Volkswagen drivers are often very pleased with the performance of their vehicles; after all, they’re one of the best-selling car brands worldwide. Known for their endurance and reliability, Volkswagen cars tend to hold up well over time, requiring minimally significant repairs over the life of the vehicle—assuming it’s well taken care of otherwise.

Ongoing vehicle maintenance is critical for Volkswagens, as well as all other types of cars. However, it’s essential to understand what makes Volkswagen’s unique from other cars in terms of maintenance and what repairs they typically encounter over the course of time. One such issue that comes up in certain Volkswagen cars is problems with wiring and electrical components. Wiring harness failure is common in older vehicles, and it’s important to be able to recognize the signs of failure to prevent significant damage to your Volkswagen. Here are some things to consider:

Why It’s Critical to Address Wiring Harness Failure Quickly and Effectively

The wiring harness is the protective outer layer of wires that keeps the internal material from becoming exposed. When wiring is exposed it can cause serious malfunctions to occur in your car’s performance, but it can also be extremely dangerous. Reports of car fires due to faulty wire harnesses or exposed wiring is not uncommon, but it’s highly preventable. It’s important to pay attention to warning signs and take preventive action.

Signs that Your Wiring Might Need Care

Failure of the wiring that gives power to certain components, such as the tail lights or headlights, might be most evident when they begin to fail; you may notice the lights not working properly, becoming dimmer, and ultimately unreliable and unsafe. You may also notice that your car might have trouble starting if wiring has become corroded or degraded. In the worst cases, degraded wire harnesses can lead to disastrous car fires or significant engine damage.

Why This Problem Occurs Mostly in Older Volkswagen Models

Over time, the harness that covers wiring begins to stiffen, crack, and crumble. As you might imagine, the reason why this is most common in older Volkswagen models is because the longer the wiring has gone un-replaced, the longer it has had to withstand time, environmental factors, and the hostile environment inside the car. Fluctuating temperatures from hot to cold can also take a toll on your Volkswagen’s wiring. Knowing this can greatly help you address wiring issues before they cause serious problems.

How to Prevent Wiring Harness Failure

Although wiring harness failure might be inevitable in older Volkswagen models, perhaps the best and most effective way to combat this issue is to commit to the ongoing care of your car. Funds spent on maintenance work for your car will be money well-spent; as this will prevent the need for significant, expensive repairs down the line due to wiring failure. Frequent inspections and routine care can give your Volkswagen specialist good insight into the condition of the wiring in your car at any given time. The more they have eyes on your car, the safer and more reliable your car will be. Furthermore, following up on troubling symptoms you experience rather than avoiding the mechanic shop is a critical step toward preventing wiring harness failure. The longer the issue goes unaddressed, the more expensive the repairs will be, the lengthier the repairs will be, and the higher the likelihood that more damage will occur.

How We Can Help

Here at Das European Autohaus, serving European import vehicles from Spring and Houston, TX, we have seen many wiring-related issues in a range of vehicles, including different Volkswagen models. While this problem is more unique to some car brands over others, usually due to manufacturing and engineering deficits, it’s most frequent in older models because of the nature of the wiring harness material. We know that wiring harness failure is to be expected in certain cars, and we know what to look for to help keep our clients safe and out of harms way. Having a reliable automotive shop that specializes in Volkswagen cars on your side to attend to your VW’s needs is essential to the longevity and performance of your car. If you’re having electrical issues in your VW or would simply like to speak to a professional about our services, please contact us to learn more. Rest assured that we can schedule an inspection for you right away.

* Vintage Volkswagen Buses image credit goes to: DutchScenery.