Engine and chassis
Important parts to keep your journey on track

The toothed belt transfers the force to the camshaft via the crankshaft. This causes the engine valves to open and close. The fuel-air mixture enters the combustion chamber, burns and drives the pistons. The toothed belt often drives the water pump, too.

An old or very worn toothed belt may tear and cause engine damage. The reason: The engine valve control is driven out of sync, the piston strikes the valve like a bullet – often at 15 m/s. In many cases, the entire cylinder-head has to be replaced.

Depending on the model, engine and driving style, a toothed belt can last for up to 360,000 km. You can also find out the exact replacement intervals for your vehicle from your Volkswagen Dealer. Especially if you drive a lot of short distances, your Volkswagen is often stationary, or if you have already covered more than 240,000 km.

By the way: We check the toothed belt of every Volkswagen used car before selling it – why not take a look at Certified Pre-Owned vehicles?

An incorrectly assembled toothed belt can destroy the engine. What’s more, it’s quite difficult to change. Alongside a lot of specialist knowledge, you also need specific tools. It’s a better idea to have your Volkswagen Dealer change it for you.

Depending on the type and the quality, spark plugs last for between 30,000 and 90,000 km. Stick to the inspection interval schedule. That way, you’ll know as soon as your spark plugs are no longer in good working order. And you’ll avoid any subsequent costs.

You can extend your spark plugs’ service life by maintaining the right oil level and with the correct driving style. If the oil level is too high, they become oily; If you drive a lot of short distances, they become sooty. The reason: The engine doesn’t reach the temperature that the spark plugs need to clean themselves.

Spark plugs are exposed to high pressure, vibrations and temperatures of up to 3,000 °C. Even just a few spark failures can damage the catalytic converter.

Even if it looks easy to change: The smallest mistake can lead to considerable engine damage. But why? Every engine needs a different spark plug: The wrong one will damage the engine as much as the wrong tool or the wrong torque applied during assembly. Don’t take the risk.

You should have your shock absorbers checked regularly via visual inspection from approximately 60,000 km onwards, e.g. when the tyres are changed or during the inspection. That way, you’ll have outstanding traction the whole year round.

Your shock absorbers are often located behind the tyres. But they’re sneaky: They wear down very gradually – you may not even notice the driving behaviour changing. So make sure you have your shock absorbers checked on a regular basis.

Defective shock absorbers don’t counterbalance vibrations as effectively as they should and are not as efficient when it comes to stabilising. Your tyres don’t have optimal traction. The consequence: Longer braking distances, uncertain steering, less stable driving behaviour. This causes safety systems to engage at an earlier point, which will become apparent through the less efficient driving dynamics.

Is your Volkswagen unusually loud? Is anything clattering? Do you hear any rattling sounds or a loud humming? Have your silencer checked on a regular basis – e.g. during the Vehicle Check or the inspection at your Volkswagen Partner.

A defective silencer is harmful and dangerous: An increase in noise is stressful for animals, your concentration level suffers and you can’t hear warning signals properly. Any exhaust gases that are released in an uncontrolled manner may damage components close to the silencer and parts that become detached pose a risk to other road users.

It’s better not to. The reason: Its suspension has to be both firm and flexible. This will keep it safely in place and enable it to absorb any vibrations. If it’s incorrectly installed, vibrations may occur. In the worst-case scenario, these may damage the exhaust system and the underbody of the vehicle.

Volkswagen offers different types of gearbox. Most models house a so-called dual clutch gearbox. In addition to dual clutch gearboxes, manual and automatic gearboxes are also used.

Your owner’s manual will tell you when it’s time to have your engine oil changed.

Engine oil battles against huge pressure, resistance and temperatures. Even the best oil wears out with time so it’s important to get it checked.

The oil filter collects the combustion residue and dirt the oil absorbs in the engine which clogs up over time. For a long engine life, you should change the filter as well.