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Volkswagen Carefree Maintenance Program in Providence RI With the VW Carefree Maintenance program, your 2014 Passat will reach 100,000 miles with ease. Hot on the heels of the Super Bowl, most of the water cooler talk naturally has had almost nothing to do with football. The reason for this, of course, is pretty evident: the game itself was dreadful, and the commercials stood alone as the lone watchable thing not involving puppies. In the case of Volkswagen, we chose to draw attention to the amazing longevity of our vehicles, which recalls something we’re proud of on the local level, the Volkswagen Carefree Maintenance program in Providence, RI. The road to 100,000 miles, despite what the commercial might have suggested, has nothing to do with angel wings or rainbows of curious origin. It is a joint mission between Volkswagen, a local dealership like Speedcraft VW, and you, the Volkswagen owner. This is where the Volkswagen Carefree Maintenance program comes in. When you buy a 2014 Volkswagen from Speedcraft VW near Providence, your vehicle receives no-charge scheduled maintenance for two years or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first. The Carefree Maintenance program occurs over three intervals, each of which helps to ensure you get the most out of your Volkswagen. Within the first thirty days of ownership, we encourage you to stop by Speedcraft with your 2014 VW for a Volkswagen Double Check, where you will get a basic checkup free of charge. In addition, we will make sure you’re up to speed on all your features, including Bluetooth connectivity and your DSG transmission. After a year or 10,000 miles, whichever comes first, we invite you back to Speedcraft VW for a no-charge thorough service and inspection, including an oil and filter change, a tire rotation, and a check of fluid and electrical systems, among other services. We then have you return again at two years or 20,000 miles, where you receive all the same inspections as at 10,000 miles, in addition to a comprehensive look at your brakes and tires and several model-specific inspections. These services will again be free of charge. Of course, the reason we start your experience in a 2014 VW from Speedcraft VW in Providence with the no-charge Carefree Maintenance Program is to get you off on the road toward your eventual destination: as one of VW's industry-leading number of vehicles to reach 100,000 miles. And, if we end up with some wings or rainbows in the process--well, that wouldn't be so bad either.

Volkswagen engine filter replacement The engine is a vital part of your Volkswagen vehicle, and in order to keep it running strong, you need to make sure that it’s able to breathe properly. In order to do that, you need to have your Volkswagen’s engine filter cleaned and replaced regularly to clear out any dirt and debris that collects in them. If you’re wondering how often you should change your engine filter, this can vary depending on your vehicle. In order to get the best results for your vehicle, you need to find the right balance between replacing your vehicle’s filter too frequently or not frequent enough. Filter replacement doesn’t need to be performed terribly often, but it’s better to do it too much than not at all. Not replacing your Volkswagen’s engine filter can lead to some serious damage to your engine and some costly repairs. After ignoring your engine’s filter for an extended period of time (we’re talking years here), the filter itself will begin to deteriorate and form a hole which allows dirt, debris and even bugs to get into your engine’s cylinders, significantly lowering the lifespan of your engine. When to replace your engine filter To find the proper time to replace your vehicle’s air filter, consult your Volkswagen owner’s manual. If it doesn’t give you an exact time table, a good rule of thumb is to bring it in about every 30,000 miles for a replacement. We recommend having it checked and possibly cleaned every time you bring your car in for an oil change. That way, you can keep an eye on it and make sure it’s in good shape. Without cleaning it on occasion, the filter likely won’t last until the 30,000 mile mark, so be sure to keep up with its maintenance regularly. Filter replacement at Speedcraft VW Can’t remember the last time you had your engine filter changed? Odds are you’re probably due for one. Our expert service staff here at Speedcraft Volkswagen is always happy to help! Air filter replacement is one of our Volkswagen Service Xpress services, so no appointment is necessary. Simply bring your vehicle in to our dealership and we’ll be sure to get you in and out and back on the road as quickly as possible. If you’d like to make an appointment, just to make sure we’ll be available when you need us, you can do so right here on our site! Questions? Feel free to leave them in the comments below!

Volkswagen Service Xpress Here at Speedcraft Volkswagen, we understand that our customers have busy schedules. Sometimes it can be hard to find time to bring your vehicle in for its regular services. To help you save some time and hassle, we here at Speedcraft Volkswagen now offer Volkswagen Service Xpress, a service designed to offer you quick, high quality help with certain services. With Volkswagen Service Xpress, customers get the same high level of service from our expert technicians as well as Genuine Volkswagen parts, all without making an appointment. Thanks to our new service, you can say goodbye to those quick lube shops and go with the real professionals who know what’s best for your vehicle. Feel free to stop by here at Speedcraft Volkswagen today! Schedule Service Contact us here Services available with Volkswagen Service Xpress The following services are available at competitive prices here at Speedcraft Volkswagen with no appointment necessary. Oil and Filter Change Exterior Bulb Replacement Air Filter Replace All Carefree Maintenance Interval* Tire Rotation Cabin Filter Replacement Wiper Blade Replacement Battery Diagnostic Check and Replacement In addition to these services, every visit comes with a no-charge Multi-Point Inspection *For 2009-2013 models only, the Volkswagen Carefree Maintenance Program covers the vehicle’s scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first. For 2014 models, the program covers the vehicle’s scheduled maintenance for two years or 24,000 miles. And for 2015 Models, the program covers the maintenance for one year or the first 10,000 miles. Contact us for more information. Quick and easy service in Wakefield RI What really sets the Speedcraft Volkswagen Service Xpress apart from the rest of those quick lube shops is that we have VW-Certified Technicians using only Genuine Volkswagen OEM Parts. That way, you can be sure that any of these services performed at Speedcraft Volkswagen is done right and with the best-quality materials. Add on the benefit of not needing an appointment and there’s really no competition. Simply stop by our shop during our business hours when it’s convenient for you, and we’ll be happy to provide you with quick and quality service.

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.

A behind-the-scenes look at why we decided to completely redesign our website, making it better for mobile devices and real car shopping. Over the last few days, we have been spending quite a bit of time telling you about some of the more special features we’ve built into our completely redesigned website. Our goal with this new site was to simply make life easier for you. We listened to you and took to heart all the feedback we’ve been given over the years. The parts of car buying and ownership that you didn’t like, we put a lot of effort into making those areas as painless and as informative as possible. From showcasing our inventory, to making sure you can find our latest specials, to making it easier to take care of scheduling services and test drives online. It’s all a lot easier. Welcome to Our New Website! We want to let you in on a trade secret. A lot of car dealerships believe their website should do everything possible to get you to email, call, or stop in. These dealers mistakenly think selling you a car is an artform, and once you are on the line or in the lot, it’s all a matter of persuasion. We are not one of those dealerships. The truth is, a lot of people don’t buy cars that way anymore, because an entire generation of people have been conditioned by sites like Amazon to now expect a one-stop-shop when it comes to researching and purchasing a product. Cars are bigger, they are more expensive, but that doesn’t mean your expectations are any different when you’re shopping for one. Our new website reflects these values. We have done everything in our power to give you as much information as possible online. We wanted to answer the questions you didn’t even know you had. And we wanted you to be able to view our entire inventory, learn more about every model, schedule a test drive, view our specials, see manufacturer incentives, text yourself coupons, schedule regular maintenance, make a service appointment, safely fill out financial forms, calculate your payments, value your trade-in, and get in touch with us all from the comfort of your home. We even put together a page that uses How To Videos to answer some of the most common questions we get on a daily basis. More than all of that, we know that shopping for a car doesn’t just happen on our lot or behind your desk. It happens on your cell phone when you have 10 minutes in the middle of your day. It happens on your iPad or tablet while the kids are napping. It happens in the middle of the night when you can’t sleep worrying about your aging car. Computer, tablet, phone… we made our site responsive so that you can flip through from any device, anywhere. We hope you enjoy all the new features and tools on our new site. We would love to hear from you and get any feedback you have to offer. Is there something you wish was available here, or a feature you think would help you find exactly what you are looking for? We are all ears. Let us know.

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!

2014 VW CC vs. 2014 Lexus IS 250 Providence RI Whenever you’re dealing with an automaker with such a reputation for quality craftsmanship as Volkswagen, the competition you face is bound to be from some pretty impressive vehicles in their own right. At Speedcraft VW near Providence, RI, we enjoy competition. But how well do we match up, really? Let’s take a closer look at how one of our more refined models stacks up against its closest competition: The 2014 Volkswagen CC vs. the 2014 Lexus IS 250. Obviously, the two vehicles we’re comparing are both pretty impressive. The Volkswagen CC has been one of the most exciting additions to the midsize sedan segment in a considerable time, while Lexus has always been known for producing quality luxury automobiles as well. Both feature impeccable styling befitting their impressive pedigrees. Under the hood, the two models take different approaches to a common goal: The 2014 VW CC rolls out a turbocharged 2.0-liter Inline-4, while the Lexus IS 250 tries a 2.5-liter V6. However, those predicting a dominant performance by the larger Lexus engine will be sorely disappointed: The CC produces near-identical horsepower, and even boasts roughly twenty more feet-pounds of torque. Perhaps most importantly, the CC achieves a higher fuel economy--an EPA-estimated 32 mpg on the highway--and bolts off the line with a punch that the Lexus can’t touch, going from zero-to-sixty over a half-second quicker. The crisp, clean interior of the 2014 VW CC in Providence RI is luxury at its finest. In terms of interior features, both models feature many common characteristics: upscale materials, easy-to-use controls, spacious and comfortable cabins. Some of the standard features on the Volkswagen CC, however, are costly upgrades or aren’t offered on its Lexus counterpart at all: Heated front seats and rain-sensing windshield wipers, to name two. Still, although both are incredible vehicles, the most vast difference between the two may actually be something intangible: Buyers of the new 2014 VW CC receive 2 years or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first, of no-charge Carefree Maintenance, where the Lexus IS 250 offers just one year. When you consider that the 2014 VW CC can be yours for almost $5,000 less than a similarly equipped Lexus IS 250, well, that pretty much settles the debate. The 2014 Volkswagen CC is now available at Speedcraft VW near Providence, RI, the top-rated Volkswagen dealership in New England. To learn more, or to schedule a test drive, contact the sales team at Speedcraft VW today!

Regular Scheduled VW Maintenance & Service Providence RI By keeping a regular service schedule, you eliminate problems down the road. It’s a well-documented fact that procrastination is among the worst habits a person can have: it can lead to poor credit, poor grades, and increased stress, among literally thousands of other negative effects. But how can procrastination affect your life as a driver? There are many reasons we recommend regular scheduled maintenance at Speedcraft VW in the Providence area, and all of them serve to benefit you, our valued customers. First of all, consider taking your car in for regular scheduled service similar to going in for a teeth cleaning or a regular check-up at the doctor. By seeing a specialist early and often--whether a mechanic, a dentist, or a general practitioner--you are more likely to catch a problem in its infancy, before you are looking at a more costly fix down the road. Remember, many problems with our vehicles may not have obvious symptoms, and by scheduling regular maintenance, these problems can be caught before they affect the performance of your entire vehicle. The most glaring benefit of regular vehicle maintenance will be felt in your pocketbook. The fuel economy of your vehicle is dependent on a multitude of factors, including tire pressure, cleanliness of air filters, and well-maintained fuel lines. Regular checkups on your vehicle allow these relatively simple problems to be easily diagnosed, and can improve your overall fuel economy by as much as 15-20%. Within a few weeks, any service will have effectively paid for itself. Our talented service staff knows your Volkswagen inside and out. This preemptive offensive against vehicle damage also has a trickle-down effect. By keeping a regular service schedule, you eliminate many of the problems that will eventually drive down the resale value of your car when you decide it’s time for a change. If you are trading in a vehicle that has a laundry list of problems, that will be directly reflected in what you eventually receive. However, a well-maintained vehicle will be rewarded with a high resale value. Speedcraft VW, located in the Providence, RI, area, takes vehicle maintenance extremely seriously, and when a Volkswagen is brought in to our service department, we can tell pretty quickly how seriously the driver does as well. To that end, we have a variety of service programs and specials to help diagnose issues as they arise. With our Oil Change & Maintenance Program, now available for a mere $199, drivers will receive five oil changes, ten tire rotations, and a full safety inspection and wash/vac with each visit. This will save untold dollars in future repairs, while also saving drivers over $300 over the life of the program. We also offer No-Charge Carefree Maintenance with the purchase of any 2014 Volkswagen through 2 years or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first. For further details on these or any other maintenance procedures and specials, contact our team at Speedcraft VW. The maintenance of your vehicle is something that simply can’t be put off without facing serious consequences. For all your service needs in the Providence, RI, area, contact the service department at Speedcraft VW, the best-reviewed Volkswagen dealer in New England.

Clean or Replace Intake Valves Providence RI Sometimes the difference between poor and peak performance is the result of intake valve build-ups. Oftentimes, members of the auto community will discuss “maximizing performance.” It has become something of a buzzword, a vague subject that is so broad and all-encompassing that it almost loses its meaning. However, at Speedcraft VW in the Providence area, maximizing performance is far from meaningless. The vehicles we sell and service are capable of great things, but only if they are given the opportunity to do so, and one way to give your Volkswagen peak performance capability is by cleaning or replacement of intake valves. The problem is probably one you may have encountered before on your own car: you are sluggish off the line and idling poorly. It feels as though something is misfiring, yet you may not even see the dreaded Volkswagen “Check Engine” light. Very likely, you could simply have dirty intake valves. The way that Volkswagen intake valves work, basically, is that they keep the intake port sealed during combustion so that the engine runs at top efficiency. Sometimes, however, carbon produced during combustion can build up on the valves, interrupting the fuel injection process. Over time, these deposits will disrupt the fuel injection process, resulting in the problems mentioned above. The way that these carbon buildups will negatively affect your vehicle’s performance take two interrelated forms. First, the carefully-measured fuel that your engine needs to be timed properly is blocked and absorbed by the carbon built up in the intake valves, so when you hit the gas pedal, the fuel meant to be combusted in the engine isn’t delivered properly. So, when it feels like you aren’t getting any response when you punch the gas, this could very well be the culprit. Deposits on intake valves affect fuel injection and efficiency. The second way that your Volkswagen’s performance will be negatively affected is in its fuel economy, and this is also a result of the carbon deposits on the intake valves. As was stated before, fuel that passes over the intake valves gets absorbed by the carbon. Anyone who has ever used lighter fluid with a charcoal grill has seen this absorption in action. Much like you continue wasting fuel when the briquettes absorb the lighter fluid, your vehicle will similarly waste fuel when it is absorbed by the carbon build-ups on your intake valves. The cleaning or replacement of your intake valves is an easy but absolutely necessary fix for your vehicle, and one our professional service team at Speedcraft VW in Wakefield, RI, is qualified to perform. If you are experiencing any of the common problems associated with carbon build-up, please contact our Service Department, where you can take advantage of our frequent specials and outstanding reputation for professional and courteous service. Your Volkswagen deserves to deliver optimum performance, and we can help make that a reality.