VW Routine Maintenance
It has been our experience that most problems encountered with the VW Beetle are a reflection of improper or inadequate maintenance. The VW will keep going for a long time without good maintenance, but it might be a "forever" car if the maintenance is kept up to snuff. Apart from the engine maintenance and normal tune-ups, etc., the car is about as bug-free as it's possible to be.
VW Maintenance Schedule
Following are the minimum maintenance intervals recommended for Volkswagens that are driven daily. If you wish to keep your vehicle in peak condition at all times, you may wish to perform some of these procedures even more often. If you drive in dusty areas, idle or drive at low speeds for extended periods or drive for short distances (less than four miles) in below freezing temperatures, shorter maintenance intervals are also recommended.
Every 250 Miles or Weekly
- Check engine oil level
- Check windshield washer fluid level
- Check brake fluid level
- Check tires and tire pressures
Every 3000 Miles or Three Months
- Check engine oil level
- Check windshield washer fluid level
- Check brake fluid level
- Check tires and tire pressures
- Change engine oil
- Lubricate the chassis
- Check and adjust engine drive belt
Every 12,000 Miles or Twelve Months
- Check engine oil level
- Check windshield washer fluid level
- Check brake fluid level
- Check tires and tire pressures
- Change engine oil
- Lubricate the chassis
- Check and adjust engine drive belt
- Inspect/replace wiper blades
- Check clutch freeplay
- Inspect underhood hoses
- Rotate the tires
- Adjust valves
- Inspect brakes
- Service air filter
- Service fuel filter
- Inspect fuel system
- Check compression
- Replace spark plugs
- Replace ignition points & condenser
- Inspect spark plug wires, distributor cap and rotor
- Check/adjust engine idle speed
- Check/adjust ignition timing
- Check transaxle lubricant level
- Inspect suspension and steering
- Inspect exhaust system
Every 30,000 Miles
- Check and repack wheel bearings
- Change transaxle lubricant
This article was used with permission from: Rob and Dave's air-cooled VW pages and is reprinted here as a Free service www.vw-resource.com