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

What are some of your resolves in 2020? Losing weight? Getting a pay raise? Here’s another idea: becoming a more aware driver. This New Year’s driving resolution makes the road safer for everyone.

Slow Down

Most motorists are accustomed to driving about 10 miles per hour over the speed limit. Follow the posted limit; aside from being safer, it also means law enforcement won’t pull you over. We know it’s tempting, but increasing driving speed only saves you a few minutes in commute time.

Keep Up with Car Maintenance

When your car down mid-commute, it’s more than just an inconvenience. It’s a serious road hazard for you and all the other drivers on the road. Breakdowns are almost always preventable. Bring your car to a VW and Audi service station for regular upkeep.

Stop Tweeting and Driving

Checking your Instagram feed or latest Line message can wait until you get home. The same goes for tweeting, texting, and talking on your mobile device. You may think taking your eyes off the road for just a second is no big deal. However, according to the National Safety Council, phone use while driving accounts for 1.6 million collisions every year.

Use Your Turn Signals

It doesn’t take a whole lot of effort to flick your finger to operate the turn signal. It’s not for your benefit but for the driver behind or in close proximity. A report from Nationwide Insuracne revealed that failure to use the turn signal is partially to blame for 2 million collisions every year.

We Can Help Fulfill Your New Year’s Driving Resolution

Remember, keeping up your car maintenance is one way to be a better motorist. Bring your car to Buttera Motors if you own an Audi or VW vehicle. We also have vehicles for sale if a car purchase is one of your resolutions. Keeping your New Year’s driving resolutions make the road safer for everyone.

Vehicle Maintenance for 2020 and Beyond

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

Whether you drive a VW or Audi, the car’s tires experience wear and tear. You may be aware that worn treads are a classic sign of bad tires. However, feathered tires are another problem to watch out for because they are a symptom of problems that go beyond the wheels.

What Are Feathered Tires?

Feathered tires occur when the treads wear out unevenly. While tread wear is normal, it is not normal for the wear to be more pronounced on one side. Examine the tire up close, particularly at the tread ribs, or the treads’ raised section. If the tire is feathered, the ribs will be worn and more rounded on one side.

While detectible from a visual inspection, we recommend running your hand over the tread ribs. You will be able to detect with your fingers whether the ribs are rounded.

Causes of Feathered Tires

Feathered tires are often an indicator of misalignment, which means that not all four tires point in a straight line. Misalignment can occur naturally as you rack up the miles. It can also occur from hitting a pothole or speeding over a speedbump.

Alternatively, the cause may be from a faulty suspension. This can involve a number of parts, such as a faulty shock absorber, strut, ball joint, or control arm. These components all impact how well the wheels turn and support the car’s weight.

Fortunately, tire feathering is preventable with regular maintenance from a reputable Audi and VW repair shop. A routine check will determine whether the tires are out of alignment.

We Align and Balance tires

Even modern automobiles are not immune to uneven tire wear without proper upkeep. Bring your car to Buttera Motors for a routine check. Our story is a testament to our knack for servicing German automobiles. Feathered tires are indicators of severe misalignment or suspension issues.

Tire Maintenance and Care

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

At some point all cars will need a transmission flush, VW and Audi vehicles included. This is not to be confused with a typical transmission fluid change. A transmission fluid flush is a far more thorough process that requires professional servicing.

What Is a Transmission Fluid Flush?

In a transmission fluid flush, all of the fluid is drained from the cooler line using a pump inlet flush machine. Fresh fluid is added and the filter is replaced. The keyword here is “all” of the fluid. This is necessary for removing impurities that have accumulated over time; these impurities could degrade transmission performance.

Transmission Fluid Flush Vs Fluid Change

As mentioned, people tend to think of a transmission flush and fluid change as interchangeable terms, though they are different services. With the latter, only about a third of the fluid is removed using the pan-drop method to remove impurities. In a complete flush, the filter is also replaced, new fluid is added, and the pan inspected. Some old fluid still remains in the cooler lines and torque converter. Continue Reading →

A VW Beetle is a beloved compact vehicle, long-admired for its petite size and distinct appearance. Of all the pre-owned vehicles for sale, this is one of the most sought-after. However, you have to ask if it’s worth the investment. Do you risk buying a clunker with a used VW Beetle?

What Is the Level of Wear and Tear?

As with any pre-owned car, you need to examine the condition of the used Beetle. Most notably, look at the total mileage. This is more important than the car’s age. A 1995 Beetle with 50,000 miles is generally in better shape than a 2005 model with 200,000 miles. Once the mileage reaches the six-figure range, that’s when oil leaks and transmission issues become apparent. Of course, this depends on how well the owner maintained the vehicle. Continue Reading →

At one point, you may have been horrified at the repair bill for your old car. Naturally, this leads to the question: when should you repair or sell your car? From a budget standpoint, when is it wise to proceed with VW and Audi repairs, and when is it time to visit a dealership?

Repair Costs

Even with diligent care on your end, wear and tear is inevitable as the miles add up. Common damage from age includes cracked rubber belts and hoses, worn metal rotors, faulty electrical parts, etc.

Obviously, repair costs vary depending on the worn component and the degree of damage. At Buttera Motors, we provide accurate estimates for your Audi and VW vehicle upon diagnosis. On average, though, you can expect repairs to be within the price range below:

• Fuel pump: $700–$2,000
• Timing belt: $500
• Brake line: $1,000
• Fuel injector $500
• Suspension: $2,500–$3,500

Repair or Sell Car?

The decision comes down to how much your budget will allow you to spend. Here are some arguments for repairing your vehicle:

• Your car has sentimental value.
• You can’t afford a new vehicle at the moment
• You avoid the depreciation of a new car. Your existing vehicle has already taken the depreciation hit.

Arguments for selling:

• A peace of mind from not having to worry about break-downs in the near future. New cars also have a warranty, usually for the first three years.
• You want the benefits of modern car technology.
• Fewer trips to an auto shop (for the first few years)

We Can Restore Your German Car

We take pride in honesty. We will not always tell you to opt for repairs just to get you to come to our shop. We also have pre-owned vehicles for sale should you decide to replace your car altogether. Knowing when to repair or sell your car can save you a lot of money.

German Automobile Repairs

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

The tire’s exterior is obviously made of rubber. However, what does the tire’s interior consist of? Is it more rubber? Find out what components make up the interior of the tire on your VW or Audi vehicle. There’s far more inside than just air.

Belt and Body System

Directly below the tread is a system of steel belts. This gives the tread its strength and stability. Otherwise, the rubber tread will give out from rough road conditions. Right below the belts is a body ply made from a combination of polyester and rubber. This helps the tire retain its shape as it bears the immense weight of the vehicle. Continue Reading →