Most modern German vehicles utilize limited slip differentials for bettering traction on slippery roads. It’s exactly for this reason that you need to bring your car to an Audi and VW service for tire checkup and alignment.

Limited Slip Differentials (LSD) Explained

Most American cars, particularly older models, use a standard differential where the left and right axle rotations are completely independent of one another. This creates an issue when one wheel drives over a slippery surface. This makes the wheel spin excessively while the other spins at a normal speed. This leads to more power flowing to the slippery wheel while power flow comes to a stop for the other. This leads to major shifting problems or even brings the car to a total halt.

A limited slip differential seeks to correct this issue by minimizing the independence between the two axles. Most LSDs use a clutch pack based system. It’s not necessary to know the precise mechanics of how the system works; all you need to understand is that the component includes friction and steel plates wedged between the casing and side gear. This allows the distribution of power so that one wheel absorbs the traction loss should the other wheel drive over a slippery road. 

For a more in-depth explanation, watch this video for a walk-through with visuals. Continue Reading →

An awesome aspect of German automobiles is that most models utilize a Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) engine. As suggested in its name, fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber where it combines with the air entering from the intake manifold. The mixture is compressed and causes a spark that amplifies horsepower. Unfortunately, FSI engine carbon buildup is commonplace. Excess carbon causes restricted airflow and loss of power.

Symptoms of Carbon Buildup

If you notice signs of carbon buildup, then bring your vehicle to an Audi & VW repair center. Typical symptoms include:

• Lack of engine response
• Lag in acceleration
• Lack of response when hitting the gas pedal
• Check engine light frequently flashing on
• Misfiring, which becomes noticeable when the engine revving noise sounds erratic

Continue Reading →

Diesel engines have a reputation for being noisy and dirty. They’re also a rarity, accounting for only 3.2% of cars in the U.S. So, why should you consider making the switch to a diesel engine vehicle given its less-than-stellar image? Well, there are four reasons why diesel engines are advantageous.

1. Diesel Engines Are a German Mainstay

In huge contrast to the U.S., 41.9% of cars sold in Germany in 2011 operated on diesel fuel. The Germans are the pioneers of early automotive technology, so if nearly half of the country’s population is willing to forgo gasoline, then it’s all the more reason for American consumers to consider doing the same. Continue Reading →

There is a lure about German cars that make them a long-time favorite among dedicated auto enthusiasts. Why are brands like VW and Audi so favored by North American consumers? There’s an element about German automobiles that distinguishes them both in terms of feel and performance. Here are a few reasons why German-imported vehicles are so idolized by American consumers.

1. German Cars are Made for the Racetrack 

German vehicles are legendary when it comes to racing. Auto racing hobbyists are familiar with Germany’s famous Nurburgring, which is the country’s and maybe even the world’s most famous motorsport complex. This is where prototype models are put to the ultimate speed and handling test. Continue Reading →

Not surprisingly, auto AC problems spike during the summer. Since German automobiles have a different engine layout than their American and Japanese counterparts, you’ll need to take your car to a VW & Audi repair service. If you drive the VW Jetta and are experiencing inconsistencies with the AC, you might be able to troubleshoot the issue. If you’re an avid weekend mechanic, try the following steps. Otherwise, leave the VW Jetta AC repair to a licensed mechanic.

Try These Steps for DIY Auto AC Repair

Start the ignition and let the car run for a minute. Adjust the climate control and see if it affects the air temperature. If not, then you probably have a blown fuse. If you don’t hear the typical blowing sound or hardly feel the air, then the culprit may be a faulty fan or worn blower motor. Continue Reading →

Xenon headlights are found in most modern Audi models, including the A4. The lights are similar to the halogen bulbs found in conventional headlights. However, they’re constructed using noble gas and provide much brighter light while consuming less power. They’re not without their own troubles, though. Several motorists have pointed out what is being called the “dipped headlights phenomenon” associated with the Audi Xenon headlights. Take your vehicle to an Audi service shop if you’re unable to treat the problem on your own.

Dipped Headlights 

The problem with dipped headlights is often the low beam burning out prematurely or flickering on and off. The light also tends to dip when it shines on the pavement, hence the name. If you experience this issue with your Audi, try switching out the bulb. Continue Reading →

Most car owners are aware of the 3,000-mile rule when it comes to changing the oil. However, this rule no longer holds, or at least not in modern cars. Most Volkswagen models, in fact, can last up to 10,000 miles between oil changes. Nevertheless, driving conditions ultimately dictate how often you need to swap out the oil. Have your car serviced by a VW auto service to determine the exact VW oil change interval for your specific model.

When to Schedule a VW Oil Change

The oil change every 10,000 miles applies to freeway and highway driving on smooth roads and under mild weather. More frequent changes may be needed for frequent city driving. ‘City driving’ means regular, short-distance commuting, typically trips under 20-minutes in duration with plenty of stop-and-go traffic. If you routinely drive short distances on city streets, then your car may need an oil change more often, perhaps every 5,000-miles or so.

Short commuting means that the car is constantly shutting off before the engine has time to reach full operating temperature. When the engine is often in a ‘warmup phase,’ contamination builds up in the oil. This happens as a result of burnt and unburnt fuel gases moving past the piston rings during the cylinders’ combustion cycle. The escaped gas eventually finds its way into the motor oil, leaving behind contaminants.

Only Use VW Motor Oil

It’s essential for the VW engine’s health that you use VW-approved synthetic motor oil. Most VW engines use an advanced fuel injection system that must be lubricated using a specific oil formula. Most generic, petroleum-based oils don’t contain the right formula and can cause premature engine and transmission wear.

Most Volkswagen models require oil with a VW 502 00 specification. For Volkswagens with a diesel engine, the oil requirement is VW 507 00.

If you’re still uncertain about the precise oil requirements, then bring your vehicle to a VW repair service for maintenance. Buttera Motors works specifically with VW, Audi and other German vehicles. Contact us to have a mechanic take a look at your car and determine the correct VW oil change interval.

Professional Audi & VW Oil Changes 

VW and Audi service in Bothell, Bellevue, Kirkland, Kenmore, Redmond & Woodinville.

Posted on May 19, 2020 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

From the Cabriolet to the Spyder, all Audi Convertibles come with an optional cloth top. It’s not uncommon, though, for the cloth to become undone from the window. While this may seem like a fairly minuscule issue, it can create an opening for water to seep through and stain the headliner. Most VW & Audi service centers can fix this problem, though Audi convertible window flap repair can also be addressed by the car owner.

Solutions for Convertible Window Flap Repair

There are different types of adhesives available at your local hardware shop. Using some form of glue may not always provide a permanent solution, but it may suffice as a temporary quick fix. The following adhesives have been recommended by Audi Convertible owners for application on cloth convertible tops.

• Bostik 2402 – This polychloroprene adhesive is used in conjunction with Bostikure D to form a cold curing adhesive property for a water-resistant seal.

• 3M Scotch Grip Rubber Adhesive 1300L – This rubber gasket glue is made from neoprene and is designed for bonding metal, wood, plastic, and rubber.

• Goop – This is a popular adhesive brand designed for various household uses. It’s known for its waterproof properties and resistance to temperature extremes.

• Gorilla Glue – This is similar to super glue and is renowned for its ability to bond to just about any surface, including most cloth types that don’t normally respond well to adhesives.

Leave the Repair to an Audi Specialist

If the recommended adhesives fail to yield a satisfactory solution, then contact an Audi & VW repair service. At Buttera Motors, we provide mechanical repairs for German-built vehicles, though we can also address small fixes like your convertible top pulling away from the window. To have your Audi Convertible window flap repaired, bring your car to our German auto repair shop; one of our mechanics will have a look at it. 

Audi Convertible Repair and Maintenance

VW and Audi service in Bothell, Bellevue, Kirkland, Kenmore, Redmond & Woodinville.

Posted on April 19, 2020 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Diesel Pros & Cons – Audi and VW TDI Diesel Engines

Diesel engines have a reputation for being noisy, shaky, smoky and slow. However, diesel vehicles are rising in popularity as new technology makes them more attractive. Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) diesel engines from automakers like Audi and VW are quickly being recognized for their fuel efficiency and overall performance. As with any other automobile engine, diesels have their share of pros and cons.

Diesel Pros and Cons at a Glance

Diesel engines have come a long way in the past decade. Modern technological advances in emission reduction, soundproofing, performance, and efficiency have made these vehicles an increasingly sought-after commodity. This has only compounded as the green movement grows in our country, and consumers want cleaner emissions and fuel efficiency. Automakers like VW and Audi have done away with the perception that diesel cars are slow, smoky and unpleasant to drive.

With TDI diesel engines, drivers can enjoy increased power and torque with improved fuel economy. Consider the 2015 VW Golf TDI as an example; its 2.0-liter inline engine has 150 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. That’s impressive when you consider the 42-mpg highway rating. Another example is the 2014 Audi A7’s 3.0-liter diesel engine that delivers 240 horsepower, generates 428 pound-feet of torque, and maintains a respectable highway rating of 38 mpg. In short, new TDI diesels make fuel-efficient driving more pleasurable.

Disadvantages of Diesel Vehicles

Looking past the old stereotypes of slow and smelly cars rattling down the road, new TDI diesel cars are stylish, efficient, and comfortable. So what’s the catch? It’s the price tag. The 2014 Audi A6 base model has a MSRP of $43,995, while the price of the 2014 A6 3.0 TDI diesel is $58,395. That $14,400 difference is almost enough to buy a second car.

The only other complaint some people have is that it’s difficult to find good diesel mechanics. In Bellevue, Redmond, and Kirkland, drivers can visit Buttera Motors, a long-standing business specializing in VW and Audi service. Started by a local stock car racer over six decades ago, this Bosch Authorized Service Center has been serving local German car owners for four generations and counting. For expert Audi and VW repair services, call (425) 276-7425 or message us for a quote. Examine these diesel pros and cons closely and decide whether a diesel-powered automobile is worth the investment.

Expert Diesel Mechanics

VW and Audi service in Bothell, Bellevue, Kirkland, Kenmore, Redmond & Woodinville.

Posted on March 19, 2020 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Thieves don’t always target a car as a whole. Sometimes, they will just take the license plate or smash a window to grab the valuables inside. Catalytic converter theft is another problem that is becoming increasingly commonplace. Here’s how you can protect your VW or Audi vehicle from being targeted.

Why Thieves Target Catalytic Converters

Thieves target catalytic converters for two simple reasons; they are worth a lot of money and are relatively easy to steal. The material is valuable to scrap metal dealers because the converters contain high-value metals, such as palladium and rhodium. They are also not that difficult to snatch from a car. All it takes is a saw to slice through the pipe. After separation from the pipe, the converter can be easily pulled out. No vehicle is immune from catalytic converter theft, including Audi and VW cars.

How to Recognize Your Catalytic Converter Is Gone

Most people don’t actively look underneath the rear of their vehicle to see if the catalytic converter is there. Your ears, though, will alert you if you turn on the engine and hear an unusually loud roaring sound. The volume increases as you press the gas pedal. You may also hear a sputtering sound as you change speeds.

How to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft

You can have an automotive technician weld the catalytic converter to the car frame. This makes it harder to saw off. You can also engrave the car’s VIN number on the converter. This might alert an ethical scrap dealer that it was stolen.

We Serve Your German-Made Vehicle

Bring your German automobile to Buttera Motors if the catalytic converter was stolen or if you require general maintenance. Read our back-story to learn about our humble origins. Catalytic converter theft is on the rise; take precautions to safeguard your vehicle.

German Automotive Maintenance

VW and Audi service in Bothell, Bellevue, Kirkland, Kenmore, Redmond & Woodinville