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Volkswagen Rollover Protection System Safety has always been a top priority of Volkswagen. We know this because they’re committed to giving drivers a driving experience that is as safe as it is enjoyable. Drivers in need of extra protection are those behind the wheel of convertible vehicles such as 2015 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible. When driving with the top down, driver and passengers are exposed, increasing the risk of injury in the event of an accident. To protect passengers in the event of a rollover accident, Volkswagen has developed the active Roll-Over Bar System. This is the Volkswagen rollover protection system that activates in the event of an accident in order to prevent a rolling vehicle from crushing passengers. How does the Volkswagen rollover bar system work? The rollover bar system provides better support behind the vehicle, protecting passengers in the back from being crushed if the vehicle rolls over. Located behind the rear head rests, two housings open in the event of a rollover. Inside these housings are two bars. The bars have a sectional design, making them capable of absorbing high forces. When the airbag system senses a possible rollover or collision, it activates the Volkswagen rollover protection system. The activation triggers the supporting beams to shoot up out of the housing. Fast-acting beams extend 10.5 inches in 0.25 seconds. The beams lock into place and work with the rigid front windshield frame to support the vehicle during a roll. Between the beams and the windshield, all four seats are protected. If the beams are extended but the convertible doesn’t flip, the beams can be pushed back into their housings and the cover replaced. This design helps drivers keep repair costs down. If you find yourself in need of repairs, our expert service staff is there for you. Just contact us to set up an appointment. With the Volkswagen Rollover Protection System, drivers can enjoy the fun of driving their 2015 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible with the top down without risking their safety. If you’re interested in learning more about Volkswagen features, systems and news, take a look at the rest of our blog. Do you want to get behind the wheel of a 2015 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible? Be sure to take a look at our inventory. We have a selection of models available. If you like any, let us know and we’ll set an appointment for you to take a test drive.

Anti-lock braking system in your car When you’re driving in snowy, icy or otherwise slippery road conditions, you might notice a symbol in yellow light up on your dash that says “ ABS”. This stands for anti-lock braking system and it’s designed to make steering and braking easier in poor road conditions. Essentially all vehicles on the market today feature ABS and you may find yourself wondering: how do ABS brakes work? With the Anti-lock braking system, drivers are able to better control their vehicles when braking hard on a slippery road surface. The system does this by preventing the wheels from locking. When the wheels of your vehicle lock up, the can no longer transmit cornering forces, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of accident. To keep this from happening, ABS the wheel sensors to monitor the rotational speed of each wheel. When the system senses that a one of the wheels may be about to lock, it reduces the brake pressure applied at the wheel until it starts to rotate freely again. This process is repeated several times per second to ensure driver’s safety. With the vehicle’s wheels rotating freely, the driver stays in control and is able to steer the vehicle while braking more easily. How to tell when the ABS at work You can tell when the anti-lock braking system is at work in your car by feeling a slight shuddering from the brake pedal. The light will also appear on your dash when one of your wheels is at risk of locking, warning you of potential ABS braking. When the system is in action, vehicles remain stable in poor road conditions and drivers are able to control their vehicle’s direction during braking with ease. This makes it significantly easier for drivers to avoid accidents. ABS is available in all Volkswagen vehicle models. If you’re having problems with your brakes, contact our expert service staff as soon as possible. We’ll be happy to take a look and make any necessary repairs to your vehicle. Those interested in getting behind the wheel of one of our vehicles can take a look at our available inventory. If any of our Volkswagen models catch your eye, be sure to contact us here at Speedcraft Volkswagen. We’ll be happy to set you up with a test drive.

Whether you’re in need of body work or just looking for an oil change, Speedcraft Volkswagen is your go-to for Volkswagen vehicles and more. Here at our Volkswagen dealership, we’re committed to giving you the highest quality service whenever you need it. Our highly trained service team will work diligently to get your car back on the road. Services available at Speedcraft Volkswagen Here at Speedcraft Volkswagen, we know that car problems are more than just inconvenient – they can be dangerous as well. That’s why we offer a wide selection of services to not only fix car problems, but prevent them, too. We can help you with everything from general maintenance to tire rotations to a full transmission flush. If you’re interested in scheduling a service with us, don’t hesitate to contact us through our site or by phone. Regular maintenance with VW Care program Regular car maintenance is the best way to avoid car problems. That’s why Volkswagen allows you to schedule prepaid maintenance plans, ensuring that your vehicle is always in top health. With the VW Care program, customers can choose between two different care plans. If you’re interested in the program, we’d be happy to get you started. If you’re looking for parts for an at-home repair or project, we can help you there, too. Your vehicle’s quality is directly related to the quality of its parts. For that reason, we ensure that we provide our customers with only the highest quality parts. While the parts may be more expensive than those at retail stores, the high quality of our parts is always worth the price. On top of that, they’ll work to prevent future issues and repairs. Those interested in taking advantage of one of our many available services can contact us here at Speedcraft Volkswagen and one of our friendly Customer Service Representatives will happily schedule an appointment with one of our departments for you.

Schedule Service Service Center Recognizing common transmission problems The transmission in your car is a complicated mechanical system. It controls how the power from you engine is distributed to the driveshaft and a small problem could result in major issues with your vehicle. So as soon as you notice any of these common transmission problems, you should try to find a way to get them fixed. Your car’s transmission experiences more wear and tear from daily use than most parts of the vehicles which is why it’s important to pay close attention to it and keep it maintained. If you’re in need of a service or maintenance on your transmission, be sure to contact us here at Speedcraft Volkswagen. To help you identify problems with your car’s transmission, we've compiled a list of 5 common transmission problems Lack of response You might notice that, while driving, your car hesitates or refuses to go into gear.  This is a clear-cut sign of a problem with your transmission. This problem is usually caused by a bad clutch that needs to be replaced, but it may also be caused by a more severe problem. Strange noises Another sign of problems with your transmission is hearing whining, clunking and humming. If your vehicle starts making a noise that you aren't used to while shifting gears, it’s a good idea to get it checked out. Leaking fluid The most recognizable problem with transmission is leaking fluids. This problem should be repaired as soon as possible. Leaking fluid that goes unchecked is one of the most common sources of transmission break down. The fluid in your transmission is essential to ensuring it runs properly. When your fluids are low or start to leak, it can cause serious damage. Dragging clutch If you have a manual transmission, you might experience a dragging clutch. This is described as the clutch disk failing to disengage the flywheel when the clutch is pressed. The problem makes it difficult or impossible to change gears and is accompanied by a grinding noise. It’s usually caused by too much slack in the clutch pedal, which is a relatively easy and inexpensive fix. Noisy transmission in neutral There are a few causes of a noisy transmission while in neutral. Fixing it could be as easy as adding or changing the fluid. However, if that doesn't work, you may need to replace worn out parts such as the bearings, gear teeth or the reverse idler gear. If you run into any of these common transmission problems and are in need of assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us here at Speedcraft Volkswagen. Our expert staff would be happy to assist you with any maintenance needs. It should be noted that most of these problems can be avoided with regular maintenance. If you would like to schedule an appointment for a service, contact us here and we’ll set you up.

Easy maintenance tips to prevent car problems Sometimes accidents happen. But it’s important to do all that you can to prevent them from happening to your car. A lot of car problems with your vehicle can be solved with proper maintenance. By following these easy maintenance tips, we hope to help with preventing common problems. One of the more common problems car owners run into is their engine misfiring. This occurs when one of the engine’s spark plugs fires at the wrong time or not at all. Each spark plug is timed to fire at a specific time and a misfire can be caused by a number of things. Some causes of this problem are bad wiring, bad fuel delivery, a vacuum leak or a mechanical breakdown. The best way to avoid problems with your spark plugs is by having regular maintenance performed on your vehicle and ensuring that your vehicle is properly tuned. Another issue you may run into is an evaporative emissions leak. The evaporative emissions system control system is designed to trap the gas tank fumes. Problems with this system can occur when a leak is caused by corrosion in the vapor lines or a comprised canister. To fix this, the leak must be located and the part should be fixed or replaced. You can prevent this issue by making sure you gas cap is closed properly after refueling and rust does not build up on the system line. Catalytic converter failure is another preventable problem that drivers that drivers often run into that can lead to some expensive repair. It can result from rust and corrosion causing a leak or internal plugging caused by a carbon buildup. If this happens, the only way to fix it is to replace the converter. Keeping your engine maintained is the easiest way to avoid this problem. Be sure to keep up with regular scheduled tune ups and system maintenance. Maintenance at Speedcraft Volkswagen A lot of problems with cars are preventable with regular maintenance, but when they’re unavoidable, we’re there for you. Our expert staff would be happy to help you with any auto problems you might come across. If you run into any of these problems and are in need of a service or maintenance, be sure to contact us here at Speedcraft Volkswagen through our website or by phone. For more information about maintaining your vehicle, be sure to take a look at the rest of our blog entries.

Volkswagen recalls over 6,000 models due to faulty component Volkswagen has followed in BMW and Nissan's suit in recalling some of their vehicles due to problems with equipment supplied by Bosch engineering company. The parts in question are the nickel-plated fuel pumps. It has been discovered that the nickel plating has the potential to chip off the part and cause problems with the pump. The 2015 Volkswagen Golf is the most recent victim in a string of vehicle recalls caused by this problem. Along with the Volkswagen recall, other victims include the Audi A4 and GTI.  The total number of these models that need to be repaired add up to 6,204 units. Problems like this have been known to happen before. For this case, the pump’s nickel plating can possibly flake and fall off of the component. The nickel chips could end up causing friction in the pump and, if left unchecked, eventually lead to the component failing. No reports of accidents or injuries resulting from this issue in Volkswagen have been made, but this remains a serious problem. Even though these models don’t have the same exact component, all of them have feature the same nickel plating process. Because of this, all of them have the potential to be dangerous to drivers. Owners of recalled vehicles If you’re the owner of a model of the 2015 Volkswagen Golf, there is a good chance that it has been recalled. If you are the owner of a vehicle affected by the problems with the Bosch parts, you should be notified by mail soon if you haven’t been already. Unfortunately, Bosch does not currently have enough parts made to replace all of the defective components. Automakers are currently working with them in order to create more pumps to replace the defective ones. It is important to note that once parts become available, our service department will replace these components for affected customers free of charge. If you haven’t received notification of a recall, but still want to see if your vehicle is affected, you can do so easily on the Volkswagen website. The Volkswagen recall tool makes it easy to check up on your vehicle based on its VIN number. Your car’s VIN number should be located on the driver’s side dashboard, or on the sticker inside the driver doorjam. If you can’t find it in either of these places, the number can also be found on your registration form. With it, you can use the recall tool to view what recalls have been issued for you vehicle. If you have a used vehicle, you can also view if any recalls have been made on your vehicle in the past, and if the problem had been fixed.

With the summer fast approaching and school ending for the year, kids are going to be looking forward to your next family vacation. While they may be looking forward to your next family trip, you may be dreading the drive with a car full of cooped-up kids. Worry not! We have some tips for keeping your kids occupied and your own sanity. So whether you've got a twenty minute drive or six hour trip, these tips and tricks are sure to make long drives more bearable for you and your kids. Make the car ride fun Making the car ride fun is easier than it sounds. If you want to keep kids occupied in the back seat, try providing them with new toys. These don’t have to be extravagant or expensive toys, Silly Putty, yo-yos and other small toys found at the dollar store will do a lot to curb their boredom. Coloring books, word searches and other paper games are also a great way to entertain kids during the trip. Try holding off on giving these to the kids until they start getting bored, it’ll keep them occupied longer. Minimize stops When you’re driving with kids, you want to minimize stops as much as possible. That being said, make sure to offer bathroom breaks when available. You can reduce your number of stops by fueling up before you go and packing multiple snacks. Packing snacks that you don’t usually give your kids will keep their interest longer, but be sure to monitor their sugar intake. If your kids are more technologically inclined, portable video games systems and tablets can keep them entertained for hours. Otherwise, a portable DVD player is another great way to keep them occupied. Audiobooks and Kids CDs are also great ways to entertain your kids in the car, and may even put them to sleep in the process. If you’re looking for a new vehicle to take you on your family vacation, we offer the 2015 Volkswagen Golf and the 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan which offer plenty of room for your family and their gear. If you’re just looking for a temporary vehicle for your trip, we also offer rentals of select new vehicles. A new vehicle offers a new and exciting experience for kids during the drive. Contact us for more information. Have any tips and tricks of your own for keeping kids occupied in the car during long tips? Let us know in the comments below!

Bluetooth® capabilities in the 2015 Jetta When you get behind the wheel of a 2015 Volkswagen Jetta, you already know you’re driving in comfort and safety. But did you also know that the Jetta offers a selection of other services for your entertainment and convenience? Well it can with to its wireless Bluetooth ® capabilities. With Bluetooth, drivers have access to a variety of services right there in their car. With Bluetooth® technology, you can wirelessly connect your phone and car. When connected, you can drive while talking on the phone – without even touching your device. An overhead microphone picks up your voice while the car’s speakers allow you to hear the conversation. This means you can hold conversations on your phone in your car without ever taking your hands off the wheel. The Bluetooth technology also allows you to steam music. With a Bluetooth connection, you can stream music from your device through your car’s speakers. You’ll never have to worry about finding music to listen to, you favorites will be right on hand. How to pair your Jetta and phone with Bluetooth Pairing your device with Bluetooth is quick and easy. First, you need to ensure that your phone is compatible with the Jetta’s Bluetooth. You can do this at vw.com/bluetooth. Fill out the necessary information and make sure you’re good to go. Then, your vehicle should be in the accessory mode with the parking break applied in order to begin the pairing process. From the Bluetooth menu on your phone, search for new devices. The option for “VW PHONE” should appear after the search. This option should be selected. Some devices may prompt some alerts about the Bluetooth. You can then accept the notifications so that a connection will be established automatically. Now you have access to your phonebook directly from your vehicle. After your vehicle is paired, you can place and receive calls while on the road. Be sure to remain attentive while behind the wheel and not allow phone calls to be a distraction. To get behind the wheel of a 2015 Volkswagen Jetta with Bluetooth capabilities, see our inventory. If any of them catch your eye, contact us here at Speedcraft Volkswagen to set up a test drive.

How to tell when a car needs a tune up Can you remember the last time you took your car in for a tune up? If the answer is no, odds are it’s probably due for one. While your vehicle may appear to be running normally, there could still be issues going unnoticed. With new models particularly, it’s important to pay close attention to the slightest change in your engine. The current technology in cars often covers up what would normally be a sign of problems with your car. Looking for these common signs a vehicle needs a tune up can save you in the long run. If you find yourself wondering when to get a tune up, there are a few signs you can look for to give you an idea of what's happening under the hood. Some signs of problems are obvious, while others are more subtle. If you notice that your vehicle makes a knocking noise while accelerating or driving uphill, this is often a sign that your engine needs attention. While this could just be caused your car having a tank full of inferior gas, it could also be a carbon build-up inside the engine. Difficulty starting your vehicle is also a sign that your engine could use some work. This is a common issue in cars, and it is usually solved with some maintenance. Stalling or losing power are more signs that your car needs a tune up. These issues can be  caused by several factors, so it’s difficult to identify the source without a thorough inspection. If you notice your vehicle has either of these problems, even just in certain conditions, chances are there is something wrong in your engine. Subtle signs your vehicle needs a tune up Certain signs of problems require you pay a little closer attention to your vehicle. It’s common for engine issues to lead to less fuel efficiency in your vehicle. If you notice that your vehicle’s gas mileage is not what it used to be, the cause could be an issue with its engine. Keeping track of your MPG is a good way to ensure your vehicle is running properly. In addition to strange sounds, odors are also signs of problems. If you notice the smell of rotten eggs, this is usually a sign of issues with your engine or catalytic converter. Both issues can be resolved with some maintenance. Without a healthy engine, your vehicle is a ticking time bomb. Engine maintenance is a vital part of having a well-kept vehicle, so knowing when it needs a tune up is essential for car owners. If you notice your vehicle is running differently or showing any of the above signs, be sure to contact us to set up an appointment for a tune up. If you know what you're looking for and want faster service, we can get you rolling faster with our Service Xpress.

The 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan has all the style and appeal you could ask for in a compact crossover SUV. The Tiguan has a long list of features that come standard, making it easy to get your money’s worth. So if you’re looking for a family vehicle with plenty of interior and exterior features, be sure to take a look at the 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan. 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan’s interior features Your comfort and safety is the number one concern of the 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan. With height adjustable cloth bucket front seats, you’re sure to be driving in comfort. The manual adjustable lumbar support and seat height lets you customize your seat. Personalized seats offer the most comfortable driving or riding experience possible. Rear seats are capable of reclining as well as split-folding for passenger comfort or additional cargo space. Interior air filtration and air conditioning ensure that the inside of your vehicle is always comfortable. For additional comfort, the 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan features eight speakers for a full audio experience. The AM/FM stereo, satellite radio and auxiliary audio input and USB with external media control means you’ll never struggle to find something to listen to. The Tiguan’s interior also features Bluetooth®  capability for hands-free, wireless phone calls. Exterior features of the 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan The 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan has an epa mileage estimate of 21 city/ 26 hwy mpg. It rides on 16 inch alloy wheels that can handle all seasons. An inside mounted temporary spare tire is also included for your convenience in case you need it. Cargo tie downs and trailer wiring makes the Tiguan not only a fashionable, but a capable vehicle. The Tiguan is a crossover SUV with a long list of safety features meant to keep you safe on the road. Daytime running lights enhance your vehicle’s visibility. Stability control, traction control, emergency braking assist and brake drying help make the Tiguan easier to control in bad weather. Dual front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags, child seat anchors and post-collision safety system are there for you in the event of an accident. Interested in the 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan? Let us know in the comments! If you’re considering the Tiguan as your next vehicle, take a look at our inventory for available models and let us know if you’d like to schedule a test drive.

How to know when your tires need to be rotated Every car driver knows that tire rotation is an essential part of car maintenance. When done properly and consistently,  tire rotation can extend the life of your tires, improve your vehicle’s handling and even improve gas mileage. You may be asking: when should tires be rotated? Simply follow these easy tips to gauge when your next rotation should be. Your tires are an essential part of the running of your vehicle and as such, they should be maintained properly. When rotating your tires, the process requires each tire to be moved to a different corner of the vehicle in order to distribute the vehicle’s weight and, as a result, wear evenly. By doing this, you ensure that your tires wear out evenly and at the same rate, rather than a part of one tire wearing out faster than the rest. That way, you can buy your tires all at once rather than getting one after another. Your vehicle’s owner manual should give you the exact time when to rotate your tires. Recommended times can range between every 3,000-7,000 miles, depending on your specific vehicle. If you’re not sure and don’t have access to your owner’s manual, a good estimate is to get your tires rotated every other time you go in for an oil change. How tires should be rotated Most vehicles have a specific rotation pattern that should be employed in order to optimize your rotation. Again, these should be found in your owner’s manual, but if you don’t have that, the standard rotation pattern should work just fine. The pattern doesn't matter as much as long as you’re consistent with it. For the standard pattern, just move the front tires to their opposite back corner. For certain vehicles, tires can’t be crossed as they are in the standard pattern. This includes vehicles with unidirectional tires, older bias ply tires and different sized tires, for obvious reasons. In these cases, just switch the tires to the left and right instead. If it’s time for your vehicle to come in for a rotation and you don’t want to do it yourself, feel free to schedule an appointment for a rotation and oil change. We also have a selection of other services available here at Speedcraft Volkswagen if you’re in need of any other maintenance.

The VW Beetle in Rhode Island It’s safe to say that the Volkswagen Beetle is still one of the most universally recognizable cars ever built. Its historical significance in pop culture, modern American society, the sexual revolution, and the 60s and 70s counterculture cannot be understated. The VW Beetle in Rhode Island is still a big piece of Americana, and it’s still treasured by so many. The Volkswagen Beetle Has Come a Long Way since it was first introduced, and a few recent videos make that more evident than ever. The National Geographic channel produced a half hour documentary on the history and evolution of the Volkswagen Beetle. It is pretty incredible, and filled with historic interviews and footage that really help to place this piece of nostalgia in a cultural context. It is 30 minutes well spent for anyone who loves the bug. Coincidentally, this week VW also released a pretty epic video showing the 2015 VW Beetle in all its modern glory. We currently have several Beetle configurations in stock here in Rhode Island. They are as affordable as they have ever been. We even set up a virtual showroom right here on our website to let you see all of the options and features of the new 2015 Beetle. If you’ve never driven a bug, they are absurdly fun with tons of personality. They still turn more heads than any other VW model. Feel free to schedule a test drive for a time that is most convenient for you. And, as always, feel free to pop in whenever you’re in the neighborhood! Also, be sure to check out the latest VW Incentives for the Beetle and the Beetle Convertible. Driving the car of your dreams is more possible than you probably realized.