Beat the Heat With Volkswagen Summer Car Care

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!

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 

1. 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!
2. 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! 
3. 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!
4. 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.
5. 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
6. 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!
7. 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 
8. 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! 

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