An Informative Guide to Volkswagen Maintenance
If you're like most of us, you're no stranger to pushing back your car's routine maintenance. One study found that over 90% of car owners procrastinate their basic maintenance tasks! Unfortunately, this kind of procrastination can cost us an extra $1,193 throughout a vehicle's lifespan.
Regular Volkswagen car repair and maintenance is crucial if you want to preserve your ride. Not only can the right vehicle care keep your car's components running smoothly, but it can even increase your fuel efficiency and preserve your car's value.
In other words, if you've ever felt tempted to ignore your Volkswagen's maintenance, resist the urge! Taking good care of your car is far easier than you might think. Below, we've broken down the basics of proper service and maintenance, so read on to learn more.
Service Schedule for Volkswagen Vehicles
No matter what model you drive, it's a good idea to follow a set schedule for maintenance. Having a timeline in mind ensures that you get your ride the servicing it needs at the optimal moment.
Though you should always check your owner's manual for details specific to your vehicle, here are the general services to seek by mileage:
Every 10K Miles
For every 10K miles you drive, you'll want to take care of a few routine tasks.
Start by changing your oil and oil filter. Inspect your wiper blades and replace them as needed. You should also do a tire rotation to improve the lifespan of your tires.
Cleaning your headlights and doing an airbag system inspection are also good ideas to ensure your safety.
Every 20K Miles
In addition to the list above, there are a few additional maintenance checkups to do every 20K miles.
Have a professional inspect your battery, tires, and brake system. They should also check all of the filters in your car, including your fuel filter and your dust and pollen filter.
Every 30K Miles
At this point, you should have a brake disk inspection. Your technician should also change your brake and clutch unit fluid. All of this is in addition to your 10K-mile checklist.
Every 40K Miles
At 40K-mile increments, you should bring your ride in for a much more thorough checkup. Technicians should inspect every inch of your vehicle, making replacements as necessary.
This includes your tires, brakes, battery, coolant, engine, and exhaust. They should also check your fluids, CV joints, and electrical components. This should be in addition to your 10k- and 20k-mile checklists.
Non-Scheduled Volkswagen Car Repair and Service
Though it's nice to operate on a schedule, you should also be on the lookout for maintenance and repairs that happen outside of the timeline above.
For example, factors like the road conditions where you drive and your driving habits can have an effect on your car's wear and tear. Here in sunny California, the heat and weather conditions can also affect the longevity of your ride.
You may need inspections for tire wear, battery issues, suspension problems, and other common services outside of the schedule above. You may also need to replace your windshield wipers or tires sooner or later than other drivers.
When this happens, be sure to reach out for expert Volkswagen auto repair as soon as possible! Fixing minor issues fast can keep them from snowballing into major headaches.
Fuels and Fluids for Your Volkswagen
It's easy to assume that all of the fuels and fluids on a retailer's shelf are created equal.
Not so fast! The recommended fluids for your Volkswagen may differ from those you'd put in another vehicle.
Often, chemical engineers design these fluids to ensure that your Volkswagen stays in peak condition. The wrong brands or low-quality fluids may even damage your car. In some cases, you may also void your manufacturer's warranty by using the wrong fluid.
Again, your best bet is to use the fluids listed in your manufacturer's literature for the Volkswagen model you own. You can also speak with your dealer or a seasoned vehicle maintenance expert for advice.
As a general guide, here's what to expect:
Gas
If you own a Volkswagen model made in 2016 or beyond, you can often use regular gasoline.
If you've owned your car for years or you've just bought an older pre-owned model, the engine may need premium-grade (91 or 93) gasoline. This gas may be more expensive, but higher fuel quality can help sensitive engines maintain their performance. It can even help newer models remain more efficient.
Do your research before stopping at the fuel pump: without decals, it's not always easy to tell what types of gas smaller gas stations or retail giants are offering.
Oil
Volkswagen's owner's manuals often list approved oil brands for your convenience, so you should always start there. Be sure to also check the recommended oil weight for your car. This measurement is crucial for helping maintain your engine's interior pressure.
The owner's manual should also offer specifics on your oil's additive package, or the chemicals that improve its performance. Some chemicals may harm your engine's performance.
Other Fluids
The other major fluids are often easier to find, as the recommendations are somewhat similar between models.
- Coolant/antifreeze: G11, G13, or G13 coolants formulated for European vehicles
- Brake fluid: DOT4 full synthetic brake fluid
- Power steering fluid: CHF-11 mineral-based hydraulic fluid
Reaching out to an experienced auto maintenance expert makes it easy to get your hands on all of these fluids.
Get the Expert Volkswagen Service You Need
Whether your Volkswagen is fresh from the lot or you've owned it for years, the right tips can help you keep it in peak condition. From following a maintenance schedule to taking care of repairs as soon as possible, our guide above is a great place to start.
If you're ready to get expert Volkswagen car repair and maintenance services, partner with our team! At Volkswagen Bakersfield, we're proud to offer premium services and fuels to happy customers throughout the region. To learn what we can do for your ride, contact us with questions or reach out for service online.