VW Technical Articles
In-depth articles on VW platforms, common service questions, and buying decisions — written for Simi Valley VW owners who want to understand their cars, not just pay for them.
The MK7 GTI Timing Chain Fix: What VW Changed and Why It Matters
The MK6 GTI had a well-documented timing chain problem. The MK7 was marketed as fixed. Here's exactly what changed in the EA888 Gen 3 tensioner, whether the fix actually held, and what MK7 owners still need to know about chain maintenance at high mileage. Read the full article →
Tiguan MK1 vs. MK2: Which Generation Is the Better Used Buy?
The MK1 and MK2 Tiguans sell at very different prices in the current market. What does the gap actually buy? Timing chain risk profile, reliability improvements on MK2, and the one service item that matters more than any other on both generations. Read the full article →
The DQ200 DSG Explained: Design Limitations, Real Problems, and What Fixes What
The DQ200 dry-clutch DSG is VW's most debated transmission. Some of what owners complain about is design. Some of it is deferred maintenance. Some is actual failure. This article separates all three so you know whether your symptoms require a $200 adaptation or a $2,000 clutch. Read the full article →