Volkswagen, or as the name means, “people’s car”, is definitely fun to drive. Only those who own a Volkswagen know what it feels like to drive it. With thousands of Volkswagen being sold in Australia every year, Aussies love the comfort and luxury this amazing brand offers them.
For car owners to be able to enjoy this smooth and comfortable vehicle for as long as possible, regular Volkswagen maintenance is crucial. Thankfully, there are some car maintenance tips that can help you keep your Volkswagen in tip-top shape.
But does the VW vehicle have any special maintenance needs? According to Volkswagen car care specialists Near Mulgrave, every engine and car model the VW Group designs is slightly different. However, the general maintenance schedule for each is similar.
In this blog, we have shared the basic car maintenance checklist, which will help your VW vehicle run smoothly and remain in great shape for years to come.
Why is regular Volkswagen maintenance important?
Your VW car has many different components that need to work properly, both independently and together in systems. But with time and continuous usage, all components break down, and fluids get polluted. If you continue to drive your car with faulty or worn-out components, you may face issues and costly repairs. That’s why regular monitoring and maintaining these individual parts, systems, and fluids is important.
But does a basic VW maintenance cover?
Basic Volkswagen car maintenance checklist
Car services Melbourne experts reveal what the general VW car maintenance schedule will cover:
1. Regular oil change
One of the most important aspects of a car running smoothly is a regular oil change. Lubricating your vehicle with clean and adequate oil is important for car components to function smoothly. It also prolongs the engine's life and enhances fuel efficiency.
While VW claims 10,000 kms intervals, it’s good to change your car's engine oil every 8000 to 11000 kms or three months. Doing this will help you align with the advancing motor oil quality and technology. Remember, frequently changing the VW engine oil is important for the engine's long-term performance.
2. Air and cabin filter replacements
Timely replacement of air and cabin filters is important for the efficient operation of the engine, better fuel efficiency and maintaining clean air inside the car. If dust, debris, or other residue restricts the airflow, it will lead to poor vehicle performance and even engine component failure.
VW recommended changing the air and cabin filters every 32000 kms. But, this mileage interval may vary depending on factors like geography, climate, season, and driving habits. Also, a good VW car care specialist will inspect air and cabin filters during every service schedule, considering how important it is to have clean filters.
3. Replacing fuel filters
The function of fuel filters is similar to that of air filters - to remove pollutants and debris from the fuel inside the tank. This allows the clean fuel to flow to the engine at a particular rate. If the engine receives polluted fuel, high-pressure pumps, injectors, and other parts can be damaged. It also affects fuel pumps, causing them to wear out early.
Fuel filter replacement intervals differ based on the engine type/model and whether a vehicle has a diesel or gas engine. Fuel filters in diesel VW cars should be replaced every 64000 kms, whereas gas models at less frequent intervals.
4. Change brake fluid
Keeping a check on brake fluid is important to prevent safety issues on the road. In the effect of heat, pressure and time, the brake fluid breaks down into its chemical composition. This diminishes the pedal pressure and braking ability of the brake system, causing issues when driving.
You should get your brake fluid flushed and refilled every 3 years or 48000 kms, whichever comes first. And if you have a performance Volkswagen car, make sure to change the brake fluid more often.
5. Check spark plugs
Driving a car with worn-out spark plugs can cause "misfires". Engine misfires occur due to failure of combustion process in any or all of cylinders of an internal combustion engine. If misfires continue, they will eventually damage the catalytic converter, replacing which can be costly.
When it comes to replacing spark plugs, the replacement intervals vary for every VW car model. You should check your manufacturer’s manual to know your spark plug replacement schedule or discuss it with an authorised VW mechanic.
6. Coolant replacement
Wondering why coolant is an essential aspect of car maintenance? Well, tiny particles of debris accumulate inside the coolant system over time, restricting the flow of coolant. If not addressed, this can result in extensive damage to the coolant system.
To ensure the safety of your VW’s coolant system and its components, make sure to replace the coolant/antifreeze every 64000 kms. The coolant will also need to be replaced whenever a coolant component is replaced.
7. Tyre rotations
Rotating your car tyres at regular intervals helps in tyre treads wearing evenly. It also maintains proper tyre traction, handling and safety. To extend your VW tyres’ life, follow this rotation schedule:
- FWD and RWD (Front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive cars): every 8000 to 12000 kms, or every oil change.
- AWD (all-wheel drive) and SUVs: every 4800 to 8000 kms, or every oil change.
A general rule of thumb when it comes to tyre rotation, you must immediately rotate your VW tyres when the tread variance exceeds 2/32 of an inch. We have shared some Tips on Tyre Maintenance: https://www.bcsworkshop.com.au/blog/post/five-tips-on-tyre-maintenance/
Key things to consider during VW maintenance and care
Here are some important considerations to pay attention to as a VW car owner:
1. Choose only genuine VW parts to replace damaged or faulty ones in your car.
2. Choose the proper fluids for your Volkswagen car, which are as follows:
- Engine oil: “add-pack” designated
- Fuel: premium fuel (91 or 93 rated)
- Coolant: G12 or G13 labelled
- Brake fluid: DOT4 full synthetic (not brand critical)
- Power steering fluid: mineral-based hydraulic fluid (CHF-11)
3. Ensure adequate lubrication of all moving parts of your car by choosing the right grease.
4. Wash and wax your VW car regularly to protect its exterior beauty from harsh UV rays.
5. Regularly clean your car interiors to ensure a fresh and breathable environment for you.
6. Pay attention to windshields, headlights and dashboard lights and take necessary actions if you detect any problems with any of them.
7. Never skip or delay the car service schedule to avoid unnecessary breakdowns .
Looking for a reliable VW car care centre?
Your search for “Volkswagen car service near me” ends at BCS Workshop - a trusted and authorised VW workshop in Melbourne. We are a fully licensed automotive service centre that offers a full range of VW car services, including routine tune-ups and regular servicing, mechanical and auto electrical repairs, and Car battery replacement near you.
We only use manufacturer-approved spare parts and industry-standard fluids and lubricants. With us, you can save significantly on our Volkswagen maintenance cost as our pricing is quite competitive in the entire region.
Book your appointment with us today: https://www.bcsworkshop.com.au/book-service/
Digiwhiz