Chicago winters bring snow, ice, and road salt, which can cause serious damage to your car if not handled properly. Winter weather might seem like just a temporary hassle, but ice on your car and snow buildup can cause lasting damage like rust, weakened parts, and expensive repairs. Knowing how snow can harm your car and how to prevent it can help keep your vehicle in great shape during winter. How Can Snow Damage Your Car Heavy snow and ice on your car aren’t just a hassle on cold mornings—they can cause rust and mechanical problems that impact how well your car runs and how long it lasts. 1. Road Salt and Moisture Create the Perfect Conditions for Rust One of the biggest winter threats to vehicles is rust. Road salt, commonly used to melt ice on Chicago streets, accelerates the corrosion process. When snow and ice melt on your […]

When the weather changes, especially as we head into winter, road conditions change as well. Driving in the fall means having to pay attention to a number of safety hazards on the road that you are not likely to experience during the warmer months in Chicagoland. Fog, frost, and mist are common fall driving hazards. Visibility decreases and roads become slick, leading to serious accidents. When it is foggy be sure to use your vehicle’s fog lights alongside low-beam headlights, never turn on your brights, and slow down. Also, be careful of ice patches on the roads as heavy precipitation can freeze if temperatures drop low enough. Night Driving – It might seem that most people do the majority of their driving during daylight hours, however, in the fall, driving in the dark becomes more common. Most traffic deaths occur at night so it is important to stay alert, use […]

There are a number of safety features on any car, from airbags to warning lights that show up on your dashboard, to brake-wear indicators that tell you when it’s time to have your brakes serviced before they give out. Brakes are a vital component to staying safe on the road, and if yours are slowly failing, damaged, or completely worn out, it’s only a matter of time before something bad happens. There are a number of warning signs that signal when your brakes need to be serviced. These include grinding and squealing noises, your car shifting to one side while braking, or the brake pedal sitting lower than it should. Below is a list of issues to be aware of that may help you detect a problem before it becomes a catastrophic failure. Brake pedal vibrating or pulsating when you brake may indicate your brake rotors are wearing out and […]

Our German car mechanic in Lakeview knows how coveted the Porsche 911 is, and for good reason. This is one of the most recognizable and stylish vehicles in the world, flaunting a sleek, sophisticated and timeless look for any driver behind the wheel. If you’ve been on the fence about investing in a Porsche, we bet the following unique facts can help push you over the edge. It’s Porsche’s Top-Selling Model Regardless of how many other models Porsche has on the market, the Porsche 911 continues to be the company’s top-selling model. This model has been made in Stuttgart, Germany since it originated in 1964. Early Models Used Volkswagen Parts Porsche faced parts shortages back in the day, forcing them to rely on using parts from Volkswagen Beetle models. Approximately 75,000 Porsche vehicles were made with Beetle parts over a 15-year period. Originally Called the Porsche 901 No, that is […]

There’s a reason why those seeking VW service in Chicago consistently visit our team. With our specially tailored services, we can better focus on what’s best for your German-made vehicle. At VFC Engineering, we know that when you buy German, you buy luxury, sustainability, and high-tech. Why settle for just any repair shop when we can do it all? Tailored Services Because we only serve six different brands of cars, we are able to offer specialized services you wouldn’t be able to access elsewhere. At VFC Engineering, our services range from a basic oil change to a total engine replacement. Because we focus solely on German-made vehicles, we are able to provide our customers with high-quality repairs using only OEM parts that you wouldn’t find at just any auto repair shop. Knowledge When working with luxury vehicles, we know that our customers put their trust in us. That is why […]

Audi has long been a well-known German luxury brand, and it is continuing to hit record sales targets year after year. The company is working to increase annual sales from 1.4 million worldwide to 1.5 million worldwide. You may be asking yourself who exactly is buying all of those vehicles, and a big portion of the answer in the U.S. is young professionals. In 2014, Audi’s U.S. CEO Scott Keogh noted that 50 percent of the company’s sales were to Gen X and Gen Y customers. As more and more individuals from this younger demographic begin to break into the luxury auto market, Audi’s sales will continue to thrive. Here are a few reasons why. Affordable Luxury The competition Audi faces is generally a bit more expensive, so they stand out for younger people who want an affordable luxury option. Many young people are looking for a good balance between […]

You probably love your BMW M3, a stylish and reliable automobile, but like any vehicle, over time things wear out and need replacement. If your BMW M3 is giving you problems and you need BMW service in Chicago, there’s absolutely no better place to go for your service than VFC Engineering, where anything short of perfection is a failure. For BMW M3 owners, here are some of the more common problems you’re likely to encounter. Vanos unit failure – This unit advances and retards the timing at certain RPMs to boost mileage and power. When the unit’s seals wear out, fuel consumption goes up. A unit with upgraded seals should be installed. Power steering hose leaks ­– Leaks sometimes develop in these hoses, and they should be replaced. Differential noise – When making a slow-speed turn, you can sometimes hear noise coming from the rear of the car. That noise […]

Having a German car is something of which you should be proud. While it’s important to care for your car regardless of the type that it is, German cars require a special level of care and maintenance to help keep them running smoothly year-round. From Porsche to MINI to BMW service in Chicago, our team at VFC Engineering understands how to best care for your vehicle. Check on the Battery Your car’s battery is especially sensitive to weather and preventative care. Make sure that your battery has a tight connection and there isn’t any surrounding corrosion. If you aren’t sure to check on how old your car’s battery is, there should be a date stamp somewhere on the top that is easy to see. Gel AGM batteries are in many German cars, including in many BMWs and Mercedes vehicles; this type of battery typically lasts 5-7 years, however, they give […]

If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, have you considered buying from a German car brand? While there are many American, Japanese, and Korean brands from which you can choose, don’t rule out German engineering. As providers of service to German cars, such as performing Volkswagen service in Chicago, we highly recommend German car brands to our customers for the following reasons. German Engineering Have you heard the buzz around “German engineering?” German cars are known for being very well made, minimizing your time in the shop and maximizing your time on the road. Whether you’re interested in Audi, Volkswagen, Porsche, Mini Cooper, or Mercedes vehicles, you’ll rarely have to invest in repairs, as these vehicles are known for their dependability. They Drive Well If you’ve never been behind the wheel of a German car, you’re missing out on an incredible driving experience. There’s something to be said […]

With cold temperatures on the horizon once again, it’s important to consider how the low temperatures can take a toll on your car. Our team knows that many people start visiting us for VW service in Chicago once the weather turns cold, so naturally, we want to provide you with some helpful tips! Keep an Eye on Your Battery When the temperatures are extremely low, your car’s battery is at risk of freezing. While the temperatures need to be drastically low in order for this to happen, even a seemingly mild 32 degrees can cause problems for your battery. Make sure your battery’s connections stay clean and if you notice that your car hasn’t been started in a few cold days, take it for a quick spin around the neighborhood. Watch for Flat Tires Cool temperatures inside of your car’s tires will cause them to contract and develop low tire […]