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Volkswagen Turbocharged Sales Event Providence RI It should come as little surprise that the summer months in Rhode Island have proven to be some of our busiest at Speedcraft VW; after all, the excellent weather and many scenic byways make for some of America’s most compelling driving. Of course, a natural extension of these idyllic conditions is the desire to drive some of the finest vehicles available, and this is where Speedcraft VW’s just-announced Turbocharged Sales Event comes in. The Turbocharged Sales Event works like this. When a customer buys or leases any new 2014 Volkswagen turbocharged model at Speedcraft VW--including such standbys as the Passat, Beetle and Tiguan--he or she receives a Volkswagen Prepaid MasterCard ® Turbocharged Reward Card good for a value of $1,000. The card is valid wherever Debit MasterCard is accepted, and the offer for the Turbocharged Sales Event extends through September 2nd, 2014. As if the offer of $1,000 (complemented by a turbocharged Volkswagen, of course) wasn’t a stirring enough offer all on its own, the Turbocharged Sales Event may now be combined with Speedcraft VW’s Sign & Drive Event. By taking advantage of our Sign & Drive offer, eligible shoppers signing a 36-month lease for a Volkswagen vehicle will have their first month’s payment made by Speedcraft. This is true of any lease available! Obviously, the potential to combine these two offers at Speedcraft VW is something that any Providence-area driver might be wise to consider. While the $1,000 Debit MasterCard certainly stands as an attractive offer all on its own, the additional potential to save a full month’s lease payment nudges the Turbocharged Sales Event into “can’t-afford-to-ignore” territory. However, this offer won’t last long. Available only until the end of July, area drivers can now find themselves in such attractive turbocharged Volkswagen models such as the Jetta, Golf GTI or CC, and with special lease offers and a $1,000 Debit MasterCard to boot. Pay us a visit at Speedcraft VW near Providence today!

2014 VW Touareg vs. 2014 BMW X5 Providence RI When you’re inching toward the upper reaches of SUV luxury, deciding between two of the finer available models may come down simply to a matter of taste. Perhaps more frequently, the decision may reflect an attraction to a few key factors that push one model ahead of the other. Debating the merits of these two--the 2014 VW Touareg and the 2014 BMW X5 --is certainly an exercise in hair-splitting, and hoping to declare a so-called “winner” at the expense of the other is pretty difficult. Under the hood, both the Touareg and the competing X5 feature a variety of powertrains that range from compelling to excellent in terms of quality. The most popular engine options for each get such recognition for a reason; in the 2014 VW Touareg, leading the way is a 3.0L TDI V6, paired with an eight-speed manual transmission to produce an excellent 29 mpg on the highway. The X5, meanwhile, tries a 3.0L Turbo Inline-6 to produce roughly 27 highway mpg. The well-crafted interior of the latest VW Touareg is spacious and inviting. The distinction between these vehicles, while appearing small on paper, belies a fundamental difference in mission between the two. The torque-heavy TDI engine of the Touareg shows a more obvious dedication to versatile performance; case in point, the Touareg is capable of towing nearly 2,000 pounds more than the X5 when both are properly equipped. This difference also makes the Touareg among the most confident entries in its class as an all-terrain performer, a factor that can’t be overlooked. Inside the two luxury crossover SUVs, drivers find a delectable mix of sophisticated features that clearly distinguish them from more mainstream competitors. That of the Touareg consistently ranks among the segment’s most popular, offering top-quality materials accentuated by Volkswagen’s famous craftsmanship. And while the Touareg is strictly offered in a two-row, five-passenger configuration, its passengers are afforded a wide variety of seating features to maximize comfort; the rear-seat offers reclining seatbacks and over 6 inches of fore/aft seat movement. Perhaps the most attractive difference between these two neck-and-neck SUVs, however, is in the price tag. Despite the iconic styling and engineering, as well as its sterling performance profile and higher fuel economy, the 2014 VW Touareg is available for thousands less than the BMW X5, a difference that is making Providence-area drivers stand up and take notice. The 2014 VW Touareg is now available at Speedcraft VW, located near Providence in Wakefield, RI. Schedule your test drive today!

2014 VW Beetle Providence RI Perhaps no vehicle is so ingrained in the average gearhead’s consciousness quite like the VW Beetle. Its iconic shape, the rich history, the adorable way they used to have a trunk in the front...we could go on for days. However, compelling as that history is, we at Speedcraft VW near Providence RI tend to be even more drawn to the Beetle’s future. The revamped styling, the energetic performance, the well-appointed interior...listen to us, we’re doing it again! So, before we lose focus again, we should probably mention that the 2014 VW Beetle near Providence has now added a Premium Package to its already impressive lineup. So what does the Premium Package include? To give a bit of a synopsis, the Beetle Premium Package sort of takes some the most popular facets of the existing R-Line, and then spices it up with some new elements that are all its own. It is available in the gas-powered 1.8L Turbo or the diesel TDI, and will also be appearing as either a convertible or a coupe. The Premium Package sweetens the deal further for lovers of the 2014 VW Beetle. From the R-Line, the Premium Package will borrow its muscular bumpers and foglights. It will then add leather seats with contrast stitching, a Fender sound system and eye-catching Bi-Xenon automatic headlights. It will also add automatic climate control, an iPhone 5 cradle, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and the latest update of VW’s navigation and display system. Even with all of these extra features, Volkswagen hasn’t lost sight of their excellent fuel economy. The 1.8T option, capable of an athletic 170 horsepower, returns an excellent 33 mpg on the highway, while the TDI  cranks that number up to 41 highway mpg. We’re expecting to see the Premium Package available at Speedcraft VW soon, adding it to the already-great lineup of available 2014 VW Beetles in stock. We look forward to seeing you soon at our Providence-area location; pay us a visit today!

VW Deals on Wheels Providence RI In the past few weeks, you may have noticed that your old friends here at Speedcraft VW have become something of a media sensation. Our recent commercial (embedded below) has caused a considerable stir in the Providence area, while we, no strangers to strong emotional reactions, have mostly played it cool with the post- Deals on Wheels hype. However, we understand that the commercial packs a lot of information into its thirty fleeting seconds, so it seemed necessary to help parse through the major bullet points. Ready? Roll that beautiful bean footage... Point #1: Rhode Island’s #1 Rated Online VW Dealership. With an increasing amount of business now taking place online, we’ve done our best to meet this demand. We frequently serve out-of-state shoppers, even shipping vehicles to exotic locations such as West Virginia. We also are celebrating the recent debut of our OEM VW eStore, where customers can find find Genuine VW parts and accessories at wholesale prices, eliminating much of the trouble an individual might face to find the items themselves. Point #2: On Now! Our Deals on Wheels Event! Although mostly self explanatory, our voice-over man talks faster than the average person can hear. So, to paraphrase: we are currently featuring special financing rates on several of our most popular models, including the 2014 Jetta and 2014 Passat, as part of our Deals on Wheels Sales Event. Shoppers can now receive 0% APR for sixty months on a terrific selection of vehicles. And, with Speedcraft VW’s “Full Transparency Pricing,” you can be certain that all the cards are on the table when we hand you the keys. Point #3: We’re Helpful in Service Situations. When you are in need of automotive service at Speedcraft VW, we won’t make you try to limp your car here, saying prayers to all known deities at every stoplight. We’ll come to your location to retrieve your car, deliver a loaner vehicle for your use, and return your vehicle when its service is complete. And how much does this service cost? Hold on, gotta do some quick math here, carry the one...Nothing! That is because, at Speedcraft VW, we’re dedicated to providing our friends in the area and beyond with service that will leave them wishing they’d heard of us sooner. For full details on these and other services available at our Providence-area location, we encourage you to visit our dealership in person in Wakefield, RI. See you soon at Speedcraft VW!

Speedcraft VW wishes you a safe and happy Independence Day! July 4th Events in Rhode Island 2014 While our vehicles might be European in their engineering, we at Speedcraft VW in Wakefield, RI, are brimming with American pride. This is never more true than during our yearly Independence Day celebrations, as we occupy an area of the country that is peppered with historical and geographical locations that help make the events extra special. But have you made your plans for the holiday yet? Here are a few 4th of July events in southern Rhode Island to consider when you’re making your itinerary, courtesy of your friends at Speedcraft VW. Bristol Celebrates July 4th! — Bristol, RI — July 3rd & 4th The nearby city of Bristol, RI, can lay claim to the title of “America’s Oldest 4th of July Celebration,” and this year is their 229th. Their festivities kick off on Thursday night with live music at Independence Park in downtown Bristol, and continue with fireworks over Bristol Harbor at 9:30pm. The events continue the next morning at 10:30am with the 4th of July Parade through downtown Bristol. Get there early to secure your spots along the parade route! Bristol's 4th of July celebration is the oldest in America. BankRI Independence Day Celebration 2014 — India Point Park, Providence, RI — July 4th The July 4th celebration in Rhode Island’s largest city promises to be among the major draws in the area, kicking off at 7:30pm with a free concert by the Rhode Island Philharmonic Pops Orchestra. The concert is followed by a fireworks display at 9:15 at India Point Park, and for a little additional excitement, you can park your boat in the bay for the show! Rose Island Lighthouse BBQ & Fireworks — Newport, RI — July 4th While you can always watch the Newport fireworks show free-of-charge from locations such as Fort Adams State Park, this event demands attention. Take a ferry from Newport Harbor at 5:30pm to Rose Island for a delicious meal and great music, then watch the fireworks from across Narragansett Bay. Prices are $85 for adults and $35 for children ages 6-12, and reservations are required. Jamestown Fireworks 2014 — Jamestown, RI — July 5th For those who are busy during the early part of the weekend, this event may bet the best option. Taking place at East Ferry Beach on Saturday, the show is free-of-charge (although donations are accepted), and begins at 9pm. The fireworks are launched from a barge near the ferry landing, giving viewers a terrific vantage for viewing. We at Speedcraft VW would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July, and hope to see you soon at our Volkswagen dealership in nearby Wakefield, RI!

2014 VW Jetta vs. 2014 Toyota Corolla Providence RI Even though it seems like forever ago, it’s only been about a decade since the compact sedan segment experienced what sportscasters generally refer to as “The Leap.” Prior to the early 2000s, compact cars were, by and large, designed to be practical and that was about it. Cheap interior materials and uninspiring driving dynamics were the norm, and for the bulk of the target audience--students, young families, etc.--that was mostly okay. Then rising gas prices became nightly-news fodder, and the focus of compact cars shifted greatly. Drivers now wanted cars that had fuel efficiency that wouldn’t gouge them at the pump, but wanted the quality and amenities that could be found in larger, more expensive vehicles. The compact car segment grew up in a hurry, and two models quickly rose to the top. Now, for the new model year, let’s see how far they’ve come: the 2014 VW Jetta and the 2014 Toyota Corolla. The upscale interior of the 2014 VW Jetta makes practical use of all available space. When comparing the latest models of the VW Jetta and the Toyota Corolla, it’s immediately obvious that this is a test of two supremely well-designed automobiles. Both feature accommodating interior cabins, and are comfortable for up to five adult occupants. They also each feature efficient and compelling standard engines that fare reasonably well in most driving conditions. In a few key areas, however, the Volkswagen Jetta unquestionably wrestles the reins from the Corolla. The interior of the Jetta, in particular, is head-and-shoulders above the Corolla in terms of sensibility; it carries a distinctly European craftsmanship that is both visually pleasing and space-efficient, making the most of every inch. In fact, most agree that the interior and trunk space tread closely to mid-size vehicle levels. Meanwhile, with standard convenience features such as heated outside mirrors and one-touch express up/down on all windows, the Jetta leaves a strong impression of sophistication at all trim levels. The available Turbo-diesel engine offers drivers up to 42 highway mpg. Under the hood, the VW Jetta sets itself apart as well. While the Corolla features just the single engine option--a 1.8L four-cylinder--the Jetta answers with a wide variety of inspired powertrains, including a new 1.8L Turbocharged four-cylinder and a 2.0L Turbo-diesel four-cylinder that produces an estimated 42 highway mpg. With its ability to answer the call for a wide variety of driver demands, the 2014 VW Jetta, now available at Speedcraft VW near Providence, RI, gets the nod in this category as well. While not taking anything away from the venerable and dependable 2014 Toyota Corolla, there are a few key areas where the 2014 VW Jetta simply finds itself as the inarguably superior entry in the compact segment. With a vast array of convenience options and a tasteful, refined design, it isn’t any wonder that drivers in Rhode Island continue to respond strongly to the latest edition of Volkswagen’s iconic compact sedan. The 2014 VW Jetta is now available at Speedcraft VW, located near Providence with some of the best offers in Rhode Island. We look forward to answering any further questions you may have, and encourage you to visit our dealership to learn about the many attractive lease and purchase options available for this terrific car.

Wheel Alignment Check Providence RI Maintaining proper wheel alignment helps to avoid all types of vehicle issues. Of all potential vehicle maintenance issues, perhaps the easiest to overlook is wheel alignment. We typically consider our tires only in the most basic sense--that is, that if we keep them properly inflated, then we are doing our part to ensure their sustained health. At Speedcraft VW, we’ve come to realize that the opposite is true. Maintaining proper wheel alignment helps to mitigate a great number of potential costs, and the reasons for having your alignment checked are numerous. You’ll save fuel. Your tires are designed to run flat upon the road surface, but when the alignment is off, this is not the case. The result is that the tires aren’t running on the surface they were intended to, thus increasing the resistance from the road surface and causing uneven friction on your tires. All of these competing forces make your tires work harder to move forward, and that extra work means higher fuel consumption. It’s terrible for your tires. The uneven wear caused by poor alignment results in your tires becoming worn more quickly on one side than the other. This greatly limits the overall length of your tires, and causes a rougher ride in the meantime. Perhaps most importantly, however, is the fact that under most warranty conditions, damage to tires from maintenance issues (read: poor alignment) is almost never covered. It isn’t a manufacturing discount, it’s a maintenance issue. That one’s on you, pal. Improper wheel alignment causes uneven wear on your tires. It’s just safer. If you’ve ever been driving and felt your vehicle pull to one side or the other, this is generally due to faulty wheel alignment. It also becomes even more difficult to drive in poor conditions such as rain or winter weather, when steering can already be taxing. A little attention to maintaining alignment can greatly improve the overall safety of car travel. It makes your car work harder than it needs to. The strain caused by poor alignment isn’t limited superficial tire damage. Uneven tires can negatively affect your power steering system. They can cause extensive damage to your car’s suspension, which is made up of complicated and specifically calibrated parts. It can even hurt your brake system, and the brake shaft in particular. At Speedcraft VW near Providence, RI, we feature a full-service automotive department who can quickly and accurately diagnose any alignment issues you might be having, many of which can go undiagnosed until it’s too late. We also feature a variety of available service specials, including those involving alignment and tire service. We look forward to seeing you soon at Speedcraft VW, where we’ll get your alignment issues quickly managed to return you to the road as soon as possible.

2015 VW GTI GoPro Providence RI Well, friends, it’s here. The 2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI, the seventh generation of VW’s iconic sports car and the originator of the “hot-hatch” vehicle segment, has finally arrived at the Providence-area showroom at Speedcraft VW, and all the anticipation has been well worth it. The muscular performance, the compelling handling, the functional and eye-catching interior--all of the expected elements of the GTI are in their rightful place. And while the news of its arrival would be cause for celebration all on its own, Volkswagen has sweetened the deal. Through the end of the month of June, an additional reward awaits those who purchase this athletic hatchback: a free GoPro camera with every 2015 VW GTI. For those unfamiliar with the edgy excellence of GoPro cameras, here’s a quick primer: GoPro makes mountable, lightweight hi-def cameras that are frequently used in off-road or exhibition driving situations, and are generally associated with an edge-of-your-seat first-person viewing experience. Have you seen the “helmet-cam” from the X-Games? Or the thrilling twists and turns from the Red Bull Flugtag competitions? Those all use GoPro technology. The racing-inspired details of the 2015 VW GTI make it an ideal travel companion for Providence-area drivers. So, you might be asking, how does this apply to the latest iteration of the Volkswagen GTI? Featuring a 2.0L Turbocharged four-cylinder engine churning out a powerful 210 horsepower, the 2015 VW GTI provides Providence-area drivers with a white-knuckle experience that is better shared among friends. The combination of the GTI’s swift acceleration and its responsive suspension makes it ideal for the many area hills and backroads, and drivers and passengers alike--to say nothing of those who view the GoPro videos--will be thrilled with the refreshed sports car’s agility. As exciting as news of this terrific promotion is, there is little time to waste. The GoPro cameras will only be awarded to 2015 GTI purchases made on or before June 30th, and are already going fast. To learn more about the amazing 2015 Volkswagen GTI, now available at Speedcraft VW near Providence, RI. Visit our top-rated dealership today!

2014 Volkswagen Eos Providence RI In the eight years since the first production of the Volkswagen Eos, it has managed to carve out a niche among sophisticated sport coupes that has inspired a number of like-minded competitors and even more dedicated Eos fanatics. With its upscale interior and compelling performance profile, its status as the first choice among luxury vehicles of this type is secure, but many in the area around Speedcraft VW in Providence still have questions. So, to parse through some of the details of the 2014 Volkswagen Eos, let’s get some answers. First off, what is an “Eos”? Well, it’s not “what,” but “whom.” Eos was the name of the Greek goddess of the dawn, and in Greek mythology, it was her job to open the gates of heaven so that her brother Helios (who was the sun), could bring daylight to the world. How’s that for suggestive symbolism? The versatile roof of the Eos is suitable for all conditions. Tell me about this convertible top I’ve heard so much about. In all likelihood, the feature of the 2014 VW Eos that has received the most press is its innovative retractable hardtop. It’s the first of its kind, featuring an integrated tilting/sliding sunroof that still allows the daylight in when the roof is in the “up” position. With the push of a button, the roof retracts into the trunk in less than 25 seconds, and when the roof is closed, it’s as quiet as any hardtop coupe around. How’s its performance? The 2014 VW Eos is built to be a sophisticated all-around experience, and that mission extends to its performance profile. The Eos is powered by a 2.0L Turbo Four-cylinder engine, which is paired with the popular six-speed DSG (an automated manual transmission) to produce an athletic 200 horsepower. It goes zero-to-sixty in about seven seconds, and produces an EPA-estimated 30 mpg on the highway. All around, the 2014 VW Eos is perfectly suited to the New England driver who enjoys a refined vehicle to navigate our scenic beaches and backwoods. The practical interior of the 2014 VW Eos has everything you want, and nothing you don't. And the interior? The upscale interior cabin of the 2014 VW Eos is perhaps its most attractive draw, with distinctly European craftsmanship creating an overall impression that is both high in quality while being exceedingly practical. Clean lines run throughout the upholstery and dashboard controls, making the Eos the ideal touring sport coupe/convertible. A info touchscreen with navigation functionality also comes standard, and with three trim levels--the Komfort, Sport, and Executive--auto buyers of all types will be satisfied with what this vehicle has to offer. The 2014 Volkswagen Eos is now available to Providence-area drivers at Speedcraft VW in Wakefield, RI, the area’s best-reviewed Volkswagen dealer. To learn more about this terrific vehicle in time for the upcoming summer travel season, visit our dealership today, or call to schedule a test drive.

For all necessary parts and accessories, our new eStore can be trusted to find it! Volkswagen OEM Parts and Accessories eStore When was the last time you tried to buy new printer cartridges? Or, let’s say, you had to find a new spark plug for your lawnmower. Did you by chance head blindly to the store, assuming, as we so often do, that “You’d know it when you saw it”? If you have, you probably got home to find that, after a fair amount of cursing and kicking tires, you purchased the wrong one. Been there? We all have. With car parts, the same common misstep happens all too often. And when it comes to a vehicle such as Volkswagen, the parts are often more obscure and difficult to track down. Or at least they were, until now. That is because we at Speedcraft VW are now featuring an Volkswagen Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Parts and Accessories eStore, eliminating all of the legwork and frustration that often accompanies tracking down a part that you are desperately trying to find. Looking for new wheels? These are among the available accessories found in our new eStore! Whether it is a mechanical part relating to systems such as exhaust, brakes or electronics, or if its simply an accessory that you desire to add some personalized flavor to your favorite Volkswagen, we work quickly to find the part that you need. And you know that frustrating thing that sometimes happens, where the part you buy isn’t the one you actually need. We eliminate that worry, guaranteeing that you will get the right part the first time, every time. Furthermore, with our outstanding full-service automotive department, you can have all your parts installed safely and professionally right here in the Providence area. Many in the area already know Speedcraft VW as Rhode Island’s #1 Online Rated Volkswagen Dealership, and this latest move to an online OEM Parts and Accessories store is simply a natural extension of our previous efforts. We look forward to assisting you with your search for official Volkswagen parts, and look forward to seeing you soon at Speedcraft VW!

With our Full-Transparency Pricing, Speedcraft VW spares customers from the typical dealership nonsense. Full-Transparency Pricing Providence RI It can be a little disconcerting, the first time you enter a car dealership with the intent to buy. You’ve seen all the billboards and heard the radio ads, each of which trumpets a deal that makes you wonder how it is that every car on the road isn’t “$99-down/$99-a-month Vehicle ‘A.’” Why would anyone even consider buying any other car when such a terrific deal exists? At Speedcraft VW near Providence, RI, we’ve most certainly seen the billboards and advertisements, each of which comes with enough caveats and fine print to make the typical tax auditor go blind. So, to combat what is clearly a growing problem in the auto industry, we’re offering an alternative: full-transparency pricing at Speedcraft VW. Would you trust anything this person told you? Yeah, we didn't think so. So what does full transparency mean? In short, this means that when you enter Speedcraft VW near Providence, RI, with checkbook in hand, looking for a new Jetta or Passat, we’ll keep your head from spinning by telling you the exact cost of what you’re buying. No surprises, no gimmicks, and absolutely doubt about whether or not your prospective Volkswagen will fit within your budget. In offering total transparency to our customers in Wakefield, Providence and the surrounding areas, we will offer, in plain black and white, the cost of a new vehicle when considering the prices of taxes and fees. We will also include these costs in the monthly payment schedule so that, when you purchase a vehicle from Speedcraft VW, you leave armed with the knowledge that you have received considerate and responsible assistance from New England’s most well-respected Volkswagen dealer. Buyer’s remorse? Not at Speedcraft. To celebrate our move to full-transparency pricing, we are featuring specials on several of our most popular models, running from now until the end of May. Shoppers will immediately notice two listed prices, one with an asterisk and one without. This move away from an asterisk-heavy business model is at the heart of our mission at Speedcraft VW near Providence, where we proudly sell and service some of the world’s finest vehicles. And although these specials run only through the end of the month, the fully-transparent pricing will absolutely continue. We look forward to seeing you at Speedcraft VW for your next--and proudly fully-transparent--Volkswagen purchase!

Stay off the side of the road this summer with these signs you might need a tune-up. Vehicle Tune-Up Providence RI When the spring and summer months hit, it isn’t uncommon to notice a change in your vehicle’s overall performance. The pounding your vehicle takes during the winter will frequently have a clear negative effect on the overall health of your car, and at Speedcraft VW near Providence, RI, we’d like to help you catch some of these problems before they become more than a nuisance. Here are five signs that it might be time for a tune up, just in time for the summer driving season. 1) You notice a large drop in your fuel efficiency. Are you having to fill your gas tank more often? If so, don’t overlook it. You might possibly have a problem with your fuel injector, your spark plugs might be dirty or failing, or you could have a dirty fuel filter. 2) You’ve experienced tough starts or stalls. This could be indicative of a number of problems, including dirty intake valves, timing issues, or general fuel injection problems. Be certain to note the circumstances of hesitant starts or stalls to assist your mechanic in rooting out the problem. Scheduling service in advance will keep all of your vehicle's systems running smoothly. 3) What is that noise? No knocking, pinging or squealing noises should be ignored, and can indicate a large list of potential issues. Squealing when you turn the steering wheel may reflect low steering fluids or possible leaks, when knocks can indicate low oil, loose rod bearings or potentially larger engine problems. 4) Your brakes are less responsive than usual. Does it seem like you’re pressing harder on the brake than you usually have to? This could indicate low brake fluid, or potentially could signal that it’s the time for new brake pads. 5) Your car jerks when you shift. If your vehicle fights you when shifting from park into drive, this may be a sign of several problems. It could be something simple, like a new transmission filter and fluid. It could also be an indicator of a larger problem, which should only be checked out by professionals. At Speedcraft VW near Providence, RI, we proudly feature a full service auto garage, and our staff is ready and qualified to fix all your potential automotive issues before they rear their ugly heads to ruin your day. Additionally, we regularly feature assorted service specials, and will even work with you to create a maintenance schedule to keep your vehicle running its best. For any and all service on your vehicle in southern Rhode Island, visit our dealership in Wakefield today!