Blog / Carefree Maintenance Program

Five Common Signs You Might Need a Tune-Up

Stay off the side of the road this summer with these signs you might need a tune-up.

Vehicle Tune-Up Providence RI

When the spring and summer months hit, it isn’t uncommon to notice a change in your vehicle’s overall performance. The pounding your vehicle takes during the winter will frequently have a clear negative effect on the overall health of your car, and at Speedcraft VW near Providence, RI, we’d like to help you catch some of these problems before they become more than a nuisance. Here are five signs that it might be time for a tune up, just in time for the summer driving season.

1) You notice a large drop in your fuel efficiency. Are you having to fill your gas tank more often? If so, don’t overlook it. You might possibly have a problem with your fuel injector, your spark plugs might be dirty or failing, or you could have a dirty fuel filter. 2) You’ve experienced tough starts or stalls. This could be indicative of a number of problems, including dirty intake valves, timing issues, or general fuel injection problems. Be certain to note the circumstances of hesitant starts or stalls to assist your mechanic in rooting out the problem. Scheduling service in advance will keep all of your vehicle's systems running smoothly. 3) What is that noise? No knocking, pinging or squealing noises should be ignored, and can indicate a large list of potential issues. Squealing when you turn the steering wheel may reflect low steering fluids or possible leaks, when knocks can indicate low oil, loose rod bearings or potentially larger engine problems. 4) Your brakes are less responsive than usual. Does it seem like you’re pressing harder on the brake than you usually have to? This could indicate low brake fluid, or potentially could signal that it’s the time for new brake pads. 5) Your car jerks when you shift. If your vehicle fights you when shifting from park into drive, this may be a sign of several problems. It could be something simple, like a new transmission filter and fluid. It could also be an indicator of a larger problem, which should only be checked out by professionals. At Speedcraft VW near Providence, RI, we proudly feature a full service auto garage, and our staff is ready and qualified to fix all your potential automotive issues before they rear their ugly heads to ruin your day. Additionally, we regularly feature assorted service specials, and will even work with you to create a maintenance schedule to keep your vehicle running its best. For any and all service on your vehicle in southern Rhode Island, visit our dealership in Wakefield today!
Posted in:

Related Posts

How often should I change my engine filter?

Volkswagen engine filter replacement The engine is a vital part of your Volkswagen vehicle, and in order to keep it running strong, you need to make sure that it’s able to breathe properly. In order to do that, you need to have your Volkswagen’s engine filter cleaned and replaced regularly to clear out any dirt and debris that collects in them. If you’re wondering how often you should change your engine filter, this can vary depending on your vehicle. In order to get the best results for your vehicle, you need to find the right balance between replacing your vehicle’s filter too frequently or not frequent enough. Filter replacement doesn’t need to be performed terribly often, but it’s better to do it too much than not at all. Not replacing your Volkswagen’s engine filter can lead to some serious damage to your engine and some costly repairs. After ignoring your engine’s filter for an extended period of time (we’re talking years here), the filter itself will begin to deteriorate and form a hole which allows dirt, debris and even bugs to get into your engine’s cylinders, significantly lowering the lifespan of your engine. When to replace your engine filter To find the proper time to replace your vehicle’s air filter, consult your Volkswagen owner’s manual. If it doesn’t give you an exact time table, a good rule of thumb is to bring it in about every 30,000 miles for a replacement. We recommend having it checked and possibly cleaned every time you bring your car in for an oil change. That way, you can keep an eye on it and make sure it’s in good shape. Without cleaning it on occasion, the filter likely won’t last until the 30,000 mile mark, so be sure to keep up with its maintenance regularly. Filter replacement at Speedcraft VW Can’t remember the last time you had your engine filter changed? Odds are you’re probably due for one. Our expert service staff here at Speedcraft Volkswagen is always happy to help! Air filter replacement is one of our Volkswagen Service Xpress services, so no appointment is necessary. Simply bring your vehicle in to our dealership and we’ll be sure to get you in and out and back on the road as quickly as possible. If you’d like to make an appointment, just to make sure we’ll be available when you need us, you can do so right here on our site! Questions? Feel free to leave them in the comments below!

Speedcraft Volkswagen offers quick and easy auto care

Volkswagen Service Xpress Here at Speedcraft Volkswagen, we understand that our customers have busy schedules. Sometimes it can be hard to find time to bring your vehicle in for its regular services. To help you save some time and hassle, we here at Speedcraft Volkswagen now offer Volkswagen Service Xpress, a service designed to offer you quick, high quality help with certain services. With Volkswagen Service Xpress, customers get the same high level of service from our expert technicians as well as Genuine Volkswagen parts, all without making an appointment. Thanks to our new service, you can say goodbye to those quick lube shops and go with the real professionals who know what’s best for your vehicle. Feel free to stop by here at Speedcraft Volkswagen today! Schedule Service Contact us here Services available with Volkswagen Service Xpress The following services are available at competitive prices here at Speedcraft Volkswagen with no appointment necessary. Oil and Filter Change Exterior Bulb Replacement Air Filter Replace All Carefree Maintenance Interval* Tire Rotation Cabin Filter Replacement Wiper Blade Replacement Battery Diagnostic Check and Replacement In addition to these services, every visit comes with a no-charge Multi-Point Inspection *For 2009-2013 models only, the Volkswagen Carefree Maintenance Program covers the vehicle’s scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first. For 2014 models, the program covers the vehicle’s scheduled maintenance for two years or 24,000 miles. And for 2015 Models, the program covers the maintenance for one year or the first 10,000 miles. Contact us for more information. Quick and easy service in Wakefield RI What really sets the Speedcraft Volkswagen Service Xpress apart from the rest of those quick lube shops is that we have VW-Certified Technicians using only Genuine Volkswagen OEM Parts. That way, you can be sure that any of these services performed at Speedcraft Volkswagen is done right and with the best-quality materials. Add on the benefit of not needing an appointment and there’s really no competition. Simply stop by our shop during our business hours when it’s convenient for you, and we’ll be happy to provide you with quick and quality service.

Transmission

5 common transmission problems

Schedule Service Service Center Recognizing common transmission problems The transmission in your car is a complicated mechanical system. It controls how the power from you engine is distributed to the driveshaft and a small problem could result in major issues with your vehicle. So as soon as you notice any of these common transmission problems, you should try to find a way to get them fixed. Your car’s transmission experiences more wear and tear from daily use than most parts of the vehicles which is why it’s important to pay close attention to it and keep it maintained. If you’re in need of a service or maintenance on your transmission, be sure to contact us here at Speedcraft Volkswagen. To help you identify problems with your car’s transmission, we've compiled a list of 5 common transmission problems Lack of response You might notice that, while driving, your car hesitates or refuses to go into gear.  This is a clear-cut sign of a problem with your transmission. This problem is usually caused by a bad clutch that needs to be replaced, but it may also be caused by a more severe problem. Strange noises Another sign of problems with your transmission is hearing whining, clunking and humming. If your vehicle starts making a noise that you aren't used to while shifting gears, it’s a good idea to get it checked out. Leaking fluid The most recognizable problem with transmission is leaking fluids. This problem should be repaired as soon as possible. Leaking fluid that goes unchecked is one of the most common sources of transmission break down. The fluid in your transmission is essential to ensuring it runs properly. When your fluids are low or start to leak, it can cause serious damage. Dragging clutch If you have a manual transmission, you might experience a dragging clutch. This is described as the clutch disk failing to disengage the flywheel when the clutch is pressed. The problem makes it difficult or impossible to change gears and is accompanied by a grinding noise. It’s usually caused by too much slack in the clutch pedal, which is a relatively easy and inexpensive fix. Noisy transmission in neutral There are a few causes of a noisy transmission while in neutral. Fixing it could be as easy as adding or changing the fluid. However, if that doesn't work, you may need to replace worn out parts such as the bearings, gear teeth or the reverse idler gear. If you run into any of these common transmission problems and are in need of assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us here at Speedcraft Volkswagen. Our expert staff would be happy to assist you with any maintenance needs. It should be noted that most of these problems can be avoided with regular maintenance. If you would like to schedule an appointment for a service, contact us here and we’ll set you up.