Small yet capable. That’s how we’d like to explain the VW Golf. With elements that boast luxury, advanced features and fixtures that make this five-door look tough, the Golf is VW’s best-seller for years. The hatch offers a dominating road presence and a spacious cabin with lots of head and legroom, courtesy to its substantial dimensional extent. The car stands at 1,452 mm tall, 1,7 99 mm wide, and is 4,258 mm long.

The Golf is available in three engine options - the entry-level R-Line is powered by a 1.4-litre mill making 150 PS and 250 Nm of torque. The Golf GTI gets the bigger 2.0-litre turbo unit producing 230 PS and 350 Nm. The same engine is sported in the range-topping R variant, where it offers a maximum power of 290 PS and a peak torque of 380 Nm. All three Golf trims feature the same 7-speed DSG transmission system.

Being a German car with so much to offer, one might think the VW Golf would require relatively more attention when it comes to maintenance. If you too are a Golf owner looking for the right way to show the hatch some love, here’s a quick and essential maintenance guide.

1. Know the basics

Driving a car is one thing; knowing how it works and responds to every action is another. While all Volkswagen cars are built on the same global standard, one must always remember that your driving style is proportional to the car’s longevity.

Those who drive VW vehicles with DSG transmission will not know that a dual-clutch transmission is connected to the powertrain. Most people think they have an automatic setup that gets excellent fuel economy. Only when the service interval elapses or a transmission component fails that they learn about DSG. It is lighter than the automatic unit with the same number of speeds, and less weight = better mileage.

Coming to DSG maintenance, fluid service is the key to VW DSG sound operation. The company recommends a 150,000 fluid service interval for most; however, more frequent service is suggested if the car is used for severe-duty.
Also, DSG transmission comes with a cartridge filter, which should be replaced before the transmission is drained.

2. Icons to remember

Modern vehicles like the VW Golf are outfitted with advanced technologies like sensors, early warning systems, and all kinds of driving assists that have accompanying icons and indicators that will notify you when something is amiss. These icons/indicators blink on the instrument cluster and should never be ignored.

Check the owner’s manual for reference is strongly suggested, however, here are a few warning icons you need to check often - check engine light, service engine light, Oil Warning Light, ABS Warning Light, Electrical Fault Light, Coolant Warning Light, and Brake Warning Light.

Whenever you start the ignition, the first thing you should do is check for warning indicators on the instrument cluster. In case you are unable to address the situation, it’s best to contact the dealership or authorised service centre. Like most situations, prevention is always better (here cheaper, as well) than cure.

 

3. Stick to a fuel

Another way to ensure your car’s good health is by ensuring you are feeding it with the right fuel. An excellent and suggested practice is to stick with a fuel you’ve been using, as different companies will have various fuels that may have different cetane ratings. Some fuels are designed for high-performance engines while others have better fuel economy. Sticking with one fuel will keep your engine happy.

Lastly, we’d like to say always talk to the authorised service centre personnel as he/she will help you form the right habit when performing minor maintenance check-ups on your Golf. Also, always bring your car to the authorised service dealer for periodic maintenance check-ups to get it professionally serviced.

Also Read: Volkswagen Golf vs Mazda 3 Hatchback - Performance or Elegance?