If you own a German car such as a Volkswagen, Audi, BMW or Mercedes, you have definitely made a great choice. These cars are not just expensive status symbols. They are also known for their high performance, reliability and long life. That said, when you own one of these vehicles, the level of care needed is very different from what you would expect in say, a Japanese car. If you own a German car in Manchester, here are some tips to help you take good care of it.

When Your Service Is Due, Get It Done

The owner’s manual gives a service schedule that you must adhere to, but there are situations when conditional service may be required. This service requirement is detected by the car’s systems and you will get an alert when service is due. The type of service could be a simple oil change or a more comprehensive service. Not getting it checked or delaying service could damage components, reduce efficiency or result in safety issues.

Take Care While Replacing Tyres

If the tyres on the same axle vary in circumference by more than 2 cm, they will not rotate at the same pace. For German cars, this will create serious problems for the transmission and the drivetrain management systems. In the case of four-wheel drive systems, all four tyre sizes should match in size.

With age and use, the outer surface of a tyre wears out and tyre circumference will gradually reduce. To prevent variations in tyre circumferences, they must have even wear. When you replace tyres, replace both tyres on the same axle (or all four tyres for 4-wheel drives) at the same time.

Replace Brake Fluid Every Two Years

Brake fluid degrades due to moisture absorption. Replace it every two years or earlier if needed. Your car may alert you about a conditional service, but if the brake pedal feels soft and spongy, get the fluid checked and replaced even if you don’t get an alert.

Keep The Sunroof Clean

For cars with a sunroof, there are drains to prevent water accumulation. Debris and dirt can clog these drains and water may find its way into the cabin and accumulate on the floor. If the floor gets flooded, it will damage electronic components under your seat. To avoid this, regularly check these drains to ensure that they are clear.

Replace Cabin Air Filters When Needed

For most German cars, cabin air filters must be replaced every 40,000 miles or so. This is essential to maintain healthy cabin air quality and to prevent dust, dirt and microbes from getting into the cabin. A clogged filter may also overload the air blower and damage it or related circuits.

Find The Right Garage

Always get German cars serviced at the dealer or a specialist garage. There are many reasons why most general garages will be ill-equipped to service German cars.

1. Complex technology and innovation

Most cars have similar components and systems that any good garage with experienced mechanics can service, but this does not apply to German cars. German vehicles are high-performance vehicles. To achieve this, they are highly specialised and technically advanced. The design, engine orientation and related components can vary from model to model.

Most models have specific maintenance procedures, need special diagnostic equipment and mechanics with special training. Generic garages are not equipped to handle this level of complexity.

If you take your premium car to generic garages, you will most likely get a trial and error repair. Instead of identifying and fixing the root cause of a problem, they will try to replace related parts in the hope of fixing the issue. German car parts are expensive and you may end up spending a lot more than needed. Worse, you may get an incorrect repair and the same problem may recur or new problems may arise.

2. Complex electronics and software requirements

Modern vehicles have sophisticated electronics, which includes several computers and micro controllers. Due to the high level of technology and automation in German vehicles, they rely heavily on computers. An average German car can have anywhere between 25 to 100 modules which rely on microprocessors.

Computers, software and bugs go together. So, software must be updated when newer versions are available. This is essential for improvements and bug fixes. Servicing, upgrading or repairing these systems require special equipment, software and expertise, which will not be usually available in general garages.

3. High quality spares are needed

Most German cars are in the premium segment and provide superior safety and performance. This is achieved by good design and high-performance components. Ideally, only manufacturer-supplied spares should be used. That said, in the case of some less critical spares, high-quality OEM-equivalent spares will also work fine. They are cheaper and make better sense for vehicles beyond the warranty period.

When consumables like engine oil are changed, replacements should strictly adhere to the manufacturer’s specifications. Using incompatible consumables may reduce performance or cause safety issues or problems that could lead to expensive repairs in the future. With generic garages, you can never be sure about the type of spares and consumables used.

4. Clearing service indicators and updating records

Only a garage with the right equipment will be able to read the exact nature of the service required and reset the service-due indicator after service. Your service book and digital service records also should be updated, which may not be possible at general garages.

Volkmaster knows that when it comes to German cars, there are only two options. You have to either go to the dealer or to a brand specialist. Both are good, but specialists are more economical and give you better service.

For Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Volkswagen or any other German car service or repairs in Manchester, use our easy booking form below to book your service. We have several manufacturer-approved specialist garages in our network. One of them will contact you and arrange the required service at the best rates.

For Your Car Service In Manchester

We undertake servicing for all makes and models of car or van throughout the North Manchester and Manchester City Centre areas, you can book your car or van in for a service, repair or MOT, use the booking form below form below or give us a call on 0161 624 5060. We also offer a highly convenient Collect & Return service or a courtesy car so you’re routine is disrupted as little as possible while your vehicle is serviced.

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