Keeping Up With Maintenance For Your Volkswagen

By Author: Jeff Anderson
Total Articles: 11
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Car problems are something that no one likes, especially if they could have been prevented. Did you know that you can lower the costs of Houston Volkswagen car repair with some simple monthly maintenance? You can.

Of course, for most people, the way we are able to tell if there's a problem with our car is from all the dashboard lights that are available. But what happens if those lights aren't working? The first step in your monthly maintenance is to double check that all the various dashboard lights do work: they typically all come on when you first turn on the car, but check against your car manual to make sure. While we're on the subject of lights, you should also regularly check that your outer lights (headlights, taillights, break lights, and turn signals) are all working as well.

Many car repair problems can be prevented by just staying vigilant as to your car's inner workings. Check the vehicle’s hoses and belts for wear and tear, and for the hoses, make sure they are tight. Start the car and let it run with the hood up for a few minutes, making sure there are no unusual sounds. While you're under the ...
... hood, check the battery for corrosion and look for engine leaks. You can also make sure you're not leaking any fluids by any spots in the place where you park, as well as checking underneath the car with a flashlight.

Speaking of fluids, get in the habit of checking their levels on a monthly basis. From the oil, brake fluid, coolant, power steering fluid (if your car has power steering), transmission fluid (for automatics) or clutch fluid (for manuals), and windshield fluid, your manual should not only help you figure out how to check these fluids, but also tell you any specifics you might need, since Volkswagens may need specific types of oil or other fluids.

Windshield wipers may not seem like a vital part of monthly maintenance, but if they are old, they could feasibly be a safety concern. Even if not used often, wipers are still subject to the elements such as heat warping the rubber or cold making the blades brittle. It's recommended to replace wipers every six months or 6,000 miles for Volkswagens, and you can replace just the refills (the rubber part) or the full blade. Don't forget the rear wiper or headlight wipers if you have them.

Part of Houston Volkswagen car repairs can be alleviated with regular checks on your tires as well. Check the tire pressure regularly: the recommended pressure is in your car's manual as well as on the side of the tire. You also want to visually inspect for uneven wear or items that may be in the tread. Don't forget to check the spare as well, as the last thing you want when you have a tire blowout is a flat spare to boot. Make sure you do this check when you're in good lighting. Tires should be rotated at least every 6,000 miles, and replaced every 40,000 miles on average.

Doing this quick monthly maintenance can extend the life of your car, as well as the resale value. On top of that, when it is time for those oil changes and tune ups, you're less likely to hear bad news of other issues as well.

Article Source: EuroCare