Schedule your service in Orange County, CA

Buying a new or used car is one of the most expensive purchases you will make, and you want it to keep running perfectly. That's why you should schedule regular servicing and maintenance at Capistrano Volkswagen in San Juan Capistrano, Orange County, California. A well-maintained car will last longer, be safer, run better, and save you money in the long term.

In California, the high temperatures we experience can be especially tough on many of your car's components. Here, we'll take a look at the wide-ranging benefits of scheduling regular maintenance at Capistrano Volkswagen, from having the oil changed to having your tires rotated.

What Can We Do for You?

As and when required, the expert technicians in our service department can carry out the following tasks and more on your car:

• Overall vehicle inspection.
• Lube, oil, and filter change.
• Transmission flush.
• Coolant flush.
• Adjust or replace the brakes.
• Check the wheel alignment.
• Electrical service.
• General maintenance (lights, wipers, etc.).

Just schedule a service with us, and we'll take the greatest care of your car.

Improved Safety

One of the most important reasons to schedule a service at Capistrano Volkswagen is to ensure that your vehicle is in the safest condition. Road accidents are often caused by the failure of components on a badly maintained car. For the safety of you, your family, and other drivers, it's essential that your car's brakes, suspension, and tires are always in good condition.

Also, a poorly maintained vehicle is more likely to break down. If that were to happen in the dark on a quiet back road, you or a member of your family could be left stranded in a dangerous situation. During a service, our expert technicians thoroughly inspect your car and can pick up on potential future problems before they become a serious issue.

You'll Save Money

Scheduling a regular service can save you money in several ways. When your vehicle is running efficiently, it will be more economical. For example, a badly tuned engine can use as much as 50% more fuel. The state of your car's engine oil, air and oil filters, and tires can all affect your vehicle's fuel efficiency. Bringing your car to Capistrano Volkswagen for a regular service and tune-up could mean fewer stops at the gas station.

A regular service can also help you avoid unexpected repairs. When our service specialists top up or change your car's fluids, they'll check for any leaks, cracked hoses, worn belts, and any other parts that show excessive wear and tear. They'll look at the brake pads and discs and the tires for signs of wear. By identifying problems early, you will save on expensive repairs in the future.

When you come to sell or trade your vehicle, a complete service history will increase its value. If you can show a prospective buyer receipts for maintenance work and replacement parts, they'll know that the car's been well cared for. With the Capistrano Volkswagen Service Specials, you can save even more money. You'll find discount coupons for a variety of service and maintenance deals.

Extend Your Vehicle's Life

Another good reason to schedule regular servicing is to prolong your car's life. By neglecting easy tasks such as having the oil changed, your engine will experience greater wear and tear because old oil doesn't lubricate as efficiently as new oil. Having Capistrano Volkswagen take care of your engine, transmission, cooling system, brakes, and tires means these essential parts will last longer.

Routine Maintenance Tasks

To help protect your investment, you should always follow the manufacturer's service and maintenance schedule. While our factory-trained technicians will carry out the required tasks at the correct intervals, you can help keep an eye on things between scheduled services by doing some routine maintenance.

Each week, you should check your fluid levels and tire pressure. Checking your brake pads and discs once a month is usually enough. However, if you do a lot of stop-start city driving, you might want to check the brakes more often. If you often drive off-road, your shocks and suspension can take a beating, so you should have them regularly inspected. If you spot any excess wear and tear or leaks, schedule a maintenance check at Capistrano Volkswagen.

Fluid Levels

Various fluids are essential to keep your car running smoothly. When you bring your car to our service center, our technicians will check or change the fluids according to the service schedule. However, you should check the levels between services.

The engine oil must be at the right level to work properly, so use the dipstick to check it every week. The oil lubricates the engine components and helps absorb heat to keep the parts working smoothly together. The oil should be changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.

Automatic transmission fluid helps keep your gear shifts nice and slick. If the fluid drops below the recommended level, it can get contaminated and shorten your transmission's life span.

Brake fluid is essential for the efficient operation of the hydraulic braking system. As the system is sealed, the fluid level shouldn't drop, so if it gets low, there could be a leak that needs to be checked urgently by a professional technician.

If the power steering fluid drops too low, your vehicle will be difficult to steer, meaning it's no longer handling safely. If that happens, bring the car to us to have the problem rectified.

Your radiator should always be filled with the right mixture of antifreeze and water to keep your car's engine at the correct operating temperature. The coolant also prevents freezing and keeps components rust free.

Brake and Tire Checks

Inspect your tires regularly for any damage or uneven tread wear. At the same time, you can check your brake pads for wear. If you leave it too long to change the pads, you'll likely need new discs as well.

Routine and regular maintenance helps keep your vehicle running safely and smoothly for longer and saves you money. At Capistrano Volkswagen, we can take care of all your servicing needs, whether you drive a Volkswagen or any other brand, so schedule your next service with us.

What Is Involved With Scheduled Auto Maintenance? 

Every car requires maintenance throughout its life to remain roadworthy. Like any car, Volkswagens have a routine maintenance schedule that needs to be followed to ensure the vehicle runs smoothly throughout its expected life span.

Your car's owner manual summarizes the basic service requirements. Adhering to a regular maintenance schedule is one of the best ways to keep your vehicle in tip-top shape while helping prevent expensive repairs.

Regular maintenance scheduled services involve simple tune-ups such as battery replacement, oil and filter changes, and general parts inspections that come at different mileage intervals. The following are some of the most common forms of scheduled auto maintenance:

Oil and Filter Change 

The motor oil in your car's engine serves numerous functions: It lubricates the moving components, helps stop engine rust, cools the powertrain, decreases wear and tear, and acts as a sealant against debris. Keeping it clean is essential for good engine health. Depending on your automobile and the type of oil you're using, you might need to change both the oil and filter every 3000 miles. Check your car's owner manual or check with a professional to determine what is appropriate for your ride.

Rotate Your Tires and Check Air Pressure

Undoubtedly, your tires play a significant role in determining how your vehicle drives down the road. Your tires keep your automobile connected to the road, allowing you to brake safely, turn, and accelerate. In addition to affecting the vehicle's handling, worn tires can result in a blowout and will also impact your car's fuel economy. Remember to rotate your tires every time you get an oil change.

Air Filter Replacement 

Replacing your vehicle's air filter is another way of promoting car health and longevity. The air filter's purpose is to clean outside air before it enters the engine and burns with the fuel to create combustion. Over time, debris, dirt, dust, and even bugs can seep into the air filter, clogging it. When this happens, your engine can no longer take in enough air to ignite the air-fuel mixture and create combustion to make your car run.

Battery Check

Age, prolonged non-use, and extreme temperatures affect batteries. Most batteries last four or five years, which puts the average driver around 50,000 to 60,000 miles. If you're not sure when your vehicle's battery was last replaced, it's important to have it checked to see how well it holds a charge. Additionally, ensure the battery terminals are free of dirt and rust.

Brake Repair 

Of the many parts that make up your car, the brakes are the most important mechanism in guaranteeing safe driving. Your brake shoes, drums, pads, and rotors need to be in top condition if they're going to stop your automobile in an emergency. Expect to change your brakes every 50,000 miles. However, some brakes need to be replaced sooner or later than this guideline. 

Fluid Flush

Besides gas, your car utilizes several other fluids to operate its systems. At times, these fluids need to be removed and refilled to ensure they're not contaminated, which is a service referred to as a fluid flush. Most automobiles need a transmission fluid flush, power-steering flush, brake fluid flush, and a coolant flush at certain points.

Tuneup 

If your car is in between scheduled services and isn't running quite right, like suffering from reduced power or limited fuel economy, it might be time for a tuneup. Tuneups usually involve quick and affordable services that bring your vehicle back to optimal performance levels.