Extend the Life of Your Volkswagen

2012-11-20_1522

So how many miles have you logged on the Volkswagen in your driveway? 5,000? 75,000? Way way more?

We asked Megan Closset, sales curriculum designer for the Volkswagen Academy, what you can do to ensure your VW keeps up as you rack up the miles—and look good doing it.

“The most important thing owners can do is to follow the Volkswagen recommended maintenance schedule,” Closset says.

With its Carefree Maintenance® program, Volkswagen makes it easy for you to get started on a routine you’ll stick with. That’s because for the first three years or 36,000 miles—whichever comes first—, scheduled maintenance services are covered under no additional charge. Oil changes, tire rotations and checks on system operations are all covered under the program,” Closset says.[1]

“And once your vehicle is out of Carefree Maintenance coverage, continue to have scheduled maintenance performed on your car and get regular oil and filter changes,” she recommends. “As your car ages, also keep an eye out for wear-and-tear items such as brakes and timing belts.”

Regularly check the condition of your tires too. Your tires are not only crucial to your safety, but when correctly inflated and maintained, they’ll also help maximize road handling and passenger comfort as well as extend the life of your vehicle.

“When your tires are properly inflated, they’re safer and help to improve your fuel economy,” says Closset.[2] “They’ll also help reduce wear on your vehicle's suspension, giving you a more comfortable ride.”

By now you know that your Volkswagen vehicle’s beauty is more than skin deep. But when your car looks as sharp as it runs, you won’t just find yourself smiling more—you’ll also be protecting its finish.

“Get regular washes. They’re best if done by hand or at a ‘touch-free’ service,” says Closset.“Immediately clean up debris, such as sap or bird droppings.” Sticky debris that lands on your vehicle can damage its clear-coat finish.

Volkswagen is also doing its part to help keep your vehicle looking like new for years to come, and the quality galvanized metal and exceptional paint processes are just the beginning. “Volkswagen offers a 12-year limited warranty against corrosion perforation,” [3] Closset says.“This is a limited warranty that helps your car stay roadworthy and looking good.”

“Everything you need to know to help keep your Volkswagen on the road for years can be found right there in the owner’s literature“ she says.“Take it out of the glove box and read it!”

 

Das Auto Magazine