Understanding the Volkswagen Service Schedule: Your Roadmap to Long-lasting Performance

While Volkswagen vehicles are known for being reliable, they still require routine maintenance if you want them to last. 

As your VW dealer in Mount Pleasant, SC, we understand the importance of the maintenance process. That’s why we created this maintenance checklist and cheat sheet. Read on to learn more about when you should be performing key maintenance tasks and why they’re so important.

Importance of Regular Volkswagen Maintenance 

Maintaining a vehicle is a lot like keeping your body in good shape: it’s the key to a long, healthy life.

There are a lot of parts and fluids under your hood and they all need to work separately and together. When one component fails, it puts everything else at risk. Over the lifespan of your vehicle, these parts and fluids will inevitably wear down or run out. This is where preventative maintenance comes in. By maintaining each individual component and part and flushing fluids, you can keep your VW running its best.

Every Volkswagen engine is different, but the general maintenance schedule is similar across the board. Still, you should always refer to your owner’s manual or a trusted mechanic for advice specifically for your vehicle.

Routine Maintenance for Your Volkswagen

Sticking to a regular maintenance schedule is key if you want your VW to last. Here are some quick guidelines for the most common maintenance issues, although these will vary depending on model year and your car’s engine. These are a great starting point, but we recommend consulting your owner’s manual and/or a trusted service provider if you have questions about maintenance.

• Oil Changes – Depending on your particular vehicle, you should have an oil change every 5000-7500 miles. In recent years, some manufacturers–including Volkswagen–have increased their recommended oil change intervals to 10,000 miles. We do not recommend waiting for the 10,000 mile mark to get an oil change.
• Air and Cabin Filters – Volkswagen recommends new air and cabin filters every 20,000 miles, but depending on your climate and driving habits, you may need to change them more frequently. We recommend having them changed with your oil change appointments. It’s better to change them too soon than too late, as air needs to pass through various systems to keep your car running properly. If debris, dust, or other residue restricts the airflow, it can cause engine components to break down faster.
• Fuel Filters – Your fuel filter maintenance interval will depend on your engine, particularly whether it is gas or diesel. We recommend replacing your fuel filter every 20,000-30,000 miles. The fuel filter ensures small particles from gasoline don’t get inside your engine and damage the injectors or pumps, keeping everything running smoothly. 
• Brake Fluid – You should flush–or change–your brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 3 years, whichever comes first. Note that it should be changed more often on performance VW models. Like other fluids, its chemical composition breaks down over time, causing your braking power to decline. This quickly becomes a safety concern and could even cause an accident.
• Coolant/Antifreeze – Replace or flush your antifreeze every 40,000 miles or whenever you have a coolant part replaced. Small debris particles form in your coolant system and can prevent the fluid from flowing like it should. This leads to coolant system damage and costly repairs.
• Spark Plugs – For your engine’s spark plug replacement schedule, check your owner’s manual. Each engine has different requirements, so it’s important to understand what your specific engine needs. Not replacing the spark plugs can cause damage to your catalytic converter, which is an expensive fix.
• Timing Belts & Chains – Proper timing belt and chain replacement are two of the most important maintenance tasks for your engine. Replace these every 80,000 – 90,000 miles. Putting this off can cause major damage to your engine, especially if the belt or chain breaks. 
• Transmission – Your owner’s manual or a Volkswagen maintenance technician can help you determine the best service interval for your transmission. This is another maintenance service you don’t want to put off since a faulty transmission is dangerous and a full replacement can cost thousands.
• Tire Rotations – Finally, a maintenance activity that’s quick, easy, and not too costly! SUVs and crossovers should have their tires rotated with every oil change, while standard cars and sedans should have a rotation every other oil change. This ensures your tread is wearing down evenly, which will help maintain proper traction and handling.

Some DIY Maintenance Tips for Volkswagen Cars

While a Volkswagen auto shop is the best choice for major maintenance tasks, there are quite a few you can handle on your own, even if you’re not mechanically inclined! 

• Battery – Keeping your battery connection strong is one of the keys to keeping your car running smoothly. Simply lift the hood and take a look at your battery. If you see white crust–AKA corrosion–around the terminals, it needs a good clean. Just disconnect the battery and while wearing rubber gloves, clean the terminals with a solution of water and baking soda and a wire brush. Let it dry completely, then reconnect.
• Windshield wipers – You should replace your windshield wipers every six months or so, and it’s an easy fix. Your owner’s manual will tell you which wipers you need, then you’ll just pop the old ones off and the new ones on. 
• Wash and wax – Maintenance also means keeping your VW looking good! A regular wash and wax will keep your car looking its best and protect your paint job from debris, bird droppings, and bugs.
• Interior cleaning – A clean car is always more comfortable to drive! Regularly vacuum your interior, wipe down your dash and windshield, and if you have leather seats, use leather conditioners to keep your interior soft and pliable.

Have More Questions About Volkswagen Maintenance? Contact Your Local Low Country Volkswagen Dealer Today! 

As your VW dealer in Mount Pleasant, SC, we’re here to help you get into a new Volkswagen or maintain your current one. Our parts and service departments are here to help you get back on the road, no matter the issue. We even have prepaid VW maintenance plans available! 

Schedule service appointments online or by calling us at 843-881-8555!