Summer VW Car Care Tips for Proud Volkswagen Owners

A VW Care Plan That Will Prepare Your Vehicle for Hot Weather Driving

July in Utah means that summer is in full swing. The weather is perfect for baseball, barbequing, hiking, and hitting the pool. Considering that most people will be traveling more than normal to enjoy outdoor activities, now is the perfect time to address any outstanding maintenance your vehicle may need.

Trust us, you don’t want to wind up on the side of the interstate with a smoking engine on a 93-degree day. Car troubles can instantly put a damper on your summer plans. Keep reading to learn more about high-priority items to address so that your vehicle remains in good working order.

Don’t Forget – Volkswagen Carefree Maintenance Is Free!

One surefire way to keep your VW vehicle running strong is to take advantage of the Volkswagen Carefree Maintenance plan. For late model year vehicles, the VW care plan covers basic services for the first two years or 20,000 miles (whichever comes first). Owners can access their maintenance schedule through the myVW app to see which services are due.

Because the maintenance is covered under the VW warranty plan, owners must get these services through an authorized Volkswagen dealership service department. VW owners can make an appointment using the online scheduling tool or they can visit the Volkswagen Service Xpress facility without an appointment.

For those whose Carefree Maintenance plan has expired, it’s still essential to perform the necessary upkeep to prevent summer-related problems. Service departments typically run specials on VW parts and services, which can help cut down on maintenance costs.

Summer VW Car Care Tips and Best Practices

Following standard industry guidelines is the best way to ensure you address the most important items on your checklist of summer vehicle maintenance. Be mindful of the following vehicle issues that are more common during hot weather.

Overheating engine: We put this at the top of our list because neglected engines can lead to big problems down the road. Signs of an overheating engine include elevated temperature gauge reading, reduced performance, ticking noises, visible steam or smoke, burning smell, and an excessively hot hood.

To prevent engine issues, keep your transmission fluid, coolant, and power steering fluid at proper levels. Coolant is the most important of the three because it keeps your vehicle’s engine from overheating. Refer to your vehicle’s manual for the correct fluids to use and how to administer them.

Tire problems: One flat tire grinds your travel plans to a screeching halt. The good news is that you can prevent this by performing a simple tire check. First, verify that your tires aren’t showing cords or cabling. Any signs of steel threads breaching the rubber means the tires must be replaced immediately. Don’t press your luck by continuing to drive on them; they’re a safety hazard.

Owners should also check how much tire tread is remaining. Insert a penny into the tread; if Lincoln’s head is mostly covered, the tires are still good. Replace them if Lincoln’s head is visible. Continuing to drive on tires with low tread is incredibly risky.

Finally, it’s important to verify that each tire is properly inflated. Driving on tires that aren’t at the correct PSI level can prematurely wear them down and negatively impact performance. Check your Volkswagen manual for proper inflation levels.

Weak or lukewarm air conditioning: It’s a good idea to check the state of your air conditioning unit as early in the summer as possible. First, have the system checked to confirm the AC unit’s Freon levels are within the ideal range. Auto parts stores sell Freon kits, but we highly recommend having this particular service performed by a Volkswagen technician who is experienced in VW car care. If you’re experiencing decreased performance with your AC unit, VW technicians are the most qualified to remedy the problem.

Old oil and dirty filters: Oil and filter changes are a mainstay in VW car care. Volkswagen owners must keep up with the service to ensure that the moving parts of their engine remain properly lubricated. Vehicles with old oil and dirty filters won’t perform at their best. Ignoring the issue for too long can significantly damage the engine, so make sure to prioritize this service.

Although industry guidelines used to recommend oil changes every 3,000 miles or three months, this schedule doesn’t apply to many late model Volkswagen vehicles. Please check your VW owner’s manual or contact your local Volkswagen service center for more information.

More Summer VW Car Care Items to Consider

Your vehicle’s engine, tires, and AC unit are the most critical parts of your car. By addressing common summer car issues proactively, you decrease the chance of an unexpected breakdown or tire blowout. However, your work isn’t quite done yet. Have the following services performed by a VW technician to ensure all your bases are covered.

• Battery test
• Brake test
• Wiper blade check
• Suspension check
• Belts and hoses inspection

If any of these items are reaching the end of their lifespan, a certified VW technician can replace them with Volkswagen-approved parts. This ensures the new parts are compatible and covered under the parts warranty.

How to Schedule Service at Your Local Volkswagen Dealership

Getting your vehicle serviced by a certified VW technician is the best form of VW car care. Unlike other mechanics, VW technicians have received specialized training on Volkswagen vehicles. Contact the service department to make an appointment at your local Volkswagen dealership.

If you know which services you need, a VW technician can provide you an estimate over the phone or by e-mail. It’s also worth noting that the VW service center provides Volkswagen owners with a complimentary multi-point inspection service, which is a quick and easy way to find out which services your vehicle needs.

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