Annabelle Clarke

PR Manager

Annabelle Clarke | Author

Eduardo Rodrigues

Content Writer

Claudia Tuñón

Isobel Coughlan

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

Alastair Shephard

Congratulations to Blackburn Audi, who have been named Bumper’s Dealership of the Month for March 2025. 

Since 2017, Blackburn Audi has used Bumper’s car repair finance to split the cost of customers’ bills into interest-free, monthly payments. 

The use of the interest-free option has resulted in a positive impact on their customer feedback, with the site regularly rated 5 stars through Trustpilot. 

One customer wrote, “Such an easy way to plan and pay for those unforeseen motoring expenses. Love the branding too – friendly and so different from typical finance providers. Highly recommend!” 

Not only have Blackburn Audi used Bumper to increase customer satisfaction levels but they’ve also experienced growth in their key metrics. 

With a proactive approach to offering Bumper Swansway Blackburn Audi saw:

Kellie Pickering, service manager at the site, said, “I’d like to say a huge congratulations to the team on this outstanding achievement. This award is a testament to their hard work in implementing flexible payments into their everyday aftersales process. 

“At Blackburn Audi, PayLater has been extremely popular with customers. When faced with unexpected repair bills, customers are often unprepared. 

“By introducing this option to every driver at the start of the customer journey, we’ve not only been able to alleviate the financial burden on the day but keep them coming back for more.” 

Congratulations to Kellie, Jonathan, Adam, Rajon, and the whole team at Swansway Blackburn Audi! 

Swansway Blackburn Audi achieve Dealer of the Month award 

 was added to the VW range in 2019 to capitalise on the popularity of the compact-SUV bodystyle. Sales were strong, with many people liking the elevated ride height, however, some owners did report some issues with build quality and reliability of the T-Cross. 

If you’re in the market for a used T-Cross, make sure to read this guide on all their common and potential problems.

Yes, overall the T-Cross is reliable, achieving a 98% reliability rating from What Car? magazine. This means it is generally more reliable than VW cars on average, with the company placing 18th out of 31 manufacturers in 2018.

A recall was issued for a very small number of VW T-Cross models, when a defect was discovered that affected the deployment of the side curtain airbags - the ones that cover the side window area. It only affected cars made between late May and early June 2019. 

It is extremely unlikely that your car would be affected, as only 35 cars fall into the date bracket, but it’s still worth checking if you already own a T-Cross or are looking into buying one. 

A recall happens when the manufacturer is made aware of a quality issue or fault that could be dangerous, they are obliged to have the fault repaired at one of their dealerships, at no cost to the owner.

You can check to see if your car is affected by this or any other recalls by using the government site 

The most common engine used in the T-Cross is the VW 1.0 TSI engine, which is a 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, available in most of the company's smaller cars, as well as many SEATS, Skodas and Audis. 

It is an incredibly well-made engine, with good power and economy figures, especially for its size, but there is one issue that could be considered a known problem - the turbo actuator.

The turbo is a device attached to the car's engine that essentially makes it more efficient; most modern cars, petrol or diesel, are now fitted with a turbo. The fault causes the turbo to not operate, hindering performance and efficiency.

The fault is likely to present as a warning light on the dashboard, and/or reduced performance. Either symptom may cause the other to occur, so you’ll usually be able to tell pretty quickly if this has happened.

Some sources say the actuator fault was remedied after 2020, by an upgraded design, so you should be okay in a car made in 2020 or later, but it’s good to be aware of the issue ahead of time.

The T-Cross comes as standard with a techy digital dashboard, which is great for being able to show all different bits of information as you're driving, but it can be the source of problems on some models. 

Owners have complained of two issues: not receiving a warning when the rear seatbelts are not being used, and issues with the adaptive cruise and front assist features. Both are said to be caused by a fault within the cluster itself. 

The rear seatbelt issue can be resolved with a simple part replacement, and the adaptive cruise problem is usually resolved with a software update, but both issues are best resolved at the dealership.

If you’re looking for a compact SUV and like the styling of the T-Cross, I wouldn't let the above issues put you off. Overall, they’re well put-together cars, with a highly efficient and reliable engine.

With base models starting at around £25,000, it offers pretty good value compared to many other SUVs. For more information on the best cheap SUVs available in the UK, check out 

If you're experiencing issues with the VW T-Cross don't despair. You can split the cost of repairs and services with Bumper's 

. Choose from 1000s of approved garages and dealerships across the country.

 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.

VW T-Cross Problems / Reliability Guide

Motorists preparing to sell their vehicle could be losing out on up to £1,000 – all because of a few scuffed alloy wheels, according to car experts.

While many sellers focus on mileage or service history, experts warn that cosmetic details like wheel condition can make or break a deal with potential buyers.

Alloy wheels are one of the first things a buyer notices, and even minor cosmetic damage can become a negotiation point. Sellers might think it’s only a small scratch, but buyers see cost – and often push for a significant discount.

Recent research by Auto Trader found that 64% of buyers would reconsider purchasing a car with badly scuffed alloys, and over one-third would expect a £250–£500 discount. Some buyers admitted they’d ask for £1,000 off or more.

But this kind of price drop is often avoidable.

In many cases, you can refurbish a single alloy for as little as £60 to £120. Even if all four wheels need work, it’s a fraction of what you’d lose through negotiation. It’s one of the smartest pre-sale investments you can make.

And it doesn’t always need to be a full garage job either.

For light surface damage, confident sellers can use DIY kits with sanding paper, primer, wheel paint and lacquer – available from most motoring stores. But if the wheels are cracked, bent, or diamond-cut, professional repair is the safer choice.

But it's important to stress the importance of safety over savings.

If an alloy has deep gouges or any signs of structural weakness, refurbishment might not be enough. In those cases, replacing the wheel could be the best – and safest – decision.

The top tip? Inspect your alloys well before listing the vehicle online or heading to a dealership.

Smart preparation always pays off. If you’ve taken the time to clean and fix the wheels, it sends a message to the buyer that the rest of the car has been looked after too – and that can easily translate into a better offer.

Drivers Could Boost Car Value by £1,000 With One Simple Fix, Say Experts

Motorists have been urged to think twice before relying on a popular modern car feature designed to save fuel – but could actually be increasing wear and tear on your engine.

The automatic stop/start system, which cuts the engine at traffic lights or in slow-moving traffic, is found in most new vehicles and is often marketed as an eco-friendly upgrade. But according to car experts, regularly using the feature could shorten the life of your engine and lead to expensive repairs down the line.

While start/stop systems are intended to boost fuel 

efficiency and reduce emissions, they’re not always kind to your engine’s key components. The starter motor and battery are under constant strain, and repeated stops and starts can take their toll – especially over time.

This warning follows a viral tip from US mechanic Scotty Kilmer, who said 97% of engine wear happens during ignition – meaning constantly stopping and starting the car only increases that damage.

For drivers who mainly do short, urban journeys with frequent stopping, the risks are higher. Turning the stop/start system off when appropriate could help preserve your engine’s lifespan and reduce long-term costs.

The stop/start system can usually be turned off via a dashboard button, often labelled with an ‘A’ in a circle. While the feature is useful in some scenarios, experts say it’s not one-size-fits-all.

If you’re commuting through stop-start traffic daily, it might be worth switching it off – especially if you drive an older car or want to avoid premature engine wear.

With more drivers holding on to their vehicles longer due to high replacement costs, small adjustments like this can make a big difference.

Drivers Warned Over Popular Car Feature That Could Be Damaging Their Engine

The UK car market offers Japanese vehicles in all shapes and sizes. However, sometimes the car you’re looking for just isn’t there. 

If you're considering importing a car from Japan to the UK, you've come to the right place. In this guide, we'll walk you through the entire process, from 

 to handling shipping logistics, paperwork, and UK regulations.

We'll also break down the costs involved and share expert tips to ensure a smooth and hassle-free import experience. Let’s dive in.

Step-by-step guide: How to import a car from Japan 

Importing a car from Japan to the UK may seem complex, but breaking it down into five key steps makes the process much more manageable.

Before you do anything, you need to select your Japanese car.

Don’t just pick the first you see. Take some time to think about your daily needs, so you can be sure your chosen vehicle is the right one.

If you can get to Japan, visit dealerships or auctions to inspect and test-drive cars. This is the best way to guarantee quality. 

However, if you can't, you may want to hire a trusted specialist to check the vehicle before you buy. 

Alongside car research, research the sellers and read any fine print to check for hidden fees before payment.

After buying the car, you need to arrange its shipping. 

The key to a successful, on-time shipment is working with an experienced specialist. Browse different agencies looking for one that offers:

You should also check the provider’s reviews. Happy previous customers are key!

There are different ways to ship your car to the UK. Here’s a quick overview of the main ones:

Take pre-shipping photos of your car (e.g., axles and 

Shipping costs vary depending on your chosen car and shipping method. But you can expect them to be between £1,000 to £2,000. 

Next, you must tackle the paperwork. This is crucial to ensure you get through customs without any issues.

Your seller/shipping company will provide some documents. However, you'll have to source others yourself.

Unsure? You may want to consult a specialist for guidance through the options, customs paperwork, and even insurance. 

Customs are done! But the paperwork isn’t over.

You must notify HMCR within 14 days of your car’s arrival. They will confirm whether any duties or VAT 

Next, you’ll have to register the car with the DVLA. The DVLA may even request an inspection of the vehicle. 

When contacting the DVLA, you’ll need to show the following:

Once submitted, you’ll likely wait around six weeks to receive the 

Finally, you need to guarantee your Japanese car meets UK road standards. This usually involved small tweaks, such as changing the speedometer to mph or installing a rear fog light. 

Some cars may also have an IVA (Individual Vehicle Approval) test to guarantee its road safety. However, this won’t apply to all car types and ages.

 before you begin driving. Don’t forget this step!

The costs of importing a car from Japan to the UK ultimately depend on your car’s make and model, your shipping process, and whether the car requires any adjustments. However, you can use the average prices to help you plan for the process.

The vehicle purchase cost will totally depend on the vehicle you’re looking to purchase. Average shipping costs range between £1,000 and £2,000, depending on the method you select.

You can estimate import duty and VAT to be around 30% of the car’s total value. 

Compliance modifications tend to sit around £500 to £1,500, and you may also have to pay for an IVA or 

 for another £100 to £300. DVLA registration also costs a further £55.

. The price will be higher for an imported car, but it will again depend on your make and model.

Extra tips and FAQs for importing a Japanese car

That wraps up the step-by-step instructions and costs. But here are some extra tips and common questions to ensure a seamless importing experience.

Will I pay higher insurance on an imported Japanese car?

Yes. Cars imported from Japan have higher insurance costs as they may require car parts that aren’t available in the UK. This leads to higher repair costs, and therefore higher insurance premiums. 

How long does it take to import a car from Japan to the UK?

You can expect the process to take 6 to 12 weeks. This includes arranging your shipping, customs clearance, and any last-minute adjustments to make the 

Do I need to work with a specialist importer?

No, you don’t have to work with a specialist—but a professional can reduce hassle and compliance as they handle all of the paperwork and compliance.

Are there import restrictions on Japanese cars?

Yes, you can import most Japanese cars, but vehicles over 10 years old face simpler regulations. Newer models may require additional tests to meet 

How can I make the importing process more efficient?

Stay organised and on top of the documents to streamline the import time. You should also research all potential costs beforehand and ensure your 

 allows for potential taxes and modifications.

Importing a car from Japan to the UK is an exciting journey—and one that doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Hopefully, this blog serves as a roadmap for your new car purchase.

Learn more about buying a new car on the Bumper blog.

Importing a car can be expensive, and so can last-minute repair fees!

, 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. 

Importing a Japanese Car to the UK – Costs, Regulations & More

Established in 1953, Halesowen Motor House has been serving motorists in Worcestershire and the West Midlands for over 70 years. 

At the heart of the company’s philosophy is their mission to provide a quality service that exceeds customer expectations. 

Halesowen Motor House were looking for an innovative payment method that would result in more drivers approving essential and advisory work, whilst continuing the excellent levels of service already in operation at the site. 

PayLater is an interest-free, Buy Now Pay Later instalment option that allows customers to split their bills into easy monthly payments.

The pay-monthly option allows drivers to fit their repair bills neatly into their monthly budgets meaning more drivers can say yes to identified work.

A complete digital experience from start to finish, customers can apply via a link sent by SMS or email in just a few clicks, putting more control in the hands of the customer. 

On average, Bumper customers rate the service 4.9 out of 5 on Trustpilot. 

Lee Sutton, Service Manager, at Halesowen Motor House, said, “PayLater has allowed us to excel our customer experience. With increased payment flexibility, our drivers now have greater peace of mind when presented with work on their vehicle health check. 

“And the benefits don't stop there, the interest-free option has positively impacted our bottom line with huge spikes in red and amber work conversion.”

By offering flexible payments on invoices large and small Halesowen were able to increase the efficiency and profitability of their service department. 

Find out how Bumper’s innovative payment products can improve your dealer’s KPIs. Chat to our payment experts to set up a demo: sales@bumper.co

Boosting Conversion and Customer Experience with Halesowen Motor House

An internal combustion engine has many different sensors and computers, all working to monitor the various inputs and outputs of the engine. When something out of the ordinary is detected, the computer alerts the driver.

One of the most common indicators of a fault is the Engine Management Light. You’ve probably seen it at some point, it is a universal shape across almost all car brands. But what exactly does the light mean?

Where is the Engine Management Light and What Does it Look Like?

Each car is slightly different, but the engine management light (EML) will probably display somewhere around your speedometer. It’s a good idea to check where it is, and that it’s working before a fault occurs.

To see the light - and all the other warning lights - turn the car's ignition on, but don’t start it yet, the lights will illuminate as part of the usual starting procedure. Look for this shape:

What Do Different Engine Management Lights Mean

Whilst the shape of the EML is standard, it can appear in different colours and states. These are the likely EMLs you may see:

What Does A Steady Orange Engine Management Light Mean?

A steady orange EML is the least severe kind, it indicates an issue with the engine that should be investigated but does not warrant immediately pulling over and stopping.

If your car has an orange engine warning light lit, get it booked in as soon as possible but it will most likely be fine to complete your journey.

What Does A Flashing Orange Engine Management Light Mean?

A flashing light is usually an indicator of something more serious, if you have an orange, flashing engine management light on your dash, pay close attention to how the car is driving and ideally get it looked at that day. 

Especially avoid driving on dual carriageways or motorways whilst this light is lit, just in case the fault causes a breakdown. Don’t make any unnecessary journeys until the car has been looked at.

What Does A Red Engine Management Light Mean?

Red warning lights almost always indicate a serious fault. If your engine management light is red, stop driving as soon as possible and contact your recovery company. 

Continuing to drive could well compromise your safety and the car's engine. 

What Can Cause the Engine Management Light to Come on?

The EML is a generic fault indicator that can be triggered by many different issues. That said, the most likely cause will be one of the following:

Is the Engine Management Light an MOT Failure?

Yes, if the engine management light illuminates at any point during the MOT test, it will be considered a serious fault and will fail your MOT.

That said, this rule only applies to petrol cars registered after 1st July 2003 and diesel vehicles registered after 1st July 2008.

How Can I Turn off an Engine Management Light?

If your car has an engine management light illuminated, the best thing to do is get the fault investigated and repaired, this will remove the light. 

A diagnostic scan tool can turn off the light, by clearing the fault code in the 

, but unless the problem is also fixed, the light will come back on within seconds of starting the engine.

To make car repair bills easier, use Bumper’s zero-percent interest 

Can I Drive My Car with an Engine Management Light on?

Depending on the severity of the fault, indicated by the colour of the EML, you may be able to still drive the car. 

A steady orange light is likely to be a minor issue, so only drive if you absolutely have to, if the light is flashing or red, don’t drive it, and consult a mechanic as soon as possible.

Why Do I Lose Power When the Engine Management Light Comes on?

Whilst they often happen together, the EML won't be the cause of the loss of power, both are a symptom of a different problem. This could be that the car is in limp-home mode due to an engine fault, a turbo pipe leak, or something else.

If your car has lost power, don’t drive any further than necessary, as it could be dangerous. Consult a mechanic as soon as possible. 

What Does the Engine Management Light Mean?

The term Mild-Hybrid is commonplace nowadays, with most manufacturers making them in some form, but what exactly is a mild hybrid?

In this article, we’ll cover exactly what they are, how they work and whether you should consider one for your next car.

A mild hybrid is a car that features a small electric motor alongside a petrol or diesel engine, but unlike full hybrids, it doesn't have the ability to drive solely on electric power. Both the motor and battery are much smaller than other hybrid vehicles.

The electric motor helps assist the engine during acceleration, and recovers energy during braking, helping to boost fuel efficiency and lower emissions. Mild Hybrids, unlike plug in or full hybrids, are usually only slightly more expensive than the petrol or diesel equivalent, thanks to their simplicity.

In a mild hybrid car, the electric motor works in tandem with the internal combustion engine (ICE). It doesn't drive the wheels by itself but contributes power to the engine in certain situations, such as when you accelerate from a standstill.

One key difference between mild hybrids and full or plug-in hybrids is that the electric motor is not connected directly to the drivetrain, it is instead connected to the engine. In many cases, the MHEV motor replaces the traditional starter motor, this means that the car can retain a traditional clutch and gearbox.

Can a Mild Hybrid Run on Electricity Only?

No, a mild hybrid cannot run purely on electricity, unlike full hybrid or plug-in hybrids (PHEV), which can travel short distances on electric power. Mild hybrids are powered by their petrol and diesel engines 100% of the time, with short periods of assistance from the motor.

Yes! Mild hybrids do indeed charge their small battery while driving, this is the only way the battery can be charged. As you decelerate, the electric motor acts as a generator and feeds some of that energy back into the battery - this is known as regenerative braking.

No, you cannot plug in a mild hybrid to charge it. The battery recharges automatically through regenerative braking. 

Owing to its small size, the battery in a mild hybrid will often be fully charged after a short journey with a few downhill sections.

What’s the Difference Between a Mild and Full Hybrid Car?

The key difference between a mild hybrid and a full hybrid lies in how much the electric motor can do, and how it is connected to the wheels. A full hybrid, such as the Toyota Prius, has its electric motor connected to the drivetrain in parallel with the engine, meaning either one, or both, can send power to the wheels.

In contrast, a mild hybrid’s electric motor is attached to the engine, and can only assist whilst the engine is running, meaning you cannot drive on electric power alone.

The cost of a mild hybrid car varies depending on the model, brand, and features, but generally, mild hybrids tend to be more affordable than full hybrids or plug-in hybrids. You can expect to pay a little premium over a standard petrol or diesel model - usually around £1,000 to £2,000.

For some buying tips on which hybrid could be best for you, why not check out our article on the 

In terms of running costs, mild hybrids offer better fuel economy than normal ICE cars, but are typically not quite as good as full or PHEV hybrids. Expect to see a modest improvement in fuel economy of around 0-15%. For example, a Ford Fiesta EcoBoost Mild Hybrid could offer up to 55 mpg, compared to around 50 mpg for the older petrol version.

Unfortunately as mild hybrids don't have an EV-only range, the hybrid system is unlikely to help reduce company car tax and VED much, but it might just push the car into a lower band, depending on the alternatives.

Mild hybrids are a great option for those looking to dip their toes into the world of hybrid cars without the cost or charging infrastructure needed. They're a solid choice for those who want better fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and a bit of extra help from an electric motor but don’t mind keeping the petrol engine as the main driving force.

I would recommend anyone looking for a petrol car to consider an MHEV, but those looking for an ultimate economy, or electric-only range, should look to plug-in or self-charging hybrids.

Have Your Mild Hybrid Repaired With Bumper

If you already drive a hybrid, or any car for that matter, and you have some issues that need resolving, Bumper's 

 can help. Choose from hundreds of nationwide approved garages today.

What Are Mild Hybrids?

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.