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 →

You can purchase a used car battery at a junkyard or salvage yard. It is certainly cheaper than a new one. However, is this a good idea? How reliable is a used battery? Should you err on the side of caution and spend a little more for a new one? This is especially a pertinent question with respect to VW and Audi models.

The Truth About Used Car Batteries

We can’t say that you should never purchase a used car battery. We do, however, recommend buying a brand-new replacement to avoid the battery’s dying just months down the road. Nevertheless, we know that some people on a tight budget will opt for a used battery. If you decide to go this route, then be mindful of the pointers below.

Know the Battery’s Age

Look up the date stamp on the battery. The date isn’t written in the typical format. The stamp includes a letter followed by two digits. The letter ranges from A to L and indicates the month. A is for January, B is for February, and so on. The two digits indicate the year. A code like E15 means the battery was manufactured in May, 2015. We suggest a battery no more than 12 months old. Continue Reading →

With the summer comes long vacation road trips. If you do not wish to travel across state lines, you can remain right here. This state is home to various scenic wonders and popular tourist hotspots. Travel within the state and enjoy the sun with these summer destinations in Washington.

1. Olympic National Park

The Olympic National Park encompasses most of the Olympic Peninsula and includes popular coastal areas like Rialto and Ruby Beach. If you prefer forested scenery, then plan for the park’s Hoh Rain Forest. Serious hikers can ascend the forest’s 13-mile trail to Blue Glacier.

2. San Juan Islands

Washington is also known for its many islands located in the northern section of Puget Sound. These are known as the San Juan Islands; and the four largest ones are accessible by ferry. Each has its own attractions consisting of restaurants, parks, and galleries. Continue Reading →

Many customers have asked us why auto repairs sometimes end up higher than the initial estimate. Is this due to an unethical mechanic trying to squeeze every nickel and dime out of customers? Why are some auto repairs higher than the estimate?

Am I Being Swindled?

Is the mechanic trying to rip you off? Sadly, this may be the case in some instances. Unethical workers exist in the auto repair industry. This may even be so in niche-specific areas like VW and Audi repairs where customers may be less knowledgeable about German automobiles.

However, repair invoices that exceed the original estimate may also be due to other factors beyond the technician’s control. We advise customers not to automatically think the worst when their invoice reveals a higher cost. Continue Reading →

Commuting with a furry companion can be a joy as well as a hassle. Some cars are more well suited for travelling with a pet than others. We examine the top German cars for pet owners. Some VW and Audi models can easily accommodate a four-legged passenger.

Best Audi Cars

For small to medium breeds, hatchbacks like the A4 and A5 allow your canine to hop in with ease. Owners with large breed dogs should consider the Q series, such as the Q5, Q7, and Q8. Their larger capacity also makes it easier for pet owners to accommodate a pet crate.

We should also point out that most Audi cars come with leather upholstery. This is a plus because it’s easier to vacuum up fur and pet dander. On the other hand, dog claws can easily scratch the leather. Continue Reading →