Annabelle Clarke

PR Manager

Annabelle Clarke | Author

Eduardo Rodrigues

Content Writer

Claudia Tuñón

Isobel Coughlan

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

Alastair Shephard

The cost-of-living crisis is having an enormous impact on the way many of us live our lives. A recent survey by 

 found that the way we drive is no exception. Of the 2,000 surveyed, 69% said they had significantly changed the way they drive since the beginning of the year. 

To make a saving on fuel costs, drivers are significantly reducing the number of journeys they make in their vehicles. 35% of drivers said they had cut down on the number of journeys they make. 

40% of petrol drivers had cut down since the start of 2022, with only 22% of electric and hybrid drivers cutting down. 

Electric and hybrid vehicles are well-known to be cheaper to run. This survey found that of the electric and hybrid owners 17% had switched from a vehicle using an internal combustion engine to keep costs down, whilst 4% had sold their vehicle without replacing it. Hybrid vehicles are built to last longer as well, so you don't have as many expensive repairs to keep up with, like 

hybrid batteries which can last up to 11 years

21% of drivers said they now drive more smoothly and try to avoid harsh braking and 14% were now driving slower than they were at the start of the year to conserve fuel. 

It was discovered 1 in 10 motorists were now regularly checking their tire pressure and 11% had taken unnecessary items from their vehicle in a bid to make it lighter on the road. 

The cost-of-living hike has had a big impact on motorists. Luckily, Bumper has a solution. Our digital PayLater solution allows customers to split the cost of repairs, at no extra cost. 

Applications are completed online in just a few clicks. Plus, our proprietary AI-enabled lending software allows us to make real-time, responsible lending decisions in less than 5 seconds. 

For more information about how Bumper can transform your customer experience, 

Motorists change driving habits due to cost of living

The dealership of the month for April 2022 goes to Lexus Edgware Road.

The win follows an outstanding month for the Jemca site using Bumper’s PayLater to allow customers to split the cost of their repair bills into monthly payments, completely interest-free. 

Team Jemca met with Bumper account manager Alex on site to deliver the award, which has had a brand-new redesign.

Starting in November last year, the team has helped hundreds of customers drive away with their repairs and finances in check. A special shoutout is necessary for Ash, who is a bit of a Bumper expert! 

Well done to Ash, Wing, Joseph, Ankit, Renaldo, and Phil. 

Join the Bumper network and get access to our digital PayLater solution, allowing customers to split the cost of their repairs into monthly instalments, completely interest-free. 

For more information on becoming a partner 

The Dealership of the Month: Jemca Edgware Road

Those who rely on our car to get to work or manage the school run know how disruptive unexpected repairs can be. Leaving your motor at a garage for an 

 is bad enough, but what if you have a breakdown or your MOT finds a major issue?

You know it's going to cost a lot. And let's face it — you probably haven't set money aside. 

If you're in this situation, a car repair loan can be a great way to finance the bill. But what if your credit rating isn't great? Can you still get a car repair loan with bad credit? 

The good news is: 'probably yes'. Let's look at what a 

 entails and how to secure bad credit car repair loans. Scroll down to start learning now. 

A car repair loan is a loan or credit line designed specifically to cover car repairs. 

Most of the lenders specialising in car repair loans recognise that major repairs often land without warning, so they make sure they have a solution. 

Can you get a car repair loan with bad credit? 

Yes, there are car repair loans for bad credit. Though most lenders offering financing would prefer that a customer has good credit, there are loans for people with poor credit, too. 

If you opt for a car repair loan for bad credit, you may have to pay higher fees or take on a less attractive interest rate. But on the upside, you'll be able to pay your bill and keep your car on the road. 

It's also worth looking into the car repair loans manufacturers now offer. Just bear in mind that not every dealership signs up to participate. And when they do, you may have to go in person to complete an application. 

After that, the number of payments you can spread the cost over is often restricted to two or three. For repair jobs above £2,000, the approval processes and credit checks can be more stringent. 

Why is it difficult to find bad credit car repair loans?

Finding loans for auto repair with bad credit can be challenging but not impossible. 

 to have more risk, as they typically come with a 

. Lenders are less likely to give loans to individuals with bad credit to protect themselves and ensure they get their investment back. 

From opening a new credit card to defaulting on payments, credit scores can drop for many reasons. However, once it lowers, it’s hard to build back your score and secure a car repair loan — especially if you need one ASAP. 

It often seems like the credit system is designed in favour of the lender. However, it protects individuals, too. If you have bad credit, these regulations restrict how much you can borrow, but this also protects you from higher interest fees and penalties if you miss payments.

If you need auto repair financing for bad credit, you likely need the cash as soon as possible. While these five tips won’t raise your 

 this second, they will help you apply for more credit in the future. 

Get your FREE credit report with Checkmyfile 

to see what lenders may see when they check your report. Try it FREE for 30 days, then £14.99 a month. Cancel anytime.

Can a car loan credit check lower your credit score?

Yes, car loan credit checks can potentially 

This is because you have a hard credit check every time you apply for a loan. Hard checks are visible to all lenders and drop your score from 1 to 5 points per check. Luckily, they’re not permanent, and you can raise your score after a few hard checks. 

However, it’s best not to shop around for car loans without considering all the options first. 

Do non credit check car repair loans exist?

No. No credit check loans don’t exist in the UK, as lenders are required to complete credit checks to assess the borrower’s risk. 

Companies that advertise no credit check car repair loans will still need to check your credit history. However, they might be able to accept applicants with lower credit scores. These tend to come with high interest rates, though. 

Credit is a popular option for last-minute car repairs. However, if you have bad credit or are avoiding taking out more loans, you might want to consider alternative payment options. 

While no credit check car repair financing is popular, it’s not your only one. So, check out all the options before making a decision. 

How to get car repair loans with bad credit

Today, getting a loan for auto repair with bad credit is quick and simple. 

As digital technologies continue to transform how we buy and pay for services, 'buy now, pay later’ (BNPL) platforms are giving consumers more options to pay for things flexibly. 

 is the leading BNPL platform. We let you split a hefty repair bill into smaller, easy-to-manage, interest-free payments. To find a 

Step-by-step instructions for bad credit repair loans

Ready to secure auto repair financing for bad credit? Here’s how you can get started today. 

When agreeing on the cost of the repairs, just give your garage the 

 Code. They’ll send a link to your smartphone, where you can choose how to spread out the payments. Pick the number of months and fix a date to complete the payments. You can even use Apple Pay or Google Pay to set it up. 

 ensures you never pay more for servicing or repairs when spreading the cost. And the maximum credit limit you’ve been offered is never shared with the garage. 

So, if car repairs suddenly become necessary, consider your financing options. 

Car repair loans for bad credit - Final thoughts

Navigating a last-minute car problem is never pleasant, especially if it comes with an extortionate bill. However, it doesn’t have to be stressful or limited by your credit score. Hopefully, this blog has helped you find a solution for your financial needs. 

 we’re committed to giving car owners more financial flexibility by taking the worry out of unexpected car repair costs and helping bring the automotive aftermarket into the digital age. 

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.

Can You Get Car Repair Financing With Bad Credit?

Car repair bills often turn out to be more expensive than expected. Sometimes, other emergency bills arise before you can cover the cost of the garage.

No matter the reason, if you can repay your car repair, it can put you in an awkward situation. 

In this article, we’ll explain what happens if you can’t pay for 

your options, and whether a garage can keep your car. It’s all going to be okay — now, let’s get into it. 

Yes, a garage can keep your car if you refuse to pay.

However, be aware that under UK law, mechanics can lien your car if you don’t pay the bill in full within 30 days. 

A lien is a legal claim on property, such as a car, which must be cleared before you can take it back. You might have to leave your car in the garage until the bill is fully paid.

To avoid that happening, you might want to put part of the bill on a 

credit card or consider a dedicated auto repair loan

Yes, if you can’t afford to pay your car repair bill, check your car insurance policy.

Your insurance might cover the costs if your repairs are due to accidents, vandalism, theft, or extreme weather (e.g. 

). However, this largely depends on your policy coverage level. 

What are your car repair financing options? 

If your auto repair bill is more than you expected and you can't afford to pay it, you have some options. Here are six ways you can tackle the situation: 

If a repair estimate seems high, politely ask about cheaper options.

Garages may use less expensive parts or adjust labour costs without compromising quality.

Can a mechanic use used parts to repair my car?

Yes, using reconditioned parts or parts from a breaker can often save lots of money on repair bills. 

Certain parts, such as AC compressors, alternators, gearboxes, and more, can be bought and used online. We advise against using used safety-critical parts like brakes or steering unless professionally reconditioned.

A good way to find second-hand parts for your car is to search on places like eBay. There, you can select ‘used’ under the condition filter and often find breakers listing the exact part.

You can search for general breaking ads, such as “Ford Fiesta 2010 breaking, if there isn't a specific item”. 

These items are usually listed for a token amount - say £1.00. From this listing, contact the seller to ask if they have the required component.

Garages often hesitate to fit used parts and may refuse parts they haven’t sourced. 

Explain your situation, but note this usually voids any warranty since the parts lack a guarantee. If you’re comfortable with this, the mechanic might agree to help.

If multiple repairs are suggested, ask to prioritise the most urgent ones. Spacing out the work helps manage costs, as long as deferring doesn’t pose a safety risk.

Not all car issues need immediate repair, but minor problems can worsen over time. Ask your mechanic if urgent repairs are needed and what might happen if they're delayed.

If the brakes, steering, suspension, exhaust, or engine are faulty, avoid driving until they're fixed. 

Paying this bill in instalments is better than not paying at all.

If you can’t clear your car’s repair bill in one go, ask the service centre if they’ll let you break it into multiple payments. 

Some garages will let you do this or may even offer their basic in-house financing for large repair jobs. 

Some garages are more expensive than others, depending on the time, tools, and expertise they have available.

If you’ve been quoted a large repair bill, gather the information the garage used to draft that quote, such as symptoms, tests conducted, etc., and phone around a few other local garages.

Can a specialist garage repair my car cheaper?

In some cases, a garage with no experience tackling your particular job may quote higher purely because they’re unsure 

Specialist garages, those that focus on your particular brand or type of car, may have much more experience and confidence and will be able to fix the problem cheaper. 

Credit cards are a simple way to cover any unexpected expense, though the interest can make an already hefty bill even bigger. 

For a big repair bill, using a credit card can work if you have a 0% APR deal and can repay quickly. Otherwise, standard interest rates will add to the cost.

In that case, the interest rate on a dedicated car repair loan might be more attractive.

In rare cases, selling your car and using the proceeds to buy a more affordable one is the most practical solution. 

When shopping for your next vehicle, take into account fuel efficiency and ongoing maintenance costs to find a cost-effective choice. 

Or check out the cheapest ways to buy a car here.

 is designed to cover unexpected car repairs, with a simple application process for quick access to funds. 

While good credit helps, specialist lenders often cater to those with poor credit, though this may mean higher fees or interest rates.

How Bumper can help if you can’t pay your repair bill

Bumper lets you split a hefty repair bill into smaller, easy-to-manage, interest-free payments. 

With one bill split every three minutes, 5,000+ partners nationwide, and a five-second response time, we’re always ready to help.

Here’s a quick step-by-step summary of the Bumper system:

The whole process takes a matter of minutes. 

Bumper lets you get the repairs you need quickly while deferring payments in easy interest-free instalments. Visit our 

 page to find out more or search for a trusted repairer near you.

What Happens If You Can't Afford Your Car Repair?

Buying a used car can get you considerably more for your money compared to buying new, but there are some extra considerations when buying used, such as where to buy 

. You have private sellers, main dealers, car supermarkets and more.

So which one is best? In this article, we’ll break each option down and give some vital tips and information about the process.

Despite their primary function being to sell new cars, manufacturer dealers do sell second-hand cars. They usually come at a premium over any other location, as they often offer “approved used” vehicles.

These are cars that have been inspected and approved by the dealership's mechanics to be in good condition and working order. They are often cars that were originally sold by the dealer new, or have been serviced there, but not always. 

Cons of buying a used car from a main dealer:

Benefits of buying approved used from a main dealer:

Car supermarkets have been around since the late 1990s, In essence, they cram 100s of cars into a large site, and tend to sell them at a slightly lower rate than main or specialist dealers.

Typically, these kinds of businesses target the mid-range market; cars that are 2-8 years old, appealing to someone who just needs a fairly modern runabout. 

Benefits of buying from a car supermarket:

Disadvantages of buying from a car supermarket

Whereas car supermarkets sell anything and everything, specialist dealers, often attached to specialist independent repair shops, will only sell one type or brand of car. That could be that they specialise in Volvos or luxury cars, for example. 

Advantages of buying from a specialist dealer

Limitations of buying from a specialist dealer

Buying privately can yield big rewards, but of course comes with significant risk depending on the car. The biggest factor to consider is the complete lack of protection should the car be faulty. There are some caveats, such as if you believe the seller hid a problem or intentionally deceived the buyer, but even then, it can be hard to get any money back. 

On the flip side, private sales can be anything from 10-25% less than those through a dealership of some kind, so it can be worthwhile in the right circumstances.

Benefits of buying a car from a private seller

 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 cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.

Best Way to Buy a Used Car

It’s been an interesting two-year stretch for the UK car industry. Shifting trends in automotive buying means this year’s list of the top 10 cars could surprise some industry observers. 

With COVID-19 upending supply chains, ongoing semiconductor shortages, and the Ukraine invasion set to disrupt production further, 2022 is hard to predict. But there are some signs of what’s to come. 

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) says that more than 174,000 cars were sold in the UK as of 1

 March 2022. That’s a 23 per cent increase over the same period last year. 

 are also on the rise, jumping 150 per cent and accounting for nearly 15 per cent of all new car sales. 

Diesel, on the other hand, looks to be on the way out. Sales sank by a whopping 45 per cent from the same period last year, accounting for just over five per cent of total sales. 

Some things have stayed the same though. The Vauxhall Corsa leads the pack again this year in terms of individual model sales, while the Kia Sportage sits in second place and the Mini Hatchback holds the third spot on the podium. 

While there’s still lots of time for things to change, here’s our list of the top 10 cars for 2022 based on the most recent figures. 

Perennial favourite Ford Focus fell out of many top 10 lists last year, disappearing from the top ten off the back of a poor reception to its Vignale version. That said, the Focus is enjoying a bit of a renaissance in early 2022 ahead of an expected design facelift in June. 

The Focus has always been a critic’s darling and the 2021 model is typically rated on par with cars like the Volkswagen Golf. 

This one’s been a regular feature on dealer forecourts since early 2018 and holds firm as a favourite with both reviewers and car buyers alike. 

It's worth noting that both the petrol and plug-in hybrid models have had a better critical reception than the XC40 ‘pure’ electric model. They're seen to offer better value for money than their EV cousin. 

Oddly enough the Toyota Corolla is only the second car on this list to be built here in Blightly. While it dropped out of the SMMT’s top ten in February, strong sales figures in January have kept it aloft for the year-to-date. 

The Corolla comes as a hybrid-only and it's been gradually finding a firm niche in the UK new car marketplace. Many reviewers have noted how much of an improvement it represents over the former Auris, which it replaced on Toyota’s 2021 roster. 

Hyundai’s new Tucson has been a top sales performer and frequent fixture in many ‘best of lists’ since it launched in 2021. The good news and sales keep coming as SMMT figures indicate a strong start to 2022. 

The Vauxhall Mokka is the first car to feature Vauxhall’s ‘Vizor’ styling. Based on strong sales for the Mokka you can expect the firm’s new look to roll out across its range over the next few years. 

The Mokka comes in standard petrol and diesel models. There’s also the all-electric Mokka-e, which numerous awards last year in the Small SUV category. 

This one's been around a long time, but Kia’s legacy brand Niro shows no signs of losing steam. Strong sales in January and February suggest that the Korean car maker is doing just fine in sustaining a reliable supply of semiconductor chips for the car’s onboard systems. 

While we expect the current Niro to come to the end of its production life soon, Niro enthusiasts can look forward to an all-new model reaching British shores in the second half of this year. 

The Puma is another top performer, but its popularity began to wane at the end of 2021 after a sales surge in the first quarter. It's a similar picture so far for 2022, with strong sales in January followed by a slight dip in February. 

Car reviewers continue to heap praise on the Puma and give it top ratings in the ‘supermini’ SUV class. 

A strong showing in the first two months of 2022 suggests the Mini hatch could keep burning up the sales charts. It finished last year ranked third overall and has started this year strongly as well. It’s also the best-selling new car that’s made in the United Kingdom. 

The Sportage fell back to second place after a slow start to the year, all but vanishing from the UK sales charts in January. Will the next round of industry figures push it back to the top, or will supply chains problems prove too much for growing consumer demand? 

Holding on to the top spot again this year is the Vauxhall Corsa, after just making it over the finishing line in 2021 due to factory supply issues. For all its sales success, motoring journalists have found the car hard to love. Reviews are typically ho-hum for both the petrol and electric versions. 

Will its mid-quarter 2022 sales figures signal more good news for the year ahead, or will the current global upheaval bring new supply chain struggles?

What Are The Top 10 Cars For 2022 

It's easy to forget car maintenance, especially regarding oil changes. We jump in and drive every day, expecting everything to run well. But you need to keep on top of maintenance for a healthy car. 

Today, we're explaining what happens if you don't change your oil and how long you can go without an oil change. Let's get into it! 

What happens if you don’t change your oil? 

Not changing your engine oil can lead to issues like

 increased wear, worse MPG, overheating, higher emissions, clogged systems, a voided warranty, decreased resale value, and potential engine failures.

There’s nothing positive to be gained from putting your oil change off. 

what happens when you don't change your oil?

Here are the eight problems you’ll encounter if you don’t change your oil frequently. 

Oil lubricates and cools engine parts. While race cars have dedicated oil coolers, many regular cars also reduce oil temperature. Exceeding oil change intervals reduces oil-based cooling and increases friction heat.

Both symptoms harm the engine, as more heat leads to less efficiency, more wear, and a higher risk of permanent damage.

 due to higher heat, reduced compression, and poor cooling, leading to higher fuel costs over time—likely more than the cost of the oil change itself.

Decreased fuel efficiency often leads to higher harmful emissions, primarily from burning oil due to engine wear. More wear on cylinder walls means more oil burns off as pollutants. 

4. Systems will clog with dirt and debris 

Complex mechanisms like variable valve timing, turbochargers, and engine breathers depend on good oil flow. 

 use oil pressure for precision, and any drop in oil quality or viscosity can disrupt their function. This can lead to potential clogging and costly repairs.

5. Turbos can fail and destroy your engine 

Turbochargers, common in modern cars, use exhaust waste energy to boost power and efficiency. Turbos are responsible for the modern spate of small, high MPG-achieving engines such as those found in Ford, 

They spin over 10,000 RPM and require a steady oil supply; interruptions can cause overheating and failure. If a turbo fails, debris can enter the engine, leading to severe damage.

If you've waited long between oil changes, you likely noticed improved performance afterwards. Fresh oil helps your engine's parts move smoothly and use less power.

A new car’s warranty can last up to a decade if you follow the maintenance schedule. Skipping oil changes may void the warranty, potentially leading to costly repairs later.

While resale value might not be a priority when buying a car, regular oil changes will boost it when you sell or trade-in. A well-maintained engine performs better during inspections and test drives, and detailed records can enhance your sale price.

How long can you go without an oil change?

Experts suggest you should change your car’s oil every 3,000 miles.

But this doesn’t apply to all modern cars. Instead, you should check your owner’s manual. This will give you specific information, and you won’t have to rely on vague estimates. 

Oil change intervals were once based solely on mileage. Today, consider three factors: 

Different vehicles and driving conditions require varying oil change frequencies, with older cars needing more frequent changes compared to newer ones.