Volkswagen’s sales are resurging on the strength of its new lineup of SUVs. Whether you buy a car or crossover from this German make, proper maintenance should be on the top of your to-do list. To help with the ownership experience, VW also offers a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty with two years’ of scheduled maintenance starting with 2020 model year vehicles. It’s a change from the 6-year/72,000-mile limited bumper to-bumper warranty introduced in 2017. The both warranties are fully transferrable to subsequent owners.

Volkswagen Maintenance Schedules

10,000-Mile Service Intervals

Volkswagen utilizes a service schedule that divides itself into 10,000-mile segments or intervals. At the first 10K interval, VW recommends an oil and filter change, an inspection of the brake pads, and a service interval display reset (if applicable). For 2018 model year vehicles, Volkswagen will cover the costs of the first two oil changes, which typically occur at the 10K- and 20K-mile mark, while from 2020 it will include all regularly scheduled maintenance in the first two years of vehicle ownership.

20,000-, 40,000-, 60,000-miles

Alternatively, at 20,000-, 40,000-, 60,000-miles and more, plan on another oil and filter change, a check of the automatic headlight controls, battery, brake fluid, coolant levels, and then inspect for leakage from above and below, inspect the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), tire tread, inflation and wiper blades. More details can be found in your Volkswagen Owner’s Manual and Maintenance folders.

That covers most of what will happen for the first few years. But what if you plan on keeping your Volkswagen for longer than three or four years? Other options are available.

Extended Service/Extended Warranty

Volkswagen Care Program

The Volkswagen Care Program allows owners to pre-pay at today’s prices for their normally scheduled maintenance services and needs. Available for Volkswagen models from year 2015, it covers 20,000- and 30,000-mile maintenance. For model years 2016 and 2017, the program covers the 10,000-, 20,000- and 30,000-mile service, as detailed in the Warranty and Maintenance brochures. For model year 2018, the program covers the 10,000- and 20,000-mile visits. The Volkswagen Care Extra program extends the service out to 30,000 miles. The VW Care Plus Package 1 program stretches coverage farther out to 40,000- and 50,000-mile thresholds, while Care Plus Package 2 carries it even further to 60,000- and 70,000-mile marks.

Volkswagen Vehicle Service Protection Program

Volkswagen’s Vehicle Service Protection program from VW Financial Services, offers extended coverage of components including engine, transmission, hybrid/electric parts, shocks, suspension, audio, high-tech and others, with benefits which extend out to 10 years/120,000 miles. The program includes nationwide service at VW dealers or authorized service providers, 24-hour roadside assistance, towing and rental reimbursement, and is transferable with a nominal fee. See your Volkswagen Financial Services representative at your local dealer for more details and a package tailored for your specific needs.