Tire Care Tips to Help You Stay Safe and Save Money

As your summer schedule rapidly fills with fun in the sun, be sure to add vehicle maintenance to the agenda. Whether you’re embarking on an epic road trip or exploring nearby, it’s essential to include Volkswagen care in your plans. Neglecting proper maintenance when temperatures soar could result in car trouble – and may even keep you sidelined from summer fun! more In fact, extreme heat can take a serious toll on your Volkswagen’s battery, engine and tires. To prevent the brutal impact of a summer scorcher, be sure to make maintenance a top priority. Here at Mike Reichenbach Volkswagen in Florence, our certified technicians have provided eight tips for summer car maintenance below, so check them out! Then, schedule an appointment at your local Volkswagen Service Department! Common Summer Car Problems Whether you park your vehicle in the driveway or tuck it away in the garage, summer heat can wreak havoc on your Volkswagen. Both its internal systems and exterior appearance are at risk, making it more important than ever to stick to your vehicle’s maintenance plan. Preventing excessive wear and tear not only keeps your vehicle on the road, but saves you money on more serious repairs in the future. Plus, our Volkswagen service specials make maintenance affordable! Take advantage of deals on scheduled maintenance services today, including wheel alignments, battery services, transmission services, and more! Here are some problems that a vehicle inspection and tune-up can help prevent: Overheated engine Low tire pressure (resulting in tire bursts and poor fuel economy) Low engine coolant levels Belt cracks Rapid evaporation of battery fluid Our team is here to help, so contact us today to schedule Volkswagen service near you! Eight Tips for Summer Volkswagen Maintenance Monitor Tire Pressure and Tread. Hot pavement and temperature fluctuations can spell disaster, potentially leaving you stranded with a flat tire or a blowout. Check your owner’s manual to find the recommended PSI, then make sure your tires meet manufacturer standards. To check tire tread, simply conduct the penny test! Just turn the penny face down so the head is pointed toward the tire, and if the head disappears in the tread, you’re ready to roll! If the head disappears, a tire replacement may be needed. Schedule tire services today! Schedule an Oil Change. Regular oil and filter changes help keep your engine cool, making them key to extending your vehicle’s lifespan. Need an oil change in Florence, SC? Locals trust the car care experts at Mike Reichenbach Volkswagen to utilize the right oil (type, weight, etc.) at the right price – with Volkswagen oil change service specials available for additional savings! Double-Check Fluid Levels. Warmer temperatures increase evaporation, causing engine fluids to dip below normal levels. Our Volkswagen service professionals can top off your transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield wiper fluid, and coolant to keep your vehicle on the road all summer long! Test your Battery. While winter is the season typically associated with dead batteries, a red-hot forecast can be even rougher on your battery. The intense heat can accelerate the battery's chemical reaction and lead to a total failure in function. To avoid issues down the road, test your battery to assess its health, and if needed, get a replacement. Inspect the Brakes. No matter the road conditions, nothing is more important than your vehicle’s brakes. These major red flags indicate that brake services are likely needed: • Squealing or grinding sounds • Decreased responsiveness • Vibrations when braking • Vehicle pulling to one side when braking Take Care of the Air Conditioning System. There’s no worse time for your AC system to fail than when temperatures soar. If you notice your air conditioner struggling to keep the cabin cool, don’t delay! Schedule service right away and trust our team to handle any necessary Volkswagen repairs! Maintain a Balance. While tire rotations and wheel alignments may not seem incredibly important, neglecting them is a major mistake. These scheduled maintenance services ensure tires wear evenly, extending their life and saving you money in the long run. If you notice the following, tire services are needed: • Car pulling to one side • Steering wheel vibrating • Steering wheel not centered when driving straight Keep Belts and Hoses in Good Condition. The engine’s belts and hoses keep everything moving smoothly, so a crack, snap, or leak can quickly lead to overheating. The hoses connected to the radiator help pump coolant to and from the engine, while the belts are tasked with running the fans that cool everything down. Schedule a Service Check-Up at Mike Reichenbach Volkswagen Today! Before hitting the road this summer, schedule a vehicle inspection at Mike Reichenbach Volkswagen of Florence! Our highly trained service professionals can diagnose any issues, often catching a problem before it requires costly auto repairs. In need of a belt replacement or a new air conditioning system? Whether you need a recommendation or know exactly which part your vehicle needs, our Parts Department is here to help! We proudly handle all your automotive needs, with fantastic deals on Volkswagen parts near you available now!

Maintaining each of your vehicle’s components is key to achieving peak performance on the road ahead. Like changing the oil and rotating the tires, scheduling a wheel alignment is an important part of your Volkswagen’s maintenance. more Aligning your vehicle’s wheels involves adjusting their angle. Our certified technicians will make sure that the wheels are parallel to each other, using an attention to detail that only the most qualified service experts provide. That’s because even minor misalignments can have a major impact, not only decreasing performance, but affecting fuel economy and safety as well. Trust our team to restore your car’s suspension and steering system to manufacturer recommendations – right here at our on-site Service Center! Read on to learn more about keeping your car running right, then schedule car maintenance at Mike Reichenbach Volkswagen of Florence today! Warning Signs That It’s Time for a Wheel Alignment Your Volkswagen’s maintenance light isn’t the only indication that a tune-up is needed. When it’s time for a wheel alignment, the most obvious sign is your steering wheel pulling to one side or shaking/vibrating. If you notice your vehicle drifting, our Volkswagen Service Department can help! Uneven tire wear is another sign that your wheels are misaligned. If steering feels loose or unresponsive, it may be time for a tire replacement – with an alignment to follow. In fact, our automotive maintenance team recommends an alignment every 10,000 miles. Why a Wheel Alignment Is a Crucial Part of Auto Maintenance Optimize Performance Make the most of every mile by ensuring your wheels remain properly aligned. By scheduling this simple service, you’ll enjoy more agile handling and a smoother ride. Plus, you’ll prevent damage to your vehicle’s steering and suspension, avoiding costly auto repair services in the future. Improved Safety A vehicle that pulls to one side is much trickier to control, making even short drives dangerous. Decrease your chance of an auto accident by keeping your car in tip-top shape. Better Fuel Efficiency Because misaligned wheels require more work on your vehicle’s part to stay in control, they also reduce its efficiency. By keeping them aligned, you’ll reduce the amount of fuel consumed, and this, of course, saves money at the pump! What Factors Negatively Affect Wheel Alignment? Wheel alignment can be impacted by the following: Hitting potholes or curbs Regularly driving on poorly-maintained roads Car accidents (minor fender benders included!) Vehicle age (components crack or lose elasticity over time) Uneven tire wear Underinflated tires Schedule Auto Service at Mike Reichenbach Volkswagen of Florence Today! Keeping your wheels aligned is just one part of keeping your car in great shape. Here at Mike Reichenbach Volkswagen of Florence, we’ve made it simple and stress-free to keep your vehicle up to date – and to optimize its handling, fuel efficiency, and lifespan. If you live near Florence, SC, just search for VW service near me and schedule an appointment for any of the following auto maintenance services: Oil Change Services Filter Replacement Front End Alignment Tire Replacement & Balance Tire Rotation Maintenance (Wipers, Headlights, Etc) Brake Replacements Service Package Muffler / Exhaust Repair Coolant Flush Vehicle Checkup / Inspection Transmission Flush Cooling System Checks And more! Be sure to check out available Volkswagen service coupons! Our team is here to help, so contact us today!

Despite the fancy features and upscale add-ons available to today’s drivers, your vehicle isn’t worth much if its engine doesn’t function properly. Routine maintenance is needed to keep your vehicle running right, with oil changes ranking high on the priority list. Here at our Volkswagen Service Center, our certified technicians are equipped to handle all your maintenance needs. Just think of us as your personal pit crew! We’ve provided the answers to some frequently asked questions below, so take a look. And when it’s time for a tune-up, stop by your hometown Volkswagen dealership in Florence, SC! more The Importance of a VW Oil Change Your Volkswagen’s engine is very complex, finely tuned to keep its many components functioning in tandem. Dirty oil or insufficient levels can cause major issues, resulting in a lack of lubrication – and potentially serious engine damage. Routine Volkswagen oil changes not only keep your engine running smoothly, but could prevent costly auto repair bills down the road. Over time, every Volkswagen model’s oil breaks down and becomes dirty, reducing its fuel efficiency and overall lifespan. Regularly changing the oil and oil filter can extend your car’s life – and save you money too! Top Five Frequently Asked Questions on VW Oil Care How Often Should I Get an Oil Change? Because motor oil inevitably breaks down over time, it’s important to change it regularly – at manufacturer recommended maintenance intervals based on your specific model. Check the vehicle’s owner's manual to find out how often oil changes are needed to properly maintain your new or pre-owned Volkswagen vehicle. No manual? No worries! According to Volkswagen’s official website, an oil change is recommended once every year or every 10,000 miles, whichever comes first. Keep in mind that this estimation varies from one vehicle to the next, depending on factors like model, year, and mileage. In general, used Volkswagen cars need an oil change every six months or every 5,000 miles. New models, however, require less frequent care and can go longer between Volkswagen oil changes. Need help staying on schedule? There are service reminders built into your Volkswagen! Watch for the reminder, and when it appears, stop by a Volkswagen dealership near you for an oil change. What Does My Oil Filter Do and Why Should I Replace It? First off, for the oil to flow freely, it must be clean. The filter functions much like a vacuum, keeping debris, dirt, and other contaminants out of the oil. If the filter needs replacing, the oil will get dirty and eventually wear down the engine. Serious damage may result – and require pricey repairs! Our Florence auto parts experts recommend an oil filter change every other time you change your oil. How Often Should I Check the Oil Level? To maintain peak performance, it is best to check oil levels monthly or, if possible, every other time you fill your tank. While the newest vehicles may not have one, those with a traditional dipstick are easy to manually inspect. If your car has an electric oil monitor, check your owner’s manual for Volkswagen’s recommendations. Or just stop by the Mike Reichenbach Volkswagen Service Center in Florence, SC and let our trusted techs handle all your VW care needs! How Do I Check Oil Levels on My Own? For a Volkswagen vehicle with a traditional dipstick, there are a few things to keep in mind when checking oil levels. Stop by our Volkswagen Service Center today or follow the step-by-step guide below! Park your car on level ground and give the engine time to cool off before getting started. Pop the car’s hood and locate the dipstick. Pull the dipstick out and wipe off any excess oil with a paper towel or rag. Once it is clean, reinsert the dipstick and push it all the way in. Pull it back out and inspect both sides to determine where the oil reached. Every dipstick may vary slightly in indicating the proper oil level, so as a general rule of thumb, remember that: If it falls between MIN and MAX abbreviations, the level is fine. If the oil falls below the minimum, new oil needs to be added. Also, check to see if the oil is brown or black. If not, it’s time to visit your trusted Volkswagen dealership near you for an oil change. 5. How Do I Know Which Type of Oil to Use? This is one of the most common questions we hear, with many drivers unsure whether to choose full synthetic oil, conventional oil, synthetic blend, or high-mileage oil. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer though, since the right type of oil depends on your specific vehicle and driving habits. We recommend consulting your vehicle’s owner’s manual first to see which type of oil will help your engine function most efficiently. Or just stop by your local Volkswagen dealership and let our certified technicians determine which type of oil that works best for your car or SUV! Need an Oil Change? Visit Mike Reichenbach Volkswagen Today! An oil change is just one of the maintenance services needed to keep your vehicle running like new. And with our team committed to VW care, keeping your car properly maintained is a breeze! Our highly trained service professionals know your vehicle inside and out, and we utilize only genuine Volkswagen parts to ensure a job well done. Whether your 2023 Volkswagen Taos needs an oil change or it’s time to replace your used tires in Florence, SC, we can help! Plus, we offer Volkswagen specials on parts and service to help you save! Stop by Mike Reichenbach Volkswagen for an oil change today or schedule an appointment for a Volkswagen repair online!