Is Your Volkswagen in Need of an Oil Change?

March 13, 2019 · 2 min read

You need to make sure that you follow your car’s maintenance schedule if you want to keep it on the road. Some needs are easy to spot. For instance, if you’re hearing a loud squealing when you brake, get new brake pads. The need for an oil change, on the other hand, can be more difficult to evaluate. So, how can you tell when it’s time for an oil change? Let’s find out.

Oil Change Helpful Hints

Take a look at the manual

Your manual has information about when you need to get oil changes and what type of oil you should be using. While in years past owners were encouraged to get oil changes every three months or 3,000 miles, today’s engines are built differently. Modern oil will generally last much longer. Your manual may mention Severe or Mild (Normal) driving conditions. While most drivers think their commute isn’t considered “severe,” things like stop-and-go driving, only traveling short distances, and driving in extreme temperatures can create the need for more frequent oil changes.

Look for lights

Many of today’s cars are equipped with instruments and displays that monitor oil conditions for you. Oil-life monitors evaluate your speed, climate conditions, engine temperature, and more, activating a light on your dash when problems arise. Should you find the oil light pops up when you’re driving, make sure to get it looked at right away. You may have a leak that is causing a low oil level, or your system may just be reminding you that it’s time to schedule your next oil change.

Beware of smoke and sounds

If you’ve ignored warning lights or they aren’t working properly, your vehicle will tell you something is wrong in a different way — by breaking down. Because oil is used to lubricate your engine’s parts, worn out oil that isn’t replaced will have a lasting impact. As friction increases due to metal-on-metal movement, your engine may begin to overheat. Your engine also might be making unusual noises. Making sure everything under the hood is working efficiently is key toward preventing unnecessary repairs. If you suspect something is wrong, it’s best to bring it in for service right away.

Schedule an Oil Change in Middleton, WI

Now that you know what to look out for, you can better protect your vehicle. For VW service in Madison, Wisconsin, and the surrounding areas, make an appointment today at Zimbrick Volkswagen of Middleton. We even have Volkswagen service coupons to help you save.

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Nov 12, 2019 in Middleton Volkswagen Service

Your Essential Holiday Travel Tips

Holidays are a dangerous time to be on the road. From increased incidents of drunk driving to icy road conditions, the winter holidays provide many driving hazards. That’s why it’s essential to stay alert on the road at all times, and follow our holiday travel tips listed below. Comprehensive List of Holiday Driving Tips Before you hit the road, complete the following tasks: Winterize your car — Winterization includes the following: Test and replace battery if needed Check and replace brake pads if needed Change oil Switch to winter tires Rotate tires Check tire pressure on a regular basis Replace wiper blades and refill wiper fluid Refill antifreeze mixture Winter safety kit — Pack winter supplies, including: Jumper cables Road flares Tire pressure gauge Tire jack Windshield scraper Shovel Flashlight Blankets Food Water Backup phone charger Provide entertainment for the kids — You’ll want to avoid distractions while driving, and making sure your passengers are entertained throughout a long trip can help. This can involve travel-sized games, an iPad to play movies, or special playlists for the journey. While on the road: Drive slowly — Avoid wheel spinning and skidding on the road by keeping a slow, steady pace as much as possible during the drive. This means slowly accelerating and de-accelerating, and trying to stop and start as infrequently as possible. Increase following distance — Make sure to leave a lot of room between you and the vehicle in front. This way, if you end up skidding or sliding on the road, you’ll have a safety buffer to avoid a collision. Avoid distractions — It’s even more important to follow driving safety precautions, such as not texting or taking calls on the road. Give yourself plenty of time — When planning your travel timeline, add extra time for getting around. With icy roads and potentially dangerous drivers, you won’t want to rush. Winterize Your Car in Middleton, WI When looking to professionals to prepare your car for winter, choose expert technicians you can trust. Learn about our Volkswagen service in Middleton, WI. Check out the Volkswagen service specials currently on offer, and schedule your appointment today.

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