Aircooled VW maintenance schedule
Volkswagen built their legendary reputation on the cars being rugged, reliable, simple to work on and affordable. Key to this reliability was their maintenance schedule. Every Volkswagen sold came with an owners manual, which had a maintenance chart, specifying the recommended services at different mileage intervals.
Keeping in mind that most air-cooled cars are no longer daily drivers, it’s even more important to keep up on the recommended services, as sitting is HARD on cars. They were designed to be driven, and sitting for months (or longer) can have adverse effects.
We have taken a cue from the VW engineers, and put together a recommended maintenance chart that reflects the modern era, with modern technology, fluids, and lubricants. Taking care of the maintenance allows you to catch issues before they become a problem. Proactive maintenance can save you money in the long run, as things don’t wear out as fast if they’re taken care of properly.
As always, if this is something you’d prefer us to take care of for you, we would be glad to perform these services and keep your car in tip-top shape.
Every time you fill the gas tank
- Check the oil level and top off if needed
- Inspect the fan belt condition and tension
- Visually inspect the fuel lines in the engine bay
- Visually inspect the tire condition / pressures
Every 3 months or 3000 miles (whichever comes first)
- Change the engine oil and clean the screen
- Replace the oil filter (if equipped)
- Service the air filter / change the air filter oil
- Check and adjust the ignition point gap
- Check and set the ignition timing
- Adjust the brake shoe tension
- Adjust the emergency brake tension
- Adjust the clutch cable tension
- Lubricate the front suspension
- Inspect front and rear suspension
- Perform a valve adjustment
- Inspect fan belt and adjust tension – replace if cracking or dry
- Check and set the air pressure in the tires
- Inspect the engine / transmission for leaks
- Inspect the condition of the exhaust system
- Perform an inspection of the vehicle lighting system and make sure all lights / lenses work.
Every 6 months or 6000 miles (whichever comes first)
- Perform the services listed above
- Check the brake fluid level & condition – should be clear and not smell burnt
- Check the transmission gear oil level & condition – should not feel gritty or smell burnt
- Top off the steering box lubricant
- Lubricate door locks and hinges.
- Check wiper blade condition & replace if needed.
- Check spare tire condition & air pressure
Every 12 months or 12,000 miles (whichever comes first)
- Perform the above services recommended
- Replace the ignition points and reset the ignition timing
- Inspect spark plug wires and distributor cap / rotor condition. Replace if necessary
- Spark plugs – Remove and inspect. Replace if needed
Every 24 months or 24,000 miles (whichever comes first)
- Replace the brake fluid
- Replace the engine air filter (if equipped with paper or gauze style filter)
- Replace fuel lines and filters.
- Inspect fuel tank filler / breather / vent hoses & replace if needed
- Inspect engine breather / vent hoses and replace if needed
- Inspect axle boots, Torque CV bolts.
- Torque rear axle nuts and replace cotter pins
- Check lug bolt torque
- Adjust wheel bearing tension
- Inspect shocks
- Inspect engine & transmission mounts
- Check battery fluid levels & condition
- Perform battery output & load tests
- Perform charging system load-test
- Replace transmission gear oil
By properly maintaining your Volkswagen, you can enjoy it for many years to come. Call or email to get scheduled for your regular maintenance – 480-962-1101 or info@dougsbnb.com
