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Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and aftermarket parts may look similar, but they're very different in reality. As your VW dealership in Jacksonville, we want to tell you about some of these differences and why OEM parts are the best choice for you and your VW. Recognized Quality OEM parts are manufactured by the same companies to the same high-quality standards as the original parts on your vehicle. They're the products of countless hours of design and engineering and have been rigorously tested to meet or exceed recognized national and international standards. They're also fully endorsed by Volkswagen as the correct parts for your vehicle. Aftermarket parts, in contrast, are made by many different companies that have no connection to VW or your vehicle. They're cheaper than OEM parts as they use lower-grade materials and haven't been tested to ensure they work correctly on your VW. Lowering material quality means they won't last as long as OEM parts. This makes them more expensive in the long run as they have to be replaced more frequently. more They Fit Since OEM parts are identical to the original parts they replace, they will always fit and perform perfectly. This is important aesthetically for visible components, such as a replacement door or rearview mirror, as once they are installed, there's no sign they were ever replaced. It's even more essential for components in the engine, transmission, and other vital systems to ensure they continue to work as safely and to the same high level as they previously did. Aftermarket parts may not fit correctly, since they weren't designed specifically for your VW. They're intended to be used in many vehicle makes and models. These types of parts usually need adjustment to fit, which can cause issues like gaps between them and other original parts. This can result in numerous problems, including reduced performance, increased wear and tear on original parts, and potentially make driving dangerous. Warranty Protection It's very rare, but labor or manufacturing issues can result in an OEM component that isn't as good as it should be. All OEM parts are protected by warranty, and in the unlikely event of an issue, the affected part will be replaced at no charge. Warranty replacement for an OEM part can also be performed at any VW dealer. If an aftermarket part has a problem, the situation is very different. These parts don't carry a warranty as they weren't designed or tested on your VW model. If one of these parts fails, you have to buy another ​replacement. If you'd like to know more or to book a service or repair, contact us at Tom Bush Volkswagen in Jacksonville, FL.

Volkswagens are known for their exceptional German build quality and everyday practicality. However, as with any car, you need to maintain your VW with a certain amount of diligence. This Volkswagen maintenance schedule will ensure that your VW never lets you down. Don't Neglect Your Monthly Checks Some things require attention every month. Each fluid in your car, including the motor oil, must be checked; make sure no fluids are degrading, contaminated, or low. You should also inspect your headlights and all exterior lights, which are vital for road safety. Above all, check your tire pressure monthly, and also inspect each tire for signs of damage, uneven wear, or shallow treads. Book These Biannual Services Two times a year, your VW needs a few essential services with a trusted technician. Have your motor oil changed and tires rotated, aligned, and balanced at this time. Your brakes, exhaust system, and battery should all be inspected every six months. Also, wax your car and check your wiper blades, and replace them if necessary. All Cars Require Yearly Inspections more The air filters for the engine and cabin typically last about a year and should be replaced when clogging up. Also, have your suspension inspected and fine-tuned once a year. Your engine also needs to be tuned yearly. This should entail a careful examination of each spark plug and other important engine component. Have your cooling system pressure-tested, your fuel system inspected, and your transmission examined for signs of wear and leaks. All belts and hoses must also be checked at least yearly for fraying, cracks, and leaks. You can arrange all these inspections in one convenient visit with our VW technicians. Plan for the Longer-Term Upkeep Tasks Over the longer term, you'll need to replace your tires, which may last from four to six years. Your battery is likely to last about three to five years. Your brake's pads and rotors may last from two to five years. The engine's timing belt could last longer. Your coolant and brake fluid will probably need to be flushed every two or three years. The transmission and differential fluids tend to last a lot longer than this. One of the main purposes of all the inspections is to keep a close eye on these components and fluids, so they can be replaced in a timely way. Respond Quickly to Dashboard Warning Lights This maintenance routine will effectively protect and preserve your VW. In addition, adopt a quick-response attitude to signs of car trouble. Whenever you feel, see, hear, or smell something wrong, try to figure out the fault and ask a technician for help, rather than hoping the problem will go away on its own. If you put off repairs, a minor issue could grow into something much more hazardous and costly to fix. Allow us to arrange a comprehensive maintenance timetable for your VW. Visit Tom Bush Volkswagen in Jacksonville, FL, to get started. We've been keeping our customers' cars in terrific shape since 1970.

No one wants to spend more than strictly necessary on fuel but did you know that having your Volkswagen regularly serviced could improve your fuel efficiency? For more Volkswagen fuel efficiency tips, visit Tom Bush Volkswagen for advice you can trust. Fuel-Saving Tips for Volkswagen Drivers: Increased Efficiency Check Your Tires If you notice your fuel efficiency has recently reduced, your tires should be the first thing you look at. Underinflated tires can use more fuel due to an increase in the rolling resistance. This means the engine has to work harder, which burns more fuel in the process. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, it's possible to see a 3% improvement in fuel consumption when your tires are all properly inflated. more Clear Out the Clutter If you've got a busy life, it's easy to toss things in the trunk and forget about them. However, the more weight you are driving around, the more fuel you'll burn. By clearing out any clutter from your car and removing unnecessary cargo, you'll burn less fuel. This also applies to anything on your roof rack. Carrying cargo on your roof is a useful way to extend your storage space, but it can have a negative impact on fuel consumption, so remember to remove the items when they're not needed. Not only does the extra weight have an impact, but the increased drag resistance means your engine has to work harder. Schedule a Regular Service To operate at its best, your Volkswagen engine needs to be able to combust fuel efficiently and with minimum friction. Over time, both of these functions can be affected due to worn-out components or circulating debris. A service from professional technicians can replace your filters, spark plugs, and any other parts needed, as well as rotate your tires. This not only ensures optimal fuel consumption, but also prevents other damage to your engine. Select the Best Drive Mode Many modern Volkswagens have a choice of drive modes, including Eco. Selecting this mode adjusts the engine and climate control settings to optimize fuel consumption without significantly impacting overall performance. If you're driving on a highway, cruise control can help preserve fuel by maintaining a steady speed and minimizing unnecessary braking or acceleration. Consider Your Driving Habits Although technology can help you cut your fuel bill, your driving style also makes a difference. Some of the driving habits that can contribute to increased fuel consumption include: Heavy braking and acceleration Sharp swerving Multiple stop-starts Excessive idling By driving smoothly, using gravity to assist braking, and by applying a light, gradual touch to both acceleration and braking, you'll get more miles from every tank of fuel. If you think your Volkswagen is using too much fuel or you're simply overdue for a service, we can help. Contact us today at Tom Bush Volkswagen in Jacksonville, FL to speak to our friendly team.

Spark plugs play an essential role in starting and maintaining combustion as they provide the spark that ignites the fuel-air mixture. These plugs can wear out due to age or damage, and this will cause various issues, including increased fuel usage and misfiring. As your VW dealer, we want to tell you a few signs you need to visit us for new spark plugs. more 3 Signs You Need New Spark Plugs From Your VW Dealer Misfiring Combustion requires fuel and air to mix and be ignited precisely so the mixture burns correctly. Correct burning requires the mixture to ignite at carefully spaced intervals, and these mini-explosions produce the energy that moves your vehicle. Healthy spark plugs are the key to efficient burning, as they produce enough power. Old or dirty plugs cause misfiring, as the fuel-air mixture in the cylinder fails to ignite successfully. If this happens, you'll feel a loss of engine power, your VW may jerk, and you'll usually hear strange noises from the engine. If misfiring continues, it can lead to damage to the cylinders and pistons. We'll examine your plugs and replace any that are damaged. Increased Fuel Usage Every driver knows approximately how much fuel they use when they're behind the wheel. If you have to visit the pump more frequently than you used to, this can be a sign that your plugs are worn. If the fuel-air mixture doesn't burn correctly, much of the fuel is wasted as it's dumped out of the cylinder into the exhaust system. One of the most common signs of wasted fuel is black exhaust smoke, caused by the large quantity of unburnt fuel that enters the exhaust. You'll also smell a strong fuel in the cabin. Our technicians will examine your engine, diagnose the problem, and repair it. Check Engine Light Your VW has numerous sensors, each connected to an important component. These sensors receive instructions from the computer and supply the computer with information on the health and functioning of their connected component. If a sensor identifies a problem with its component's performance, it informs the computer, and the check engine light will illuminate. Any issue detected by the sensors is logged by the computer with an error code. If your check engine light illuminates, visit our service department and we'll investigate. We connect an ODB II diagnostic tool to your computer that reads the error codes, allowing our technicians to hone in on the issue. If the plugs are damaged, we'll replace them and the warning light will go out. Replacement plugs are inexpensive and quick to install and will return your engine performance to normal. If you suspect a problem with your plugs, contact us today at Tom Bush Volkswagen in Jacksonville, FL.

Whether you drive a new VW or your Volkswagen is a few years old, good tire maintenance is key for excellent vehicle performance. Tires with adequate treads offer a better grip on the road, which can improve fuel economy, safety, and overall handling. Learn about how to properly take care of your tires and when you need to purchase new tires from your VW dealer. Expert Tips for Volkswagen Tire Maintenance and Replacement One of the best ways to ensure your tires have a long life is to schedule regular tire rotation service at your local dealership. Ideally, you should rotate your tires at least twice a year to ensure the tire tread wears down evenly on all four tires. The front tires on your vehicle tend to carry more weight, so it's best to rotate those tires to the back of the vehicle frequently for better vehicle performance. You can save time on your routine vehicle maintenance by scheduling a tire rotation at the same time as other key services, such as an oil change, air filter replacement, windshield wiper replacement, and other routine services. When you book a tire rotation, make sure that you also ask for a wheel or tire alignment to ensure proper wheel balance and vehicle handling when you're on the road. more When to Buy New Tires at Your VW Dealer The tires on your vehicle should last for a few years, although the specific type of tire may impact the longevity of the rubber. For example, all-season performance tires offer excellent grip in all weather conditions, but these tires also tend to wear down more quickly. You can refer to your VW owner's manual for guidance on the best replacement tires for your model. While time might be a good indicator of when to purchase replacement tires, there are other signs you can look out for. Most mechanics will recommend replacing the entire set of tires when the tread wear runs too low. If your tires can't pass the quarter or penny test because the tread depth is too shallow, then it's time for tires. Replacing your tires when the tread wear runs low will ensure your vehicle has enough traction on the road. Cracks, Bubbles, and Bulges Visible defects in the appearance of the tires are a sign that you need to replace one or all tires. Cracks on the sidewall and bubbles on the tire spell trouble like blowouts, flats, and air leaks. If your tire is ever visibly damaged after hitting a curb or a pothole, you should replace the tire immediately. Routine maintenance for your tires means frequent rotations and replacing tires when the tread is worn down. Keep yourself safe on the road by scheduling tire service at Tom Bush Volkswagen in Jacksonville, FL.

AC not working? It might not be because your car battery is failing. There are several reasons why your Volkswagen's air conditioning system might be blowing out hot air, which is why it's best to take your car to your local VW dealership for service. Check out how to maintain your AC system and more. Keeping Cool: Volkswagen Air Conditioning Maintenance Tips Your VW owner's manual outlines the routine maintenance for your AC system to keep things running smoothly. Some of these key maintenance tasks include inspecting and replacing air filters, cleaning the condenser, topping up the coolant level, and inspecting belt fans. Most of these maintenance tasks should be performed once a year to ensure good air conditioner performance. Other AC Service at Your VW Dealership Other maintenance tasks will need to be performed less often, such as flushing the radiator. A radiator flush should be done every few years to clean out any debris from the radiator that could reduce the efficiency of the AC unit. This is also a good chance to check for leaks, corrosion, or other issues that could hamper your air conditioning system. more Common Causes for AC Not Working When your AC system runs into performance problems like blowing out hot air, the most common cause is low coolant levels. The coolant or refrigerant in your vehicle ensures your air vents produce cold air, so when levels are low, your AC unit won't function normally. A quick fix for this is topping up the coolant level or correcting any leaks in the radiator that are causing coolant levels to drop. Best Practices for Good AC Performance If you want your air conditioner system to perform well throughout the year, there are things you can do when you're behind the wheel to maintain good AC performance. For example, you can roll down your windows when it's hot outside to vent out hot air that accumulates in the cabin before turning on your AC system so your air conditioner doesn't have to work as hard to cool down the car. It's also a good idea to occasionally turn on the defrost mode, even when it's hot or you don't need to defrost windows. This is because the defrost mode can reduce moisture buildup in your AC unit, which prevents the development of mildew and musty air vent odor. You can run the defrost mode for at least 10 minutes once a week to keep your air vents fresh. In Florida, it's essential to have a functional air conditioning system to battle heat and humidity throughout the year. To keep your AC in good shape, you should schedule routine service for coolant level top-offs, air filter replacement, and other AC inspection services at your local dealership. Book service at Tom Bush Volkswagen in Jacksonville, FL.

As a leading Jacksonville VW dealership, we get a lot of questions from drivers about how to best take care of their VWs. A lot of drivers specifically ask about the humble oil change, a service that has the power to protect your Volkswagen's engine. Here's everything you need to know to keep your VW running smoothly for a long time to come. Oil Change Intervals and Benefits: A Complete Guide from Your VW Dealership What Motor Oil Does Motor oil has a few critical functions that help keep your VW's engine running smoothly. First, oil lubricates the engine, helping the pistons move smoothly. Fresh, clean oil also gently removes any impurities or microscopic metal fragments, which are caught in the oil filter so they don't recirculate into the engine. more Change Intervals: How Long Motor Oil Lasts The longevity of a motor oil can vary based on its origin. Conventional motor oil is a petroleum distillation byproduct and tends to be more affordable, but it also tends to have a shorter life. Most conventional oils last up to 3,000 miles or three months. Synthetic oils are man-made products and offer more mileage before breaking down in an engine. A typical synthetic oil can last roughly six months or 7,500 miles. Your maintenance team will always let you know how many months and miles your motor oil is rated for, and many locations will put an unintrusive sticker on the inside of your windshield with a reminder of when to change your motor oil. Should I Change By Miles or Months? You should always change your motor oil when you hit either the time limit or the mileage limit. Once it's poured from its container, motor oil breaks down both from use and from time. So whether you're putting lots of miles on your VW or it's sitting for prolonged periods, it will still need an oil service within the recommended limits. Should I Get Synthetic or Conventional Oil? In addition to their differing longevity, conventional and synthetic motor oils have different strengths. Generally, we recommend synthetic oil. It tends to outperform conventional oil in many common driving situations like cold weather or stop-and-go traffic. Additionally, if you tend to make multiple short trips rather than longer journeys, synthetic oil can perform better, since conventional oil doesn't perform as well as synthetic oil when it's cold. However, you can always have an open discussion with your maintenance team and describe your driving patterns to help find the perfect oil for your needs. When it's time to schedule an oil service, trust your VW to the people who know it best. Book your next oil service today at Tom Bush Volkswagen in Jacksonville, FL.

A wheel alignment is one of the most critical services you can schedule at your VW dealer. This service adjusts the direction and angle of your wheels so that they are perfectly parallel and often involves fine-tuning the suspension system to ensure your Volkswagen has a comfortable and smooth ride feel. The Role of Wheel Alignment in Preserving Your Volkswagen's Performance The main purpose of a tire alignment is to ensure the tread on all four tires is wearing evenly. If tires aren't aligned, different parts of your tire tread will wear down, which can eventually cause performance problems like reduced fuel economy. Driving on tires with uneven tread can negatively impact the traction your tires have and may even make steering straight more difficult. more One of the cardinal signs of misaligned tires is difficult handling. It's common for a vehicle with poor alignment to pull to one side of the road, especially when the brakes are engaged. This can cause issues if you're driving on wet and rainy roads. Some drivers may even notice particular issues with cornering and braking when wheels aren't aligned correctly. How Often Do You Need Alignment at Your VW Dealer? You should schedule a tire alignment at least once a year or once every 10,000 to 12,000 miles. Some drivers may prefer to schedule an alignment service at the same time as a routine tire rotation for optimal road performance. However, you may want to schedule this service sooner if you notice performance issues, such as a steering wheel that isn't centered even when the vehicle is driving on a straight road. If you notice your tire tread seems to be wearing unevenly during your monthly tire air pressure check, it may be time to schedule an alignment service. This is particularly true if your tires are losing tread more quickly than usual or if you're stopping at the pump to fill up the tank more often. It's also wise to book an alignment service if you hit large road debris, take your VW off-roading, or drive over a big pothole. How Long Can You Drive With Misaligned Wheels? If you notice any signs of wheel misalignment, you should avoid driving your car and schedule service as soon as convenient. Driving on misaligned wheels can cause major issues with mechanical components, and you may even notice that your vehicle gets harder to handle over time. What Happens During Alignment Service? A VW mechanic may start your alignment service by taking your car out for a short test drive. It's also common to put your car on a raised platform right away to access the tires and suspension. A special alignment is typically used to perfect the angles of the tires, so this service usually doesn't take very long. When your wheels are out of alignment, you may notice marked performance issues that make it hard to drive your car straight. Book your maintenance appointment at Tom Bush Volkswagen in Jacksonville, FL to get your VW back in good driving condition.

Getting oil changes and transmission flushes is primarily about protecting your engine and the life of your vehicle, but regular brake service is about keeping you, your family, and everyone else around you safe on the road. Your brakes will always be road-ready when you get service at your Volkswagen dealer. Brake Service at Your Volkswagen Dealer How Often? The precise intervals will depend on your model and the type of brakes it has. Your owner's manual will give you the correct intervals for your vehicle, but generally, every 20,000 and 60,000 miles is about right. And even if you're not getting an actual service, it's a good idea to have us take a look at the brakes every time we change the oil or rotate the tires, just to make sure we catch any issues early, so you can be confident on the road. more Be aware, though, that there are some things that will cause your various brake parts to wear down more quickly. If you regularly drive on big hills or sharp turns that require a lot of braking, everything can wear down more quickly. The same is true if you tow a lot. Signs of Brake Issues Squealing or Grinding Every time you press down on your brake pedal, the two brake pads on each wheel get clamped against the rotor. The rotor is attached to the wheel, and the friction caused by this clamping slows your car. The brake pads have two layers, and the top layer is specifically made to wear down over time. When it gets to a certain thinness, it will start to squeal. No need to panic: the pads are meant to make the sound. It just means that it's time for you to visit the dealership and get new pads sooner rather than later. On the other hand, if you hear a grinding sound, that's bad. It means the pads have now worn down past that first layer and onto the second, and now you have steel scraping on steel. If this doesn't get fixed quickly, you're going to have a very expensive repair on your hands. Vibrations If the rotor of your brakes gets damaged, which can happen either because of overheating or because the brake pads have worn down too far, you'll start to feel vibration in the brake pedal. You might even start to feel it in the steering wheel. If your rotor is damaged, you need to get that fixed immediately. If you're noticing any issues, or it's been a while since your last service, contact us at Tom Bush Volkswagen in Jacksonville, FL and we'll take care of it!

Routine vehicle maintenance can protect your vehicle from major damage by addressing mechanical defects early on. Performing preventative maintenance at your VW dealer will ensure your VW lasts a long time while also reducing your vehicle repair costs. Learn about the recommended Volkswagen maintenance intervals and how pre-paid maintenance may be a good option for your car ownership goals. Navigating Your Volkswagen Maintenance Schedule for Optimal Care Volkswagen generally recommends your first service interval after purchasing a new car to be scheduled at 10,000 miles. During this appointment, the condition of your brake pads will be assessed, along with a routine oil change and a replacement of your oil filter. All of your other service intervals will also be scheduled in 10,000-mile increments to optimize the care of your VW vehicle. more Minor, Standard, and Extended Maintenance Minor maintenance is a repetition of the three services performed during your very first 10,000-mile maintenance appointment. Minor maintenance services are included in your standard maintenance appointments, which are scheduled every 20,000 miles. Standard maintenance includes services such as testing the car battery, topping up fluid levels, assessing exterior lights, balancing the suspension system, and checking the tires. Extended maintenance services are scheduled every 40,000 miles. Tasks such as checking body panels for corrosion, assessing the performance of the exhaust system, and looking for underbody damage are added to your minor and standard maintenance services during extended maintenance appointments. Should You Ask Your VW Dealer About Pre-Paid Maintenance? Volkswagen can simplify the cost and scheduling of your vehicle maintenance with a VW Care pre-paid maintenance plan. Under this plan, most of your recommended maintenance services are covered at regular intervals. Your elegibility for certain VW Care plans is dependent on your model year. You can discuss plans available for your VW model when you visit your dealership's finance department. A pre-paid maintenance plan is a great option if you are on a budget and want to have predictable routine maintenance costs. VW Care plans lock in the price of routine maintenance, part replacement, and labor costs. You also get the benefit of knowing genuine VW parts are used for all of your vehicle repairs when you sign up for a pre-paid maintenance plan. What Is VW Carefree Scheduled Maintenance? For additional savings and peace of mind, your local dealership offers a scheduled maintenance plan for your first two years of ownership at no additional cost. The VW Carefree Scheduled Maintenance plan will cover the recommended services outlined in your VW Maintenance Booklet. Volkswagen makes it easy to care for your vehicle with high-quality routine service with pre-paid and scheduled maintenance plans. Learn more about these low-cost routine maintenance options when you call Tom Bush Volkswagen in Jacksonville, FL.

Volkswagen vehicles radiate luxury, comfort, and reliability. For you to enjoy consistent peak performance from your car, regular maintenance is of crucial importance. And there's no one better to help you with a Volkswagen service than factory-trained, certified technicians. Your trusted VW dealer has all the necessary equipment, parts, and professionals to ensure you have an enjoyable driving experience. 4 Services Offered by Your Volkswagen Dealership 1. Tire Replacement Car tires generally last about three to five years. This, however, depends on several factors, including your driving habits, maintenance, and environment. If your tires survive without any significant damage, then eventually, their threads will wear down. Tire wear shouldn't be ignored, as it could cause accidents on the road. If your tires are consistently losing pressure, have reduced traction, or you're noticing vibrations while driving, head out to your dealership as soon as possible. Our tire services include rotation, mounting, balancing, wheel alignment and replacement, and flat tire repair. more 2. Oil Changes Motor oil helps to lubricate, clean, and protect your engine. Regular oil changes will help maintain your vehicle's health and performance. Proper lubrication ensures the engine runs smoothly, reducing the strain on engine components. Top-quality oil minimizes engine wear and prevents pre-mature failure, extending the engine's lifespan. Regular oil and filter changes will help keep the oil clean and debris-free, preventing clogging and inadequate lubrication. Our skilled technicians know the best type of oil for your vehicle. 3. Brake Repairs Your brakes ensure your vehicle can slow down or stop safely, helping to prevent accidents. Typical working brakes enable drivers to stop immediately when they intend to. Some brake components, including brake pedals, calipers, rotors, and pads, can wear down after prolonged use. Our mechanics will service your brakes and ensure that all components are working perfectly. Our brake service includes a complete brake inspection, brake pad replacement, lubrication of calipers, and brake fluid flush. 4. Visit Your VW dealer for the Best Volkswagen Service and Parts To get the best performance from your car, all components should be in peak working condition. All faulty parts should be replaced immediately with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts. We will help you obtain and install the spare parts you're looking for at affordable prices. To make locating the spare part you need more convenient, you can fill out the online form on our website, and one of our service professionals will quickly get back to you. Following a regular maintenance schedule ensures your vehicle is safer and more reliable. Call Tom Bush Volkswagen in Jacksonville, FL, today, and let us help you with all your automotive needs. We also offer a wide range of other maintenance services, including steering and suspension repair, A/C repairs, and electrical system diagnosis.

Your vehicle's battery plays an essential role. Without a working battery, you wouldn't be able to start your car or run electrical components like the radio or lights. Replacing your battery before it dies is smart, and it saves you the hassle of calling roadside assistance. But how can you tell when it's time for a new battery? Your Volkswagen dealership can help. 5 Signs You Need a New Battery From Your Volkswagen Dealership 1. Your Car Doesn't Start Easily Does it take a little longer than it used to to start your Volkswagen in the morning? One of the first signs of a failing battery is an engine that takes several tries to start. If it's getting harder to get your engine going, it's time to bring your vehicle in so that our service department can test your battery. In addition to a slow start, an engine that frequently needs to be jump-started may also be due for a replacement battery. more 2. Your Battery Smells and Looks Bad It's a good idea to open the hood of your Volkswagen every once in a while and inspect your battery. If you notice an unpleasant smell that's similar to rotten eggs, your battery may be dying. Batteries emit sulfuric acid as they start to decline. There are also visual signs of a declining battery. A battery case that appears to be swollen or bulging needs to be replaced. A bulging battery may be at risk of rupture and can be a fire hazard. Corrosion is another visual indicator. While small amounts of the powdery white substance are OK, excessive corrosion can indicate that your battery is near the end of its life. 3. Your Battery Is Old Car batteries typically last three to five years. If it's been a while since you last had a battery installed, it may be time for a new one. We can test your battery and determine if it's time for a new one. 4. Your Electrical Components Seem Weaker A declining battery affects all of your vehicle's electrical components, including your headlights, power windows, radio, GPS, and even your dashboard lights. Consistent flickering or faltering by any of these components can indicate that your battery is on the way out. 5. Your Check Engine Light Is On A simple way of determining that you need a replacement battery is to pay attention to your check engine light. If it comes on, it could signal any number of engine problems. Scheduling a service appointment as soon as that light comes on keeps you from being stranded by a dead battery or another mechanical issue. If you're concerned about your battery, or if you think it's time to have a replacement battery installed, our service department can help. When you're ready to schedule your next service appointment, call us at Tom Bush Volkswagen in Jacksonville, FL.