VW Summer Maintenance Checklist

Breaking Down All the Most Important Volkswagen Maintenance Services

The summer temperatures in Houston can get up into the 90s on a bad day, which is not the ideal time to have a car issue, such as a blowout or an overheated engine.

One of the best ways to handle a vehicle problem is by ensuring it never happens in the first place, which means maintenance should be a priority for vehicle owners. Keep reading to learn more about Volkswagen maintenance and general concerns to address this summer.

Volkswagen Maintenance Cost? It’s Free!

If you own a Volkswagen, there are some necessary routine services to ensure your vehicle stays in good working order. There are two ways to go about this.

The first way is for late model year vehicles, which come with Volkswagen Carefree Maintenance. Under this program, basic maintenance services are included with your warranty package for the first two years or 20,000 miles on the odometer (whichever occurs first).Those who are using myVW should be able to access their Volkswagen maintenance schedule through the app.

The second way is for those whose Carefree Maintenance plan has expired, or they’re caring for their vehicle on their own. You’ll need to keep in mind all the upkeep your vehicle will require to prevent issues from cropping up as you drive around in the summer heat.

Potential Problems to Be Mindful of When Entering the Summer

For those who aren’t on the Volkswagen Carefree Maintenance plan, you can prioritize vehicle maintenance using standard industry guidelines. These problems below are more common during the summer than other seasons, so try to be proactive about addressing them. They include:

Overheating engine: You can help prevent this by making sure your coolant, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid are topped off. Check your vehicle’s manual for information about what grade and type of fluids you should use and for a diagram that shows where those fluids should be added. Some of the signs of an overheating engine include:

• The temperature gauge of the vehicle is much higher than normal or maxed out.
• The hood of your vehicle is excessively hot to the touch.
• There is steam or smoke coming from the engine.
• There is a burning smell.
• There is a lag when attempting to accelerate.
• There is a ticking noise coming from the engine.

Flat tires: Check the wear and tread on your tires to ensure they can make it through the height of summer. This can be done by inserting a penny head-first into your tire tread. If all or most of Lincoln’s head is covered by your tire, then they are still in good shape. However, if you can see most or all of Lincoln’s head, it’s time for a replacement.

Drivers also must be mindful of keeping their tires at the proper level of inflation. Driving on underinflated or overinflated tires can cause premature wear on the tire and impact how the vehicle handles. Please consult your Volkswagen vehicle’s manual for the correct tire pressure PSI prior to putting air in.

Air conditioning: Have the system checked and the Freon levels topped off. You can buy Freon kits at your local auto shop, and they come with detailed instructions on how to use them. However, this is outside the scope of most people’s capabilities, so it is better to get A/C service from a certified Volkswagen technician.

Oil and filter change: If it’s been a while since you’ve received this service, you won’t want to put it off any longer. Oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle’s engine that keeps the moving parts lubricated. The rule of thumb used to be to change your oil every three months or 3,000 miles, but these recommendations are different for many newer Volkswagens. Consult your owner’s manual for more information.

Battery test: A dead battery means a dead car. Do yourself a favor and get your battery checked before the temperatures rise. You can get a vehicle battery test kit at your local auto shop.

Brake test: If you’re hearing any screeching or rumbling during stops, it’s time to get your brakes checked. Putting this off is unsafe and could be costly. Leaving brake repairs to a pro is smart!

Wiper blades: The wiper blades of your vehicle ensure that you maintain visibility during rain and thunderstorms. If you notice your wiper blades are excessively worn or leave behind residue or streaks when in use, it’s time for a replacement. Replacing your windshield wiper blades is one of the easiest car maintenance tasks to do yourself.

Suspension: By proactively checking your vehicle’s suspension, you will mitigate bumpy and unsmooth rides. When you get your oil changed, have a professional inspect the shocks and struts of your suspension system to confirm they are still in good working order.

Belts and hoses: The system of belts that wind through your vehicle control multiple critical aspects, such as the power steering pump, air conditioning, and alternator. The hoses in your vehicle connect to the air conditioning, radiator, fuel lines, and other important systems. Before entering the summer, make sure the belts and hoses aren’t showing signs of wear. Fraying, cracking, and missing chunks are all signs that these parts must be replaced. Consider replacing them with Volkswagen-approved parts.

How to Schedule Volkswagen Maintenance at Your Local Dealership

If you’re the owner of a VW vehicle, having it serviced by a certified Volkswagen mechanic is the best option. Their experience and training with VW vehicles means they are the most qualified to perform basic and advanced maintenance and repair.

To make an appointment, contact the service department at your nearest Volkswagen dealership in Houston. Our brand new Volkswagen Cypress stand-alone service building features 46 service bays and often same-day service. This building is on 10828 Steepletop Drive, just off 1960 West.If you know the specific services that you need, a service advisor will give you a price quote over the phone. Otherwise, Volkswagen maintenance costs will be determined after a certified mechanic inspects your vehicle.

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