What we check and why
No-one knows your Volkswagen better than we do. So you can relax when your van is in for service, maintenance or repair, knowing it’s in the safe hands of experts who have the latest Volkswagen training and access to our advanced tools and technology.
Benefits of having air con refreshed
1. Removes any bacteria and bad smells from the system, leaving the air clean and fresh.
Why does my air conditioning need to be cleaned?
Your air conditioning system can become full of bacterial and fungal contamination. A refresh treatment disinfects the evaporator and air ducts safely and effectively.
What happens if it's not cleaned?
Bacterial build-up in the ventilation system not only smells bad, it leads to poor airflow. This means you breathe in bacteria and allergens which could irritate your eyes and nose.
What do we do?
Our experts technicians give you air conditioning system an ultrasonic anti-bacterial and odour treatment that eliminates microbial, fungal and bacterial contamination.
How often does it need to be cleaned?
Every 12 months.
Benefits of having your air con serviced
1. Keeps you fresh, alert and safer
2. Maintains the mechanical integrity of the system
3. Our fixed price air conditioning service includes a system refresh
Why does it need to be serviced?
Your air conditioning system can lose up to 10 percent of its gas each year. Unless it's replaced the system will be less able to keep you cool and refreshed.
What happens if it's not serviced?
The system will continue to lose gas, become less efficient and lead to increased fuel consumption. It will eventually fail and need replacement parts.
What do we do?
We drain and recharge the system; check hoses, filters, belts and connections; and make sure the compressor and condenser are working correctly.
How often does it need to be serviced?
Volkswagen recommends every 2 years.
For more information watch our air conditioning service video
Benefits of having the air filter changed
1. Optimised engine performance and fuel economy
2. Maintains the mechanical integrity of the engine
Why does it need to be changed?
Your air filter stops dirt and dust particles entering the engine. Just like your vacuum cleaner, it needs to be kept clean to work properly.
What happens if it's not changed?
Fresh air is vital for your car's engine to perform well. If the air filter is not replaced when needed it could lead to a drop in performance as the engine tries to 'breathe' through a dirty filter. Your car could then be difficult to start.
What do we do?
We remove the old filter; check and clean the housing and hoses; then fit a new filter.
How often does it need to be changed?
Changing it is part of a major service.
Benefits of having your battery changed
1. Peace of mind knowing your battery is holding its charge and will start reliably
2. We promise to match any like-for-like written quote for service, maintenance and repair using Volkswagen Genuine Parts™ from any garage within 15 miles
3. We test your battery using a Volkswagen special tool which measures actual battery performance versus specified battery performance levels. It will also predict future battery life, so you can replace your battery before it fails.
Why does my battery need to be changed?
A fully charged battery supplies around 12.6 volts. If this falls to 12.0 volts, the state of charge drops from around 100% to around 25%. Conductivity is reduced by low temperatures, so if your battery is not holding its charge your car may not start in cold weather.
What happens if it's not changed?
Sludge builds up in the bottom of the case and can short the cell out. Deep discharges, heat, vibration, over-charging, under-charging or non-use all speed up the ageing process. In the end, if not replaced the battery will fail, and one day your car won't start.
What do we do?
We check the battery's ability to hold its charge. We may need to replace the battery if it's not holding a charge, or look at why it's not charging when you drive.
How often does it need to be checked?
At every service.
Benefits of having my brake fluid changed
1. Peace of mind knowing you'll be able to stop effectively
2. Prevents contamination that could lead to a more expensive repair
3. An authorised Volkswagen stamp in your service book.
Why does my brake fluid need to be changed?
Brake fluid must withstand operating temperatures of up to 230°C but over time absorbs water which boils at 100°C. As the water boils, it turns to compressible vapour which means you won't be able to brake as efficiently.
What happens if it's not changed?
If too much moisture builds up, the brake fluid can boil while you're braking, seriously affecting performance. It can cause the brakes to fail. A spongy feel to the brake pedal shows you this has started to happen.
What do we do?
We check the level and look for leaks. We drain the system and fill it with new brake fluid. We test the system and record it in your service book.
How often should it be changed?
At year 3 and every 2 years after that
For more information watch our brake fluid change video
Benefits of having them changed
1. Peace of mind, knowing your brakes are in good working order to keep you (and other road users) safe.
Why do my brake pads and discs need to be changed?
When you brake, the brake discs that rotate with the wheels are gripped by brake pads, slowing the car down. Both discs and pads can become worn and corroded, so it's vital they are checked regularly for your safety.
What happens if they are not changed?
If your brakes aren't maintained regularly you won't be able to brake as efficiently. As well as reduced stopping power, worn or corroded brake parts can make your car vibrate and become really noisy.
What do we do?
We measure the brake pad wear level. If the pads or discs are worn, corroded or warped we will let you know so we can arrange to replace them. It is not always necessary to remove the wheels to check the brake pads (pad wear/thickness, disc condition), but where a further detailed inspection is required (or if the wheel does not allow full visibility) the wheel(s) may be removed.
How often do they need to be checked?
At least once a year.
Benefits of having your bulbs replaced
1. Maintains best possible vision in the dark and poor light conditions such as fog
2. Increases your visibility and signals your driving intentions to other drivers
3. We promise to fit exterior bulbs bought from us free of charge
Why do my bulbs need to be changed?
Bulbs need changing when they become defective. It's important you check all your lights regularly to ensure road safety. You could be stopped by police if your lights and indicators are not working correctly.
What happens if they are not checked?
If a headlight is out, you won't be able to see the road ahead properly. If a brake light is out the person following you may not stop in time. You could also be stopped by the police and issued with a fixed penalty or vehicle defect rectification notice.
What do we do?
We'll check all your bulbs to ensure they're working correctly, free of charge. If they need replacing, we'll offer a competitive quote and you'll be covered by our Price Match promise - we'll match any like-for-like quote within 15 miles of your retailer.
How often do they need to be changed?
Replace when faulty.
Benefits of having your cambelt changed
1. Peace of mind knowing excessive wear to your engine and the risk of snapping of the belt have been minimised and that your engine life is prolonged
2. We give a 2-year parts and labour warranty on Volkswagen parts fitted after the manufacturer's warranty has expired.
Why does my cambelt need to be changed?
The cambelt is one of the hardest working parts in your engine, driving major parts of the engine and keeping everything synchronised. Changing it prevents snaps, cracks and tears which in turn minimises the risk of major engine damage.
What happens if it's not changed?
The belt can go slack, making it snap or jump. This can cause severe damage to the engine. Your car will break down and could be very expensive to repair.
What do we do?
We strip down the relevant parts of the engine and renew the cambelt and cambelt tensioner. Then we reassemble the engine and road test your car.
How often does it need to be changed?
When you reach your vehicles recommended mileage please contact your local van centre for more information.
Benefits of having your CV boot replaced
1. You will satisfy an MOT test requirement, keeping you legal and safe
2. Protect the CV joint from failure, giving you a smoother, quieter drive
3. We give a 2-year parts and labour warranty on Volkswagen parts fitted after the manufacturer warranty has expired.
Why does my constant velocity boot need to be changed?
The constant velocity (CV) joint transmits gearbox speed evenly to the wheels. It needs to be well lubricated and protected by the CV boot which surrounds it, keeping lubricating grease in and moisture and dirt out. If the CV boot is worn or damaged, the CV joint will become noisy and less effective.
What happens if it's not changed?
If the boot is damaged, lubricating grease will be lost. Dirt and water will get into the joint and corrode the internal bearings. The CV joint could fall apart, which would make your car dangerous to drive. It's also an MOT test requirement that it is in good condition.
What do we do?
We check the CV boot is in good condition. If it needs replacing we access the CV joint and then refit a new CV boot, re-greasing the joint at the same time.
How often does it need to be checked?
At every service and MOT test.
Benefits of having my diesel fuel filter replaced
1. Optimised engine performance and fuel economy
2. Maintains the mechanical integrity of the engine
Why does my diesel fuel filter need to be replaced?
Your vehicle's fuel filter removes dirt, rust, water and other contaminants from the fuel entering the engine. Filter could become blocked if not replaced at the prescribed interval.
What happens if it's not replaced?
Clean fuel is vital for your car's engine to perform efficiently. Failure to replace the fuel filter when needed could lead to a drop in performance and could mean your car won't start.
What do we do?
We remove the filter from the fuel system and replace it with a new one.
How often does it need to be checked?
At the recommended age or mileage limit.
Benefits of having my DSG oil and filter changed
1. Saves on costly gearbox repairs
2. Improves your car's performance
3. Keeps your warranty valid for any repairs to parts related to the gearbox
Why does my DSG transmission oil and filter need to be changed?
This sophisticated piece of engineering needs regular oil changes. The smooth two-clutch system is computer-controlled with very fine engineering tolerances. If the gearbox oil is dirty it will damage the other parts and affect the performance.
What happens if it's not changed?
Dirty oil can overheat the gearbox or cause the clutches to burn out. This will lead to poor gear selection, loss of power and transmission failure.
What do we do?
We check the gearbox for leaks, drain it and replace the oil filter* before filling it with high quality gearbox oil to Volkswagen approved standards.
*Only on applicable vehicles
How often does it need to be changed?
The oil, every 40,000 miles, the filter may need to be changed as well.
For more information watch our DSG oil change video
Benefits of having my Exhaust changed
1. Ensure optimal engine performance and fuel efficiency
2. Ensures exhaust fumes are channelled away from the vehicle and do not enter the cabin
3. Keeps engine/combustion noises to a minimum
Why does my exhaust system need to be changed?
Exhausts systems are designed to reduce harmful emissions, reduce engine/combustion noise whilst channelling the fumes away from the vehicle to ensure no fumes enter the vehicle cabin whilst driving. Exhaust systems can corrode under normal conditions and is therefore subject to wear and tear. which could result in leaking joints or broken hangers and excessive noise.
What happens if it's not changed?
An exhaust that has failed can not only be noisy, reduce engine output and fuel efficiency, but exhaust fumes could enter the vehicle cabin making the occupants feel drowsy.
What do we do?
We check the exhaust system for leaking joints, excessive noise and corrosion, broken hangers and weak rubber mountings.
How often does it need to be changed?
How long your exhaust lasts depends on how far and how often you drive your car rather than the length of time it has been fitted. For example, lots of short journeys would tend to create greater exhaust corrosion than cars that primarily drive long distances.
Benefits of having four-wheel alignment done
1. Bumps are more efficiently absorbed for a smoother ride
2. Fuel economy and road handling are improved
3. Uneven tyre wear is reduced
Why is it required?
To ensure even tyre wear and correct handling of your car. This should be done if you're worried about uneven wear or the effects of an impact you've had (hitting the kerb or a pothole, for example).
What happens if it's not checked?
Your car may pull to one side, the steering wheel may vibrate and you may have to keep adjusting the steering to keep your car travelling straight.
What do we do?
We perform an Express Visual Check (EVC) for wear and tear. We then check the tracking, caster, camber and thrust angle of your wheels on our Four Wheel Alignment machine, adjusting anything as required. We then retest your car and road test it before giving you an accurate diagnostic print-out.
How often does it need to be checked?
When necessary.
Benefits of having spark plugs changed
1. Your Volkswagen will continue to start reliably
2. Optimised engine performance and fuel economy
Why do they need to be changed?
Spark plugs operate in an extreme environment of high temperatures and high pressures. Over time they degrade and become less efficient.
What happens if they are not changed?
A powerful electric spark is needed to ignite the mixture of fuel and air in your engine. If a spark plug is used too long it is less able to ignite this mixture, leading to an inefficient engine and lack of performance. This can cause potential engine damage and means you use more fuel.
What do we do?
We remove the spark plugs from the engine, inspect them (they can tell us a lot about how your engine's performing) and replace them with new ones.
How often do they need to be replaced?
We replace them at every major service.
Benefits of having your vehicle serviced regularly
1. You will have a Volkswagen service history recorded with a Volkswagen stamp in your service book
2. You have peace of mind that your car is in good condition
3. You can pay for your servicing using a Service Plan
Why does my vehicle need servicing?
Having your vehicle serviced regularly will ensure it stays in peak condition, making sure you get optimum performance and endurance from all components.
What happens if it's not serviced regularly?
Your vehicle's reliability and efficiency may be affected. And without a regular check, problems may go unnoticed, resulting in higher repair costs. Also, you don't get a Volkswagen stamp in your service book, which can affect the price that buyers are willing to pay for your vehicle when you want to sell it.
What do we do?
Volkswagen trained technicians, using specialist tools and technology, carry out the recommended service, tailored to your vehicle. We will replace the filters and lubricants specified and road test your vehicle before recording the service in your service book.
How often does it need to be serviced?
Most Volkswagens: Fixed service regime 10,000 miles/ 12 months
Longlife Servicing: when service indicator light is on
Benefits of having shock absorbers replaced
1. Ensures that shock absorbers continue to do their job of absorbing pressure from bumps, making the car comfortable and safe to drive
2. Reduces stress on other mechanical parts helping them last longer
3. Prevents wear on the chassis, which can lead to further issues
4. Maintains your ability to stop safely in a straight line
5. We give a 2-year parts and labour warranty on Volkswagen parts fitted after the manufacturer's warranty has expired.
Why do my shock absorbers need to be changed?
Shock absorbers use hydraulic fluid to dampen the rebound of the suspension springs when you drive over a bump or hole. Without them your car would bounce around and be hard to control. A good shock absorber also prolongs the life of other suspension parts and drive systems such as the springs and tyres.
What happens if they are not changed?
If your shock absorbers fail your car will be very unstable and difficult to drive. A worn or leaking shock absorber can affect the safety of your braking and handling. No surprise then that they are a legal requirement and checked in your MOT test.
What do we do?
We check for worn and leaking shock absorbers whenever we service your car. If any one isn't working correctly we tell you it should be replaced.
How often do they need to be checked?
At every MOT test and service.
Benefits of having your tyres replaced
1. Improves grip and stopping time, making driving safer
2. We have the right tyres for your car with a wide choice of competitively priced tyres to choose from (Continental, Goodyear, Dunlop, Fulda, Uniroyal and Mabor).
Why do my tyres need changing?
At the right pressure, the compound rubber and scientifically cut tread patterns add to your car's handling and comfort. Too much wear will affect grip and safety as your car will become harder to handle. Incorrect tyre pressures and/or uneven tyre wear will also increase stopping distances in wet conditions.
What happens if they are not changed?
If your tyre tread is below the legal minimum depth of 1.6mm, your car won't pass an MOT test and you could be fined or get points on your license. But for safety reasons we recommend changing them before the legal limit is reached.
What do we do?
We check your tyres for pressure, tread depth and wear of the pattern. If they need replacing we have a range of different options in stock, depending on your car and type of driving.
How often do they need to be checked?
Every MOT test and service; and regularly by driver.
Benefit of having your wiper blades replaced
Genuine Volkswagen wiper blades are designed for your vehicle and the curve of the windscreen to avoid lifting and/or noise. So you can see clearly even in bad conditions and drive safely.
Why does my wiper blade need replacing?
The correct size of wiper blade for your windscreen is the only way to keep it clear. Blades are made of rubber, so they wear over time and become less effective. You may not notice they are worn until your visibility is affected.
What happens if they are not replaced?
If the wiper blades don't make proper contact with the windscreen, you'll get streaky or unwiped areas, which makes it hard to see the road ahead. It is also part of your MOT test to have your wiper blades in good condition.
What do we do?
We check the wiper blades and if they are worn or broken we will let you know before replacing them for you.
How often do they need to be checked?
At every MOT test.
