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Do I need to service my car air conditioning this summer?
Do you ever get the feeling, on a hot summer day, that your car air conditioner isn’t as effective as you need it to be? This is likely because it needs a thorough service. Although a standard car service can sometimes include a basic check of the car air conditioning, it is recommended that you get a regular thorough air conditioning service.
Signs that mean your car air conditioning needs to be serviced
- Air that doesn’t seem to be cooling
- Musty odour (may be a sign of bacterial growth in the air vents)
- Banging and rattling sounds
Does the car service centre need to have licenced technicians?
Yes, if you want your air conditioning to be serviced properly then you should ensure your car service centre has licenced technicians. The Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) ensures its licenced repairers meet strict government standards. Refrigerant gasses are damaging to the environment and qualified and experienced professionals are able to work safely with these gasses.
A car air conditioning system consists of 3 main parts:
- Compressor
- Condenser
- Evaporator
Electrical wires and other components allow these parts to operate and they all need to be maintained to operate optimally. Parts may need repairing or regassing every 1- 2 years. Even if your aircon doesn’t need regassing it is still advisable that you have it serviced to ensure the belt-driven compressions is transferring the refrigerant to the condenser effectively. A car aircon that isn’t operating effectively will work your engine harder leading to more fuel consumption.
Volks Affair
Volks Affair offers a thorough air conditioning service. A full air conditioning service will:
- Inspect drive belts and pulleys
- check the operation of valves and thermostats
- inspect hoses and components
- check your refrigerant oil
- charge the system with refrigerant (if required)
- check the evaporator temperature
- check the suction line temperature
- test for leaks in the lines and components
- run the vehicle to assess the in-car temperature
Should you wish to have your air conditioner serviced, contact us today!
How to Choose the Best Car Service Centre
Once your car warranty runs out, do you need to continue your service with the dealership or are you better off going with an independent service centre?
This is a common question – of course, you can continue servicing with your dealership service but establishing a relationship with a trusted independent service centre can be a great economical move. Specialist Independent Service centres will have fully trained mechanics who are experts in the field – they will get to know your car and understand your concerns. The trick is to choose your independent car service centre wisely.
What to Look for in a Car Service Centre
Knowledgeable mechanics
Are the technicians up-to-date with the latest models and technology? Are you satisfied that they are going to answer your questions and share their expertise? Furthermore, is their equipment up to date?
Clear quotations and pricing information
Will the service centre seek your approval before doing any extras and are they upfront about the work that will be done and the cost of labour? Transparency is a good sign.
Customer Service
Friendly and professional service is expected. In fact, these days you shouldn’t expect anything less.
Reviews
These days most established businesses will have customer feedback in the form of testimonials and reviews. This will give you a good idea of the quality of service and the level of customer satisfaction.
Volks Affair
If you’re the owner of a German vehicle – BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Skoda, Audi or VW– we have a team of experts who can service your car. We are the real deal – bringing your car to us won’t affect your warranty as we are a genuine alternative to dealer servicing. If you’d like to discuss an issue or book a service, don’t hesitate to give us a call.
Are You Looking for Audi Mechanics in Melbourne?
Audi Quality Assurance
Audi is a luxury German brand with a strong focus on quality. It is a brand that is always listening to customer feedback and making improvements to meet the modern-day driver’s needs. On the Audi blog, Werner Zimmerman – head of quality assurance recently said that Audi looks at the driver’s overall experience with the car. In other words, how the senses react – what do they see, hear, feel and smell. All of these factors make for a superior driving experience. However, these days staying connected while driving is a sought-after feature of a luxury car and that’s taken into account too. Our Audi Mechanics in Melbourne need to stay up-to-date with all the latest advances in car technology to be able to service and repair your Audi.
Driving Pleasure for the Senses
Sound
Audi has a strong focus on sound design – the sound they’re after is described as ‘sporty and high quality’. Every component of the car is considered from windscreen wipers, doors and handles to the engine sound. The Audi ‘click’ is the unique and pleasing Audi sound you’ll hear when fiddling with the controls.
Sight
Our perception of reality is driven by our sight. Audi has a special aesthetic look and a team of designers and engineers who consider every detail of the car. Everything is considered and contributes to the luxury, ‘feel-good ‘atmosphere. All components of the car must match and flow easily. Carbon, wood, paint and leather all work together to ensure the pigments and light refraction cause no disturbance in the look.
Smell
Audi has a team who run chemical analysis of the vehicle parts and their role is to development fragrant and pleasing smells to enhance the driving experience. There shouldn’t be any strong odours – no musty or sharp smells. The new car fragrance is chemically added to the materials of the car, but the chemicals are not harmful to human health. The aim is to create a neutral and subtle new car smell.
Feel
All of these factors blend into the creation of a luxury driving experience that is Audi
Volks Affair
Owning and maintaining a luxury vehicle such as an Audi requires skilled and knowledgeable mechanics. At Volks Affair we understand the concepts behind each of the luxury brands we service, and we are able to ensure your car is maintained and serviced to keep it in top condition. If you’d like to book a service, call us today or make an online enquiry.
Volkswagen Golf: Through the Ages
The Volkswagen Service Team at Volks Affair takes a look at one of the most popular models of Volkswagen – the Golf.
1970s – The Volkswagen Golf is Born
Even the Pope owned a Golf – this was Volkswagen’s replacement for the Beetle. The Golf was the new generation of ‘people’s car’. It was meant as a classless, affordable car for everybody. And that’s what it became. Its popularity took off and Volkswagen again proved to know what people were looking for in a car. The small rectangular hatchback – Mark 1 model – was just the right combination of fun, affordability and utilitarianism. In 1976 they launched the GTI edition and a convertible version for those who could afford to spend a little bit extra.
1983 – Golf Mark 2 Hits the Market
This update saw the Volkswagen Golf get a little roomier. The look stayed similar – still rectangular but with some updated technology. By 1988 it had sold more than 10 million.
1991 – Golf Mark 3 Shape Shifts
Not so boxy anymore – Volkswagen gave this Model a rounder look and enhanced safety features. The 1990s were seeing a rise in car safety standards – the Golf introduced front airbags to its line and ABS become a standard feature by 1996. The Golf TDI or turbo diesel direct-injection Golf became popular and was the first compact car to have this feature.
1997 – Golf Mark 4 Makes a Slick Debut
Modern, up-to-date and still popular, the Golf 4 rounded their shape some more and future models still have this recognisable design.
2003 – Golf Mark 5 Modernised Further
Keeping its shape the Golf Mark 5 increased the cargo volume and slightly improved the size of the interior. Unfortunately, it faced criticism that the interior seemed cheap.
2008 – Golf Mark 6 Safety First
The Mark 6 improved safety technology and included 7 standard airbags. It received a 5-star safety rating from Euro NCAP. It also addressed the previous critiques of a cheap interior and improved the quality.
2012 – Golf Mark 7 Proving the Volkswagen Brand Stands the Test of Time
Still popular and still going strong. Our Volkswagen Service Team at Volks Affair in Melbourne are keen to service all types of this popular people’s car. Give us a call and book your service today.
Bye Bye Beetle
I guess you could say it’s the end of an era. Volkswagen has announced they will stop production of the iconic VW Beetle in 2019.
I have great memories of roaring around town as a child in my mum’s VW Beetle. Roaring is certainly the right word to describe the loud rear-engine bug of a car. Any conversation had to be yelled over the noise of the engine coming in through our open windows. Hot summer days meant we’d stick to the leather seats and have to peel ourselves out of the car once we’d reached our destination. In fact, the seats were so low, my mum needed a cushion to see over the steering wheel. Those were the days!
Volkswagen’s Beetle: The Great ‘People’s Car’
The Beginning
The Beetle started its life in Germany in the 1930s – the vision, as commanded by Adolf Hitler, was to produce a cheap car that could be mass produced and sold to the German people. It was designed by Ferdinand Porsche (yes, the founder of the Porsche car company).
The outbreak of World War II saw the commercial production of the Beetle stopped – only 210 had been made. Through the war, a few variants were produced for the military elite, but an air raid damaged the factory and all production halted in 1944.
Mass Production Begins
Post-war the British took over the damaged factory. Instead of destroying it, a strategic thinking British Army Officer, Major Ivan Hirst, realised that the factory might benefit both the British and the war-torn Germans. There was a desperate need for jobs in Germany and the British Army needed vehicles. He got the factory running again and saw that the British Army approved the commission of 20 000 cars. This new outlet of cheap cars quickly led to the establishment of sales and export networks across Europe and by 1955 the one-millionth car rolled off the production line.
‘The Bug’ steals our hearts
As they say, the rest is history. The Beetle, affectionately known as ‘The Bug’, is a car that has many stories to tell. It helped Germany promote a more positive image after the war and it afforded many a student and young family a means of transport. Its enduring popularity and iconic status are a testimony to our fondness for this fun, little car. It will be missed but definitely not forgotten!
Fun Facts
- The original Beetle stayed in production for 6 decades.
- A jaw-dropping 21 529 464 Beetles have been produced
- It’s the most-manufactured car of a single platform ever
- It was voted the 4th most influential Car of the 20th Century in 1999
Volks Affair – German Car Service Specialists in Melbourne
The future of Volkswagen lies in electric cars and family cars. If you’re a VW owner, make sure your car is serviced by a reputable service centre. Volks Affair is an independent German Car Service Centre in Melbourne. We love keeping our customers’ cars in top condition. Give us a call today to book a service.
German Auto Mechanics – 5 Quick Car Checks
Maintaining your German car is our speciality. Our auto mechanics are the experts in knowing how to best service and repair your German brand. VW, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Skoda – if it’s one of these German brands, we can service it.
Of course, every driver should keep an eye on certain aspects to make sure your car runs smoothly. Here are 5 quick car care checks you can do at home, especially before your long family car trip.
Check your radiator
It’s easy to check your radiator coolant – just check to see that it is between the high and low mark on the overflow bottle. If it’s on the low side, you can top it up. Always wait for the engine to cool before you check and don’t try to remove the cap if the engine is hot. If you’re frequently running low on coolant, you may have a leak and you must contact one of our service specialists.
Check your Engine Oil
Check the oil by removing the dipstick – wipe it clean and then reinsert it. Remove and check that it is between the high and low markings. Ensure you’re parked on level ground when you do this. If you’ve had an oil leak and there’s no oil on the dipstick – do not start the engine.
Check your Tyre Pressure
Before you embark on a long journey – check your tyre pressure. You will find the advised tyre pressure inside the front door or in the user manual. If your tyres are too flat, you will affect the braking ability of your car and you will increase fuel consumption. Also look at the tread to gauge how worn your tyres are. They should wear uniformly, if not you may have a suspension problem. Routine rotation of tyres can help spread the wear.
Check your Windscreen Wipers
If you haven’t had the need to use your wipers for a while or you’ve noticed that they’re not wiping your windscreen properly then it’s time to replace the wiper blades. This may seem like an obvious check, but you don’t want to get caught in wet weather and struggle with visibility
Check your lights
Another check that may seem obvious but it’s worth doing – check all your lights; headlights, brake lights and indicators.
Volks Affair
If you have any vehicle concerns, don’t hesitate to book your car into our service centre. Our Auto mechanics have many years of experience.
VW Mechanics: Tips for Buying a Used VW
Buying a used car can be challenging so our expert VW mechanics from Volks Affair in Melbourne have provided some good tips.
Step 1 – Research
Look into the year, make and model – all car manufacturers, including Volkswagen have less than stellar years. If you know the year, make and model then you can see if there have been any reported issues across the line. The issue may be easy to fix but being aware of any potential issues can help with price negotiation.
Look at the safety ratings for the car – these are based on real-life accidents. ANCAP Safety Ratings will give you an idea of the car safety rating when the car was new but check the Used Car ratings too.
If you are happy with the year, make and model – the next step is to check the vehicle’s history. Determine if it’s been in any accidents or had other issues that could lead to future problems.
Volks Affair suggests asking these questions when looking for a used VW:
- How many owners has the vehicle had?
- Is the vehicle currently registered?
- Is the car insured?
- What mileage does it get?
- Has it been involved in any crashes (major or minor)?
Step 2 – Pre-purchase Considerations
- Road Worthiness certificate and Record of Regular Servicing
Ask for the paperwork – legitimate sellers will have this all-in order before listing the car.
- Cleanliness of the interior
A cared for car will be clean and well looked after without any splits or tears in the upholstery
- Condition of the body and paint
Faded paint will show exposure to the elements and indicate that the car has been parked outside for long periods. Look out for obvious bumps and scrapes in the body that may be costly to repair. Check for signs of rust and DIY repairs that may not be up to industry standard.
- Inspect the Tyres
Check that the tyres have worn evenly – if they haven’t it could be a sign that the alignment is out. Don’t forget to check the condition of the spare.
Volks Affair
We are an independent service centre specialising in German Vehicles. If you own a VW don’t hesitate to give us a call and book a service with our top-rated VW mechanics.
The Rising Popularity of Hybrid Cars in Australia
Hybrid cars are here to stay and if you are the eco-conscious owner of a hybrid German vehicle then you’ll need a trusted electric and hybrid car service team.
Our favourite German brands – BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi – are all producing hybrid cars for the Australian market.
Hybrid Cars and the Australian Market
Australia hasn’t seen the incentives, such as tax rebates, offered by other countries to convert to more environmentally friendly low-emissions vehicles. But us Aussies have been embracing the green lifestyle anyway – opting for cleaner and more fuel-efficient technology. It would be wonderful to see the local and state governing bodies take a more proactive approach and introduce incentives for people to reduce their carbon footprint. It is estimated that road traffic in Australia in responsible for about 13% of greenhouse gas emissions. With the fluctuating and ever-increasing fuel price, green vehicles are a wise choice.
Snapshot of Popular Hybrid Cars in Australia
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BMW iPerformance
BMW have a number of hybrid vehicles on the Australian market already with plans to launch more electric models in the future. The iPerformance vehicles are described as a marrying of combustion engine engineering and modern battery technology. The aim is to reduce carbon emissions but still have the luxurious feel and drive that is distinctly BMW. You can use a public charging station to charge the battery or a household socket. The BMW i3 (2013) will get you 130 km on battery and 100km from petrol.
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Audi e-Tron
A popular model is the Audi A3 Sportback e-Tron (2014). This is a petrol-electric hybrid with great fuel efficiency and keeps its sporty shape.
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Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz is keeping up with their competitors, but their 2015 C-class only offers 31km electric range.
Hybrid cars are something to keep our eye on. Although Australia has been slow in adopting them, it is certainly something that is only going to be enhanced by future technology.
Car Service Specialists
At Volks Affair our speciality is German car service and repair. Our mechanics are professionals and experts in the field. We keep up to date with all the latest in car technology and can offer standard servicing on hybrid vehicles. Volks Affair is an independent car service and repair centre. We pride ourselves on the personal service we give to our customers and the open and honest way in which we communicate. If you own a German vehicle, hybrid or not, and live in Melbourne then look no further than Volks Affair.
Melbourne Car Mechanics – Top 5 Reasons to Drive a German Car
If you love your performance vehicle – and let’s face it – who doesn’t, then you need to ensure it is serviced by the right car mechanics. Our skilled mechanics are experts when it comes to BMW, Audi, Volkswagen, Skoda and Mercedes Benz. They know what it takes to keep these superior vehicles in top condition. Today they’re going to give us their top reasons for investing in a German engineered car, be it new or used.
Built for Performance
German engineering is highly sought after. If you’ve ever had the privilege of driving on the speed limitless autobahn, then you’d know how important it is to have a smooth ride at top speeds. Driving a dependable and performance orientated car allows for a luxurious and comfortable journey no matter what your speed. There’s no shaking or jostling – just a quiet, smooth ride – you’ll hit top speeds before you know it.
Tested at Speed
All cars go through safety tests – it’s critical. German cars are tested with the Nürburgring track in mind. In fact, the Nürburgring and automotive development go hand-in-hand. The track puts our favourite German cars through the paces of speed, performance and handling. The track’s range of altitude, turns and steep ascents and descents make it a firm favourite to test car performance and handling.
Design
Always cutting-edge and setting the pace for style and design. BMW, VW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi are all instantly recognisable.
Innovation
Along with huge brand reputations comes the need to stay ahead of the pack. German vehicle manufacturers are constantly innovating to ensure they are not only up-to-date with the latest technology but also driving it forward.
Tradition
As cutting-edge and innovative as they are, German cars are also steeped in history. These long-known brands have risen up to become a part of our modern culture. The history of German cars started with the invention of the four-stroke internal combustion engine by Karl Benz and Nikolaus Otto in 1870. From the outset, these famous brands focused on reliability, functionality and quality. These are still the pillars upon which they are built.
Volks Affair
The need for German cars to constantly innovate and adapt to the changing demands of consumers means that German car service specialists must also have the latest diagnostic tools and know-how to deal with these advancements. At Volks Affair, we ensure our car mechanics have the technical expertise to repair and service all German brands.