to check at a petrol station as this is easier and has an inflation zone. However, a portable compressor is good for those who want to check their tyre pressure from home. 

How to check your tyre pressure on a tyre: Quick steps

When checking your tyre pressure, use a gauge in the same unit of measurement shown in your car’s handbook. Three common measurements are used for tyre pressure: PSI, BAR and kPa. 

Follow these steps and you won’t Google “how to know tyre pressure” ever again! 

When should you check your tyre pressure?

When the tyres haven’t been driven or have been driven rarely.

When you drive, the tyres heat up, and their pressure rises. So, if you check your tyres after log drives, they’ll likely feel over-inflated, and you might (accidentally) adjust them wrong. 

The rule of thumb is to only check tyre pressure measurements after a 2 km (or shorter) drive. This gives an accurate reading, and you won’t over or underinflate the tyres. 

Yes! Regularly check the spare tyre’s pressure. 

No one wants to use the spare wheel, but you will have to rely on it in an emergency. Regularly checking it’s pressure will ensure you’re safe if you encounter a flat tyre. 

Most cars have a recommended PSI between 31 and 35.

 the pressure you’ll need depends on the vehicle and the tyre. Often, a sticker is on the inside of your door or under the petrol cap to show this. If not, consult your owner’s handbook or use 

If you’re planning to carry additional weight, such as a heavy rooftop box, the pressure requirement may differ, so consult your handbook. 

Why is it important to know your tyre pressure?

Tyres naturally lose pressure over time. Deflated tyres can affect your vehicle’s handling, the comfort of your drive, and your ability to brake. They can also cost you much more fuel, as increased friction means the engine must work much harder. 

You can inflate your tyres using a tyre inflation kit or a tyre inflation pump at a petrol station.

Follow these steps to inflate your tyres using a petrol station pump: 

Note that the tyre pressures at the front and rear will likely be different. Check all four tyres individually. 

Underinflated tyres aren’t good for your car. They increase fuel consumption, wear out faster and irregularly, increase CO2 emissions, and are more hazardous. An underinflated tyre is more likely to burst at a high speed. 

Overinflated tyres can also be a problem. This is because they’re hazardous on wet roads and have a reduced lifetime as the central part of the tread wears faster. 

Because of temperature changes, small punctures or cuts, or due to a damaged rim.

Some tyres deflate faster than others for no apparent reason. You may also not notice a damaged, rusty rim or small tyre punctures. This is why it’s critical to check your tyres regularly. 

Slow punctures are less noticeable than typical punctures. This means they go unnoticed for long lengths of time. But they will still cause your tyre to lose pressure and become unsafe. 

You can identify a slow puncture by looking for: 

When in doubt, contact an expert for professional advice. 

The UK legal minimum tyre tread limit is 1.6mm.

This depth must be even across the tyre's width, the central three-quarters, and all around. If your tyres are under or overinflated, they might break this law due to irregular or excessive wear. Another reason to check your tyre pressure frequently! 

Some petrol stations and tyre shops provide free tyre-checking services. Check beforehand, though. Most petrol stations use a coin-operated pressure pump, so you’ll need some spare change. 

Taking care of your tyres includes more than knowing their pressure. You should also: 

You should also stay up to date with MOTs, as tyres are checked thoroughly within this test. Being proactive is the best way to stay safe! 

Knowing how to check your tyre pressure is a vital skill. Luckily, it’s pretty easy and only has to be done every month. Bookmark this article so you always have an on-the-go guide for your tyres! 

Bumper puts you back in the driving seat by allowing you to take control of your finances. 

Spread the cost of repairs, servicing, MOTs, and parts. You'll receive a Credit Limit of up to £5,000 (depending on the garage you choose) and see 1000s of nearby garages and dealerships to use it at. 

To apply, enter your vehicle registration and postcode on 

 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.

How often should I check my tyre pressure? 

Keeping your vehicle clean is an important but often overlooked service item, that can help identify and prevent some fairly serious issues. 

It also shows you take care of your car, especially to prospective buyers. Here we answer and advise on the top 10 car cleaning queries. 

Before starting the task of cleaning a car, it’s best to gather all the required tools, so you’re not searching for a cloth or bucket whilst the car is covered in soapy water. Here’s a brief list of what we’d recommend: 

2. What soap should I use to clean my car? 

Many people often think that any soap will do the job, and whilst technically true, many soaps such as dish soap strip away more than just the dirt. 

Car paintwork is often treated with a wax coat to protect the paint, as long as you don’t scrub too hard, this wax coat should last for one or two washes. It serves to protect the paint as well as make dirt easier to remove. 

The harsh action of dish soap will easily remove this layer. Instead, use a high-quality ‘car shampoo’ that not only retains the wax coat but in some cases restores it. 

3. What sponge should I use to clean bodywork? 

In short, none! Traditional sponges are not kind to car paintwork. They trap dirt and contaminants in their pores, and then, when you clean the rest of the car, scrape these particles into the paint. 

It’s best to use a microfibre mitt, this has a much higher surface area and is softer to the paint. Combined with the two-bucket method below it protects and cleans the paint in a much kinder way. 

4. What should I use to clean my alloys? 

A traditional wash mitt is often too cumbersome and soft to clean wheels with. Many retailers sell a wheel cleaning tool, usually a firmer sponge on a handle, that will allow you to clean around the wheel spokes effectively. 

Specific wheel cleaning solutions are also available, often that you spray on and leave for 10 minutes or so to work. These loosen the stubborn dirt that is usually on alloy wheels, specifically targeting brake dust. 

Surprisingly no, with the right tools and cleaning products, a pressure washer is virtually redundant for all but the muddiest of cars. A bucket or hose for wetting and rinsing is usually sufficient. The exception is if the car has a lot of mud trapped under panels, wheels or in places that might get trapped in the engine. 

What's more, with the power of modern pressure washers it's quite easy to do more damage than good to paint, door seals and other components with high-pressure water. It’s much safer to stick to good old-fashioned elbow grease. 

6. Do I just need a bucket and a hose to clean my car? 

Sort of, we recommend a common technique called the two-bucket method. A hose is handy to wet the paintwork and release some loose dirt before using the wash mitt. 

The two-bucket method is the best way to refrain from introducing contaminants to your paintwork. One bucket contains hot water with your car shampoo of choice to the correct ratio. The other should contain purely hot water, with no shampoo, this is your rinse bucket. 

7. In what order is it best to wash my car? 

Always start from the top down, this is because most of the dirt accumulates on the bottom half of the car, the area nearest the road. When cleaning the bottom sections, it’s best to rinse the cleaning mitt more often. 

The wheels can be done before or after the rest, but bare in mind that dirty water from the bodywork could end up on the wheels, and vice versa. 

Clean glass and mirrors separately, with a specific glass cleaning solution and a microfibre towel, to avoid streaks, use a soap solution before the special glass cleaning product. 

Using your microfibre towels, gently absorb moisture before the heat gets a chance to evaporate it. Avoid dragging the towel across the bodywork as dirt can unintentionally get caught in the towel and scratch the paint. 

Never rely on the sun to dry your car, it is always best to clean a car in the shade on a sunny day. The action of the sun evaporating the water can leave streaks and watermarks. 

Disc brakes are great, they’re much more effective than drums and their exposed nature means cooling is much more efficient, but it also means your wheels get covered in stubborn brake dust. 

Wheel cleaning products are often available in spray bottles. Following the instructions usually advises to spray on a dry wheel, and wait for 10 minutes or so, before scrubbing. 

As mentioned a specific wheel cleaning brush will help here, they are stiffer and more coarse than a mitt designed for bodywork as wheels tend to be more resilient to abrasion. 

Be careful not to get too much soap or water on brake components and always test your brakes when starting a journey. 

10. How do I protect the paint after washing?

Once the car is cleaned of all the road dirt, grime and contaminants, and the paint has been dried, an optional step is to protect the paint from future damage. 

There are a wide range of waxes and protective products available, from high-tech ceramic coatings to traditional waxes and simple spray and rinse products. The best one to suit you depends on how much time you want to spend. 

The last tip, that protects the pain more than anything else, is to keep on top of cleaning. Dirt and contaminants such as tree sap, bird droppings and others can eat away at your paint if left for too long. 

If your car needs more attention than a good wash, spread the cost of your next repair or servicing bill with Bumper. 

Enter your vehicle registration and postcode

 on our website to apply for a credit limit of up to £5,000.

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.

10 top tips on how to clean your car 

Keeping your car’s fluids topped up is an important job. But it’s easy to forget. Your car uses six different fluids to run efficiently. Without them, your car won’t run effectively, and in some cases, low fluids can cause dangerous accidents.

Checking your fluid levels also tells you about their levels and condition. Both are essential for preventing costly repairs and issues in the future. However, don't spend hours Googling “How to check clutch fluid or brake fluid levels.” Use our guide to get the lowdown in seconds.

Scroll down to find out what each fluid does and how to check it. Time to give your car some TLC. Let’s go. 

Don’t rush into checking your fluid levels. Make sure your car is parked on a hard, level surface. Turn the engine off and allow it to cool before starting. 

You should also consult your owner’s manual for specific illustrations and instructions for your car. The manual usually includes:

Our guide applies to most vehicles. But it’s always good to double-check your car guidelines.

When pressure is applied to the brake pedal, the piston in the master cylinder causes the fluid to move through the pipes and act upon the cylinders in the brake callipers or drums, pushing the brake pads onto the discs and slowing the car. 

The system is sealed to use the incompressible property of brake fluid. Braking power reduces if any air gets into the lines. This can happen when the brake fluid runs low in the reservoir. 

Other causes of brake failure include old and degraded fluid and contamination, so it’s essential to check the level and 

Locate the brake fluid reservoir. It's usually indicated by a yellow circle or octagon and will have 'Brakes' on the cap.

The fluid should be light brown and not overly dark or light. There should be no contaminants in the reservoir, such as leaves or dirt.

Wipe the cap clean before opening it to ensure nothing falls in.

Check the level on the side of the bottle, and fill it with the appropriate fluid to the line specified in the manual. 

Only use the recommended fluid type as stated in your owner's manual. 

 is operated by a cable. Check your owner’s manual to see if this is the case with yours. If so, you do not need to check your clutch fluid level. 

If your clutch is hydraulically operated, your car will either have a dedicated clutch fluid reservoir, or it may share this with the brake fluid reservoir.

Look for a similar symbol to the brake reservoir, a circle within an octagon. The cap will say clutch or something similar. 

The level and colour considerations are the same as the brake fluid. It should be a golden colour without blemishes or dark spots. 

Look at the clutch fluid level. If closer to the "Minimum" line, it's time to refill.

Another vital fluid to the engine's operation, the coolant travels through the engine and radiator, removing heat. Without adequate coolant flow, the 

Depending on the age of your car, the coolant can be in varying colours. With many different brands using differing colours, it's best to check the owner's manual to see 

The coolant should be a fairly bright colour. It needs to be refreshed if it’s brown or clear.

 Never open the coolant reservoir when the engine is hot. The sudden release of pressure can cause severe burns. 

An engine needs adequate lubrication to run, as oil coats all the surfaces in the engine and drastically reduces friction and thus reduces heat. If the engine oil is allowed to run out, terminal engine damage will occur.

Read more about when to change your engine oil in 

Unlike the other fluids, the engine oil is not stored in a reservoir at the top of the engine bay. After the oil has cycled through the engine, providing lubrication, it drains back into the sump.

Engine oil should be checked regularly and inspected for colour and smell. Excessively dark oil can be a 

. The oil should not smell of fuel in any way. This smell can indicate worn piston rings.

The engine must be off for at least 20 minutes before any checks. Ensure the car is on a level surface.

 Don't overfill the engine oil, as it may cause the excess to be forced out when the engine is running. 

Power steering is a luxury taken for granted in modern cars. If your car develops an issue with the PAS (power-assisted steering) system, you'll know about it!

The power steering will either be hydraulic or electrically operated. Check the recommended fluids section of your manual to work out which one your car is.

If hydraulic, the PAS uses a high-pressure pump and a hydraulic motor to actuate the 

 This makes the steering much easier for the driver.

Locate the bottle. Often they say “Hydraulic Fluid”, “Power Steering”, or similar.

Remove the cap, being careful not to allow debris to fall in, and check the colour is bright and not darkening. There are two different types of power steering fluid, usually dependent on vehicle age. Your manual will advise which one to use.

Either use the level on the side of the bottle as before or check using the built-in dipstick, depending on the car. Refill until it’s in between min and max. 

The screenwash is a special detergent solution that keeps your car windows clean. The bottle will be inside the car’s bumper or front bodywork.

There will likely be a filler cap somewhere around the outsides of the engine compartment, with a long translucent tube disappearing into the car's structure.

Because the level is usually below this filler tube, the easiest way to check the level is to top it up. Use a high-quality screen wash, as cheaper ones can cause streaks and not properly clean the screen.

No, you can’t use water in place of screenwash. Screenwash (AKA window washer fluid) is a special fluid designed to remove grime and debris from your windshield. Water alone doesn’t remove oil or grease and may leave you with dirty windows.

Now you’ve got the lowdown on how to check your car’s fluid levels, it’s time to get started!

if you are unsure of any reservoir locations or fluid types required, consult your manual or a qualified person. 

Only attempt to fill the brake fluid if you are competent. Incorrect fluid usage could cause an accident or serious injury. 

Advice

Petrol vs Diesel vs Hybrid: Which Is Best For Me?

Bumper’s guide to choosing a reputable garage

How often should I check my tyre pressure?

10 top tips on how to clean your car

How to check the fluid levels in your car

Is servicing required? And is it worth paying for?

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