Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

Joseph Law | Author

Alastair Shephard

Content Writer

Alastair Shephard | Author

Fuel economy is often the last thing on drivers’ minds but with fuel prices rising higher than ever this summer you may want to pay closer attention.

In this guide, Bumper breaks down what fuel economy is, how it’s calculated, which cars are the most fuel-efficient, and what habits may be costing you more on the road.

Fuel economy is how far your vehicle can travel in relation to the amount of fuel used. This is measured in miles per gallon (MPG).

If your car gets 40 MPG, that means you’ll be able to drive 40 miles on one gallon of fuel. The average for UK cars is 37.8 MPG.

Hybrids can usually achieve a longer range. For example, the 2016 Prius can achieve around 50 –55 MPG.

A metric used most frequently in the US is MPGe. This represents the number of miles an electric vehicle can travel using the equivalent energy produced by a gallon of petrol – 33.7 kilowatt-hours of battery power.

A study by What Car? which simulated motorway, rural and town driving, found the top 10 most fuel-efficient cars to be:

What could be causing my vehicle to use more fuel?

Changing your oil frequently can reduce fuel consumption.

For newer vehicles (registered after 2013), new technology and improved fuel consumption mean you should only have to change your oil every 7,000–10,000 miles.

For older cars, oil changes should be carried out around every 3,000 miles.

A study by Automotive Service Excellence revealed that worn spark plugs can reduce your fuel economy by up to 30%.

If your MPG begins to rapidly decrease, there’s a good chance your spark plugs are at fault.

Fuel injectors are responsible for delivering fuel to your engine. If a leak occurs and less fuel makes it to the engine your fuel economy will decrease.

If you're worried about expensive replacement parts or repairs, 

you could benefit from 0% interest car repair financing with 

 and pay for car repairs in instalments in easy-to-manage monthly payments.

Oxygen sensors monitor the mixture of air and fuel. The incorrect mixture will decrease the efficiency of your engine.

Air conditioning is being used too frequently

 too frequently can harm your fuel efficiency, as unnecessary strain is placed on the engine.

Opening a window instead of using the air conditioning can help alleviate some of this stress, although it’s not advised to keep your windows down on the motorway as this causes additional resistance.

Turn off your engine where possible. Allowing your engine to idle in slow-moving traffic or outside school gates can be a big drain on fuel, so keep this to a minimum.

You can reduce your fuel consumption in a manual car by using the most appropriate gear. Both overworking and underworking the engine can have a negative effect on your fuel economy. When driving up a steep incline, use a low gear; when travelling fast on the motorway, use a high gear.

Common driving habits impacting fuel efficiency include driving too fast, accelerating too quickly and sudden braking.

Make sure to drive slowly with the flow of the traffic, and not just 

 Leave enough room between you and the vehicle in front, and allow the gears to naturally slow your vehicle.

Generally, keeping your car maintained with a regular service is a good way to reduce fuel consumption and improve fuel economy.

Bumper works with 1,000s of dependable dealerships across the UK and enables you to split your car repair bill into manageable chunks – interest-free.

You can apply to get pre-approved for any potential 

Look after your car and your bank balance – find out more about how Bumper works, and get your car repairs sorted today.

 has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

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.

Reducing Fuel Consumption: A Complete Guide for Drivers

Wheel bearing replacement typically costs between £170 and £400. 

Wheel bearings let your car’s wheels rotate with minimal friction. They are vital for safety and must be replaced immediately if they fail.

Unsure when wheel bearings need replacing? Concerned about the cost? Or just want to know how they work? Here’s a simple guide to wheel bearing replacement costs and other common FAQs.

How much does it cost to replace wheel bearings? 

On average, it costs between £170 and £400 to replace wheel bearings in the UK. 

Wheel bearing replacement costs vary as labour rates differ between garages. Some bearings cost more but take less time to fit. Luxury cars usually have higher parts prices.

 to split the fee into interest-free monthly repayments.

Costs for different types of wheel bearings

You can estimate your wheel bearing cost depending on the type you buy. Here’s a quick overview of the different price brackets: 

Wheel bearing replacements are the same for most vehicles, so parts are usually affordable, and most garages know the job well. Parts cost £30 to £250, plus labour.

It’s usually cheaper to replace a bearing on a non-driven axle, as fewer parts need removing. On most front-wheel drive cars, the rear bearings cost less. The final price depends on the parts your car requires.

Cost of wheel bearing replacements by car type 

Wheel bearing replacement costs vary depending on whether your car is front-wheel, rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. 

The table below shows the typical price ranges.

Wheel bearing replacement costs by location

The cost to replace a wheel bearing in the UK varies based on location. Urban areas with higher demand and overheads tend to have higher prices, but this rule isn't always fixed. 

Below is a breakdown of average costs by city:

Wheel bearings allow car wheels to rotate with minimal friction. Made of races and balls, they handle the forces of bumps and turns.

Modern bearings often come as modular units for easy replacement, while older designs may require hydraulic presses to remove and fit them.

Wheel bearings last between 75,000 and 100,000 miles. The total lifespan depends on driving frequency and road conditions. They don’t need regular replacement, but will wear over time.

Consider having them checked at your next service, as all cars eventually need wheel bearing replacement due to standard wear and tear.

It’s good practice to replace all four wheel bearings at once, but it’s not mandatory.

Usually, only the worn or damaged bearings are replaced, unless your vehicle has very high mileage or shows widespread wear. Some garages may suggest you replace them in pairs. 

A droning noise that grows with speed often signals a failing wheel bearing.

Finding the exact one requires further checks. See below for how to examine wheel bearing issues.

Noise is usually the best way to identify a worn wheel bearing. 

In modern cars, a passenger can listen from different seats. Louder noise when braking often indicates a front bearing issue.

Once you know the general location of the faulty bearing, you can pinpoint the side. 

Drive at 40 mph or more on an empty road and drift left and right. Noise when drifting left suggests the right bearing, and vice versa.

While a mechanic will be best placed to properly diagnose your wheel bearing issues, there are some symptoms to look out for. 

Here are four signs drivers need to know: 

Worn wheel bearings often produce a constant droning or scraping noise. 

Because they support the wheels, noise may change with speed. If the sound stays the same at different speeds, it’s likely not the bearings.

Faulty bearings generate extra friction, making the wheel hotter after driving. 

You can carefully check for a warmer wheel, as this may indicate a bearing issue. However, avoid touching parts immediately after heavy braking, as they may be extremely hot.

Worn bearings allow wheels to move side to side, affecting steering and causing uneven tyre wear.

If your car pulls or feels unstable while steering, and you notice other signs, have the bearings checked promptly.

Excess wheel play when pulled during an MOT often signals a failing bearing. 

You can test this yourself with care, but a garage can check it quickly and safely, often as part of a free wheel alignment or bearing inspection.

Garages, such as Halfords, offer free alignment and bearing checks

Wheel bearings usually give warning signs before failing, but ignoring them can be dangerous.

The wheel hub, held by the hub nut, keeps the wheel and hub on the axle. If a bearing fails completely, the hub cannot hold the wheel, which can detach, causing loss of control and a serious risk of injury.

Yes, replacing wheel bearings is essential for passenger safety and vehicle performance. 

Worn bearings can cause noise, uneven tyre wear, and even wheel detachment, so timely replacement protects both your car’s value and those on the road.

Can you drive with a damaged wheel bearing?

Driving with a damaged wheel bearing is risky. You shouldn’t unless you’re driving to the garage.

In severe cases, the wheel could detach, creating a serious safety hazard. It may also cause damage to the wheel axle and hub.

Wheel bearings may last a long time, but any new noise or symptom should be checked promptly. This guide has covered how much to replace wheel bearings and common questions.

When in doubt, consult a professional mechanic for a safe solution. Never tamper if you’re not sure what you’re doing!

Don’t face last-minute repair costs alone. 

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

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

How Much Does It Cost To Replace Wheel Bearings?

¿Cuánto cuesta cambiar los rodamiamento de un coche?

Wie viel kostet der Austausch von Radlagern?

For drivers, car servicing is an important habit to get in to. This may sound like another item on a long to-do list, but regular servicing keeps your vehicle efficient, reliable, and may save you money in the long run.

, and is it a legal requirement? Bumper’s complete guide to car servicing has all the answers.

An interim service checks all fluids and parts that need replacing frequently. Typically, the cost of an interim service includes checking:

In addition to fast-wearing parts and fluids, the cost of an interim service will check for:

Do I need a full or interim service and how often should I book in?

It’s generally recommended that you take your car for a full service once a year. However, if you drive more than 2,000 miles per month it is a good idea to book an interim service in between.

You should also book in for an interim service if you notice your 

vehicle isn’t performing as it should be.

Regular servicing is the best way to keep your car performing as it should, reduce breakdowns and maintain safety. Learn more about whether servicing is worth it, 

There are a few factors that determine the cost of a service, including: type of service (as already discussed), outstanding warranty, quality of service, size of engine, availability of workshop, and the make and model of the vehicle.

Cars with more readily available and cheaper parts like Ford Fiesta and VW Golf will tend to have lower-cost services, whereas performance vehicles and electric vehicles may be on the more expensive end of servicing.

If your car is still under warranty, it is important to follow the service schedule of the manufacturer, or you may risk voiding your warranty.

Some garages will offer a discount for booking an MOT and service together. As well as saving you heaps of time this can also help to keep your car more efficient as more regular checks on your vehicle will result in greater performance.

The maximum MOT fee set by the government is £54.85 for a car and £29.65 for a standard motorcycle. Typically, garages will charge around £30 for just the MOT but discounts for booking together vary a lot from garage to garage. We were able to find a promotion on Google for as little as £10. However, most were around £20.

Remember, you will have the cost of any repairs on top of the fee for an MOT and service. The average cost of an MOT including the fee and cost of repairs is £326.85.

Unlike an MOT test you are not legally required to service your car. However, it is generally recommended that you take your car for a full service once every 12 months to maintain performance and safety.

How to check a vehicle’s service history?

A vehicle’s service history is a good way to tell how well a vehicle has been maintained. This can be extremely helpful when 

The first place to check a car’s service history is in the service history booklet, which should have been completed after each service.

If the owner doesn’t have a service history booklet you can check with the dealership and request a copy. It is important to note that if the previous owner has completed a service elsewhere, the main dealer won’t have a record of this.

Split the cost of your next service bill with Bumper

, repairs, parts, and accessories completely interest-free. Available at 1000s of trusted partner garages nationwide, you can apply to get pre-approved for up to £3,000. Start your application by entering your registration on our homepage. 

Bumper’s Complete Guide to Servicing your Car

Practical car care and repair advice for everyday drivers.

Advice

Reducing Fuel Consumption: A Complete Guide for Drivers

How Much Does It Cost To Replace Wheel Bearings?

Bumper’s Complete Guide to Servicing your Car