The German Van Specialist For Your Service
At Volks Autos, we specialise in servicing German Volkswagen commercial vans, including the VW Caddy, VW Transporter, VW Amarok, VW Crafter, and more. Based in Sutton, South London, our independent van service centre boasts over 180 years of combined expertise in German vehicles.
Expert Servicing
Choosing Volks Autos means benefiting from our extensive experience, specialist knowledge, and advanced tooling and diagnostics equipment. We service your van to manufacturer specifications using high-quality parts, ensuring your vehicle is well-maintained without affecting its manufacturer’s warranty. With competitive pricing and exceptional facilities, we offer a genuine alternative to main dealerships for all your van servicing needs.
Minor Service
Our Minor Service includes an engine oil and oil filter change and a comprehensive inspection. Following manufacturer guidelines and service schedules, our experienced technicians will conduct a road test and perform a detailed health check. Our health check involves examining vital van components, such as fluids, tyres, and brakes, before resetting your service light. We will document your service history in your service book or update it in your online digital service record.
Minor Service With Pollen Filter
This service includes everything from our Minor Service, plus a pollen filter replacement and cleaning of the pollen filter housing.
Major Service
Our Major Service includes all the benefits of the Minor Service with Pollen Filter replacement, plus an air filter replacement, fuel filter (for diesel vehicles), or spark plugs (for petrol vehicles), ensuring your van operates at maximum efficiency.
From Minor to Major Services, every service we provide includes comprehensive checks to ensure your commercial van is thoroughly inspected and maintained to the highest standards. See our service checklist below for full details.
Van Service Checklist
What We Replace
- Replace Oil Filter
- Replace the sump plug seal or washer as required
- Drain engine oil and refill with the correct grade, type and quantity
- Replace the Pollen Filter and clean housing (applicable only for Minor Services with Pollen Filter & Major Services)
- Replace the Air Filter (applicable only for Major Services)
- Replace Fuel Filter (applicable only to diesel vehicles as part of the Major Service)
- Replace Spark Plugs (applicable only to petrol vehicles as part of the Major Service)
Service intervals may vary depending on your manufacturer’s recommendations and requirements. Please contact our service team for guidance if you’re unsure which service your vehicle needs.
Vehicle Interior & Electrics
- Check the function of all front and rear lights
- Check the function of all warning lights
- Check the function of the horn
- Check the condition and operation of all seat belts
- Check the condition and operation of all foot pedals (inc rubbers)
- Replace the Pollen Filter and clean housing (applicable only for Minor Services with Pollen Filter & Major Services)
- Perform visual check of front airbags
- Check the Air Conditioning operation
- Check and adjust the interior clock if required
Vehicle Exterior
- Check windscreen wiper conditions and operation
- Visual check of all lenses
- Lubricate all doors, bonnet and door hinges, catches and latches
- Check windscreen wiper condition and operation
- Check rear wiper condition (if applicable)
- Check screen wash/wipe spray setting and adjust (if required)
- Check the windscreen for chips & cracks
- Check the number plate condition
Vehicle From Below
- Visual check of the entire exhaust system
- Check the play, security, and boots of track rod ends
- Visual check of swivel joints
- Visual check of brake system components
- Check the condition of all engine belts and pulleys
- Check the tension of engine drive belts and adjust
- Check manual/auto gearbox oil level and replenish (if required)
- Visual check of gearbox
- Visual check of the final drive system
- Visual check of drive shaft gaiters
- Check the condition and thickness of the front brake pads and discs
- Check the condition and thickness of the rear brake pads and discs
- Visual of underbody panels and sealant
- Visually check the routing of all lines and cables
- Visual check of the suspension system
- Visually check all body panel plugs and grommets
Engine
- Drain engine oil and refill with the correct grade, type and quantity
- Replace Oil Filter
- Replace the sump plug seal or washer as required
- Replace the Air Filter (applicable only for Major Services)
- Replace Fuel Filter (applicable only to diesel vehicles as part of the Major Service)
- Replace Spark Plugs (applicable only to petrol vehicles as part of the Major Service)
- Visual check of engine and components in engine bay
- Check for excessive oil leaks
- Check the level and frost protection of the cooling system
- Check the oil level of the power steering system (if applicable)
- Review the service schedule for additional time or mileage-based operations according to the vehicle’s age or mileage.
- Check Battery security and condition*
- Test alternator charging rate
-
*Please note some vehicles are exempt from the battery test due to the location of the battery.
Tyres
- Perform basic setting of tyre pressure monitoring system
- Check tyre condition and tread depth
- Check spare tyre (if applicable)
- Check the expiry date of the Inflation kit (if applicable)
- Set wheel nut torque to the manufacturer’s settings
Final Checks
- Reset your Service light
- Provide you with a comprehensive health check report
- Update your service book or Digital Service Schedule
- We’re here to answer any questions you have and can arrange follow-up appointments if needed
- Receive a transparent, itemised invoice for complete peace of mind
- Enjoy a loyalty card for future savings
Service Extra’s
Enhance your van’s performance with our engine and fuel system treatments or carbon clean during your service. These services are designed to improve efficiency, prevent costly repairs, and boost fuel economy.
Carbon Clean – Price On Request
We offer two types of carbon cleaning for your van:
Hydrogen Injection: Specialist equipment injects hydrogen into the air intake to break down carbon deposits without removing parts.
Valve Clean: A more intensive method where the intake manifold is removed, and granules are blasted over the valves to remove build-up.
Engine Flush – £15.00
Our engine flush treatment reduces carbon in the oil system, improving performance and fuel economy while helping to prevent unnecessary repairs. It is suitable for both petrol and diesel engines.
Fuel Treatment – £15.00
This treatment cleans and lubricates the fuel system, reducing deposits that can cause component failures and increase exhaust emissions. It’s available for petrol and diesel engines and is ideal for maintaining peak fuel system performance.
FAQs
Why do I need to service my vehicle?
Regularly servicing your vehicle not only ensures its safety but also helps prevent unnecessary additional repairs, keeping it in the best possible condition. Routine oil and filter changes are essential, as the oil lubricates internal components, and the filters collect particles that contaminate the oil during use. By regularly servicing your vehicle, you can avoid costly mechanical repairs in the future and maintain optimal performance.
What service do I need?
Minor Service: Typically recommended every 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first.
Minor Service With Pollen Filter: Typically recommended every 2 years or 20,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Major Service: Typically recommended every 4 years or 40,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Please Note: Service intervals may vary depending on your vehicle’s needs and the manufacturer’s recommendations. If you are unsure about the type of service your vehicle requires, our friendly and knowledgeable service team is here to assist you. We can access your manufacturer’s technical data, service intervals, and schedules. We will guide you through the manufacturer’s recommendations based on your vehicle’s age and service history.
What is an air filter?
The function of an Air filter is to help stop contaminants from getting into the engine, helping to extend its life. It also lets the engine breathe more easily, which can help enhance performance and efficiency.
What is a pollen filter?
The purpose of a pollen filter is to stop contaminants getting into your interior via its heating and ventilation system. The pollen filter prevents dust, dirt, soot and pollen entering your vehicle interior. As well as having the added benefit of protecting against pollution gases, exhaust fumes and bad odour.
Must I use a main dealer until my manufacturer’s warranty expires?
You are not required to have your vehicle serviced by a main dealer to maintain the manufacturer’s warranty. Thanks to the European Block Exemption regulation introduced in October 2003, you can choose where to service your car. At Volks Autos, our brand-trained technicians ensure that your service follows the manufacturer’s recommended schedule using approved parts. We will update your service book or digital service schedule to reflect the completed work.
Can only main dealer update my Digital Service Record?
As a registered German car specialist, we have secure access to check and update your service record for all German vehicles and most manufacturers currently using Digital Service Records. Additionally, we can review your Digital Service Record to provide advice on any upcoming service items that may be due, all in line with your vehicle’s manufacturer specifications.
Can you reset my service light once the service is complete?
Yes. We have all the necessary electronic equipment to be able to reset your service light and variable service indicators once we have completed your service here at Volks Autos.
Do you perform a health check on my vehicle during the service?
During your oil change service, our brand-trained technicians will perform a detailed Health Check on your vehicle. This check covers various aspects of your vehicle’s health, and the results will be sent directly to your phone, allowing you to see any issues first-hand.
Will you let me know if there is any additional work needed?
We will not proceed with any additional work without your authorisation. If further repairs are needed, your service advisor will contact you with an estimate for the required work.
3rd party warranty – Can I use this at Volks Autos?
Yes, you can use a third-party warranty at Volks Autos. After diagnosing the fault, we can communicate with your warranty company on your behalf, explaining the issue and providing a repair estimate. Typically, customers pay the repair fees to the garage, and the warranty company reimburses them. Most warranty companies require the customer to authorise and cover diagnosis costs before agreeing to contribute to the repair.
Do you offer warranty on repairs you carry out?
We use only the highest quality parts from trusted suppliers and offer a minimum 12-month or 12,000-mile warranty on all mechanical repairs.
Do I need to pay upfront?
Payment is due upon completion of the work when you collect your vehicle. We accept most credit and debit cards or cash. Some special order parts may need to be paid for before ordering.
MOT
MOT – £49.00
All vehicles require a MOT by law every 12 months once your car reaches three years old to ensure it is safe and roadworthy.
MOT – Class 7 – £55.00
Class 7 is for vehicles weighing between 3.0 and 3.5 tonnes.
