u/BeardGoesStuStuStu

Hey guys, looking for some advice from the pros on how to navigate this.

I got my car (brand new Golf) tinted on Thursday, including the front windshield. The issue with this car is there are zero physical buttons, the climate, volume, and heated seats are all controlled by a massive touchscreen and touch-sensitive sliders sitting right below the windshield gap.

On the drive home, the slip solution runoff clearly got into the electronics. The screen started flickering non-stop, and the AC was changing by itself.

Today (Friday), it's still glitching out. The power mirrors wouldn't work on startup, the heated seats keep randomly blasting on, and the heat cranked to max by itself in 95-degree weather.

I texted the shop owner immediately. He was actually super professional and told me: "I got you no matter what sir. If this is an inconvenience for you, then it’s my problem, not yours. Keep me posted."

He wants me to bring it in tomorrow (Saturday) morning so they can try blowing it out with an air compressor. I also have an appointment at the dealership booked shortly after.

My questions for the tinters here:

1. Is using an air compressor a bad idea right now? I’m worried it’ll just blast the soapy water deeper into the wiring harnesses.
2. Since he seems fully willing to take responsibility, how should I handle the repair/payment conversation with him tomorrow?
3. Do I just tell him flat-out that I want his shop to pay the dealership directly to replace the modules? Or do I ask for his Garage Keepers insurance info? What do you guys recommend as the most professional way to handle this so neither of us gets screwed?

Any advice from the business side of things is really appreciated!

Hey guys,

Dealing with a total nightmare on my leased MK8.5 R right now and could really use some advice. The car is barely 2 weeks off the lot with under 700km on the clock.

I got my windows tinted yesterday (Thursday), including the front windshield. On the drive home last night, the entire infotainment screen started flickering non-stop and the AC temperature was just changing all by itself.

I texted the shop owner right away. He was actually super responsive and said, "I got you no matter what sir. If this is an inconvenience for you, then it’s my problem, not yours. Keep me posted." He said to bring it in and they’d use an air compressor to dry it out.

Today (Friday) I had to work, but my wife took the car out and experienced the screen still flickering and the temps jumping around. When I took it out tonight to test it, the power mirrors completely refused to work on startup. While driving, the screen flickering mostly stopped (only did it twice), but the climate control is completely rogue. The heated seats were randomly turning themselves up and down, and the heat blasted to max by itself—and it was 35C (95F) today.

Tomorrow (Saturday), the shop owner wants me to bring it in so they can try blowing it out with an air compressor. I also have an appointment at the VW dealer booked shortly after.

Honestly, I've never dealt with this before. My questions:

1. Has anyone had this happen on their MK8/8.5? Did the modules eventually dry out and recover, or are they permanently fried?
2. Should I let the tint guy use an air compressor on it? I'm worried about them pushing water deeper or messing with the dash on a brand new lease.
3. How do I actually handle the repair process? Since he seems willing to take responsibility, do I just take it to VW, get the quote, and hand him the bill?

Any advice helps. Thanks.

Hey guys, I'm picking up a Golf R soon and I've been reading very conflicting opinions on a car's "break-in period".

Some folk are saying that they are broken in from the factory, and that we can drive them as hard as we want from day one. Some also say that the "break-in" period in its entirety is a myth.

On the other hand, there are people who swear by the break-in period and say that it'll do wonders for how long your vehicle lasts.

I know there are many opinions out there, but what is factual for a Golf R MK8.5? Does VW break them in during the building process, or is that something that the car owner is responsible for?

The manual does mention a break-in period, but I’m curious how much of that is mechanically necessary versus VW being cautious. For the MK8.5 Golf R specifically, does VW do any meaningful engine break-in at the factory, or is the owner still expected to follow the manual’s first 1,600 km guidance?

It's hard to find the “correct” answer to this question, and I'm hoping some of you guys can point me to the right answer, either via documentation, engineering explanations, or other official means besides “me thinks this.”

Edit: looks like i got my answer lol, i guess i was being impatient. Maybe i'll commit to a long drive to break the car in over the weekend. I will respect the break in period and the manual.

Edit2: picked up the car, guy at the dealer ship said “no real break-in time, just drive it a bit easier for the first 300km and then after that you should be fine.” I think I’ll just stick with the book. Thanks again everyone!

Hi,

I’m moving back into my parents house and we will end up having 5 cars as each driver has their own car. I’m just wondering if we’re able to get a permit for parking the car on the part in front of the sidewalk. We have some small cars that can easily fit without impeding the road or the sidewalk.

Is this permissible or do we need to get a permit that allows us to park like that. I know there are temporary permits but is there a way to get a long term permit?

Thanks!

My wife and I were looking at getting a second car, and we've both been fond of the golf for a while. We live in Canada, so the awd is a huge plus for the golf R (and the added performance ofc).

We are seeing rumors (some people claiming its fact) that the Golf R is getting the 5 cylinder engine from the rs3. That would be awesome! But being in North America, it sounds too good to be true.

Aside from the minor updates, is there any real reason for us to not pull the trigger on a '26 golf r, the dealer near me told me they've placed all of their orders for the year and after their stock goes they won't be getting any more till the '27s come out.

Golf R was one of my "affordable dream cars" so I'm really hyped about it. We do NEED a second car relatively soon, our wfh status changes in September, and we would be needing to commute to different cities. I could make public transit work for a few months if there's something worth waiting for on the '27s but I can't seem to find any reliable info online.

Just wanted to know if anyone has any knowledge or strong opinions on if its worth waiting. The only thing i can think of is that special edition, besides that I'd imagine a year over year update to the golf R would be minuscule.

Thanks for your time and help!