Oil and Filter Service: We use only 100% synthetic oil with a rating of VW 502.00 and 505.01. These are the only grades of oil engineered to meet the Volkswagen and Audi engine warranty requirements. When lower grades of oil are used the "VW engine sludge problem" could occur. At German Car Depot an oil and filter service also includes a full mechanical inspection of your vehicle. Our technicians will check over 27 items including the condition of your timing belt, cooling system, charging system, brakes, all fluids etc. This inspection helps identify potential problems before they actually become problems.
Timing Belt Replacement: One of the most important services that should be preformed on your VW or Audi vehicle is a timing belt inspection or replacement. If the timing belt is neglected and allowed to break, thousands of dollars of damage could occur to your engine. The recommended intervals for timing belt replacement varies between 40k and 80k miles depending upon the year and model of the vehicle. When your vehicle is brought to German Car Depot for an oil change, a scheduled service or any repairs, our technicians check the condition of your timing belt (this is an easy procedure, often overlooked by other mechanics). When it becomes necessary for a timing belt replacement our technicians follow the vehicle manufacturers factory recommendations, this includes also replacing the idler roller, tensioner roller, water pump, thermostat and accessory drive belt.
Diesel cars: TDI (Turbocharged Direct Injection) diesel engines have become very popular over the last several years. Usually found only in the Jetta TDI, Golf TDI, Beetle TDI and Passatt TDI they are now becoming very popular in several models of Audi vehicles. The TDI timing belt, fuel filter and air filter should be replaced at more frequent intervals than on a gasoline engine and the TDI battery is more powerful. If you maintain the proper TDI service schedule, your car will deliver impressive fuel efficiency and longevity.
Automatic Transmissions: Most problems with the CVT, DSG and Tiptronic transmissions for Volkswagen and Audi vehicles are electrical and not the transmission's internal hard parts. The German Car Depot technicians have the specialized scanning tools and training to quickly diagnose transmission problems without the guess work. German Car Depot can repair many common transmissions problems without having to perform a complete rebuild. This can save a customer thousands of dollars.
Scheduled Maintenance & Service: One of the best things you can do for your Volkswagen or Audi vehicle is to have your scheduled maintenance performed on time. The German Car Depot technicians will inspect, adjust and replace parts according to manufacturers recommended specifications and intervals. By using only original equipment manufacture (OEM) replacement parts, stamping your vehicles warranty book and maintaining an accurate service history, German Car Depot will keep your cars warranty intact.
Oil and Coolant Leaks: Volkswagen and Audi vehicles are exceptionally well engineered but like all motor vehicles they can occasionally develop an oil leak or coolant leak. When fluid leaks are not properly diagnosed or repaired, overheating or major engine damage may occur. The technicians at German Car Depot service about 375 vehicles per month, they are experts on these vehicles and will usually find a leak long before it becomes a problem.
Brakes: The brakes on a VW or Audi vehicle are larger and more powerful than most full-size cars. When new the brake pads are only about 15mm-17mm thick, so a lot of non-VW / Audi specialist think the brakes need replacement when you still have 2/3's (5-6 mm) of the pad life left. When German Car Depot services your vehicle, we check your brakes on every visit and record the pad thickness to better learn how you drive your car. When it's time to have the brakes serviced we will mail you a friendly reminder.
Electrical System: The most common repairs of VW & Audi vehicle electrical systems are replacing window regulators, headlight bulbs, starters and batteries. Changing the battery on a VW or Audi vehicle is more involved than you might think. Depending on your model and year you may need to reprogram the vehicles onboard computers and reset the radio code. Whenever we replace a battery, we also test the alternator and perform a complete charging system inspection.
Air Conditioning: The air conditioning climate control in late model Volkswagen and Audi vehicles are sophisticated systems requiring specialized knowledge and tools to properly service. The German Car Depot technicians have the required specialized scanning tools, training and experience to quickly diagnose and repair even the most complicated AC problems. To keep your air conditioning system at peak performance and help avoid costly repairs, it is recommended to have your AC serviced every 2 years.
Struts and Strut Mounts: When strut mounts are worn they will usually make a rattling noise when going over bumps, cause your car to drive harsh and wear the front tires unevenly. VW and Audi vehicles rarely need new struts, even after 150,000 miles. Many repair shops and even new car dealer service departments might try to sell you struts but most often it is only the mounts that need replacement.
Control Arm Bushings: When control arm bushings wear out, your car will tend to wonder a little on the highway, not hold a proper front end alignment and wear the tires unevenly. Replacing the control arm bushings will restore the tight and precise handling Volkswagen and Audi cars are know for.
Shifter Bushings: Depending on your driving style shifter bushings wear out gradually over several years, this will cause internal gearbox parts to wear more quickly and make the shifter feel sloppy and less precise. This is an inexpensive repair that will make your manual transmission car fun to drive again! On newer models of VW and Audi vehicles (2000 and up) a cable shifter is used, these are also an inexpensive item to repair.
Serving customers in Broward, Dade and Palm Beach counties and from the nearby cities of
Deerfield Beach, Oakland Park, Miami, Doral, Hialeah Gardens, Weston, Cooper City, Davie
Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors, Plantation, Coral Springs, Coconut Creek and Boca Raton. |
