Now that fall is officially here and cooler temperatures are around the corner, it’s time to think about how you can prepare your car for the changes. You may not think about your tires on a daily basis, but different tires are ideal for different driving conditions. As car gurus and providers of German car service in Chicago, hear what our team at VFC Engineering has to say about the benefits of different types of tires.  What Are Snow Tires? Let’s start with the basics by discussing what snow tires are. Snow tires have a specific design that is ideal for navigating slippery snow and ice. What makes them unique is the tread design that has larger gaps than all-season tires, giving them the grip that they need to keep you and your family safe. The material of the tires themselves is a softer rubber compound that allows the tires […]

Instead of finding a professional to complete your Volkswagen service in Chicago, you may be tempted to try to make the repairs on your own. While in some cases, this may work out, most of the time, attempting to make repairs on your own will result in an even bigger problem. Avoid the following mistakes and you’ll save yourself time and money. Going to a Quick-Fix Mechanic When mechanics offer prices that seem too good to be true, know that it probably is. Not all mechanics have the same amount of experience or training, so lower prices could mean more serious issues down the road. The last thing you want to do is treat your nice car poorly by bringing it to a service shop that doesn’t know its stuff, which is why we recommend visiting us for Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Mini Cooper, Porsche or Volkswagen service in Chicago. Skipping […]

Not many people are driving with a manual transmission anymore, but as a German repair shop, we know that it’s still important to make sure that those who do have a manual transmission know how to adjust the clutch pedal should the issue ever arise. If the clutch in your vehicle, like your Audi, needs service in Chicago, come to VFC Engineering and we will check it out for you. Here are some tips for adjusting the clutch pedal on your own. Self-Adjusting Clutch Adjustment A self-adjusting clutch is supposed to adjust itself for the correct amount of free play, but sometimes this isn’t always the case. A self-adjusting pedal uses a hydraulic clutch pedal, which means it’s typically easier to fix, no matter what the technician’s experience level is. When the engine is running and you have the parking brake on, put your foot under the clutch pedal and […]

With the summer heat rolling into Chicago, various car problems can arise. From the AC going out, breaks having issues, and tire trouble. Our team at VFC Engineering can help with it all. Below are some tips and tricks to help you avoid major car issues this summer. Make Sure You’ve Had a Recent Oil Change Making sure your oil has been recently changed is important during weather extremes. As the temperature rises it can put extra stress on your oil and oil filter. Make sure that your oil changes are up to date before the extreme summer heat sets in! If your filter is clogged or the oil is old it could lead to engine issues, especially when temperatures rise. Check Your Fluid Levels Your fluid levels are important to monitor year-round but are especially important during the hot summer months. Seasonal temperature changes can make fluid levels drop, […]

Spring is finally here! While you likely give your house or apartment a thorough spring cleaning, why not do the same thing for your car? At VFC Engineering, we understand the importance of a car both looking and running its best. Spring cleaning your car is an easy task to incorporate into your car’s annual maintenance routine; a little bit of work can go a long way! If you notice that you need professional maintenance, feel free to visit us for Audi service in Chicago. Swap Out Tires If you have winter tires on your car, make sure to swap them out for all-season tires. Driving with winter tires on warm pavement can cause a lot of damage to your car. There is a rubber compound on winter tires that wears down quickly. Easily swap your winter tires for all-season tires and drive with confidence. Check Under the Hood Underneath […]

Staying on top of monthly car maintenance can make all of the difference to the life of your car. Especially during the winter, it is important to stay on top of potential damage or wear and tear that can take a toll on your vehicle. This will save you both time and money in the long run, reducing the need to service your German vehicle! Air Filter Check under your hood to see your air filter; take it out and hold it up to a strong light source. You should be able to see the air coming from the filter. If you can’t see the light, it is likely time to replace your filter. They are inexpensive and they can help increase your gas mileage as well as the life of your car altogether. Brake Fluid You know to check your car’s oil, but how often are you checking the […]

Now that the temperatures are consistently above 45 degrees and the sun is shining, now is the perfect time to pull out your car wax and rag. Not only does your car look good after you are done waxing it, but it also can extend the life of your car! At VFC Engineering, we provide German car service in Chicago and tips to help you get the most out of every vehicle you drive. Here are some benefits of waxing your car Protect paint from airborne contaminants: Don’t underestimate the number of airborne contaminants that are floating around at any given time. For example, salt or tar particles may be thrown into the air on a windy day. You may think that your car is protected, but these small particles can become embedded into your car. Wax creates a protective barrier so that these particles have no impact. Prevent chipping: […]

We all associate the brutal winter months with wreaking havoc on our vehicles, but what about the summer heat and the damage that it can cause? The popularity of necessary BMW, Mini Cooper, and Porsche services in Chicago increases when the weather reaches extremes. Here are some examples of just how impactful the warm weather can be on your car. Tires Your tires are one of the most important aspects of your car, and they help to safely get you where you need to be. Just like the cold weather can take a toll on your tires, the hot weather can cause the rubber to become damaged. This is especially the case if your tires are not inflated properly. The extreme heat can cause your tires to become dry and potentially cause a blowout. Make sure that your tires are in good shape and that they are not too worn […]

If you don’t know much about cars, it’s easy to believe everything that you hear regarding proper maintenance. As providers of many different car services, such as Volkswagen maintenance in Chicago, we take pride in educating our customers about taking care of their cars to get the most life out of them. Here are some common myths that we hear and why they aren’t true. You Need Your Oil Changed Every 3,000 Miles While this used to be the case in the past, engine technologies have greatly improved. Plus, many new vehicles also have oil life-monitoring systems to help alert the owner when it is time to have the oil changed. This technology helps monitor engine revolutions, operating temperatures, and other factors to help determine when it is right for you to get your oil changed. Supplemental Additives Will Benefit Your Oil There are many commercially available supplemental additives that […]

The negative Chicago temperatures can take a beating on your car, especially if you don’t give your car the TLC it needs to thrive. As providers of VW service in Chicago, we understand the importance of protecting your car from cold temperatures. After all, the last thing that you want to happen is to get stranded on an empty road with a dead battery. Take these preventative care tips into consideration before you get behind the wheel once again. The Battery is Crucial Did you know that when it is 0 degrees, your car’s battery only has half of the power that it has when it is 80 degrees outside? This is why it feels like your car is working harder to run when it is so cold outside. If you want to check on your battery, remove the plastic cap from the top and check to see that the […]