Jan 7, 2021

Proper VW maintenance is one of the most essential ways to keep your Volkswagen operating in good shape for years. Depending on the part of your car we’re talking about and the amount of day-to-day wear and tear it sees, maintenance and replacement frequency can range from monthly services to check-ups with years between them. Read on to discover the essential maintenance services that you don’t want to skip and the best time to plan for them.

4 VW Maintenance Tips Every VW Owner Should Know

1. Change Your Oil

Oil changes are a regular event for all cars, and your VW is no exception. Most experts recommend that you change the oil every 5,000 to 10,000 miles, or more frequently if you speed regularly or drive in off-road conditions. As well, if your VW model is from 2008 or earlier, you should err on the side of caution and get oil changes every six months.

2. Swap Your Tires

Changing your tires as they wear out is another requirement every six years and more frequently if your tires are exposed to outdoor elements. A way to test when it’s time for a tire change is to grab a quarter, turn it upside down, and insert it headfirst into a tire groove. If the top of Washington’s head is visible, your tires only have 4/32 inch of tread left, which means it’s time to head in for replacements.

3. Keep up on Your Paint Job

With regular washing and waxing of the exterior, your car’s paint job can avoid damage and remain in model condition for years. When it’s time to get a touch-up on the paint job, we strongly recommend that you seek out a professional who can guarantee a quality job. In addition to the base coat that determines the color of your car, you’ll also want a clear layer of paint on top to provide further protection and seal in the hue.

4. Follow the Cheat Sheet

To keep things easy to remember, we’ve compiled a list of mile markers that serve as a general rule of thumb. Every ten thousand miles, replace the oil and filter, rotate the tires, and inspect the airbag system, wiper blades, and headlights. After twenty thousand miles, you should replace the fluid for the brakes and the clutch unit, while you can wait until forty thousand miles to replace the dust filter, the fuel filter, and the tire filled bottle.

Owning a VW is a gift that keeps on giving with maintenance requirements that keep on coming, and your car is sure to thank you by providing reliable transportation that you can count on from place to place. Additionally, we suggest keeping a record of maintenance dates as a reference for when you need it. Once you know what to get up to date on, head on over to Crain Volkswagen of Fayetteville for the best repairs, replacements, and more!