by Dean Holmes

Created on: August 09, 2008

Wolfsburg, Germany has a knack for building quality cars.

Ever since the original Beetle was developed in Stuttgart in the 1930's, VW seems to be an iconic car brand, or almost a cult if you will.

The more recent years have shown that VW continues to strive with high quality vehicles for all types of people. But even high quality vehicles must be maintained or they will fail more miserably than the AMC Pacer.

Being a Volkswagen enthusiast and owner myself, I have developed a knowledge of the ins-and-outs of these "people's cars". Below you will find some examples of maintenance tips and hints for your beloved German automobile.

OIL CHANGES

Like any other vehicle, VWs will require regular oil changes. Many of us know that Volkswagen also produces the highest number of diesel powered engines in the compact car market.

For regular gasoline powered engines, it is wise to change the oil in higher-mileage vehicles (over 100,000 miles/160,000 km) between 2,500 and 3,000 miles (4,000-5,000 km). Newer models may not require changes until the 5,000 mile (8,000 km) mark, which is fine for the vehicle's new beginnings.

For diesels, the frequency of services are farther apart; for newer vehicles it can be 8,000 miles (12,500 km), and for older ones 5,000 miles (8,000 km).

At any rate, from personal experience, Volkswagens LOVE synthetic oil. I have seen some older models running on strictly synthetic oil that will net over 500,000 miles (800,000 km) without missing a beat.

TIMING BELT

This is a must-do for all Volkswagens that are equipped with a timing belt, which most of them are from the 80's upwards. It is recommended that the timing belt be changed every 80,000 miles (125,000 km). If this belt goes, you could be looking at a new engine...it will destroy valves inside the engine.

If you are ever in need of replacing the vehicle's water pump, CHANGE THE TIMING BELT ALSO. Even if it has not reached the 80,000 mile mark, the water pump must be removed to change the timing belt. This will obviously save you labour costs, likely around the $400 range if you aren't a do-it-yourselfer.

And vice-versa, if you are changing the timing belt, may as well throw a new water pump on just to save the hassle of it going later on. You'll be very thankful.

FUEL

Most Volkswagens will run and only require regular octane fuel. However if you have a turbo charged engine (not including the TDI), it is highly recommended by VW to use high octane (91 or better). You can use regular, but you will lose about

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