A few small steps can help keep your Volkswagen in tip-top shape. For instance, washing your VW regularly removes the salt and mud that can damage bodywork. Additionally, getting your tires rotated twice a year helps them wear evenly, which improves handling and gas mileage.
Using the right fluids is also vital. Mixing different brands of coolant, for example, can ruin the engine and void the manufacturer’s warranty.
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Wash and Wax
Keeping up with regular wash and wax services will help keep your Volkswagen looking good. It will also remove any dirt or salt that may be damaging the paint.
Make sure to use the correct car care products when washing, especially if you are using an automatic car wash. Always work panel by panel and rinse well to avoid scratching the paint. After you finish washing, use a chamois or shammy to dry your VW.
A Volkswagen’s fuel filter should be replaced at a 40,000-mile interval to keep the engine running clean. It helps the fuel flow to the engine at a predetermined rate, and it removes contaminants from the gas. You should also change the oil regularly to ensure optimum performance from your Volkswagen’s engine.
Make sure to use the right weight or grade of oil for your Volkswagen. Also, remember to have the transmission serviced at a proper interval. This will prevent the transmission from becoming overheated and failing.
Change the Oil
Getting engine oil changes at the recommended intervals is vital for your VW’s performance. Engine oil lubricates the essential metal parts of your VW’s engine, preventing them from heating up and damaging each other. Engine oil becomes dirty over time, absorbing particles of burning gasoline and other contaminants. This can cause the engine to generate more friction, causing it to burn out sooner than it would with fresh, clean oil.
If you’re unsure whether your VW needs an oil change, listen for loud, grinding noises when driving. These indicate that your VW is generating too much friction, and that it’s time for an oil change.
When you get an oil change, make sure your dealership uses OEM Volkswagen engine oil, which is designed to fit your VW perfectly and performs optimally for its model. Using different oil could damage your engine and voide your warranty. Never mix coolant and engine oil, either; using the wrong type of antifreeze could cause internal pressure differences that lead to failure.
Rotate the Tires
Like a well-maintained engine, your VW’s tires must also be regularly rotated. This service mitigates rapid wear and ensures even tire wear. The front tires take on more stress, since they must steer the vehicle and pull its weight. Having them rotated every 5,000 miles or six months helps them last longer on the roads around Chicago.
The service professionals at our world-class service center have the knowledge and expertise to rotate your VW’s tires in a way that maximizes their lifespan. Using the recommended rotation pattern, they switch the rear tires to the front and move the front tires to the back. On four-wheel and rear-wheel drive vehicles, the front and back tires are swapped in a cross or x-pattern.
With routine maintenance and regular replacements, your Volkswagen will continue delivering the iconic performance you’ve come to expect. Schedule your next visit to our service center near Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, and Newport Beach to have our team perform the important repairs and replacements it needs.
Check the Tire Pressure
Keeping the tire pressure at your VW’s recommended level will help improve handling and fuel economy. It will also help your tires last longer.
Many Volkswagen vehicles come with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). When the air pressure in one of your VW tires falls below its recommended level, the TPMS will trigger the warning light. However, a variety of problems can cause this light to not turn on.
If you have a newer VW vehicle, you may be able to reset the TPMS by using the infotainment system’s touchscreen in the center stack. The procedure varies between models. For most, you’ll need to turn the ignition on but don’t start the engine.
Press the “Menu” button, select the option that says “Tire Pressure,” and then “Store.” Some systems require you to drive your VW for about 20 minutes at or above 30 mph before resetting. Check your VW’s owner’s manual for details.