What Your VW Needs — and When
VW's service requirements go beyond oil changes and tire rotations. DSG fluid intervals, Haldex AWD service, timing chain windows, and the oil specifications that actually protect these engines are the items that separate high-mileage VWs that run well from ones that don't.
DSG Service — DQ200 and DQ250
DQ200 dry-clutch (most FWD): mechatronic adaptation and clutch inspection every 40,000 miles. DQ250 wet-clutch (AWD / GTI): fluid and filter every 40,000 miles. Skipping DSG service is the leading cause of avoidable transmission repairs on modern VWs.
DSG Service Guide →VW Oil Spec — 502.00 and 504.00
VW specifies 502.00 for most TSI gasoline engines and 504.00 for LongLife service intervals. Non-VW-spec oil accelerates carbon buildup and timing chain wear. The spec is on the oil cap — here's what the labels actually mean.
Oil Spec Guide →Timing Chain Service — EA888 Gen 1 & Gen 2
Inspect at 60,000 miles on Gen 1/2 applications (2008–2014 GTI, Jetta, Tiguan, Passat 2.0T). Replace chain, tensioner, and guides as a complete package when wear is found. Gen 3+ (2015+) has significantly extended interval.
Timing Chain Service Guide →Carbon Cleaning — Walnut Blasting
Every TSI direct-injection engine accumulates intake valve carbon. Recommended at 60,000–80,000 miles across the lineup. Walnut blasting is the only effective cleaning method — chemical cleaners do not remove hardened carbon deposits.
Carbon Cleaning Guide →Haldex AWD Service — Golf R, Tiguan 4MOTION, Touareg
The Haldex rear differential coupling on AWD VW models requires fluid service every 30,000–40,000 miles. Most owners don't know this service exists until the Haldex fails — at which point reactive repair costs $2,200–$3,800.
Haldex Service Guide →PCV Valve Inspection
The PCV system on TSI engines should be inspected at every major service interval. A failed PCV diaphragm creates a vacuum leak that causes multiple seemingly unrelated symptoms. Inexpensive part, quick replacement, often resolves multiple fault codes.
PCV Service Guide →