Annabelle Clarke

PR Manager

Annabelle Clarke | Author

Eduardo Rodrigues

Content Writer

Claudia Tuñón

Isobel Coughlan

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

Alastair Shephard

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.

Is it okay to go a year without an oil change? 

No, you should change your oil every 3,000 to 6,000 miles. 

Skipping oil changes for over a year can lead to serious engine damage. While it might be a hassle, regular oil changes are crucial for your car’s longevity and performance, and neglecting them could cost more in the long run.

What are the benefits of changing your oil on schedule? 

Fresh oil keeps your engine healthy by preventing failure, reducing wear, boosting resale value, and improving maintenance. Here are some extra benefits:

Does missing oil changes cause engine wear?

Yes, oil reduces wear by minimising friction between engine parts. However, it breaks down over time and loses its lubricating effectiveness, leading to increased engine wear.

Oil changes are simple and require basic tools, but they need to be done safely, often involving jacking up the car. If you prefer not to do it yourself, most garages offer oil changes as a basic service.

, usually including an oil filter change.

Check the oil grade and quality used, especially if not going to a primary dealer. We have a handy guide on oil grades 

Split the cost of repairs into interest-free monthly repayments and choose from thousands of service partners nationwide.

 or quality, or perform oil changes. It’s wise to book a service with your MOT. An annual MOT, required for cars over three years old, covers safety systems like brakes, suspension, and tyres.

 for more on precisely what an MOT covers. 

Signs you need an oil change include increased fuel consumption, reduced performance, and smoky exhaust fumes.

Additional signs you need an oil change include: 

Unlike suspension issues or exhaust problems, oil change neglect isn't immediately noticeable.

By the time symptoms appear, your engine may already be seriously damaged, so stick to service intervals.

How many miles can you go over an oil change sticker?

You might find a sticker in your engine bay indicating the last oil change mileage. It’s 

 and consider changing the oil earlier. However, stickers can be inaccurate, so using your car’s service book is recommended for precise records and resale value.

What happens if you don't change your oil for 10,000 miles? 

 manufacturers recommend oil changes every 12-15,000 miles, 

Like the previous point, you should always check your owner's manual and service records for confirmation.

Final thoughts on what happens if you don’t change your oil 

Regular oil changes are essential for maintaining your car’s health and preventing costly problems. Keeping up with them ensures safer driving and saves you money in the long run. Don’t delay—stay on top of your oil changes!

Need an expert opinion? Book your vehicle with a reliable repairer and split the cost into interest-free monthly payments with Bumper. 

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.

What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Oil?

¿Qué pasa si no cambias el aceite?

Was passiert, wenn Sie keinen Ölwechsel durchführen? 

A regular car service is a mechanical check-up carried out at set intervals, usually at least once a year or after the car has racked up enough miles on the clock. The manufacturer specifies the timescale and provides a standard list of services for mechanics to follow. 

If the car is still under warranty, then the interval and services will be mandatory. If it's out of warranty, then there’s more flexibility in the timing and services performed — though for the sake of your car you should keep as close to the recommended schedule as you can. 

A scheduled service will replace old fluids and ageing parts and include visual inspections to make sure key components are working as they should. 

There are three different types of scheduled car service: interim, full and major. While different service centres might brand their service packages differently for marketing purposes, there will always be three levels and a tiered pricing structure to choose from. 

Each service level builds on the previous one and then adds extras that the car needs at different stages of its life on the road. The type of service you need depends on how much time has passed or how much driving you’ve done since the last scheduled service. 

An interim car service is the basic service bundle designed for high-mileage car owners who drive 20,000 miles or more annually. In their case, a single annual service may not be enough. 

An interim car service will normally wrap in an oil and oil filter change, plus a visual inspection of the car's essential exterior components, such as the tyres, lights, and windscreen wipers. 

Also included in an interim service bundle will be a topping-up of the engine, brake, and other key fluids; an inspection for any fluid leaks, and lubrication of all moving parts. 

A full service, sometimes called an intermediate service, is often scheduled for every 12 months or whenever 12,000 miles is chalked-up on the odometer. It's designed for drivers with lower annual mileages and only needs one service a year. 

It comes with a wider range of replacement parts and visual checks, adding on to those conducted in the last interim service. These can include: 

The third and final service level is the ‘major’. It's typically recommended every 24,000 miles or 24 months. If your last annual service was a full service, a major service will be next on the manufacturer’s recommended schedule. 

It's the most comprehensive bundle of the three and takes everything from an interim and full service then adds on replacing parts and fluids that wear out every couple of years. These include brake fluid and cabin filter. 

Brake fluid can become contaminated over time and affect how well the brakes work. That’s obviously a serious concern when you’re on the road motoring at speed. The cabin filter can also be clogged up with dust and debris over time, affecting the cabin's air quality. 

Are car service intervals really necessary? 

A scheduled car service isn’t a legal requirement like an MOT. However, your new car warranty might compel you to stick to a standard servicing schedule. Even if you’re out of warranty, regular servicing is the best way to keep your car in the best possible condition. 

Although service intervals can be pricey, there are a number of benefits that make it worth doing: 

Working out which type of car service you need for your car depends on your current mileage, how old your car is, the last scheduled service you had done, and the make and model of the vehicle. 

Keeping track of your car service schedule can be tricky so it's usually a good idea to book service visits around your annual MOT. Though the servicing itself is legally required, it's good for your car and your pocketbook. Scheduling both at the same time means one less visit to the garage, and many garages offer discounted packages for doing them both together. 

Since most drivers can’t easily do oil changes, replace oil filters, or check spark plugs at home, regular 

 are normally the best way to keep your car running smoothly. 

A trained mechanic will lookout for any issues with your brakes and top up or change vital fluids like coolant, engine oil, and brake fluid. 

Failing to keep to the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule can affect your car warranty and the vehicle’s resale value. 

If you do find yourself facing a large repair bill for something unexpected, 

 can help ease the pain. You might also consider a ‘buy now, pay later service like ours. It lets you get the repairs you need quickly while deferring payments in easy interest-free instalments. 

The Different Levels of Car Service Explained 

Verschiedene Arten von Kfz-Services im Überblick

A full car service in the UK costs around £280 on average. 

To keep things running smoothly, most cars need servicing every 5,000 to 6,000 miles. Some car services are quick, others take time and cost more. 

So, how do you know what’s fair? What should a service include, and what’s the difference between interim and full?

Our expert mechanic breaks it all down. Scroll on for the full lowdown.

What is the average cost of a full car service in the UK?

The average UK annual full-car service cost is £280. However, this will differ depending on your car’s make, age, and condition. 

The age of a car is a significant factor in the price, as older cars typically require more care. Newer cars usually have fewer problems, and the manufacturer's warranty limits costs in the first few years. 

 can help you pay for car repairs in instalments in easy-to-manage monthly payments.

Car services aren’t cookie-cutter. Here’s a quick breakdown of the options and prices to help you choose the right one for your ride.

 These prices are based on UK industry averages and intended as a guide. Actual costs may vary depending on your vehicle’s make, age, condition, location, and service provider.

Another major factor influencing full car service costs is the make of your vehicle. Here are the average prices for some popular brands.

How much does a full car service cost UK?

The average UK full car service costs £280, but costs can range between £170 and £400.

Prices can vary widely depending on your car’s make, model, age, and location. Refer back to the tables above for details about what each service includes and the average costs from different car manufacturers.

What is the most expensive car to service UK?

Luxury and high-performance cars, such as BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz, tend to be the most expensive to service in the UK. Their advanced technology, specialised parts, and labour costs make servicing pricier compared to standard vehicles.

Similarly, luxury brands such as Jaguar, Land Rover, and Porsche also incur higher service costs due to the complexity of their engineering and the use of premium components. It’s best to service your car with authorised dealerships to ensure high-quality work for these brands.

It’s worth budgeting extra if you own one of these brands to avoid unexpected expenses.

What are the cheapest car brands to service? 

Popular cars like the Vauxhall Corsa and Kia Sportage will typically be in the lower price range for servicing since so many of them are on the road. 

Parts are cheap and readily available, and their more straightforward design means they’re generally faster and easier to fix. 

Maintenance tips: How to save on car servicing costs

Small habits not only protect your wallet but also keep your car running smoothly, helping to avoid costly repairs and reduce servicing bills.

Try these simple tips to save money in the long run:

You can also book your service early or ask about multi-service discounts to get the best deal from your local garage.

Does engine size affect the cost of a service?

Cars with engines under two litres are usually cheaper to service.

High-performance models with larger engines and premium parts tend to cost more in both labour and components.

Is servicing an electric car more expensive?

Electric vehicles and some plug-in hybrids often require specialist servicing at higher hourly rates. 

However, with fewer fluids and moving parts, they can still be cheaper to maintain overall. The final cost depends on the type of service required.

No, most warranties do not cover routine maintenance or servicing.

If your car is still under warranty, the cost of scheduled services may be capped by the policy. To keep the warranty valid, you must follow the service schedule, as skipping it could void your cover.

Yes, paying for regular car maintenance is always worthwhile. 

Services help maintain your vehicle’s performance, prevent costly repairs, and ensure safety on the road. Keeping up with servicing can also protect your warranty and boost your car’s resale value in the long run.

Car services are essential for keeping your car in top condition, preventing costly issues, and ensuring your safety on the road. 

Hopefully, this guide has helped you understand average UK service costs and what you can expect to pay for your car’s next visit to the garage.

Last-minute repairs and services can leave you (and your wallet) feeling down. But

, 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 Is a Car Service in the UK?

Bumper joined National Park Rangers in woodland near Calver for a unique day of volunteering. The team worked together to collect hundreds of vintage glass bottles and ceramics that were found when the site was recently cleared due to Ash Dieback Disease. It's believed that the area was on the site of an old Victorian tip.

The Team found old Heinz bottles and Bovril glasses. Items that looked of interest were sent to archaeologists for analysis.

It was important for the team to clear this glass to protect the safety of the wildlife and members of the public with four-legged friends who enjoy what the Peak District has to offer. Glass can also be a wildfire hazard as heat from the sun can cause devastating damage.

The Team was extremely efficient and filled all the containers before the proposed finished time – this was probably propelled by a meal booked in the local pub after!

Bumper is supporting the Foundation after signing up for its Peak Partner scheme, which allows businesses to care for the National Park while meeting their Corporate Social Responsibility goals.

 said: “The Peak District National Park is an incredible area, right on the doorstep of our Sheffield office.

“This partnership allows us to work closely with an amazing local organisation, but also to have a positive impact on the environment. Here at Bumper, our corporate social responsibility has always been a priority for us. Working in the automotive industry, we’re acutely aware of the progress our industry needs to make toward solving the climate crisis and we know we need to be doing all we can to support this.

“We’re proud residents of Sheffield and love the area surrounding our office there. The Peak District National Park Foundation not only works to conserve the environment but is also a great asset for Sheffield.

Becoming a Peak Partner was a no brainer for us, and we’re thrilled to be working with the Foundation. We really enjoyed our day clearing the woodland, meeting the staff who work in the National Park and talking about our CSR goals.”

The Foundation’s fundraising development officer Claire Barlow said: “We’re delighted to welcome Bumper as a Gold Peak Partner. It was great to meet the team out in the Peak District, we’d like to say a huge thank you to them for their help and look forward to working with them in the future.”

The Peak District National Park Foundation

The Foundation is an independent charity that cares for the Peak District National Park. Its aim is to work towards a Peak District that is conserved and enjoyed by everyone. It funds projects that care for the landscape and wildlife in the park, help fight climate change, and connect people from all backgrounds and situations to nature and the outdoors.

Bumper volunteers with Peak District National Park

Team Bumper attended the first Motortec Madrid 2022 event following the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The event, held annually, is one of the largest Automotive industry events in Europe. Described as a space for industry experts and innovators to exchange knowledge and best practices, Motortec sees over 700 companies exhibit annually. 

Across four days, Bumper showcased their interest-free monthly payments for after-sales invoices. A digital solution that allows customers at dealerships and garages to apply for finance in just a few clicks.

Co-founder, Jack Allman said, "Motortec Madrid marks the start of Bumper's expansion into the Spanish market. With a widely established presence in the UK and a recent launch into Germany, we're in a strong position to expand in Spain.

“Our talented and experienced sales team are engaging with dealerships and garages here in Spain about how Bumper can drive increased sales volume and maintain high levels of customer satisfaction”.

Team Bumper received an exciting reaction to their innovative solution at Motortec and has secured many connections to propel them further into the Spanish market. 

Founded in 2013, Bumper provides an interest-free digital payment platform for vehicle repairs and services, enabling owners to spread their costs. It also delivers an instalment financing solution using proprietary AI-enabled technology to facilitate real-time lending decisions.

Bumper enables dealerships and garages to sell a larger proportion of red and amber work, reducing workshop downtime, with no risks or liabilities, while also creating greater customer loyalty.

Named 21st fastest-growing fintech in the 2022 FT1000 rankings of Europe’s fastest-growing companies, Bumper works with over 3,000 dealerships and garages across the UK and the Republic of Ireland, helping over 160,000 drivers to fund their servicing and repair bills.

Bumper operates from the UK, Spain and Germany.

For more information on how Bumper can grow your aftersales volume contact our sales team at sales@bumper.co.uk. 

Team Bumper attend Motortec Madrid 2022

Bumper has launched its digital payment platform for car repairs, servicing and add-ons in Germany.

This marks UK-based Bumper’s debut in continental Europe, following last year’s launch in Ireland, and is part of an expansion plan which will shortly see it roll out across other key European markets.

The service is launching with D+S Automobile, one of Germany’s most prominent Jaguar Land Rover retailers, following the recent Series A funding investment in Bumper by JLR’s InMotion Ventures investment arm.

“We’re delighted to partner with D+S Automobile and offer its customers access to our portfolio of interest-free Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) and PayNow services,” said 

“As Europe’s biggest automotive market, Germany will play a pivotal role in the growth of Bumper across the continent.

 on German roads has increased to 9.8 years and is likely to continue to rise with the ongoing disruption of new car supplies. As these vehicles age the risk of major repairs becoming necessary also increases. 

“Our team in Germany is already talking to dealers and OEMs about how the Bumper platform is helping workshops in the UK and Ireland take the pain out of servicing and repair bills, prompting customers to authorise more work and building loyalty and satisfaction,” said Allman.

The international expansion follows the Financial Times ranking Bumper as one of Europe’s fastest-growing companies in the 

Bumper launches digital payment platform in Germany

Bumper is offering LEVC taxi owners in London access to interest-free credit for servicing and repair bills.

The Bumper service is being promoted through LEVC’s London Central dealership in Islington and marks the first collaboration between Bumper and a specialist electric vehicle manufacturer.

Owner-drivers using the funding facility are able to spread the cost of servicing and repairing their taxis over six or nine monthly instalments, up to a total of £3,000. Also covered are accessories, extended warranty, GAP and tyres.

Ryan Warren, service manager at LEVC London Central says the introduction of Bumper’s payment platform has been welcomed by taxi drivers eager to spread costs and minimise downtime. 

“Since the introduction of Bumper we have been able to assist even more of our customers, helping to get them back on the road as quickly as possible,” he said.

“Many of the drivers appreciate the option of using this service following the uncertainty of the last two years and the impact it's had on taxi drivers. The option to use Bumper gives drivers peace of mind and helps them balance their finances.”

Bumper is reporting a high uptake for the facility, especially from taxi owners wishing to spread the cost of GAP products.

“We’re delighted to be working alongside LEVC and the team at London Central to enable London taxi owners to spread the costs of their bills and get their vehicles back on the road as soon as possible,” said Jack Allman, COO and co-founder, Bumper.

“We have already proved how dealers offering our interest-free Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) platform can convert more aftersales work and achieve higher average invoice values because customers are empowered to finance all the work they need doing, not just what they can afford at the time.

“The aftersales taxi market is an important area of growth for us and we’re planning to rollout to owner-drivers across the UK and into Europe,” he said.

Bumper offers LEVC taxi owners in London access to interest-free aftersales payments

 has significantly expanded its executive team with four new appointments as the fast-growing business prepares the next stage of its growth in automotive payments.

All four bring a wealth of experience from some of the UK’s leading, FinTech disruptors, tech unicorns and financial services businesses and take up newly created positions within the business following the completion of its Series A funding round in December.

“We’re delighted to welcome Francisca Gutierrez, Leah Ellis, 

 and Matt Williams to the expanded executive team,” said James Jackson, CEO and co-founder, Bumper. 

“They’re all super talented and highly regarded in their respective fields with collective experience in FinTech and fast-growing disruptive start-ups, which will help us achieve our ambitious growth strategy as we increase our share of digital payments and Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) in the UK and across Europe,” he said.

Francisca Gutierrez has been appointed chief product officer, joining the company from Experian where she served as domain leader and senior product manager. 

Gutierrez is managing the international launch of the Bumper platform into continental Europe, starting with Germany, followed by Spain, then Netherlands and Portugal. She is also leading the development of a new white-label customer app which will be offered by dealer groups to help improve aftersales retention. 

Paul Edgecombe has joined as chief compliance officer from Selina Finance, where he was head of risk and compliance. Edgecombe has worked in compliance across FinTechs as well as challenger and high street banks, with senior roles at Barclays, Santander and Harrods Bank.

He will be responsible for implementing and managing Bumper’s compliance programme, ahead of the introduction of new regulatory rules in the BNPL market. He will also oversee the extended regulatory compliance as Bumper launches into new territories.

Matt Williams joins in February as chief growth officer from Trainline, where he was head of growth technology, prior to which he was strategic analytics director with Jellyfish and head of analytics and optimisation at Rightmove.

A specialist in analytics and marketing, part of his remit will be to lead an expanded team of marketeers to grow Bumper’s B2C proposition.

 has joined as interim chief people officer having amassed considerable experience in managing staff growth at tech start-ups, most recently at Goodlord, the property lettings platform, and Eve Sleep, the online sleep brand. 

She will manage the rapid employee growth Bumper is planning, which will take its headcount from 40 to over 100 staff within the next 12 months.

Bumper expands executive team with all-star appointments, as it ramps up growth plans

Find all the latest industry news and handiest car repair and service tips on the Bumper Blog. Want to get the Bumper view on something? Let us know and we’ll drop a blog post on it as soon as we can.