Tips on Caring for Your VW This Fall

Whether you own a Volkswagen Tiguan, Jetta, Golf, Touareg, or Passat, the fall is a good time to tend to various maintenance tasks. Falling behind on car maintenance can lead to significant and expensive consequences later. It’s one of the most important aspects of caring for your vehicle.

Your maintenance checklist this fall should address the following:

• Tires: Check the tire pressure as the temperature changes; the pressure drops as temperatures fall. Adjust it to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI. Also, replace tires if the treads are 1/8-inch deep or less, and look for bulges, bald spots, and other signs of wear and tear.
• Brakes: Have a professional inspect the brakes as part of your maintenance schedule. They can road test the vehicle, feeling for brake issues, and conduct a visual inspection, check brake fluids, and inspect the brake pads, calipers, and master cylinder.
• Wipers: Wipers typically only last 6-12 months, but if they’re leaving streaks on your windshield, replace them immediately. You can also try cleaning wipers with a paper towel and glass cleaner, which can add weeks to months to their life.
• Heater/Defroster: Fall is a great time to check the heating, venting, and cooling system of your VW Tiguan. It’s needed for heat and comfort on cold days and to improve visibility. Morning frosts may already be impacting your area, so the sooner you service this system, the better.
• Cooling System: The cooling system is important to consider; it remains active even in cold weather. Have a mechanic check the radiator, belts, and hoses. Cold air can affect these parts and, if they’re already deteriorating, replacing them now can help avoid some hassles this winter.
• Fluids: Check all fluid levels, including transmission fluid, washer fluid, and oil. Motor oil thickens over time, and cold temperatures can thicken it too. Service your vehicle if it’s due for an oil change. Also, consider an oil that’s most suited for winter weather so your vehicle performs its best.
• Lights: Darkness and visibility are concerns during the colder months. Check your headlights, taillights, brake lights, hi-beams, and fog lights to ensure they’re working. Also inspect the lenses for cloudiness, dirt, or obstructions.
• Battery: A car battery loses strength over time, so have it checked by a mechanic. Battery cables and terminals should be checked and retightened as necessary. Connections that are dirty or corroded should be disconnected and cleaned with the appropriate tools.
• Wash and Wax: Fall is a good time for a thorough cleaning. Residue from tree sap, dead bugs, and bird droppings tends to build up over the summer, and winter will soon leave its own mess. Give your car a thorough washdown and even apply wax so it looks in top shape.

Whether you’re looking for a 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan or to save on a used Volkswagen Tiguan or another model, Jeff D’Ambrosio Volkswagen in Downingtown, Pennsylvania can help. Learn more about our service center, specials, and financing by visiting our dealership or calling 888-585-7794.

Tags: Vehicle maintenance, Volkswagen, VW fall care
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