Annabelle Clarke

PR Manager

Annabelle Clarke | Author

Eduardo Rodrigues

Content Writer

Claudia Tuñón

Isobel Coughlan

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

Alastair Shephard

The VW T-Roc is a bold-looking, compact SUV that’s turning heads across the UK. Stylish and packed with features, it’s become a top pick for drivers after something practical, premium, and fun to drive. 

But no car is perfect. If you’re thinking about buying a T-Roc (or already own one), you’ll want to know where things can go wrong. From everyday gripes to more serious faults, here’s what real T-Roc owners have reported and what you can do to stay ahead of any annoying costs.

For most drivers, yes. The T-Roc is well-suited to everyday use, with a good fuel economy, especially in the petrol range. That said, some diesel models have been criticised for being more expensive to run, particularly on shorter trips. Ride quality is another talking point. The T-Roc is a firm ride that feels sporty on smooth roads but can be uncomfortable on poor road conditions or pothole-heavy commutes.

So, if you’re after a stylish daily driver with solid fuel economy and don’t mind a bit of a firmer ride, the T-Roc still has plenty of appeal for the everyday driver.

Mechanical faults and reliability concerns

Mechanical faults on the T-Roc aren’t widespread, but when they happen, they tend to be in a few common areas. 

For example, some drivers have mentioned problems with the automatic gearbox acting a little hesitant when shifting. Paired with the T-Roc’s powerful engine, you might notice these issues in stop-start traffic or during uphill climbs. Don’t ignore these problems, because they could very quickly turn into an expensive 

There have also been some cases of the T-Roc entering limp mode out of nowhere, usually triggered by sensor faults or communication errors between the gearbox and the engine. In earlier models, a seatbelt fault has even been flagged, where the rear seatbelt buckle releases out of nowhere – a safety issue that no one wants in the worst-case scenario.

What is the brake problem with the VW T-Roc?

Some owners have mentioned uneven braking or noises under pressure. While not too common, these problems tend to come down to worn pads, faulty callipers, or brake fluid issues. It’s worth noting that the T-Roc’s automatic emergency brake system can also activate unpredictably in some cases, especially in traffic. 

for a T-Roc can reach up to £300 depending on the fault, so it’s not always a small fix. Like most things, the earlier you catch it, the easier it is to sort.

Hit with an unexpected repair bill? With a 

, Bumper lets you split the cost into 3–6 interest-free monthly payments directly through your garage. Get started today!

While the inside of the T-Roc feels modern and packed with nifty nice-to-haves, not everything works as smoothly as you’d expect. One common fault reported by drivers is with the climate control system. In particular, models with two-zone climate control can have uneven airflow, where one side of the cabin blows noticeably warmer or cooler. 

Some owners have also mentioned that the system is slow to respond or resets itself after ignition. These aren’t major faults, but they can be annoying in everyday use, especially during longer drives or in colder months. 

Spread out those pesky car repair costs with Bumper

Whether it’s an issue with the gearbox, brakes, or climate system, Bumper helps you handle it the easy way. With our flexible 

bill over 3–6 interest-free instalments through one of 5,000+ UK garages and dealerships. Applying is super easy, too, and can be done in minutes! Start now to get your car back on the road.

What are the common faults with the VW T-Roc?

Cuáles son las averías más comunes del VW T-Roc

Was sind die häufigsten Mängel beim VW T-Roc?

If you're eyeing up the Vauxhall Crossland as your next motor, you might be wondering what it’s really like to live with. On paper, it’s a smart, compact SUV with loads of everyday appeal – good fuel economy, plenty of tech, and a comfortable drive. 

But is the Vauxhall Crossland a reliable car once it's out on the road? We’ve pulled together the most common issues owners report, so you can avoid nasty surprises, and know what to watch out for when driving one.

What problems does the Vauxhall Crossland have?

Let’s get straight to the point. The Crossland is generally considered a dependable car, but it’s not without a few recurring issues. Most aren't deal-breakers, but they are worth knowing about to stay safe and keep costs low.

While the manual gearbox is fine for everyday use, a baggy-feeling gear shift lets it down a bit over time. It can feel loose or imprecise, especially if the car’s done a lot of miles. 

The automatic gearbox in the Crossland is generally smoother and more relaxing to drive, particularly in traffic or for drivers who do a lot of town driving. It's not lightning-fast, but it does the job without fuss. 

That said, there have been occasional reports of jerky changes or hesitation in lower gears, so if you're buying used, it's worth testing on a mixed route so you can get a feel for if anything’s off.

Several drivers have reported issues with the anti-lock brakes, from unexpected dashboard lights to sensor faults. And while it’s normal for brake pads and brake discs to wear over time, some owners say they need replacing sooner than expected. 

on your Crossland? Don’t pay for it all at once! Split the cost with Bumper’s easy 

The Crossland’s engine is generally reliable, but there have been a few mentions of irregular engine performance, especially when idling or just after startup. It can feel like hesitation or a slight misfiring. Not dangerous, but annoying after a while. This isn’t a major fault but can be irritating if left for too long.

The good news? This can be easily spotted during a regular annual service, so staying on top of maintenance helps keep things running smoothly and keeps any inconvenient 

Comfort-wise, the Crossland has a lot going for it, but there are a few quirks.

The driving position is generally decent, with good visibility and adjustable seating, but some drivers find it hard to get perfectly comfortable, especially on longer trips. According to some people, it has a bit of an awkward pedal layout, so if you’ve got longer legs, you might feel cramped after a while.

Then there’s the road noise. Around town, it’s quiet enough, but on faster roads or rougher tarmac, the cabin can get noticeably louder. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it does chip away at that refined SUV feel.

Facing a surprise repair bill? Consider a 

 and split the cost into 3-6 interest-free monthly instalments with Bumper. Apply now!

What tech problems should you watch out for?

The Crossland comes with a decent list of features as standard, but like most modern cars, some bits of tech can be hit or miss when it comes to reliability.

None of these are major issues, but if you rely on these features daily, it’s worth checking they’re working properly during a test drive or after a service, so you don’t have to worry about the 

Repair bill on the way? Split up the cost with Bumper

No car is completely fault-free, and even reliable models like the Vauxhall Crossland can come with the odd mechanical hiccup or wear-and-tear issue. That’s why it pays to stay one step ahead. 

 lets you split the cost into simple monthly instalments – no hidden fees, no complicated paperwork, and no need to dip into your savings.

You can apply online in minutes or directly through one of our 5,000+ trusted partner garages and dealerships across the UK. Get started now!

Is the Vauxhall Crossland a reliable car?

¿Es el Opel Crossland fiable?

Ist der Opel Crossland ein zuverlässiges Auto?

The Nissan Qashqai is everywhere, and for good reason. Whether it’s the school run, a weekend road trip, or just the daily commute, it does the job without much fuss. It’s also roomy, easy to drive, and doesn’t guzzle fuel – so you get the look and feel of an SUV without the running costs of a big 4x4. Not bad, right?

But no car’s perfect. Like any model that’s been around for a while, a few common faults have caused some headaches. If you’re thinking of getting one – or already have one – you’re probably wondering how reliable it really is. Let’s break down what to expect, what can go wrong, and what it might cost to fix.

Some Qashqais develop engine issues over time. A drop in power when accelerating is one of the first warning signs, along with burning through oil quicker than expected. If you’re constantly topping up your oil level, it’s time to get it checked.

Timing chains and timing belts can also be an issue. If either one fails, you could be looking at some serious damage. Fuel and fluid leaks, and even water damage around the engine bay, have also been reported by some drivers. All of these can lead to a hefty 

 that can cost up to £1,500 depending on the problem.

Manual Qashqais sometimes develop gear change issues, particularly when engaging in reverse. Drivers also report stiff gear shifts or vibrations through the steering wheel, which could point to wear in the transmission or steering system.

If it’s not dealt with, you might be looking at a 

 of anywhere from £400 for minor fixes to over £1,000 for more serious transmission work. That’s the kind of bill nobody wants to face in one go.

? With Bumper, you can split your repair bill into 3–6 interest-free monthly payments, right through your garage. There’s no impact on your credit score when you apply – and absolutely ZERO hidden fees. Get back on the road with Bumper!

Brakes are something you don’t mess around with. In some Qashqais, there have been reports of early wear on brake hoses and brake fluid leaks. Brake pads can also wear out quicker than expected, especially if the car’s mostly used around town.

If you start hearing grinding noises or feel the brakes becoming less responsive, it’s time for a check-up. 

 can cost anywhere up to £300, depending on what needs replacing. It’s not outrageous – but it always comes at the wrong time.

Clunking or knocking noises from the rear wheels or around the wheel arches are fairly common in the Qashqai, especially on higher-mileage or older models. These sounds usually point to worn suspension components like bushings, shock absorbers, or anti-roll bars. In some cases, it’s just a loose fitting or bracket that needs tightening. 

But left unchecked, it can lead to premature wear of key parts and a more expensive fix down the line. If the ride feels less smooth or you're hearing noises over bumps, it's worth getting it looked at before it turns into a bigger issue.

Make those unexpected repairs easier to handle

Even reliable cars throw up surprise costs. That’s why so many Qashqai drivers turn to 

 through Bumper – to spread the cost of urgent work without the upfront hit. 

You can spread the cost over 3–6 interest-free instalments with over 5,000 trusted garages and dealerships across the UK. Keep your car on the road with Bumper – apply now!

Is the Nissan Qashqai a reliable car?

¿Es fiable el Nissan Qashqai?

Ist der Nissan Qashqai ein zuverlässiges Auto?

Research by Bumper has identified a disconnect between dealers actively futureproofing their aftersales operations to handle EVs and hybrids and customers planning to own them.

While an overwhelming majority of dealership workshops (92%) describe themselves as being “prepared” or “very prepared” for EVs and hybrids, just 15% of customers currently own one and only 13% plan to purchase one in the next three years.

The findings come from Bumper’s newly published 

, which polled the views of 4,269 car owners and 520 service advisors to identify the operational challenges faced by service departments and consumer pain points. 

“As legislative pressure grows on carmakers to sell higher proportions of new EVs, our study shows how dealers have moved to invest in their workshop operations by tooling up and training for EVs and hybrids,” said Daniel Christie, Bumper’s Head of Sales.

“However, there is a disconnect between what dealers now have in place and the EV ownership and buying intent of their customers,” he said.

Most service advisors (40%) believe EVs will represent the biggest trend shaping aftersales over the next five years, followed by the economic landscape (12%) and technological advancements (11%).

Despite the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) across many sectors, only 19% of service departments plan to adopt AI tools for diagnostics, scheduling or customer services in the next 12 months.

“The aftersales market is at a pivotal moment, where the adoption of innovative tools, preparation for EVs and a focus on affordability will determine future success,” said Christie.

“While advances like interest-free finance and digital tools have proven transformative, dealerships must invest in training, staffing and infrastructure to meet evolving customer needs.

“The research also identified how emerging trends such as AI, mobile servicing and self-check-ins offer opportunities for growth, but their adoption remains tentative. The sector’s ability to adapt to these technological and market shifts will be crucial for long-term competitiveness and customer satisfaction,” he said.

Bumper's Automotive Aftersales Report 2024/25

Bumper study identifies “disconnect” between dealers’ readiness for EV aftersales and customers’ plans to go electric 

You can’t browse for a new car online, visit a dealership, or even watch TV without hearing about hybrid cars, for the past 20+ years they’ve been the biggest motoring trend. 

Manufacturers claim numerous benefits, the most prominent being 

, but what actually is a hybrid car, and how do they work?

The term hybrid refers to a car that uses both a traditional internal combustion engine and an electric motor for propulsion. All modern hybrids have a lithium battery pack that stores the electrical energy used by the motor.

Exactly how the engine and motor work together differs between types of hybrid, with some directly powering the wheels, and others adding power to the engine's output, retaining the traditional gearbox arrangement. 

How the batteries get charged is also something that sets the different hybrids apart. All hybrids add charge to the battery from regenerative braking to some degree, but there are also hybrids that can be charged from a charger, just like an electric car. 

As we just touched on, there are multiple different types of hybrid, each combining electric and internal combustion power in slightly different ways.

The self-charging hybrid was the first kind to be sold, with the Toyota Prius in 1999. They use only regenerative braking to charge the battery. This is energy that would otherwise be wasted when braking. Self-charging hybrids are also known as parallel or full hybrids.

To enable this, the car operates the electric motor as a generator, converting the kinetic energy into electrical energy in the form of battery charge. Early self-charging hybrids were celebrated for their incredible fuel efficiency, thanks to this principle.

Self-charging hybrids can typically drive under electric-only power at low speeds, such as when in traffic, with the engine kicking in at around 15mph.

Looking for a new motor? Check out our list of the 

If you need an expensive car repair for your hybrid, consider a 

 from Bumper. Split the cost into interest-free monthly payments at over 5,000 UK garages and dealerships.

Plug-in hybrids still use regenerative braking to charge the battery, but they can also be charged from a home or public charger, in a similar fashion to EVs. This enables them to use the electric motor for greater periods of time.

Many plug-in hybrids can even cover a certain distance on electric only power, this is typically around 40 miles.

As the name suggests, a mild hybrid incorporates the basic premise of combining an electric motor with a petrol engine, but on a smaller scale. Mild hybrids have small electric motors and small batteries. 

In a mild hybrid, the electric motor cannot transfer power to the wheels, instead, it assists the engine, through the same drivetrain as a normal petrol-engined vehicle. 

As the combination of motor and engine replaces the traditional gearbox and clutch arrangement, all self-charging (full) and plug-in hybrids are automatic.

However, lots of mild hybrids are available with a manual gearbox.

Only Plug-in hybrids (PHEV) need charging, all other types of hybrid cars (self-charging/full and mild) convert otherwise wasted energy into battery charge, and cannot be charged.

With the increase in fuel economy, lower VED rates, and lower company car tax, hybrid cars are almost always cheaper to run than a comparatively sized petrol or diesel-engined car.

One of the best-rated hybrids is made by the company that started it all, Toyota. The new Corolla is an excellent blend of practicality, fuel efficiency and excellent engineering, it's hard to beat.

That said, most of the other brands also making hybrids are putting out some great cars, from Renault to BMW,

 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.

What is a Hybrid?

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? 

You will face many issues if you don’t change your engine oil. These include increased wear, worse MPG, overheating, increased emissions, clogged systems, voided warranty, decreased resale value, and potential engine failures. 

So, there’s nothing positive to be gained from putting your oil change off.

The oil in your engine reduces friction and heat by lubricating the moving parts. When the oil is fresh, it lubricates at peak efficiency and minimises wear on the engine components.

When the oil breaks down, the two faces will wear significantly faster. This will be hard to notice on the camshafts, but over time, this increased wear on the cylinder bores will create a significant loss in power.

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

Not only does oil lubricate, but it also plays a crucial role in cooling down certain parts of the engine. Race cars often have dedicated oil coolers, but many run-of-the-mill cars also implement designs to reduce oil temperature. 

Surpassing oil change intervals can lead to a reduction in oil-based cooling and excessive heat from increased friction. 

Both symptoms are not good for an engine, and more heat generally equates to less efficiency, more wear and a higher chance of something breaking permanently.

. As a consequence of the increase in heat, reduction in compression due to worn cylinders and a lack of cooling, fuel efficiency will likely decrease. 

Over time, this could significantly increase fuel costs, probably more so than the cost of an oil change!

A decrease in fuel efficiency generally coincides with an increase in harmful emissions, mainly by burning oil due to excessive engine wear. 

A small amount of engine oil will always make its way into the engine's combustion chamber, but the more wear to the cylinder walls, the more will enter and burn off as nasty emissions. 

4. Systems will clog with dirt and debris 

Many complex mechanisms rely on good oil flow to function properly. Examples include variable valve timing, turbochargers and engine breathers.

VVT or Vanos systems often use the engine's oil pressure to operate. These are extremely precise systems, and any oil pressure, quality, or viscosity decrease can affect them. In the best case, the engine stops varying the valve timing properly. 

In the worst case, the Vanos system clogs and requires removal, replacement, or cleaning.

5. Turbos can fail and destroy your engine 

Extremely common in modern cars, turbochargers utilise waste energy from the exhaust to increase power and efficiency. Turbos are responsible for the modern spate of small, high MPG-achieving engines such as those found in Ford, Audi and Volkswagen vehicles. 

Turbos spin incredibly fast, more than 10,000 RPM. To turn efficiently, they need a substantial supply of oil; a partial or momentary pause in the oil supply can cause the turbine to overheat and fail.

Because half of the turbo is in the path of air entering the engine, if shards of the turbine break off due to catastrophic failure, they can quickly enter the engine, causing severe damage. 

If you’ve ever waited a long time between oil changes, you probably noticed a difference in how well the car performed after the oil change was complete. Simply put, with fresh new oil, your engine’s spinning parts can move smoothly and use less power to make their revolutions. 

The manufacturer’s warranty for a new car can last as long as a decade — if you stick to its prescribed maintenance schedule. Skip too many oil changes, and the warranty terms might render it void. 

If there’s ever a major repair, it could cost you thousands more than it would have if the warranty was still valid. 

Resale value probably isn't the first thing on your mind when you buy a car. Eventually, however, the day comes when you want to sell or trade-in your vehicle for a new one. 

Keeping to a schedule of regular oil changes will increase your car's resale value. The engine will perform noticeably better on inspection or in a test drive. Keep a detailed record of oil changes and other regular maintenance; you might even improve your sale price. 

What are the benefits of changing your oil on schedule? 

Keeping your engine healthy with fresh oil has many benefits, including preventing engine failure, reducing engine wear, increasing resale value, and improving your car maintenance. 

When you have an oil change done, it allows the mechanic to visually inspect your car under the bonnet. They'll see the battery, air filters, brakes, and whatever else they have on their standard list. That means they'll be able to note any potential problems before they happen. 

Every car has a suggested manufacturer’s maintenance schedule for regular servicing. Focusing on oil changes makes it easier to track the intervals and ensure you’re being seen by a mechanic at least once a year. 

Your mechanic will probably remind you about any upcoming scheduled maintenance in addition to the oil change so you can book an appointment on the spot. 

If your engine oil turns to sludge, it won't be able to lubricate anymore, and your car engine will seize up. That means the metal parts fuse under intense friction and heat. It's almost impossible to fix, probably requiring a new engine or even a write-off of the car.

Does missing oil changes cause engine wear? 

Yes, oil prevents wear by minimising the friction between the engine's moving parts. Oil also has a limited service life, meaning it breaks down and stops providing the same level of lubrication, leading to rapid wear. 

Almost anyone can do an oil change. The tools needed to change your car’s oil are not complex or expensive, but it does need to be done safely, as it usually requires jacking up the vehicle and crawling under the engine.

If you don’t want to change it yourself, you should be able to easily 

 for an oil change near you. Almost any garage can offer oil changes as it is one of the most basic tasks a mechanic can do. 

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

As one of the most essential car service elements, oil changes are always included in 

. This generally also consists of an oil filter change to keep the new oil cleaner for longer.

It’s good practice to check what oil grade and quality the garage will be using, especially if you’re not taking your car to a primary dealer for servicing. We have a handy 

Whilst things like engine oil leaks would be noticed, the MOT test does not include an oil level or quality check, or an oil change. For this reason, booking a service at the same time as an MOT test is a good idea. 

An annual MOT test is a legal requirement for cars over three years old. The test includes checking all safety critical systems such as brakes, suspension, and tyres. 

Check out our guide here for more on precisely what an MOT covers

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.

Historically, oil changes were determined by how many miles you’d driven since the last change. Today, we can use three key factors to estimate when you need to change your oil. These include:

You must look at vehicle type, as some require different oil change times than others. Similarly, the length of your average drive will affect your oil changes. Short trips and inner-city drives are more demanding on your engine and require more oil changes.

Finally, older cars generally require more maintenance and oil changes than newer cars. So, if you’ve just bought a new car, you won’t have to change your oil as often as older ones.

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

Put simply, no. The oil should be changed for most cars every 3-6,000 miles. For most cars, not changing your oil for over a year means missing two separate changes, which could seriously damage your engine.

Making time for something as mundane as an oil change is an annoyance, but it's vital to your car's health. If you want your car to last a long time and perform well, take the time to get the oil changed. Expect to spend more if you don't.

What are the signs that suggest an oil change? 

Over time, the engine will exhibit signs that you need an oil change, like increased fuel consumption, reduced performance, and smoky exhaust fumes.

Other signs you need an oil change include:

The danger appears because unlike knocking suspension or a blowing exhaust, not changing the oil does not make a loud or easily noticeable difference, at least for the first few months. 

However, once these symptoms start to show, it may well mean your engine is seriously damaged already - so follow those service intervals!

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

You might find a sticker inside your engine bay that states a mileage. These are often used to record when an oil change was last done. It's best to limit the miles past the sticker as much as possible, even having the oil change done in advance.

The trouble with oil change stickers is that they might not be 100% accurate, as there is no way to officiate the work.

We generally recommend using your car's service book. That way, there can be no confusion over what was done and by whom. The book can also be passed to a prospective buyer, giving a detailed car history.

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

Some manufacturers now recommend an oil change every 12-15,000 miles, so it may well be that 10,000 is fine. But as the previous point, it's best to check your owner's manual alongside the service records for peace of mind. 

What happens if you don’t change your oil - The bottom line 

Staying on top of your oil changes is a guaranteed way to keep your car healthy and prevent avoidable problems. This will make driving safer and save you lots of money in the future. Don’t put it off!

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

What Happens If You Don’t Change Your Oil

Since the Euro 5 regulatations that came into effect in 2009, Diesel particulate filters have effectively been mandatory on all new Diesel engined vehicles. 

The main aim of this regulation change was to reduce the amount of harmful pollutants emitted in towns and cities. In this article we’ll delve into what they are, why they’re used and what the drawbacks can be.

As the name suggests, it is a filter that prevents harmful particulates from exiting the engine via the exhaust system. The main particulate it stops is soot, this is a by-product of using diesel fuel. 

A DPF’s job is to trap the soot and hold it until it can be transformed into ash via a process called regeneration, which requires the DPF to be extremely hot. 

The main benefit in buring soot into ash is that the latter is much less harmful to humans, soot stays in the air we breathe for a long time, and makes up most of inner city air pollution.

Inside the unit are a series of filters, these trap the soot and keep it until it burns away. As already mentioned the burning process is known as regeneration, and it requires the filter to be at nearly 500°C. 

As the exhaust only reaches these temperatures at high speeds and engine loads, the ash will typically not burn off until the car is driven at high speeds for an extended period, such as when on the motorway.

This helps to both reduce the amount of soot emitted in and around town, but also to reduce the amount of overall polutants deposited into the air we breathe.

There are two types of regeneration; Active and Passive. Passive regeneration is the type just explained, this happens during normal usage (as long as long journeys are made) and the car’s computer needs not intervene. 

If for any reason the car is not driven at high speeds, for instance through traffic in town, the car's ECU (Electronic Control Unit) will detect that the DPF has not regenerated for a long time. It will then start an active regeneration cycle.

Active or forced regeneration generally involves the engine altering the fuel/air mixture in order to make the engine produce more heat from the exhaust, this is not very fuel efficient but can help to remove built up soot.

Some cars even use a specialst catalyst solution stored in a tank, that is injected into the DPF to aid the burning of deposited soot.

What is a Blocked Diesel Particulate Filter? 

A common fault with any DPF system is the complete or almost complete blockage of the filter due to excessive soot build up. 