Tips For Finding a Classic VW Mechanic: For those who own classic VWs, keeping them on the road means relying on a mechanic that understands their special needs. Here are some tips for finding the right one.
Guinevere Freccia works at a family-owned shop in Greenwich, Connecticut, that has been specializing in vintage Volkswagens for almost a century. Her wrenching skills and social media savvy keep her customers happy.
Mechanics
Mechanics are the people who study the relationship between force, matter, and motion among physical objects. The study of mechanics can lead to great inventors and inventions that change the world.
Keeping a classic VW on the road requires consistent maintenance to avoid mechanical problems and keep it running in tip-top shape. You’ll want to bring it in regularly for oil changes, brake checks, and a multi-point inspection.
Freccia Brothers Garage has always been family owned and operated, with various members in the Freccia family running the shop or working on vehicles throughout the decades. But Guinevere, the great-granddaughter of Frank and the great-great niece of Gene, is the first female to have an active and fixed role in the family business.
Ignition Coil
The ignition coil in your Volkswagen is the heart of the engine, delivering the power to the spark plugs which ignite the fuel. A faulty ignition coil is a sign of trouble, and should be repaired as soon as possible to avoid a problem on the road.
The most common symptom of an ignition coil failure is engine misfires. This can occur when a bad coil sends irregular electrical current to the spark plugs, causing one or more of the plugs to miss.
A faulty coil can also cause vehicle backfiring, which is when unused fuel from the combustion chamber escapes into the exhaust system. A backfire can lead to black smoke, a smell of gasoline and costly repairs.
Ignition coils can be a bit tricky to diagnose, but with a diagnostic scanner from a mechanic you can get a clear picture of which cylinder is misfiring. Once you know which cylinder is having issues, the solution is easy; simply swap out your suspect coil for a new one.
Brakes
Brakes are one of the most important safety features on a car, and it’s essential to maintain them. The best way to do this is to be proactive and service them before they fail you.
The brakes on your Volkswagen are made up of several parts that work together to slow down your vehicle and stop it. These include brake pads, rotors and calipers.
It’s crucial to replace your brake pads as soon as they wear down. This will ensure that you have the braking power you need, exactly when you need it.
Your brake fluid also plays a vital role in transferring braking force from the brake pedal to your rotors. When your brake fluid breaks down, it can cause serious damage to your braking system. A brake fluid exchange service will flush your old fluid and replace it with fresh brake fluid.
Tires
Tires are an important part of your Volkswagen’s performance. They provide traction, allow your car to steer and brake with maximum grip, and help you avoid getting stuck in a mud puddle or pothole.
Tires should be replaced at the right time to ensure your Volkswagen stays safe and reliable on the road. You can find a recommended replacement schedule in your Volkswagen owner’s manual.
Your tires should be inflated to the proper psi as indicated on the sidewall. This recommendation is vital and will prevent flats and blowouts on the road.
There are a variety of options available for your VW, so you can choose the tires that best suit your needs and driving conditions. Some tires are designed for all-weather traction, while others are specifically made for winter conditions.
Oil Change
Oil is a very important part of your VW engine, it’s what keeps it working properly. Without proper lubrication, engine parts can start to grind, break down and overheat.
The amount of time between an oil change depends on your vehicle, but most owners’ manuals recommend a range of 5,000 to 7,000 miles for standard oils. If your vehicle uses synthetic oil, the interval may be much wider.
When it comes to checking the oil level, there are a few things you can look for: if the dipstick has indentations across it or the word “Low” and “High”, metallic particles in it or if there is an off color (milky). If any of these indicators appear on your vehicle’s dipstick, have your mechanic check it out as soon as possible.