Annabelle Clarke

PR Manager

Annabelle Clarke | Author

Eduardo Rodrigues

Content Writer

Claudia Tuñón

Isobel Coughlan

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

Alastair Shephard

We are thrilled to announce we have achieved a 

 in the UK and Turkey. This recognition reflects our commitment to fostering a positive and supportive workplace, where employees feel valued and empowered to succeed. 

The Great Place to Work certification is a rigorous evaluation of a company's culture and employee feedback. It measures various aspects of workplace culture, including trust, credibility, respect, fairness, pride, and camaraderie. Also included in the list are top brands, Experian, Hilton, and Adobe. 

Laura Chapman, Head of People at Bumper, commented, “The Great Place to Work certification is not only a significant achievement for Bumper, but also serves as a competitive advantage in attracting top talent. In today's competitive job market, employees seek companies that share their values and prioritise their well-being. By achieving this certification, Bumper has demonstrated that they are a company that employees can trust and feel proud to be a part of."

Fostering a Positive and Supportive Workplace: Bumper Achieves A Great Place to Work Certification™  

You may have heard of AdBlue if you've owned or driven a diesel car since 2015 or an HGV since 2009. But do you know why it's added to a diesel vehicle? Don't worry if the answer is no. That's why we're here to help. 

In this blog, we'll discuss what AdBlue is, what it is used for, what it's made from, the typical AdBlue injector replacement cost in the UK, and whether your car needs AdBlue. No stone will be left unturned! Scroll down to become an expert ASAP. 

AdBlue is a liquid that reduces harmful emissions in diesel cars.

 It is stored in a separate tank, similar to the fuel tank, and requires filling, either by the driver or as part of a maintenance service. 

It’s actually called Diesel Exhaust Fluid (or DEF) as AdBlue is a brand name.

AdBlue is needed because it reduces nitrogen oxides (NOx) from a car’s exhaust pipe. 

The Euro emissions regulations are updated every few years to improve the air quality around Europe. In 2015, the newest regulation, Euro 6, came into effect. 

This new set of regulations came with more stringent rules on the harmful emissions diesel-engined cars are allowed to emit, particularly NOx. This is a factor in clear air zones worldwide, including London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). 

AdBlue reduces the level of these pollutants by acting as a catalyst inside the SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) system to ensure as much Nox is burned off and transformed into harmless water and oxygen. 

AdBlue is a liquid that consists predominantly of water and urea in roughly a 70/30 mix. Other additives and chemicals are added to stabilise and colour the fluid. 

No. AdBlue is not made from pigs’ urine – this is a common myth. 

The urea added to make the product is entirely synthetic. 

Whilst urea is present in urine from all animals, humans and pigs included, no animal by-products are used in making AdBlue. 

The main reason is that the SCR system is extremely sensitive to impurities. The extra compounds found in urine would cause many issues with your car's exhaust system. 

How much does the AdBlue injector replacement cost in the UK?

An AdBlue injector replacement cost in the UK costs between £120 to £160.

However, this cost can be affected by how many fuel injectors your car needs and what type of car you have. The cost can also vary from country to country. So, make sure you're looking at prices for the right country. 

The SCR system in diesel cars was introduced to reduce the emission of Nox pollutants. It does this by combining an exhaust fluid, with the stream of hot exhaust gases inside a catalytic converter. 

AdBlue is one of the most common DEFs (Diesel Exhaust Fluids) and is fed from a separate tank, usually stored near the diesel tank, to be injected into the exhaust. 

When operating properly, an SCR system (Selective Catalytic Reduction) combined with an 

 system can reduce harmful Nox emissions by up to 

If you run out of AdBlue, the engine’s performance and power will be limited to reduce emissions. 

Cars that require the addition of AdBlue do so because their SCR systems cannot function without it. Any diesel car made after 2015 is allowed to exhaust a certain level of Nox pollution. 

Many cars, therefore, will go either into a reduced power mode, also known as a limp home mode or refuse to start together if no AdBlue is present. 

That is why keeping a small bottle in your car and other essentials is a good idea, just in case you’re caught short. 

Cars use AdBlue at different rates. Most need to travel several thousand miles to use an AdBlue tank. Some can even travel up to 10,000 miles before running out. 

In contrast to a common myth, AdFuel doesn’t burn extra fuel. Your fuel usage will remain the same as normal, even when using this product. 

What happens if you put diesel in an AdBlue tank? 

Fuel will be injected into the exhaust catalyst system, and your car will be damaged. 

This is a costly mistake, as diesel Exhaust Fuels are specifically designed to be used in a separate system from regular diesel fuel. The AdBlue should not enter the engine under any circumstances. 

AdBlue tank filler caps are often located in the fuel filler door. The filler hole is too small to allow diesel to be put in, but an AdBlue bottle could be put into the diesel tank.

If you accidentally put AdBlue in your diesel tank, call your emergency roadside assistance as soon as possible, and don’t drive the car more than absolutely necessary. 

A small amount of AdBlue could probably be diluted into the fuel to cause no issue, but it’s best to get a professional opinion in your particular situation. 

How often do you need to fill up AdBlue? 

You only need to buy and refill your AdBlue once yearly for the average car travelling 9-10,000 miles a year. 

Although different cars use different amounts of AdBlue, a typical tank will hold 15 litres of fluid and should last around 9,000 miles. 

If you’re worried about your AdBlue levels and aren’t sure what to do, you can easily take your car for an 

 where they will perform all the basic checks and look after your levels. 

Yes, you can fill your car with AdBlue yourself. Two main systems on vehicles are fitted with AdBlue: user-fillable and service-filled. 

To fill it yourself, you must use the separate filler cap for AdBlue, which is usually located next to the main diesel filler, in the boot, or sometimes in the car bonnet. 

Some other cars have a hidden filling system, usually under the boot carpet. These systems are designed to be filled by the service centre at your regular service intervals. 

Your car will show an alert on the dashboard display or system screen if it needs an AdBlue refill. 

If you’re unsure of which system your car uses or are borrowing or renting a car and the owner didn’t tell you whether to add in AdBlue, there are several key things to look out for: 

You can reset an AdBlue warning alert by refilling the AdBlue tank. Once complete, the alert should disappear. If it doesn’t, drive for a few miles to allow the system to reset. 

If the warning doesn’t disappear after 10 miles, there might be an issue with the AdBlue sensors. Your vehicle’s manual should have more information about this. But if not, you should schedule an appointment with a mechanic. 

Most diesel cars that meet Euro 6 standards need AdBlue. However, some of them rely on alternative systems to reduce NOx emissions. 

You can figure out if your car uses AdBlue by looking for the word “blue” or the letters “SCR” on your car’s manual. For example, Fords have an EcoBlue badge, Citroen diesels are named BlueHDi, and Volkwagons are called TDI SCR. 

If you can’t see Blue or SCR in the car’s information, check your fuel filler car for an AdBlue filler. 

Still trying to figure it out? Reach out to your dealer or manufacturer for a clear answer. 

No. Petrol cars don’t use AdBlue. This formula is only designed to reduce diesel emissions. 

Nope! AdBlue is not flammable or toxic and doesn’t harm the environment. 

That being said, you should still avoid touching it as it can irritate your skin. If spilt, dilute it with water and mop or wipe it up. You should clear AdBlue as soon as possible as it can be corrosive to some metals and plastics. 

Using AdBlue is a normal part of life as a diesel driver. However, if you’re new to diesel vehicles, it can be a little confusing. Hopefully, this guide has familiarized you with what AdBlue is and how it works. Save this page so you don’t lose any information! 

Spread the cost of car repairs into interest-free instalments with 1000s of trusted repairers. 

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.

AdBlue: Why does my car need it? 

In what has often been considered a masculine industry, it’s important to remember that women have also played an important part in the automotive industry’s rich history of innovation. To celebrate International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating 5 female inspirational inventors from the last 150 years. 

Bertha Benz – pioneer and inventor of the brake lining

Early one summer morning in 1888, Bertha set off to make the 65-mile journey from Mannheim to Pforzheimin, Germany in her husband’s car. The car was the world’s first and was invented by her husband Karl Benz who was convinced it wasn’t ready for the open road, but Bertha believed otherwise and believed the world was ready for a woman to set a new course. 

Running out of petrol mid-journey, Bertha was undeterred and stopped to purchase ligroin (a petroleum-based solvent) from a pharmacy in Wiesloch which is now considered the first petrol station in history. Similarly, when the engine overheated, Bertha stopped and collected water from a ditch to cool it and when the fuel line became blocked, she cleaned it with her hat pin. 

Bertha is also the inventor of the brake lining. During the trip, the brake pads became worn, so she used her garter as a temporary measure to insulate them until she was able to reach a cobbler, who she paid to cover the brake shoes in leather. 

Margaret Wilcox - inventor of the car heater

On the 28th of November 1893, Margaret Wilcox patented her solution to the often cold, open-air driving which was enjoyed by early drivers of the motor car. The solution was the world’s first in-car heating system. 

The idea of the heater was considered luxurious, even once motorcars were developed with enclosed bodywork and glass windows, but eventually, carmakers warmed to the idea. In 1929, the Ford Model A became the first vehicle to offer in-car heating. 

As well as this being a turning point in history (because quite frankly, who wants to forgo in-car heating during winter months?) this was a turning point for Margaret herself. This was the first design that had been patented in her own name rather than her husband’s, a practice which had previously been the law in the United States.

Dorothee Pullinger – engineer and inventor of the car designed for women, built by women

Having been refused entry to the Institution of Automobile Engineers on the grounds that “the word person means a man and not a woman”, Dorothee became manager of Galloway Motors, a car factory run by a female workforce that adopted the colours of the suffragettes, by the early 1920s. 

Galloway Motors had an onsite engineering college, offering women apprenticeships over the course of 3 years, as opposed to the usual 5 years for men, with the belief women were faster learners. 

With gear levers placed inside of the car rather than outside to make them easier to reach, added storage space, a smaller steering wheel and a lower dashboard, Dorothee designed and built the Galloway – the world’s first car developed specifically for women. 

Mary Anderson – inventor of the windscreen wiper

Having full-functioning windscreen wipers is an essential part of car maintenance and safety. We all know that if you don’t have decent wipers, your car will not pass its MOT, and worse, you could be placed in a dangerous situation should your visibility be decreased. This makes Mary Anderson’s story even more poignant as a woman in automotive history. 

Mary recognised the need for a windscreen wiper for assisting with clearing ice from the windscreen, to save the driver from having to open a window and chilling the cabin in the process. 

She invented a spring-loaded arm with a rubber blade which would move back and forth across the window to clear it. The design was patented in 1903 but Mary’s invention was not used in car manufacturing straight away as a wiper was considered too distracting for drivers.

Mary did not profit from the invention, which is rather frustrating considering our reliance upon this device for all vehicles on the road. 

Helen Clifford – London's first female bus mechanic

In 1983, Helen qualified as London Transport’s first female bus mechanic after completing a course at West Ham garage at the age of 18. 

Up until this pivotal moment in history, there had only been two brief periods where women were called upon to take responsibility for a so-called man’s duty in stations, depots, garages and engineering works, namely during the first and second world wars. 

Not only was Helen a bus mechanic, but also qualified as a bus driver. This role was not opened to women until 1974. 

Celebrating Women Inventors in Automotive History

If you're considering buying a car, one of the first considerations is your budget and how you'll pay for it. Should you buy a car with cash or take out car finance? And how can you 

Today, we're looking at two main types of car finance: hire purchase and PCP. 

We'll cover the PCP finance pros and cons, benefits and drawbacks of hire purchase, and how to make the decision. 

What is PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) car finance? 

PCP finances plots the car's value into monthly payments. At the end, you can keep, trade, or return it.

The monthly payments and deposit amount don’t pay off the car, though. Instead, they cover the predicted depreciation over the contract length. 

PCP can be settled with a lump sum (balloon payment) to own the car outright. Alternatively, if you’re not interested in keeping or upgrading the vehicle, you can simply return it and walk away at the end of the term.

Typically, PCP finance lasts for three to four years. But this may vary depending on your personal contract. 

Is getting a car on finance a good idea for you? Here are some of the pros and cons of PCP finance: 

PCP finance is a good option if you want to drive a new car every few years and can afford the monthly payments and deposit. 

It's important to understand the risks and terms before signing the agreement.

Hire purchase is the most straightforward way to finance a car. 

It requires you to make an initial deposit to become the ‘registered keeper’ of the car. Once complete, you make monthly payments towards the value of the vehicle. When these are finished, the finance company gives you outright ownership of the car. 

Hire purchase contracts typically range from two to five years. Is Hire Purchase a good idea? Keep reading to find out. 

Here are some of the pros and cons of Hire Purchase finance.

A Hire Purchase can be a good option if you want to own the car outright and can afford the higher upfront costs and monthly payments.

Be aware of risks like depreciation and fully understand the terms before signing.

Key differences between PCP and hire purchase

Before you make your decision, take a look at the main differences between PCP and hire purchases. 

PCP might seem cheaper at first thanks to its lower monthly payments, but it accumulates more interest than a hire purchase. Also, you may need to make a final balloon payment or cover wear and tear fees.

Hire purchase has higher monthly payments, but you own the car at the end and don’t encounter as many extra costs.

PCP vs hire purchase – which is best for you?

PCP offers flexible end-of-contract options and lower monthly payments, making it ideal if you don't want to own the car. 

With Hire Purchase, you pay a deposit and divide the remaining cost into higher monthly payments over up to five years. While you pay less interest, you own the car outright after the final payment, which is not as large as a PCP balloon payment.

Cost differences between Hire Purchase and PCP

The best way to see the cost difference between Hire Purchase and PCP is with a hypothetical situation. For example, let’s look at a £40,000 car with a 0% interest deal (possibly with PCP but not always with Hire Purchase). 

With a £10,000 deposit, and when the contract ends, the optional GMFV (Guaranteed Minimum Future Value) payment the PCP deal includes is £10,000.

This means you’ll have to pay off £30,000 in the Hire Purchase deal but only £20,000 in the PCP deal. For PCP, this is £555.55 a month or £833.33 with Hire Purchase.

But remember, at the end of the Hire Purchase deal, you own the car — but in the PCP, you won’t unless you pay the GMFV payment.

 To leave your car finance deal early, you have to have paid over 50% of the loan agreement off (including fees and interest). 

Ending your contract early is rarely advantageous unless you desperately need to.

You can also use a personal bank loan to finance a car.

Your ability to use a personal loan for a car depends on your credit limit, score, and the vehicle's cost. Consider fees and interest, as even 0% offers have expiration dates.

Car finance has pros and cons, and it will come down to your personal situation.

Buying a car on finance – what are the basic steps?

Ready to move forward? Here are the basic steps you can take to buy a car on finance.

Buying a car on finance spreads the financial load and keeps your savings intact, but you must find the right deal for your finances. Take time to explore the PCP and Hire Purchase pros and cons before making the big decision. 

Car replacement costs can be higher than expected and poorly timed, and that’s where Bumper comes in.

Split the cost of expensive car repairs into interest-free monthly repayments and find a reliable repairer in your area. 

Car Budgeting: Is Car Finance A Good Idea?

Spark plug replacement costs in the UK can range from £50 to £300. 

These plugs help start your car by creating little sparks that ignite the fuel in the engine, making the car run. They’re a vital part of the vehicle, so don’t leave repairs up to guesswork! 

Discover everything you need to know about spark plug replacement costs, including when to change them and what it will cost to buy and have them installed.

How much does a spark plug replacement cost?

On average, a complete spark plug replacement in the UK costs between £50 and £300, depending on the type of vehicle and the number of spark plugs required. 

The cost of a spark plug replacement comes down to the type and model of your vehicle. Luxury vehicles may require more expensive parts than standard models, while certain older cars may require specialised tools or engines for repair. 

Here's an idea of average costs in the UK for spark plugs for different cars and makes.

Spark plug replacement costs by make and model

Spark plug replacement costs can vary significantly depending on your car’s make and model. 

To give you a clear idea, here’s a guide to typical prices for popular vehicles in the UK. These may differ depending on your region and your car’s condition.

Labour costs associated with replacing spark plugs can also vary depending on how long it takes a mechanic to complete the job. Some jobs might take longer due to difficult-to-reach locations in some engine compartments or tight spaces between components. 

Beyond car makes and labour costs, advancements in vehicle technology, such as direct injection systems, can make spark plugs harder to access, potentially increasing labour time and costs. 

Additionally, the choice of spark plug brand and type can influence both parts and installation expenses.

If you’re worried about the costs of an expensive spark plug change, 

 can split these costs into interest-free repayments.

Spark plugs create sparks that ignite the air-fuel mixture in your engine, producing the explosions that power your car.

It goes without saying that they’re essential for starting your vehicle and keeping it running efficiently, so it’s important to keep them in good condition.

Most cars have between four and eight spark plugs, typically one per cylinder, with the exact number depending on the vehicle’s size and engine type. 

Electric cars, however, don’t need spark plugs at all, as their motors are powered entirely by batteries.

Most modern cars need their spark plugs replaced every 20,000–40,000 miles, or roughly every three years. 

Worn plugs can hurt performance and fuel economy, so check your owner’s manual or ask a mechanic if you’re unsure when to replace them.

Over time, spark plugs wear out due to age, heat, and vibration caused by the engine's operation over a prolonged period. 

To help your spark plugs last longer, adhere to your vehicle’s recommended service schedule, use the correct type of spark plugs for your car, and avoid harsh driving habits such as frequent rapid acceleration. 

Regular engine maintenance, such as checking ignition coils and keeping the engine clean, can also prevent excessive wear.

How do you know if your spark plugs need changing?

If you notice any of the following symptoms in your car, then your spark plugs might need changing: 

A faulty spark plug may cause your engine to misfire, which produces a stuttering, popping, or knocking sound. 

If you have a bad spark plug, you might also notice rough idling or unusual engine noises, especially when starting the car or driving at low speeds.

A good rule of thumb is to get your car checked whenever it starts making unusual sounds.

When spark plugs go bad, they can cause a variety of issues with your vehicle's performance. 

If a bad spark plug is not replaced, it can lead to further engine damage, which can mean very expensive repairs, such as:

Yes! Replacing your spark plugs comes with three main benefits:

It’s a simple, low-cost service that keeps your car running smoothly and helps prevent costly repairs down the line

No, when replacing spark plugs, it’s best to change the full set at once. 

Replacing them individually or one at a time can affect your engine’s balance and performance, so it’s not worth the risk.

What happens if you don't replace spark plugs?

If you don’t replace worn spark plugs, your engine may struggle to start or misfire more often. It may also generally lose power. These misfires put extra strain on engine components, such as the pistons and valves, causing them to wear out more quickly. 

You’ll also notice reduced fuel efficiency and higher emissions as the engine works harder to compensate. Over time, ignoring old spark plugs can lead to costly and potentially serious engine damage.

Replacing your own spark plugs is generally not recommended unless you are an experienced mechanic. 

However, if you choose to do it yourself, make sure you take all necessary safety precautions and follow the steps outlined in your vehicle's manual.

It can be tempting to replace your own spark plugs to save money and for convenience, but the task requires skill and knowledge. Doing it incorrectly could cause engine damage or even result in injury.

If you’re unsure, don’t attempt the repair!

Will new spark plugs make my car run better?

New spark plugs won’t automatically make your car run better if there are other problems, but they can boost engine performance and fuel efficiency if your old ones are worn or damaged. 

Other ways to keep your car performing well include keeping your tyres properly inflated and sticking to regular oil changes. Never skip your scheduled services!

Will replacing spark plugs improve acceleration?

Yes and no. Replacing worn or damaged spark plugs can help restore engine efficiency, which may improve acceleration. 

However, new spark plugs won’t increase speed beyond your car’s capabilities. They simply ensure the engine runs smoothly and responds better when you press the accelerator.

You can technically drive with a faulty spark plug, but it’s not recommended.

A bad plug can cause misfires and reduced engine power and put extra strain on the vehicle, potentially leading to costly repairs or danger on the road if left unaddressed.

Spark plug replacement is an important part of routine car maintenance that can boost engine performance and improve fuel efficiency. It also helps to prevent costly repairs down the line.

So, although the spark plug replacement cost can sometimes be off-putting, it’s worth facing to save your wallet stress in the future!

A repair fee is the last thing you want to have to deal with, but essential parts like spark plugs are key for a safe drive.

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 A Spark Plug Replacement Cost?

Wie viel kostet ein Zündkerzenwechsel?

We are pleased to announce Bumper has ranked 30

 in the Fintech category in the Financial Times' list of the fastest-growing companies in Europe, with an overall ranking of 466

The list, based on revenue growth over the past three years, up to 2021, sees Bumper as only one of 125 companies to have ranked consecutively in the last three years, further reinforcing its position as a leader in the Buy Now Pay Later space. 

Bumper’s growth has been achieved by our innovative approach to payment solutions for the automotive aftersales industry. We’re extremely proud to have secured our ranking among the fastest growing companies in Europe and believe this to be a sign of the success to come. 

Bumper Ranks in FT1000 Fastest Growing Companies For 3rd Year

Bumper se integra a la lista FT1000 de empresas europeas de más rápido crecimiento por tercer año

Alternator replacement costs in the UK range from £250 to £750. If your engine won’t start or you have a 

 your alternator may need replacing. This guide covers everything you need to know.

From the average labour and parts cost to finding a suitable garage, you’ll find answers to all common alternator replacement queries. Scroll down to learn more now. 