Many years ago, when the automatic window first debuted in vehicles, it was a luxury feature. Now, all vehicles have automatic windows. It is a feature that car owners come to expect. The automated window system will either be mechanical or electrical. Both are prone to malfunction or failure due to a few causes. The most common part of the window system to fail is the window regulator.

The window regulator is responsible for rolling the windows up or down when you push the power button. In most newer Volkswagens, the window regulator is a part that is often combined with the window motor. So when the window regulator begins to fail, just know that the entire assembly will need to be replaced.

When the window regulator begins to fail, there are warning signs to avoid complete failure. Once complete failure occurs, you will be stuck with either a window that will not go back up or a window that will not go down. Both situations are not ideal for your safety and comfort. Knowing what signs to look for that point to window regulator failure will help you deal with the issue quickly.

If It Takes Multiple Presses for the Window to Work

The first sign to be aware of that indicates window regulator failure is when you have to press the window power button multiple times before it responds. In a properly-operating window, all it takes is one touch of the button for the window to roll up or roll down, depending on your instruction.

When the button is pressed, the window regulator should be automatically engaged. If you find yourself pressing the window button multiple times before you get a response then you know that there is an issue with the window regulator.

It is important to note here that this sign can also point to an issue with the power switch itself. The best way to determine the correct issue is by bringing your Volkswagen into your trusted automotive shop.

If the Window Speed is Slower or Faster than Normal

The power windows of your Volkswagen were specifically and carefully designed to ensure that the windows go a certain speed. This precisely calculated speed is set in place to make sure the windows do not break as they are rolled up or down. If the speed is too fast, then they run the risk of breaking or shattering. The same can also be said for when the speed is too slow. It is less likely that the windows will break when going up too slow, but you will run the risk of the window getting stuck open. If the speeds are fluctuating, they are signs of window regulator failure.

Clicking Noises Coming from the Door

One last sign is clicking noises coming from the door as you press the button to raise or lower the window. The common cause of the clicking noises is debris that is caught between the window and the window regulator. The piece of debris most likely got into the door panel when previously rolling down the window.

At this point, the only way to remove the debris is by having your trusted technician remove the door panel. The sooner this is done the better because this means less damage to the window regulator. If you continue to try to force the window, it could shatter or cause more expensive repairs.

Dealing with the Window Regulator Failure

When you notice any of the above-mentioned signs of window regulator failure, the best thing to do is to bring your Volkswagen into your trusted mechanics at Glenwood Foreign Car. We are easily accessible from the areas of Upper Makefield Township, Yardley, Newtown, and Morrisville, PA.

When you bring your Volkswagen in at your previously-scheduled appointment time, one of our certified technicians will use the latest diagnostic tools to determine the exact cause of window regulator failure. High-quality parts are then used to replace the window regulator. You will be back on the road before you know it, with a window regulator you can rely on.

Call us today for all your Volkswagen service and repair needs. We look forward to earning your trust and patronage.

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Volkswagens are world-renowned for their high standards in luxury, comfort, and safety, but unfortunately, they are not infallible. Just like any other car, they occasionally will need part replacements and repairs.

Coolant temperature sensors, in particular, are quite important to maintain a smooth and worry-free driving experience. Regular replacements are necessary. One common question that Volkswagen drivers ask is when these sensors should be replaced.

Today, we are going to answer this question once and for all so you can create a maintenance schedule that keeps your German-engineered vehicle in optimal shape.

The Function and Importance of the Coolant Temperature Sensor

The coolant temperature sensor (or CTS) in a Volkswagen provides a steady stream of data to the engine control unit concerning coolant flow and temperature. This information will be sent to the temperature gauge. As a result, drivers will be able to monitor these temperatures and know when it is unsafe to drive.

A bad sensor will cause your Volkswagen to react to false data and will, in turn, deregulate several crucial functions, including fuel consumption.

Warning Signs of Coolant Temperature Sensor Failure

You should be able to recognize the signs of coolant temperature sensor failure when it happens in your Volkswagen. This will allow you to exercise proper caution when driving and know when to take it in for replacement.

One of the first things that you may notice is a decrease in gas mileage. Most drivers have a routine for fuel refills that they stick to. They know, on average, how far they can go before a trip to the gas station is necessary. Pay close attention to any change in that routine. If you find yourself having to fill up the fuel tank more often than usual, this is a warning sign that something may be wrong with your car.

A more obvious sign of coolant temperature sensor failure is the overheating of your Volkswagen’s engine. Without the sensor to give you accurate temperature data, you may push the car past its limits or be unaware of failure until the damage is more extensive. In some cases, black soot will emanate from the engine.Finally, you may notice that your Check Engine Light is illuminated. This happens for several reasons, but in conjunction with the other symptoms, a failed coolant temperature sensor is likely the culprit.

Consequences of Driving With a Failing Coolant Temperature Sensor

One tiny part of the engine cooling system, especially a sensor, may not seem important to fix right away to some drivers. However, ignoring the issue is a big mistake.

Driving with a failing sensor is unsafe and at the very least, it may result in expensive damage to other parts of your Volkswagen. When your engine overheats, it warps and breaks cylinder heads and gaskets and can completely break down your engine block.

Being without your car for a few hours may be inconvenient, but with damage this extensive, you could be without it for much longer. Save yourself the frustration and money; as soon as you recognize the warning signs, get your Volkswagen to auto experts.

Why Coolant Temperature Sensors Fail

Coolant temperature sensor failure is fairly common in Volkswagens. When the maintenance schedule for the engine cooling system is neglected, your sensor can become corroded and break down over time. That is why it’s vital that you know when these sensors should be replaced.

Recommended Replacement Time for Coolant Temperature Sensors in Volkswagen

It is recommended that you have your coolant temperature sensor replaced every 100,000 miles. This is dependent on how well you stick to your maintenance schedule. If you neglect maintenance, the sensor may fail earlier than expected.

If you suspect that your Volkswagen’s sensor is in need of replacement, the highly qualified auto technicians at Glenwood Foreign Car are happy to give your car the best quality care in the area. Our Bosch Certified Service Center is within convenient distance for drivers in the Upper Makefield Township, Yardley, Newtown, and Morrisville areas of PA.

At Glenwood Foreign Car, we pride ourselves on dealership quality service without dealership prices. Trust the automotive technicians with several decades of experience with your repair and replacement needs.

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There are a number of components that work together to keep your Volkswagen performing at its best. Some of these are the larger, more commonly known pieces, such as an alternator or transmission. Others are smaller, and while they seem a bit more insignificant, they are just as important to the operation of your automobile. One such component is the camshaft seal.

This small, round seal is primarily made of rubber and is located in the cylinder head. It fits in between the timing covers and the camshaft. It is composed of durable, high-quality rubber for longevity reasons. The camshaft seal carries the responsibility of keeping the engine oil contained. If or when the camshaft seal becomes defective, oil may leak out. Overall, this can wreak havoc on the engine, as a proper amount of oil is needed to keep the metal components lubricated and free from damaging friction.

Signs of a Potential Camshaft Seal Leak

The location of the seal makes it extremely difficult to visually inspect the component and its condition. However, there are a few warning signs that can point to a defective seal.

Smoke coming from under the hood

Oil that is leaking from the camshaft can drip down onto your exhaust pipe or manifold. These drips will burn instantly on contact and result in plumes of smoke coming from the engine. It may also cause an odor of smoke or burning. The actual amount of smoke or odor will depend on the size of the leak.

Visible signs of a leak

When the seal begins to break down and causes a leak, you will visibly see oil on the rear part of the engine. These traces can be found below the valve cover as well as around the corners and edges of the motor.

Low engine oil level

A slow or small leak is still a problem and can have serious consequences for your engine. A motor that is low on oil can overheat or suffer a breakdown due to improper lubrication. In extreme situations, the engine can blow due to a lack of oil. Then, the entire motor may need to be replaced.

Difficulty starting your car

Again, low oil can compromise the performance of your Volkswagen’s engine in a number of ways. One of these may be how easy it is to start the automobile.

A malfunctioning, cracked, or defective seal may not have an immediate impact on the performance of your VW, but it certainly will affect how reliable it is. Leaking oil results in an engine with poor or improper lubrication, thus leading to a number of issues. The oil can also collect on the timing belt in your vehicle, causing devastating contamination.

Failure of the Camshaft Seal

On average, the camshaft seal in your automobile should last around 80,000 miles. However, there are a few variables that can affect how long the seal may last. These include:

• constant heat from the engine
• normal wear and tear
• excessive amount of pressure from the crankcase
• hardening of the seal over time

If you suspect a camshaft seal issue, it is best to consult a trusted professional. The procedure to inspect, change, or fix the seal is very complex and should be left to someone with plenty of experience.

Go with the Pros at Glenwood Foreign Car

Serving customers since 1977, Glenwood Foreign Car is the expert European automotive service center in the region. We serve the residents of Upper Makefield, Township, Yardley, Newtown, and Morrisville, PA areas. We offer dealership knowledge and experience without the dealership prices. At Glenwood, we design custom service plans to fit the specific needs of your Volkswagen.

Our team utilizes only the latest and most advanced diagnostic systems as well as innovative technology to address the issues you’re having with your vehicle. We are also a Bosch service center, giving us access to the world’s largest base of equipment and parts. Not only do we provide a comprehensive list of services, we offer a 2-year/24,000-mile warranty on purchases from our location. Foreign automobiles are our specialty, and we understand what makes each model unique. As a customer, you come first, and we want to provide quality, dependable, reliable service each time you visit. Call Glenwood Foreign Car today.

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If you don’t own a Volkswagen (VW), you might think that the only VW out there is the classic Beetle, one of their most well-known cars. But VW also makes the Jetta, Passat, Golf, Atlas, and other makes. Additionally, VW is the owner of elite brands such as Lamborghini, Bentley, Bugatti, Audi, and Porsche. It is the third largest automobile manufacturer in the world. Even though this company has persevered since 1938, the cars they manufacture still require maintenance and repairs just like every other car.  A primary component of the exhaust system, the oxygen (O2) sensor, is one of those parts which needs to be replaced periodically.

What is the O2 sensor?

The O2 sensor measures the amount of oxygen at various points in the exhaust system. Most cars have at least 2 O2 sensors, but some cars have as many as 8 O2 sensors. The O2 sensor sends information to other parts of the car that can then adjust the timing of the fuel ignition in the combustion process, for example. The sensor has the ability to indirectly set the amount of fuel used during the idling process. Hence, this small part plays a very large role in how your car runs.

How do you know if the O2 sensor is failing?

When the O2 sensor is failing, it might sporadically lose its ability to properly read the O2 level in the exhaust or at other various points in the exhaust system. This can cause misinformation to be sent to other components of the car, which might be where you see some of these symptoms. Below is a list of issues you might experience if the O2 sensor is failing.

Check Engine Light is On

The check engine light is the universal indicator that something is wrong with your vehicle. A differential diagnosis is the best way to determine why the check engine light is on. Sometimes, it might be a warning that you need an oil change. Other times, it might be the O2 sensor.

Engine is Running Rough

If your engine is running rough, meaning that feels like it is jumping or about to stall out, it could be the O2 sensor. This can happen when the O2 sensor sends misinformation to the fuel ignition process, causing the fuel to ignite early or late. This can also happen when the engine is idling.

Excess Fuel Usage

If your car starts using more fuel than is normal, it might be due to the O2 sensor. If the O2 sensor is sending signals to ignite fuel more frequently, you will be using more fuel to run your car. You might also find that more fuel is being released with the exhaust, and that will cause fuel efficiency to decrease as well.

When It’s Not The O2 Sensor

The issues listed above can also be symptoms of other problems. It might be easier to replace the O2 sensor than to fix the timing of when fuel is ignited. However, this is why it is so important to have a trusted automobile service specialist that can appropriately assess your vehicle and diagnose the problem.

When Should You Replace Your O2 Sensor

There are several schools of thought regarding when you should replace your O2 sensor. One thought is that the lifespan of an O2 sensor is about 50,000-60,000 miles. That school of thought also states that the O2 sensor will last longer if the car is properly maintained; hence, the suggested time to replace the O2 sensor is between 60,000-90,000 miles. Another school of thought is that the O2 sensor will likely last the lifetime of the vehicle, and therefore, the only time to replace the sensor is when or if it goes bad.

Trust Glenwood Foreign Car Can Replace Your O2 Sensor

Glenwood Foreign Car first opened for business in 1977. Since then, we have built our reputation by providing quality services at reasonable prices. Volkswagen and other European and German automobile owners have come to count on us as experts in the foreign automobile industry. We are proud to serve our neighbors from Upper Makefield Township, Yardley, Newtown, Morrisville, and the surrounding communities. Please stop by or give us a call with your questions. We look forward to earning your business and more importantly, your trust.

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The muffler bracket is one of those vehicle components that many people hardly pay any attention to until they develop a problem. It is hardly news that many Volkswagen drivers have had to seek the services of auto mechanics after having experienced certain symptoms in their cars; symptoms that point to problems in the muffler bracket. What many of these owners don’t know is that the muffler bracket can be easily replaced without incurring much cost and the process is not labor intensive.

What is the Muffler Bracket?

A muffler bracket is a hanger through which the exhaust pipe under the car is passed such that it remains held up and in position. The muffler bracket is made of fortified rubber to ensure its longevity as it holds up the exhaust pipes and muffler for the proper functioning of the car. Going by its position underneath the car, the muffler bracket can easily be destroyed as a result of a number of factors.

Causes of Muffler Bracket Failure

The major cause of muffler bracket failure is wear and tear of the rubber component. In as much as the muffler is made of strong durable rubber, the driving conditions may easily shorten the life of the material and cause it to disintegrate much faster than anticipated by the manufacturer. Constantly bumping the underside of the car on bumps and potholes will likely bring on this hastened wear. This is particularly likely where the car is much lower and closer to the ground.

Extreme changes in temperature can also cause damage to the muffler bracket. Since the bracket is made of rubber, excessive summer heat and freezing winter temperatures will cause expansion and contraction of the rubber, and after a while the rubber will dry out and develop cracks. This may lead to failure, which then leads to the exhaust pipe hanging low and sometimes hitting the ground.

Symptoms of Muffler Bracket Failure

Since its main role is to hold up the exhaust pipe and ensure that it is in the perfect position to work efficiently, the pipe will likely feel the effects of muffler bracket failure immediately. These effects will present as noises from the underside of the car when driving on rough, uneven roads or when going over bumps or potholes.

In dire cases, the entire exhaust pipe may start dragging on the road as the car moves, posing a safety hazard to the vehicle’s occupants as well as other road users.

How to Handle Muffler Bracket Failure

Dealing with muffler bracket failure may be as simple as replacing the rubber loops or the entire exhaust system, depending on the extent of damage brought on by the failure. In case the rubber muffler bracket is simply broken, you’ll need to replace the loops. The first step in replacing these is to remove all the loops holding up the exhaust pipe. Usually, the muffler bracket has two rubber loops and both need to be replaced at the same time in order to prevent uneven wear that may render separate repairs counterproductive.

Because DIYs may not be everybody’s cup of tea, the best option is usually to take your Volkswagen into an auto repair shop and have a professional mechanic have a look. This way, you not only get the repair job done correctly the first time, but you also get an experienced technician who knows what they are doing to work on your car. This can be done easily if you have a proper servicing schedule for your car. During the course of the service, your mechanic will alert you to any repairs that need to be done before the exhaust pipe hangs too low, or worse still, scrapes on the ground as you drive.

Glenwood Foreign Car understands that your Volkswagen needs proper care and servicing. We have experience in handling European models like the Volkswagen and will ensure that your car remains in perfect condition so that you can enjoy the quality associated with it. We offer services to customers in Upper Makefield Township, Yardley, Newtown, and Morrisville, PA. Call or stop by today to make an appointment for your Volkswagen!

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