Annabelle Clarke

PR Manager

Annabelle Clarke | Author

Eduardo Rodrigues

Content Writer

Claudia Tuñón

Isobel Coughlan

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

Alastair Shephard

Credit cards can quickly come to the rescue when you’re short on cash. But while our plastic friends have often had our backs when faced with a large bill, a new form of payment has grown in popularity: Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL). 

BNPL is a finance option that allows you to make purchases by splitting the cost into monthly payments, often interest-free. Currys, Ikea, ASOS, Pretty Little Thing, and Very.co.uk are just some of the big names offering the option as an alternative to credit cards. 

But which one is better? How do BNPL vs credit cards measure up? Today, we’re delving into the two options to help you get an unbiased option. Let’s go. 

, it’s helpful to consider the pros and cons of both options. This gives you a transparent view of both, allowing you to choose the one that’s right for you without any false marketing. 

First up, here are the pros and cons of credit cards. 

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.

Next, we’ll look at the advantages and disadvantages of 

. Remember these before signing up for anything! 

Buy Now Pay Later vs Credit Cards - How do they measure up?

So, how does each side fare in the buy now pay later vs credit cards fight? Both options have positives and negatives, so which one is best for you is down to your financial needs. 

Here’s a quick comparison between the main factors: 

 is a Buy Now Pay Later provider for car repairs and servicing. 

We’re here to take away the stress of breakdowns and hefty repairs with 0% interest financing. You can spread the costs and match with an experienced garage near your home. 

When it comes to being accepted, Bumper provides an instant response so you know if you’ve been accepted there and then. 

 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.

Buy Now PayLater vs. Credit Cards

A clutch replacement in the UK costs between £300 and £700, with some models exceeding £1,200. 

If your clutch is slipping, hard to shift, or making noises, you may need a replacement. This guide covers costs, symptoms, and when to replace your clutch and flywheel.

How much does a clutch replacement cost? 

The average cost of a clutch replacement in the UK is £454.55.

However, prices can range from £300 to £900. Not all vehicles can be fitted with the same clutch, so prices may vary between different makes and models—and this also doesn’t factor in the total cost including labour. 

A car clutch connects and disconnects the engine from the transmission. Pressing the clutch pedal disengages it, allowing gear changes, while releasing it re-engages, enabling smooth power transfer to the wheels for driving.

Here’s a breakdown of clutch and flywheel replacement costs:

If car repairs and replacement parts have you worried, Bumper could help you with 0% interest 

 paid for in easy-to-manage monthly payments. 

As you can see above, clutch replacement costs vary a lot.

 it's important to understand where your money goes. Here's a breakdown of what's typically included in a clutch replacement fee:

Factors that affect a clutch replacement cost 

Why do clutch replacement costs change so much? Here are the main factors that may affect the price of your repair. 

There are a number of factors that indicate your clutch might need repairing, these include: 

If you're unsure or suspect your car may have one of these issues, it's highly recommended to ask how much is a new clutch and have an approved mechanic inspect it.

Ignoring the problem could put you and your passengers at risk and lead to more expensive repairs later.

What happens if you don’t replace a worn clutch?

If you don’t replace a worn clutch, it can lead to slipping gears, difficulty shifting, and eventual complete failure. This can make driving unsafe and cause more damage to your car, leading to a potentially more expensive new clutch cost in the future. 

How long does it take to replace a clutch?

On average, replacing a clutch usually takes about 4-6 hours, depending on your car’s make and model. 

Some cars may take longer if they’re harder to work on or more complicated in design, but a skilled mechanic can typically complete the job in a day.

A clutch should last upwards of 60,000 miles on a petrol car with good care and a considerate driving style.

There are certain things that will shorten the life of your clutch, such as: 

Yes, a clutch can fail suddenly, especially if worn down over time. 

You might notice slipping gears, difficulty shifting, or strange noises leading up to the failure. If ignored, it could completely fail, leaving you stuck and facing expensive repairs.

What causes a clutch to burn out quickly?

A clutch can burn out quickly if it’s frequently slipped, such as when riding the pedal too much, towing heavy loads, or driving in stop-and-go traffic. 

Poor driving habits or not replacing worn parts can also speed up wear. Drive carefully to keep your car in good health!

Is it cheaper to replace just the clutch or the flywheel too?

It’s usually cheaper to replace just the clutch, but if the flywheel is damaged or worn, it’s best to replace it too. Skipping the flywheel might save money upfront but could lead to bigger issues later.

The clutch interacts with other car components, so the flywheel and pressure plate may also need replacement. A flywheel is a heavy wheel attached to a rotating shaft connected to the engine, designed to smooth power delivery. 

The rivets can damage the flywheel and pressure plate if the clutch is worn too much. However, if replaced early, the flywheel can often be reused, saving you on a 

Can you replace a clutch without resurfacing the flywheel? 

Yes and no. Whether you need to replace the flywheel depends on how worn the clutch is. 

If the clutch was slipping for a while, the flywheel could be damaged. It's crucial to check the clutch early as soon as it feels worn or that it is slipping.

Other common clutch problems you should know

Alongside the clutch plate, flywheel and pressure plate, there is a hydraulic system that actuates the clutch. 

There are a few different types of issues that can be present with these parts:

When you release the clutch pedal, the hydraulic force from the spring in the pressure plate and often a return spring work to push the clutch pedal back up to the resting position.

A failing clutch master cylinder can cause this problem. As the seals break down and allow fluid to pass through, the pressure required to push the pedal back is dissipated.

If you’re hearing a whirring or scraping noise when the clutch pedal is depressed, which gets higher in frequency with the engine speed increasing, you may have a failed clutch release bearing. 

When you press the pedal, and the system applies force to the clutch pressure plate through the clutch fork, that force is applied to the spinning pressure plate through a bearing. 

Over normal usage, this bearing deteriorates and creates noise and sometimes vibration through the pedal. 

Hopefully, this article has helped you work out how much your clutch replacement will cost. 

Clutch replacements are, unfortunately, part of owning a vehicle. While they keep your car healthy, they can significantly dent your bank account—especially if you need a last-minute replacement. 

Worried about clutch repair costs? Bumper is here to help.

Split the cost of car repairs with Bumper's interest-free 

Apply online for up to £5,000 and choose from 1,000s of trusted repairers. 

How much does a clutch replacement cost in the UK?

¿Cuánto cuesta reemplazar el embrague?

Wie viel kostet ein Kupplungswechsel?

Bumper have partnered with OEC’s click-to-book system, which allows customers to book work with garages online in seconds.

The integration will give customers the opportunity to book appointmensts online and split the cost of their repairs into monthly instalments, completely interest free.

Seamless and stress-free process for all parties

Andreas Heider, OEC Vice President of Product, said, “We have integrated our offering so that our mutual clients can process and pay for their car repairs and service smoothly and without hassle.

“Not only will this partnership drive revenue and help support dealerships, but it will also offer customers the benefit of interest free payment methods.

“In these challenging times, we recognise the need to offer alternative and affordable payment options that create a seamless and stress-free process for all parties.”

Affordable payment options in challenging times

Jack Allman, Bumper CCO and Co-Founder, said, “In these challenging economic times, it’s more important than ever to offer different and more affordable payment methods when household budgets are feeling particularly squeezed.

“This integration will drive revenue for dealerships and help customers with interest free payment options”.

The Bumper integration is available now for garages using OEC’s online booking system. To have the feature installed or for more information contact OEC on olb.support@oeconnection.com or Bumper on sales@bumper.co.uk.

Bumper & OEC announce car repair online booking partnership

Bumper is the 8th fastest growing FinTech company and the 89th fastest growing across all sectors in the Financial Times’ list of Europe’s fastest-growing 1,000 companies.

The list, compiled annually by research company Statista, is determined by companies with the highest revenue growth between 2016 and 2019.

Also making the list is finance company, Sun Finance; energy companies, Bulb and Octopus Energy; and credit-score calculators, Clear Score.

The news is welcomed after many companies in Europe face financial pressures because of the pandemic and uncertainty with the Brexit change over. One thousand companies reporting revenue growth over the last few years is excellent news both for the economy and for the thousands they employ.

Our quick growth is evidence of the hard work and dedication of the internal team and the service teams in a difficult time. Team Bumper is grateful to the dealership group and garages who chose to offer our service and the many loyal customers who use it. Without your support we wouldn’t have made it into the top 100.

Bumper is 8th fastest growing FinTech company in Europe

1st March 2021 – We’re pleased to announce we’ve rebranded from AUTO SERVICE FINANCE to BUMPER.

We’ve refreshed our look and tuned up our name, so let’s pull up to the Bumper and see how we got here.

We chose Bumper as we wanted a name that epitomisess our brand values.

A name that conveys usefulness, convenience, and flexibility, whilst also being simple and transparent. One that was more memorable, shorter, and easier to recall than Auto Service Finance.

We believe the new name speaks to drivers and engages them - it’s human, upbeat, savvy, and different.

Car bumpers protect vehicles and their drivers - just like Bumper.

We chose the colour orange as we wanted to stand out from other FinTech and Buy Now Pay Later providers.

We wanted to choose a colour that was bold and striking, whilst also being friendly and inviting.

Much like how Cadbury’s own purple and Coca-cola own red – Bumper is here to own orange.

Visiting a garage can be a daunting experience.

It’s hard to know the good work from the bad, and a fair price from a rip-off.

We’ve built strong relationships with a network of responsible and trusted garages.

We bring you garages with the best workmanship and the fairest prices – matching top-class drivers with a top-notch service.

Then came a problem we all face – the cost of repairs.

From unexpected large amounts to small ones you’d rather skip, they are necessary for keeping you on the road.

We want to release drivers from the burden of the upfront lump-sum, with simple monthly payments, that are always interest-free.

So, whether you’re a driver looking for car repairs made easy or a garage looking to do things right – Bumper’s got your back.

Auto Service Finance has rebranded to Bumper

¿Qué es Bumper? Conócenos

Brakes are vital for your vehicle’s safety, and replacing a brake disc can cost around £250 in the UK.

Bumpy ride? If you notice changes in braking performance or unusual noises, have them inspected and, if necessary, replaced by a mechanic. 

This article explains everything UK drivers need to know about brake pad replacement costs, so you can be ready for your repair.

How much do replacement brake pads cost? 

The average cost of replacement brake pads in the UK is £250, but this can go up to £500.

Replacement costs vary by car make, model, location, and labour. We’ll detail these factors and provide estimates below.

 to split the cost into interest-free monthly repayments.

Brake pad replacement costs per vehicle type

The brake pad replacement cost changes depending on the type of vehicle you have. Here are some estimates per car type.

Brake pad and disc replacement cost by UK location

Where you live can affect the price you’ll pay for a brake pad and disc replacement. Here’s the average cost per UK region, with prices generally higher in London and the South East and lower in northern regions.

Cost of brake pads vs cost of brake pads and discs

Replacing only your brake pads is cheaper because it involves less labour and fewer parts. 

In contrast, brake discs are more expensive components, and fitting them takes extra time as the mechanic must remove the old discs, fit the new ones, and then install new pads. 

This is why replacing both pads and discs costs more than pads alone. See estimated costs in the table below.

Brake pads vs discs - what’s the difference?

Brake pads and brake discs work together to stop your car. 

press against the rotating brake discs to create friction, slowing the car down. The pads are made of friction material and wear out over time, so they need regular replacement. 

, which provide the surface for friction, are usually made of cast iron or carbon composite. They are more durable and costly to replace than brake pads.

Usually, you only need a brake pad replacement. 

Should you replace brake discs and pads at the same time?

While not always essential, replacing brake discs and pads together is recommended for best braking performance and system longevity. Replacing only one can cause uneven wear and reduce efficiency. 

Although upfront costs are higher, doing both at once can save money by avoiding repeated visits to the mechanic.

Changing just the brake pads costs around £170. 

This is because changing the brake pads on a vehicle involves less labour and fewer new parts than both discs and pads. 

It also significantly depends on what type of car you drive; performance and ultra-luxury cars typically have larger brakes, which cost more to replace. 

The average brake pad will need replacing after 30,000 - 50,000 miles. 

If you live in an area with a lot of slow-moving traffic or many hills, your brakes will likely be used frequently, so you may want to get them checked often. 

How can you tell your brake pads need replacing? 

Unlike tyres, brake pads are hidden behind the wheels and inside the calliper, so it can be difficult to know exactly when they need replacing. 

Your brakes are one of your car’s most important safety features, so it’s worth knowing how to spot when the pads might be wearing out. 

If you're ever unsure, it’s best to call a mobile mechanic or visit a local garage for a professional inspection.

Yes, it’s okay to replace just the brake pads and not the discs.

Because the brake pad is consumable, the disc is generally protected from wear. Many sources say that while brake pads should last 30,000 miles, brake discs should last significantly longer.

As long as the discs aren't excessively worn and you haven’t let the pads wear down to the steel and damaged the discs, you should only need to replace the pads.

How long does it take to change brake pads?

It takes around an hour for a professional to change your brake pads. This may take longer if the discs also need replacing or if your vehicle has a more complex braking system.

No, you shouldn’t drive with worn-out brake pads.

As soon as you know your brake pads need replacing, you should drive only as far as your local mechanic.

Not only is it dangerous, but it could also lead to a £100 fine and three points per fault. If both your front and rear brakes are faulty, that’s at least £400 and 12 points.

Yes, worn or damaged brake discs can cause an MOT failure. 

Discs below the manufacturer’s minimum thickness are a major defect, while loose or cracked discs are dangerous defects, preventing the vehicle from being driven until repaired.

Researching how much replacement brake pads and discs cost is essential for all car owners because prices can vary depending on several factors. You don’t want to get caught out by a surprise fee!

It’s wise to shop around at different garages to compare quotes. Remember that repairing your brakes is a vital investment in both your car and your safety so do not delay it.

, you can split the cost of repairs into monthly payments at no extra cost. 

How Much Replacement Brake Pads Discs Cost - UK Price Guide

¿Cuánto cuestan las pastillas de freno de repuesto?

Wie viel kostet der Austausch von Bremsbelägen? 

Covid lockdowns and restrictions have prompted nearly two-thirds of car owners to delay servicing and repair work, even though they know dealer workshops and garages are open for business, according to consumer research by Bumper.

Bumper, the new name for Auto Service Finance, polled the views of 2,635 car owners in February to see whether decisions on having their vehicles maintained had been impacted by the pandemic.

The research found 63% had delayed services and repairs because of Covid restrictions, even though 86% admitted to being aware that garages and dealer workshops were permitted to operate.

“Our research highlights a worrying trend with most car owners admitting to being worried about taking their vehicles into garages and dealerships as a result of Covid restrictions,” said James Jackson, CEO and co-founder.

“This raises safety concerns as service schedules are being stretched and repair work is being put off. Dealers and garages need to allay customer fears by reassuring them that Covid-19 secure guidelines are in place with timed appointments, contactless handovers, vehicle sanitation and social distancing.”

Bumper’s research also identified that customers would favour the option of remote payment, rather than paying a service advisor in person. Most (53%) said they would prefer to pay for work remotely by phone, laptop or computer. Over half (57%) said their preference had changed as a direct result of Covid.

“As we work through the current lockdown it’s increasingly apparent that customers want reassurance from dealerships and garages. Encouraging them to pay remotely is an easy win, especially as most businesses are already set up to take payments over the phone, suggesting that communicating this option needs to be more widely promoted,” said Jackson.

Bumper provides an interest-free digital payment platform for vehicle repairs and services, enabling owners to spread their costs.

Formerly Auto Service Finance, the multi award-winning UK fintech company 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.

Co-founded by CEO James Jackson and CCO Jack Allman, Bumper is rated 89 in the 2021 FT 1000 listing of Europe’s fastest growing companies. Bumper works with 2,500 franchised dealers, over 650 garages and major car brands across the UK and Republic of Ireland, helping over 100,000 drivers to fund their servicing and repair bills.

Bumper is based in Sheffield and London, with a tech development centre in Ankara, Turkey.

Nearly two-thirds of car owners delay servicing and repair work because of Covid concerns, finds Bumper research

Bumper ranks 21st in the Financial Times annual list of fastest-growing FinTech companies in Europe. This is the second consecutive year the business has made the list.

The list is comprised of independent companies that have shown strength and resilience. To qualify businesses needed a minimum revenue of £1.2 million in 2017. Growth is then calculated as an average over the last 5 years. 

Bumper CEO and co-founder, James Jackson, said, ‘We’re delighted to be featured on the FT1000 list, and incredibly proud to be one of the fastest-growing companies in Europe for the second year in a row.’

‘Over the last 12 months our growth has been powered by working with many of the top 100 dealer groups; new partnerships with Nissan, Keyloop, CitNOW and RTC; launching into Ireland and Germany, and securing £9m in Series A funding.

‘We're ideally positioned to achieve further growth in 2022. Our motivation remains the same as it always has been – to put motorists back in the driving seat, by offering accessible, affordable and manageable finance solutions for everything from repairs and maintenance to accessories and more recently the addition of add-ons including GAP, service plans, warranties and paint protection.’

With recent significant investments and an expanding executive team, Bumper is in a position to increase growth and continue its mission of empowering drivers. 

Bumper ranks 21st in the fastest growing FinTechs by Financial Times

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.