Annabelle Clarke

PR Manager

Annabelle Clarke | Author

Eduardo Rodrigues

Content Writer

Claudia Tuñón

Isobel Coughlan

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

Alastair Shephard

If you're ready to make your monthly car loan payments more affordable, car loan refinancing could be the route for you. 

But before you sign up and get started, ensure you're clued in on how car refinancing works. From the pros and cons of refinancing your car to whether it affects your credit score, we answer all the big questions. So, keep reading! You'll be an expert in car refinancing in minutes. 

Car refinancing is the process of taking out a new loan to pay off your existing car finance contract. 

This allows you to access a deal with terms that better match your needs. For example, you could lower your monthly payments with a longer-term plan. You could also access a lower interest rate or even take out a loan to pay off a final PCP balloon payment. 

Car refinancing looks different for every driver. But the concept stays the same — to make payments easier! 

First, you'll have to take out a new loan to repay an existing finance arrangement. The money from the new loan pays off the existing loan, and a fresh contract comes into force with new terms and repayments. 

These repayments will typically be less than your original finance deal due to lower interest rates or a longer contract. Common options for car refinancing include PCP (Personal Contract Payments) and Hire Payments. 

Like all things, there are pros and cons of refinancing a car. If you’re considering this concept, skim the benefits and drawbacks below. These will help you decide if this pathway works for your finances. Research is key! 

Does Refinancing A Car Hurt Your Credit Score?

Yes, refinancing a car loan can negatively affect your credit score. 

This is because each time you apply, a 'hard' credit check is carried out, which ends up on your permanent credit record. Credit lenders will look at this when you are applying for other loans in the future, such as a mortgage or business loan. 

Don’t worry if you’ve noticed that your credit score has dropped after applying for a refinancing loan. You can build it back up by keeping on top of your payments, managing other financial commitments, being responsible with credit cards, and getting on the electoral roll. 

Why car refinancing affects your credit score 

When you take out some forms of borrowing, the lender carries out a ‘hard’ credit check. They use the information in your credit file to determine the level of risk they’re taking by lending to you. Each time this type of check is made, it’s registered on your credit record and can affect your ability to obtain other borrowings, such as a new credit card. 

However, note that applying for car refinance won’t leave your credit score low permanently. There are ways you can boost your score, and making reliable payments is the first step! 

What about car loans and the potential for negative equity? 

You might also be wondering about car loans and negative equity. Negative equity means that you owe more money to the lender than the car is worth. 

As refinancing typically involves a longer period to pay for the car, you could potentially reach a point of negative equity. This is one of the critical drawbacks of car refinancing. So, take time to think through your decision and do the maths to ensure you don’t end up paying more than is needed. 

What documents do you need to refinance a car?

Once you’ve applied for car refinancing, you’ll need to gather some important documents. Get these ready before you start to save time and stress in the refinancing process. 

Alongside pondering the pros and cons of refinancing a car, you should compare offers from different lenders. Some lenders allow you to get prequalified without applying. However, others may require a complete credit check before giving personal quotes. 

When comparing offers, look at repayment terms, fees, and interest rates. If in doubt, reach out to the lender for more information. Asking questions is key to getting the best deal for you. 

When does it make sense to refinance a car loan?

Unfortunately, there’s no one answer to this question. Refinancing a car is a case-by-case decision. But some factors indicate refinancing might be a positive decision for you. 

There are also clear signs that you shouldn’t refinance your car. The following circumstances aren’t great for refinancing a car: 

What are the alternatives to car refinancing?

Not sure if car refinancing is the route for you? Check out these alternatives before you make a commitment. 

A personal loan from a bank can help you pay off your car finance agreement. 

If the interest rate and other lending terms are correct, you won't need another hire purchase agreement and can repay your car at a fixed rate over the time your bank offers. 

If you have significant savings, you can use them to repay your car rather than refinance. 

It's critical to note that spending all of your savings isn't advised. Having an emergency fund helps you with last-minute expenses and unexpected debt. If you can, retain some of your savings for future expenses! 

If you’re in serious financial difficulty and can’t keep up with repayments, you may be able to pay off the credit card and other unsecured debts within a formal debt payment plan. 

This is called an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) and could free up more money to make your car repayments so that you don’t have to refinance. You can work with a professional advisor to find the right option for you. 

How to refinance your car with bad credit

Refinancing a car loan with bad credit in the UK can be a challenging process, but there are a few steps you can take to improve your chances of success. 

Step 1: Make sure refinancing is right for you 

Step 2: Obtain a copy of your credit report 

Step 3: Supporting documentation for your application 

Now you know what refinancing is, the pros and cons of refinancing a car, and how to get started, take a look at our final tips for anyone considering refinancing. 

Is car refinancing right for you? The bottom line

Refinancing your car can significantly affect monthly outgoings if you secure a lower interest rate or a longer term. With the cost of living rising so steeply, it may also make priority payments, such as mortgage/rent and utilities, easier to manage. 

But before you start, you must be aware of the drawbacks! Refinancing isn't right for everyone. So, spend some time researching to help you make an educated choice that benefits your finances. 

Bumper can also help to ease your financial situation with our interest-free car repair loans. Split the cost into interest-free monthly repayments at thousands of repairers nationwide.

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 Car Loan Refinancing Works

Travelling to Europe in your own car affords many benefits, saving costs on car hire, taking as much luggage as you want, and more. 

But there are some occasions where having your own vehicle with you in a foreign country is less than ideal, especially if it’s currently broken down at the side of an Autoroute or Autobahn. 

Below we’ll take a look at how best to prepare and deal if your car breaks down while driving abroad in Europe. 

Precautions to take before driving to Europe 

Road laws differ from country to country, so it’s essential that you take note before you leave of what rules you need to follow. Don’t forget you’ll need to comply even if only passing through. 

There are a few things you need to bring for most European countries, check the specific rules for the countries you’ll be visiting but here's a rough idea of what to bring: 

The laws and customs may be different too, so make sure you comply with these, a starting point of the following things will get you most of the way, but again check specific countries' laws: 

What to do if your car breaks down while travelling? 

Regardless of country, you should pull over into a safe place if possible, then evacuate all passengers to the side of the road, ideally a short distance from the carriageway and behind a barrier. 

What happens if my car breaks down in France? 

Move the car to a safe location if possible 

If your car still drives, getting off the carriageway will be far safer than obstructing it. Be careful not to block emergency exits and lanes on certain motorways. 

Ensure everyone is wearing their hi-viz vest, safely get everyone out of the car, and have all passengers move a little way from the road, ideally to behind a barrier. Do not stay inside, in front of or behind the car. 

If the car is obstructing the road, walk 150 metres behind the vehicle, still behind the barrier, and alert other drivers of the danger. 

At least 30 metres behind the car, place your warning triangle clearly visible on the ground directly behind the car. 

Use the orange boxes at the side of the road, or call 112 from your mobile phone. Describe your location as best you can. 

Finally, wait for help to come, ensuring all members of your party are out of the direct sun or are wearing adequate warm clothes, depending on conditions. 

What to do if my car breaks down in Spain? 

If possible, move your car to a safe location

Make sure to move your car off the carriageway, without blocking any exits.

Spain has similar laws to other countries in Europe regarding hi-vis vests and waiting outside your car, so be sure to have all passengers move away from the road, ideally to behind a barrier. Do not stay inside, in front of or behind the car. 

Place your warning triangle and warning light 

In Spain, it is the law to carry two warning triangles - place your warning triangle clearly visible on the ground, at least 30 metres back from your vehicle. 

Since January 2021, Spain also requires every car to have a ‘luz de emergencia V-16’, an 

 that should be placed on the roof of your car. Complete this as per the instructions on the device. 

Use the orange boxes at the side of the road, or call 112 from your mobile phone - this number works all across Europe. Describe your location as best you can. 

What to do if my car breaks down in Germany? 

If you can, move your car to a safe location. Leaving your car on the carriageway could be very dangerous.

Put on your hi-vis vest, ensuring every passenger has one too, and wait outside your car, be sure to have all passengers move away from the road, ideally to behind a barrier. Do not stay inside, in front of or behind the car. 

Place your warning triangle clearly visible on the ground, at least 30 metres back from your vehicle. 

Call 110 for the German emergency number, and they will be able to put you through to an English-speaking advisor. 

What to do if your car breaks down on a German autobahn

Because of the higher speed limit and potential danger on the German Autobahns, a dedicated service is established to tow you from the main carriageway to a designated safe zone. 

If you’ve broken down on the Autobahn, call from one of the roadside emergency telephones, and follow the arrows on signs beside the road to get to one. 

Once safely off the motorway, call the regular emergency number or your European Recovery service should you have one. 

Should I get a European breakdown cover before going to Europe? 

 of drivers' purchase breakdown cover driving in the UK, but many of these policies don't cover going abroad, or if they do, only in certain circumstances. Luckily there are short-term policies available through most breakdown companies. 

Does my UK breakdown cover me in Europe? 

Most common breakdown services such as the RAC and AA offer varying levels of coverage, including extras such as from-home recovery if your car fails to start, unlimited callouts etc, but be sure to check with the provider if yours includes cover whilst abroad. 

None of the Basic, Standard or Complete packages offered by both the 

 mentions any European cover, but both offer a year-long European cover option. 

This can be tailored to suit how much cover you need and in what specific countries you’ll be travelling to. 

Benefits of the European cover include a 24/7 English-speaking helpline, unlimited assistance to get your car to a garage, and the cost to transport your broken car back home.

If your current provider doesn’t offer roadside assistance in Europe, there are many companies offering short-term or one-trip cover that can be very reasonably priced. 

What to do once your car is recovered back to the UK 

 Have over 3,000 partner garages and repair centres around the UK, they also make it quick and easy to split the cost of your car’s repairs into monthly payments, all with no interest or fees. 

Apply to split your bill at 1,000s of dependable service partners nationwide.

 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.

What Happens if I Break Down Abroad? 

Shock absorbers play a crucial role in keeping your car safe and comfortable on the road, with the average replacement cost being £379. If your vehicle needs new ones, getting them replaced promptly is crucial to avoid more significant issues down the line.

In this guide, we’ll break down the shock absorber replacement cost in the UK, explain what shock absorbers do, and answer common questions so you feel confident before heading to a garage.

Continue reading to gain a clear understanding of the costs and what to expect from a shock absorber replacement.

How much does a shock absorber replacement cost?

The average cost of replacing shock absorbers in the UK is £379.

While costs generally range from £150 to £500, a full set typically averages £416 for the front pair and £321 for the rear.

The price varies greatly due to different car makes and models. If you need all four replaced, you also need to consider the labour cost from mechanics. You can use 

 services to split these costs into interest-free repayments.

A key factor that can affect the price of a shock absorber replacement is the manufacturer of your car. Here’s a quick overview of costs per common car brand.

Shock absorber replacement cost by UK region

The cost of replacing shock absorbers can vary across the UK, depending on location and garage rates. 

Here’s a breakdown of average prices in different cities. These figures include both parts and labour, and actual costs may vary depending on your vehicle and chosen garage.

In the UK, labour costs for replacing shock absorbers typically range from £60 to £120 per axle, depending on your garage and vehicle type. Naturally, straightforward jobs are quicker and cheaper.

How long does a shock absorber replacement take?

On average, garages take 1.5 to 4 hours to replace shock absorbers.

However, the time it takes for mechanics to replace shocks varies between car makes and models. Keep this average in mind when planning your repair.

Do I have to replace all four shock absorbers at once?

Typically, the front and rear shock absorbers are replaced together as this helps maintain reliable handling and a consistent response on both sides of the vehicle.

At the very least, they should be replaced in pairs, i.e the front shock absorbers and rear shocks.

Shock absorbers are an important part of your vehicle's suspension system. 

Cars have four shock absorbers — one per each wheel. They help reduce the amount of vibration and shock transmitted from the road to the car's body, improving vehicle stability, comfort, and safety.

In addition, shock absorbers help protect other suspension components from wear and tear caused by rough roads, which can help keep annual service costs down.

The life expectancy of shock absorbers is at least 4 to 5 years or 50,000 miles.

However, it depends on the road conditions. If you drive on smooth roads in generally good conditions, the lifespan of shock absorbers can extend to longer than ten years. 

On the flip side, if you’re driving on rough, uneven tracks filled with potholes, your shock absorber's lifespan will significantly reduce to a few years.

What happens during a shock absorber replacement?

During a shock absorber replacement, a mechanic removes the worn shocks and inspects the surrounding suspension components. New shock absorbers are then fitted, ensuring they are properly aligned and secure. 

The mechanic may suggest additional fixes if they notice any other problems during the repair. They will always consult you before making other changes, though.

What are the signs of worn shock absorbers?

Over time, shock absorbers can wear out and become less effective, leading to an uncomfortable ride.

Symptoms of worn shock absorbers include:

Moreover, if you notice visible damage such as oil leakage or rust on the shock absorber, it's crucial to replace it immediately to ensure your safety.

What noise does a broken shock absorber make?

Broken shock absorbers are known for making unusual noises. If one is broken, you might hear a clunking sound knocking under your car. That’s the sound of metal components hitting each other as the car bumps over an uneven surface.

Like any car part, to maintain your shock absorbers, it is essential to inspect them regularly.

Alongside checks, you should also try to drive smoothly to reduce strain. Where possible, avoid rough roads and ensure your vehicle receives an annual service to catch any issues early. 

If replacement is needed, always fit shocks in pairs to maintain your suspension's balance and safety. And don’t be scared to ask your garage or dealership for advice!

Can I drive my car with a broken shock absorber?

Driving with a broken shock absorber can be dangerous. 

It’s vital to understand that shock absorbers are an essential part of the suspension system. Their main purpose is to absorb shocks from the road while driving.

A broken shock absorber will cause discomfort while riding and lead to loss of control over the vehicle in certain situations. Therefore, driving your car with a broken shock absorber is not recommended, as it could put you and other drivers at risk.

Yes, but only with the proper knowledge and tools. Generally, if you’re unsure and asking this question, it’s best to get a professional to replace them.

Only attempt to change your shock absorbers yourself if you are competent and confident in your ability to carry out mechanical repairs on your car.

Considering the importance of shock absorbers for a car’s health, it doesn’t make sense to risk it and try a DIY job replacing shock absorbers. Instead, we recommend taking your car to your nearest mechanic to carry out the job safely.

Yes. Replacing your shock absorbers is always recommended, but especially if your car struggles on bumps, corners feel unstable, or you often drive on rough roads. Doing so improves ride quality and keeps steering safe and responsive.

What else could be causing problems if your shock absorber isn’t broken?

If your vehicle is handling poorly or the ride feels off, but your shock absorbers are fine, other components could be the cause. 

Thankfully, replacing a car’s shock absorbers is simpler than it might seem. 

To get the most value, try to replace all of them together or at least one pair at a time. Comparing quotes from a few garages can help you get a clear idea of the shock absorber replacement cost and find the best price.

Bumper knows a large repair bill on your car is the last thing you want to spend your money on, but essential parts such as shocks are crucial for you and your family’s safety. 

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.

Shock Absorber Replacement Cost Guide

Alles, was Sie über den Austausch von Stoßdämpfern wissen müssen

The 1.5 million potholes on UK's roads cost motorists £1 billion a year in repairs. 

Drivers reported 1.5 million potholes on roads to 51 UK authorities between April 2018 and June 2021; this figure would undoubtedly be far higher if potholes on major highways and motorways were also reported. So we started to wonder: how tall would the hypothetical skyscraper be if all of the reported potholes in the UK were placed on top of one another? 

According to data gathered by the RAC from 190 of the 207 local highway authorities in Britain, three out of four local authorities (or 75%) have switched to a "risk-based approach" to repairing potholes. This means that councils will take into account the type of road, the amount of traffic the road carries, and the mix of road users in addition to the size, width, and depth of a pothole. All municipal highway administrations are accountable for the upkeep of their individual road networks under the terms of the Road Traffic Act of 1980. Surprisingly, there isn't a nationwide legal standard that specifies what constitutes a pothole. 

A pessimist would say that a local government short on funds might just change the categorization of a pothole to avoid filling and repairing the damaged road. 69% of local transportation authorities only look into potholes that are 40 mm or deeper. 

The hypothetical tower reaches 11,250 metres, which is roughly the cruising altitude of a civil aircraft (10,000–12,000 metres), comfortably taller than Mount Everest (8,849 metres), deeper than the Pacific Ocean (11,022 metres), and nearly 100 times taller than the London Eye. If even one-quarter of the reported potholes on local roads were, for example, 30mm deep, this would mean that over two-thirds of local highway, authorities would not investigate further (13,500 metres). 

Given that the majority of local traffic authorities in the UK only investigate potholes that are at least 40mm deep, the cumulative depth of the 1.5 million reported potholes on local roads is 60,000 metres. This sum will get you halfway there. The Kármán Line is an invisible line at 100,000 metres above sea level when the atmosphere becomes too thin for conventional aeroplanes. 

According to earlier data, 32% of UK drivers experience damage from hitting a pothole, which forces them to replace at least one tyre every year. Given that the average cost of replacing four tyres is £397, or £99.25 per tyre, owners of the 40.8 million licenced vehicles in the UK must pay a yearly replacement cost of £1,127,352,960 due to pothole damage.

Tips for reducing damage caused by potholes 

Always leave a two-second gap between you and the car in front, as they may brake or swerve to avoid a pothole if it suddenly appears. This way you will have a clear view of the road and more time to react. 

If possible, slow down and steer away from a pothole 

Sometimes it's impossible to completely dodge a pothole. If you can see one coming, attempt to slowly approach it without braking abruptly and gently veer away. 

The expected lifespan of a car tyre is 10 years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. Regularly examining your tyres, especially before a lengthy trip, should help you spot any issues in the earliest stages. The centre three quarters of every tire's tread must measure at least 1.6 millimetres across in order for it to comply with current UK driving regulations. 

Split the cost of tyres, repairs, and services into interest-free monthly payments with Bumper, and choose from 1000s of dependable service partners. 

How tall is the combined depth of the potholes on UK roads?

The team at Stratstone JLR Nottingham have combined exceptional customer service and flexible payment options to be crowned Dealership of the Month for January 2023. 

This award is a fantastic achievement for the team at Stratstone JLR Nottingham and is a testament to their hard work and dedication. The team have consistently gone above and beyond to deliver an outstanding level of customer service, which has resulted in them achieving great customer feedback. 

The award was presented by Bumper’s Chris Booth, who said: "I am delighted to present Stratstone JLR Nottingham with this award in recognition of their exceptional performance in January. The team at Stratstone have consistently delivered strong results and they are a great example of the efficiency and profitability allowing customers to split their bill into monthly payments can bring”. 

Celebrating Success: Stratstone JLR Nottingham Wins Dealership of the Month Award 

Modern cars are smart systems packed with tech to monitor and manage their performance.

An OBD port is a tool that lets you plug into your car's brain 

) and download data or view it live—a handy tool for mechanics and drivers to keep things running smoothly. 

The OBD port is a universal plug for all cars, but the software isn't always as standardised.

Today, we're discussing everything you need to know about these ports, including what they're used for and how you can test them.

An OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) port is a universal plug mechanics can use to run tests and diagnostics on your car’s computer. It’s simply the spot where they connect their equipment.

This is done to know the status of the car’s sub-systems, and it can even help you detect faults or maintenance problems before they arise. 

Will an OBD scanner tell me what’s wrong with my car?

Yes, an OBD scanner will tell you what’s wrong with your car. But it’s not always that simple.

OBD readings provide fault codes showing failed tests, but they don’t pinpoint exact issues or repairs.

Mechanics or savvy drivers interpret these codes to diagnose problems. If unsure, consult a professional mechanic.

An OBD port is used for plenty of reasons. Like most connections between computers, data can be transferred in both directions in an OBD port. This allows more than just the reading of stored error codes.

Here are three main ways an OBD port is used: 

Modern cars track data like engine temperature, RPM, and throttle position. With the right tools, mechanics and owners can access this info. 

Even a basic OBD reader shows details like coolant temperature, helping diagnose issues—such as ruling out a faulty throttle sensor.

When a fault develops, the ECU can detect the abnormality via the sensors above. In most cases, something like a misfire caused by faulty 

When a problem occurs, even intermittently, the ECU stores the details in its memory. Mechanics can access this as a code to help diagnose the issue.

Because the ECU defines the car and engine so much, many parameters can be modified to suit the driver or upgrade the vehicle.

With the relevant software, changes can be made, such as increasing the engine’s performance - also known as a remap - and tweaking the way the lights operate to be more convenient.

There are some consumer-grade options for doing this, such as 

To test your OBD port, check for damaged pins or cable breaks. You can also try another scan tool or connect your device to another car's OBD port.

If these tests prove fruitless, you might need to work with a garage. Their professional equipment will be able to tell why the port is not responding as it should and advise on how best to fix it

Only clear OBD error codes once the vehicle is repaired or road-safe, and consider noting the codes for future reference.

What is the difference between OBD1 and OBD2? 

How Car Loan Refinancing Works

What Happens if I Break Down Abroad?

Shock Absorber Replacement Cost Guide

How tall is the combined depth of the potholes on UK roads?

Celebrating Success: Stratstone JLR Nottingham Wins Dealership of the Month Award

What is an OBD Port?

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