Annabelle Clarke

PR Manager

Annabelle Clarke | Author

Eduardo Rodrigues

Content Writer

Claudia Tuñón

Isobel Coughlan

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

Alastair Shephard

In many ways, the electronic control unit can be considered the most important component in a modern car, through it all primary functions operate. Below we take a look at exactly what it does, and what issues it can cause.

The acronym ECU refers to a car's Engine Control Unit, there are many other control units in modern cars such as: 

As the name suggests, the ECU is a device that controls and monitors various parameters and systems in a car. The first ECUs were basic microprocessors that only monitored basic engine parameters such as 

With the advent of things such as electric windows and doors, reversing cameras and parking sensors, modern cars have multiple control units alongside the ECU, such as Body control modules, lighting modules and more. 

All of these fulfil the same function within their respective system, to control and display data about the car’s status, either changing parameters or displaying issues to the driver.

Modern ECUs control or read almost everything that happens in and around the engine. There is a plethora of sensors that report back and parameters, of which the ECU will regulate, monitor and take action. 

For instance, the ECU uses data from the engine on RPM, Ignition timing, fuel injection rates and exhaust gas composition, to detect whether the combustion is happening exactly as it should. 

In the instance of any faults, such as a misfire, the ECU will detect and make changes accordingly, whether that is to alter the ignition timing or display an error message to the driver. 

Other control units such as body-control units monitor the status of things such as bulbs, windows, door locks, wiper motors and more. Again allowing the car to display an error message to the driver. 

Typically a modern car will have around 4 different ECUs; including the engine control unit, body control unit, ABS control unit and alarm/immobiliser control unit. 

But luxury cars will often have even more than this, with some vehicles having a separate unit to control things such as infotainment systems, active aerodynamics and more. 

The most common cause of ECU damage, especially in the UK, is water damage. A lot of manufacturers mount the ECU near the passenger or driver footwell, as this is convenient for all the electrical systems whilst being protected from the elements. 

However, the elements can sometimes get into this area, as things such as car sunroofs, windows and windscreens can leak. The water can then run down into the footwell and damage the ECU. 

Another common cause of ECU damage is faulty or badly modified electrical systems, such as shorts and wiring issues. Jump starting incorrectly can also cause problems, as high electrical loads can be sent through the ECU. 

Some cars can suffer if the battery is left to drain to empty too often or for too long, damaging the ECU’s internal battery system. 

One of the main jobs the ECU does is control the fueling and ignition of the engine. On 

 cars, this means the ECU can increase or decrease the amount of fuel injected, and on turbocharged cars, the amount of turbo pressure is permitted. 

An ECU remap is the process of adjusting the parameters to which the ECU adjusts fueling, timing and turbo pressure to produce more power. They can also be adjusted to increase the efficiency of the engine if required. 

ECU remaps achieve the best results on turbocharged cars, where the horsepower can often be increased by more than 50%, but care should be taken to longevity and also any insurance, finance or servicing requirements when doing this.

In many cases, the ECU will be damaged beyond repair, but it’s always worth looking into specialist independent repair services. These often exist for more niche and rare collector cars, where replacement parts are not readily available. 

After an ECU has sustained damage, it will usually cause many issues with the running of the car, if the main ECU has been damaged in any way, it will often cause the car to fail to start completely. 

If it can be repaired, depending on the severity and complexity of the ECU, it could cost between £200 - £500 to repair.

If your ECU is damaged beyond repair, you’ll need to replace it with a like-for-like part. This can be expensive in certain circumstances. Complete ECU replacements can cost between £300 and £2,000 for the parts and labour. 

Whilst the parts can be quite expensive, in the region of £300-£600 for a regular car, the labour, speciality software, and tools required can often be the main cost. 

The main issue to be found is that many control modules on modern cars are digitally keyed to other parts of the car, such as immobilisers, ignition barrels, door locks and such. In some cases, an ECU needs to be sold as a set, alongside immobilisers and ignition barrels. 

If you need some assistance with covering the cost of an ECU repair, split the bill with Bumper, completely interest-free, and find a local service partner to carry out your repair.

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.

Electronic Control Units Explained

If your head gasket is blown, or if you think it's about to fail, you’ll face a head gasket repair cost of £550 to £1,700. 

A head gasket seals the engine to keep heat and pressure contained. If it fails, the engine can quickly lose performance or suffer serious damage

Understanding average head gasket replacement costs before requesting a quote helps you budget confidently and avoid overspending. Let’s begin with the UK head gasket repair costs.

How much does a head gasket repair cost? 

Full-head gasket repair in the UK can cost between £550 and £1,700. 

The amount typically depends on the region, type of car, and whether the engine has overheated.

A vehicle with an engine in any kind of ‘V’ arrangement, i.e. a V6 or V8, can cost considerably more, as they have two cylinder heads and two gaskets. 

In many cases, removing the heads is often easier with the engine out. 

Head gasket repair cost for different car brands 

Head gasket repair costs often depend on your car type. 

Here’s what UK drivers can expect to pay for a head gasket replacement for the following car manufacturers: 

As with manufacturer types, head gasket repair costs can vary across the UK, with labour rates and parts availability influencing the final price. 

Here’s a breakdown of estimated costs by location:

Gasket repair costs a lot due to the expertise needed to repair it. 

In car repairs, labour time drives up costs more than parts. A head gasket may cost £20, but replacing it requires extensive disassembly of the engine. The complexity of modern cars and their need for specialised tools or procedures make repairs even more expensive.

Gasket repairs can be unpleasant for your finances. But with Bumper, you can use

 to split the costs into interest-free instalments. 

There are different types of head gaskets. But, over time, head gasket designs have become more uniform, with most modern vehicles now using Multi-Layer Steel (MLS) gaskets.

Older types, now largely obsolete, include:

MLS gaskets feature up to five layers of steel and elastomer, coated with a specialised rubber finish. This construction allows them to withstand the high heat and pressure inside the engine, making them far more durable and reliable than previous versions.

You shouldn’t try to repair a head gasket yourself. An expert is always needed for this job! 

Here are the main steps mechanics will take when repairing your car. 

Are there any additional head gasket repair costs? 

There may be additional blown head gasket costs if your car has mechanical complications. To get an accurate quote, make sure your mechanic provides a very thorough examination.

The head gasket should last for at least 100,000 miles if the car is maintained well.

Some exceptions exist where manufacturers improperly specify the gasket materials. Still, more often than not, a head gasket will never need to be replaced if the car is maintained and cared for properly. 

What are the signs of a blown head gasket?

Driving with a blown head gasket can cause serious engine damage, so it’s crucial to recognise the warning signs early.

Milky oil usually indicates that coolant has leaked into the engine oil. This mixture forms a white, frothy substance.

It signals serious engine problems, like a blown head gasket, so you shouldn’t ever ignore it.

Can I drive my car with a blown head gasket? 

A head gasket can break in various ways, so the answer depends on the type of damage you have.

As a rule of thumb, avoid driving more than necessary. Overheating or significant coolant loss can dangerously overheat the engine and lead to other costly repairs. 

How long can you drive with a broken head gasket?

You shouldn’t drive at all, as a broken head gasket can lead to further damage and unsafe driving conditions.

If you must, you might manage short distances at low speed, but continued use will worsen leaks and cause overheating. Complete engine failure is another real risk.

Overall, it’s best to repair the gasket before driving the car further.

Can you fix a blown head gasket without replacing it?

Some temporary gasket sealants claim to fix a blown head gasket without replacement, but these solutions are short-term and unreliable. 

Realistically, they’ll stop minor leaks briefly, but the underlying damage and reason for the blown gasket remain.

For lasting repair and to avoid further engine damage, replacing the head gasket with proper mechanical work is the safest approach.

No. Replacing a head gasket is a complex, labour-intensive task that requires special tools and careful handling of engine components. More importantly, it needs mechanical expertise. 

Any mistakes can cause severe engine damage and more costly repairs. For most car owners, it’s safer and more reliable to have a professional handle the repair.

Head gaskets usually fail due to excess engine heat, often from a lack of coolant or poor engine care. Learn more below.

Without coolant, the engine overheats, warping the block and cylinder head and creating gaps that let high-pressure gases escape past the gasket.

Don’t over-rev a cold engine, as it can cause uneven heating, warping, or cracking. 

Keep RPM below 3,000 until the engine warms, about 1–2 miles for petrol and up to 4 miles for diesel.

Ignition or timing faults, often from a stretched or skipped cambelt, can disrupt the combustion cycle.

Valves may close at the wrong time, causing pre-ignition, excessive pressure, and eventual gasket failure.

Does a blown head gasket mean I need a new engine? 

This ultimately depends on the problem's severity and the cause of the gasket failure. 

If the head gasket failed due to engine overheating, the cylinder head and block should be inspected. Severe overheating often warps the head beyond reuse, and the engine block may also crack or warp, necessitating the replacement of these parts.

Is it worth getting a blown head gasket fixed?

Yes. Fixing a blown head gasket is usually worth it if the engine is in good condition. 

Repairing a head gasket restores performance and prevents further damage. Ideal if you want to keep your car on the road.

However, for older or heavily worn cars, repair costs may exceed the vehicle’s value. Assess your car’s overall condition before deciding on replacement.

If your head gasket blows, you can suffer significant damage and even complete engine failure.

Getting the gasket fixed as soon as possible is critical. Hopefully, this article has pointed you in the right direction and helped you estimate your head gasket repair cost. 

A head gasket repair cost can seriously ruin your week. But it doesn’t have to be catastrophic. 

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. 

Head Gasket Repair and Replacement Cost Guide

Cambiar la junta de culata

Reparatur- und Ersatzteilkosten einer Zylinderkopfdichtung

We are excited to announce the winner of the Dealership of the Month award for December 2022: John Clark BMW and MINI Aberdeen. 

The team at Aberdeen have been providing exceptional customer service for the two years they’ve been a part of the Bumper network. 

This commitment to the perfect customer journey is reflected in their Trustpilot reviews, where drivers praise the team’s efficiency and ease of setting Bumper payment plans. One customer remarked, ‘Excellent service, immediate approval, splitting the cost for 6 instalments with no interest!’ Another said, ‘Speedy fast service with no wait time, easy to follow and complete’. 

Business Development Consultant, Ricardo Fishbourne, manages the BMW and MINI team at John Clark Aberdeen. He visited them on site to deliver their award. 

Ricardo said, ‘BMW and MINI Aberdeen are the perfect example of a service team that provides a great customer experience. The whole team strive daily to make sure each and every customer leaves with a smile on their face. 

‘We are proud to recognise John Clark BMW and MINI Aberdeen for their commitment to customer service and congratulate them on this well-deserved award’. 

Well done to Lisa, Callum, Mark, and the rest of the team on your win. 

Dealership of the Month: John Clark BMW and MINI Aberdeen 

Bumper has partnered with electric vehicle home charger brand 

 to make the UK’s electric vehicle (EV) movement and transition to zero-emissions more affordable for all.

With the 2030 ban on the production of new diesel and petrol cars looming, the need to accelerate EV adoption is clear. However, a lack of charging points across the UK as the Government falls behind on its installation targets and expensive plug-in costs are currently presenting major hurdles. 

A home charger is highly recommended for all EV drivers, mainly due to cost savings per charge but also, for convenience. Launched in February 2022, VCHRGD offers charging technologies which are both 

 and affordable as well as smart and sustainable.

Jack Allman, Chief Commercial Officer at Bumper commented:

“At Bumper, we’re conscious of leaving a positive mark on the motoring industry. To date, this has taken place by lightening the burden of vehicle repair costs for motorists, but our new partnership with VCHRGD enables us to make an impact in a different light. 

“It’s hard to downplay the importance of climate change. However, motorists are currently discouraged from making the switch to EVs due to a lack of infrastructure. As long as customers are unable to guarantee that they’ll have access to fully operational charging points, home charging presents the best solution to encourage the transition to EV usage.” 

Alex Watson, founder and director at VCHRGD, commented: 

“In under a year, the impact of VCHRGD’s customer-first approach has been incredibly exciting and rewarding to see. Our new partnership with Bumper will only make electric vehicles and home charging more accessible to UK EV drivers. 

“With seven years left until the ban on the sale of diesel and petrol cars, it’s imperative that we act now, not only to offer great charging solutions but to support and educate drivers on the transition to electric vehicles.”

Bumper partners with electric vehicle home charger brand VCHRGD to supercharge UK’s transition to zero-emission 

 has revealed a unique insight into the most convenient addition to our country’s fast-food joints – the drive-thru. 

So, roll down your window, prepare to shout your order, and feast on this list of the best and worst the UK has to offer. 

The list looks at two key areas a successful drive-thru performs well in. The first is speed. Drivers on long, or short, journeys want burgers, and they want them now. The second, is customer service. We want our food quickly, but a friendly and polite service is a must have. 

Reviews from drive throughs of the most populous UK cities were searched for positive key words such as ‘good service’ and ‘quick’, and negative key words such as ‘long queues’ and ‘slow’ to give us our list. 

With an incredible score of 10 out of 10, drive-thrus in Bristol and Leicester are ranked first. From Costa Coffee to KFC, Bristol and Leicester have you covered with every fast-food option you could need. McDonalds and Burger King are the highest rated in these areas. 

With a disappointing score of 0/10, Edinburgh is the worst place for drive-thrus, with KFC coming bottom of the pile when it comes to speed and service. 

So next time you’re on a junk food jolly around Blighty you’ll know which areas to avoid, and which are a safe bet. If not, you could also park up and head inside – but we'd rather go hungry. 

UK cities with the best and worst drive-thrus

With the cold winter months in full force, the slippery surfaces can be an absolute nightmare for some drivers. There’s no denying that heavy rain can make it much harder to navigate the road, yet some drivers are forced to go out in difficult conditions due to work or other commitments. To make sure that you can stay safe at all times, we’ve outlined our eight most practical tips for driving in heavy rain. 

1. Leave the house as prepared as possible 

If you know you might face more risky conditions on the road, you can do most of your preparation before leaving the house. 

The most important step is to ensure that your windscreen wiper blades, both front and rear, are functioning and operational. 

You should also check how much fuel you have, as driving at a slower speed, as you might do in the rain, increases fuel consumption. 

Lastly, use a 20p coin to check that your tyres are of the legal tyre tread depth, as a lack of grip is the absolute last thing you want while driving in rain. 

2. Fill up with fuel if you’re embarking on a longer journey 

If you’re going on a journey that’s longer than a trip to the shops or work, you should consider filling up with fuel before setting off. Rain is notorious for increasing traffic, and getting stuck in traffic is known to increase your vehicle’s fuel consumption. With your heater, lights and wipers all likely to be in full use for the entire journey, your fuel economy will be reduced much more than usual. 

3. How much slower should you drive in the rain 

As a rule of thumb, aim to leave about twice as much space in the rain – four chevrons apart on the motorway, for instance. 

Everyone knows to reduce your speed and leave more space between yourself and the car in front when it’s raining outside, but driving too slow can also be very dangerous when visibility is limited. 

If you lose control of the car and start to aquaplane, it’s a natural response to immediately brake or overcorrect the steering. However, it might be one of the worst things you can do. 

5. Stay on top of your visibility at all times 

You might want to put on an extra layer or two when getting dressed, as the best way to prevent mist on your windows is to switch on your air conditioning. Additionally, use your headlights when necessary and be aware of any large vehicles such as buses and lorries, as they will create large amounts of spray. 

6. If you break down, keep your bonnet closed 

While you might want to investigate the issue yourself, opening up your engine in torrential rain can cause significant damage to your electrical system. Instead, wait for assistance to arrive and allow them to judge the situation. With any luck, the rain will have calmed down by then. 

7. Use a low gear and high revs to get through any unavoidable puddles 

If faced with a large puddle that you can’t avoid on your drive, the best way to get through it is by keeping your car in lower gear while revving the engine. 

What does that actually look like? Let us explain: 

Exact advice varies by the size of the puddle, but driving in second gear is usually a safe bet. 

By doing so, you’ll be able to maintain the momentum of your vehicle and create a bow wave in the water to avoid getting bogged down. 

Once you’ve cleared the puddle, lightly apply the brakes in order to generate heat in the tyres and evaporate any remaining moisture. 

8. Be considerate to others using the roads 

If you’ve ever been unfortunate enough to get splashed by a vehicle driving through a large puddle while walking on the pavement, you know exactly how unpleasant it is. As part of staying alert to your surroundings while driving in heavy rain, try to also be considerate to others using the roads. This can include driving slowly through puddles near pedestrian areas, being patient with any cyclists who are also facing the adverse conditions and giving other drivers plenty of space on the road.

How To Drive In Heavy Rain Safely

Fuel injection was often seen on high-performance and 

 from as early as 1940, but since the late 90s, every run-of-the-mill car uses it.

Like any other car part, a fuel injector will need a replacement after a few years of use or if it starts to malfunction.

Keep reading to learn more about fuel injector replacement costs and signs to look out for if yours is failing.

 average cost of replacing a fuel injector in the UK is from £120 to £160.

The actual cost depends on your car's number of fuel injectors, its type, and your location. The table below provides price guides for replacement injectors by manufacturer.

Fuel injectors are devices that deliver precise amounts of petrol or diesel directly into the combustion chamber using electricity.

These are located on top of the engine and often hidden by covers, they function similarly to spark plugs. Replacing carburettors, fuel injectors improve fuel economy and power by using a magnetic coil to control the timing and flow of fuel through a small orifice.

Overall, fuel injectors pump fuel into the engine and reduce your car’s emissions. You don’t want this to fail!

The injector seal and O-ring are crucial to the proper functioning of fuel injectors, they form a tight seal around the injectors making sure no fuel vapour leaks out, and no air is able to get in.

Injector seal replacement costs around £50.

Replacing an injector seal is inexpensive, but you'll need a mechanic to handle the labour, which can increase the cost due to their expertise and time.

Fuel injectors are vital components that can occasionally face issues due to contaminants or ageing seals.

Over time, impurities in fuel may clog the injectors, causing performance problems. Additionally, rubber seals can dry out and leak. 

Regular maintenance helps keep these components in top shape, ensuring smooth engine performance.

If the thought of forking out for a car repair is worrying you, then why not consider Bumper. 

 that you can repay monthly with 0% interest.

This may be less if the car has been left unused for large periods of time because the seals in the injectors will age faster if not used. 

There are some factors that affect the lifespan of a fuel injector, such as 

 fuel filter replacement routines and the type of vehicle. 

Does supermarket fuel cause injector issues? 

It's often claimed that supermarket fuels are 

 ones like Shell or BP, potentially causing poor engine performance and lower MPG. 

 supporting that supermarket fuels are worse than branded options. Therefore, it's unlikely that they cause increased wear or defects in fuel injection systems.

Signs your fuel injectors need to be replaced

Failing injectors can cause prominent symptoms, but it’s critical to note that these issues may also result from other faults. Here are signs your fuel injector needs to be replaced:

If your engine feels rough or stalls at idle, partially blocked fuel injectors might be the cause.

If your engine stalls during acceleration, it may be due to inadequate fueling from a faulty pump, blocked 

Blocked or underperforming injectors reduce engine power and efficiency. Poor injectors can also cause over-fueling if they don't close properly.

There’s more than one type of fuel injector service, and which you book depends on the issue with your car. 

A skilled mechanic can guide you to the right service. However, we’ve listed the main ones to help you workout which fits your car’s needs:

Can injectors be cleaned without removing them?

Yes. There are a few different products available that can help to clean your injectors without the need to remove them. 

Modern engines are complex with multiple covers, making injector removal costly. However, products like 

, which dissolve carbon deposits when added to your fuel tank, can help clean injectors without removal.

These products may address minor issues, but consulting a mechanic is advisable.

, since September 2021 the standard for petrol sold in the UK has changed, whereas previously it contained 5% ethanol, it now contains 10% ethanol.

For older cars, higher ethanol levels in fuel can potentially degrade rubber and metal components in the fuel system, including injectors.

While there's no concrete evidence that E10 petrol directly affects injectors, it's wise to use the 

 and follow its advice to avoid potential issues with your fuel system.

Do you have to replace or repair your fuel injector?

Yes, fuel injector repairs are very necessary.

A faulty injector can harm your engine and needs prompt replacement to maintain proper fuel delivery and performance. Neglecting this can pose safety risks for you and other drivers.

Final thoughts on fuel injector replacement costs

Understanding the costs associated with fuel injector replacement is crucial for managing your vehicle’s maintenance budget and for keeping your car running smoothly. 