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When it comes to selecting a vehicle that can carry your most precious cargo - your family - the importance of safety can't be overstated. Enter the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas, now making waves at Speedcraft Volkswagen in Wakefield, Rhode Island. This SUV is setting unprecedented standards for vehicle safety, as underscored by its impressive 2023 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ accolade. Join us as we explore the myriad ways the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas is defining safety excellence in today's automotive landscape. At the heart of the Atlas' commitment to safeguarding its occupants is IQ.DRIVE, Volkswagen's cutting-edge suite of driver assistance technologies. By incorporating features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Active Blind Spot Monitor, and Emergency Assist, the Atlas significantly elevates the safety and comfort of every drive around Wakefield and beyond. Volkswagen's investment in these forward-thinking technologies underscores a profound commitment to not only achieving but surpassing current safety benchmarks. But the dedication to ensuring your family's well-being doesn't end there. Thanks to the Atlas's Carefree Coverage, owners are treated to an additional safety net. This extensive package, encompassing scheduled maintenance, roadside assistance, and an expansive vehicle warranty, promises worry-free exploration for you and your loved ones. The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas emerges as more than just an SUV; it's a steadfast protector ready to accompany your family on every upcoming adventure.

Why You Should Choose a Volkswagen Service Technician for Your Rhode Island Vehicle Needs Owning a Volkswagen is an investment. It requires regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly and safely. If you're looking for a reliable service technician who can help you make sure your vehicle is in the best condition possible, then you should consider using a Volkswagen service technician. Here's why. Affordable Rates Volkswagen service technicians offer competitive rates that won't break the bank. This makes it easy for Rhode Island Volkswagen drivers to get their vehicles serviced on a regular basis without breaking their budget. And with access to quality parts and supplies, they can ensure your vehicle is well taken care of at all times. Expertise and Knowledge A Volkswagen service technician has specialized training and experience in dealing with Volkswagen vehicles specifically. They know how these vehicles work inside and out, so they can provide more accurate diagnoses and better solutions than someone who doesn't have this expertise or knowledge. Their level of skill means that they can identify potential issues before they become serious problems, saving you time and money down the line by preventing expensive repairs or replacements in the future. High-Quality Results Another benefit of using a Volkswagen service technician is that you can trust them to provide high-quality results every time. They use only top-of-the-line tools, parts, and techniques when servicing your vehicle, which ensures that everything will be done correctly the first time around and that your car will remain in perfect working order for years to come. Peace of Mind Choosing a Volkswagen service technician for your Rhode Island vehicle needs can provide you with peace of mind. Knowing that your car is being serviced by someone who has the training and experience to get it done right will help you rest easy knowing that your vehicle is in the best condition possible. VW Service Technicians When it comes to keeping your Volkswagen running like new, there’s no better choice than using a certified Volkswagen service technician from Rhode Island. With their expertise and knowledge, they’ll be able to give you accurate diagnoses while providing high-quality results at affordable rates. Ultimately, using a Volkswagen service technician for your Rhode Island vehicle needs can save you time, money, and hassle in the long run. They offer affordable rates, expertise and knowledge, high-quality results, and peace of mind that you won't get with any other service provider. So if you're looking to take care of your Volkswagen in the best way possible, a Volkswagen service technician is the way to go. The friendly and knowledgeable team at Speedcraft Volkswagen can help you find the best service technician for your vehicle needs, so be sure to contact them today. With their help, you'll be able to keep your car running like new for years to come.

The myVW App: Everything You Need to Know If you own a Volkswagen, then you need to download the myVW app. This app makes it easy to connect with your vehicle and take advantage of all the features and benefits that VW has to offer. Keep reading to learn more about the myVW app and how it can make your life as a VW owner easier than ever before. If your vehicle is Model Year 2019 or older, myVW isn't ready for you just yet-but it will be soon! Stay tuned as we work to make myVW accessible to all Volkswagen owners App Features and Benefits The myVW app is packed with features that VW owners will love. Some of the things you can do with the myVW app include: • Schedule service appointments • Get maintenance reminders • View your vehicle's owner manual • Find local dealerships • Receive notifications about recalls • Check for software updates • And much more! As you can see, the myVW app is a must-have for anyone who owns a Volkswagen. It provides a convenient way to stay on top of all your vehicle's maintenance needs and keep up with any recalls or software updates. Plus, it's a great resource for finding local dealerships and scheduling service appointments. Basically, the myVW app is your one-stop shop for all things VW. Tips for Getting Started with the myVW App First, you need to download the app from the App Store or Google Play. Once you have the app installed on your mobile device, open it up and create an account. You'll need to provide some basic information, such as your name, email address, and vehicles VIN number. Once you have an account set up, take some time to explore all the features and functions of the app. Be sure to also check out the FAQ section if you have any questions about how to use the app or troubleshoot any issues you may be having. The myVW App is an essential tool for anyone who owns a Volkswagen vehicle. It provides a convenient way to stay on top of maintenance needs, find local dealerships, and schedule service appointments. Plus, it's packed with other useful features like owner manuals and recall notifications. If you're new to using the myVW app, be sure to check out our tips above to get started. Trust us, once you start using this app, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it! For drivers who want the best of both worlds, myVW offers the perfect solution. By integrating your smartphone with your car, you can enjoy a streamlined experience whether you're connecting on the go or from home. myVW puts all the information you need right at your fingertips, making it easy to manage your Volkswagen ownership experience. Plus, with features like remote start and stop, you can take care of business even when you're not behind the wheel. Whether you're scheduling service or checking your owner's manual, myVW makes it easy to be a Volkswagen owner. sign up today and see for yourself! How does myVW work? The myVW app is a handy tool for Volkswagen owners. It lets you remotely start your vehicle, schedule service, and monitor your Volkswagen. The app is available for both Android and iOS devices. To use the app, simply download it from the App Store or Google Play and create an account. Once you're logged in, you'll be able to access all of the features. You can use the remote start feature to turn on your engine from anywhere, whether you're still in bed or at the office. The service scheduling feature is great for keeping track of your car's maintenance schedule. If you ever have any questions about your Volkswagen, you can always use the app to chat with a customer service representative. With the myVW app, you'll have everything you need to keep your Volkswagen running smoothly. Remotely Check On Your Volkswagen With myVW, you can always stay connected to your vehicle. With just a tap on your smartphone, you can check your vehicle's location, battery level, and get alerts if it needs any maintenance. Plus, you can access your car's manual and find nearby VW dealerships. The myVW App is the perfect way to keep tabs on your car, no matter where you are.

With one Nor’easter after another pounding the region, preventing storm damage is a top worry of Volkswagen owners looking to protect their investment. At Speedcraft VW in Wakefield, we hear your concerns. Here are some ideas to prevent damage that comes from snow, ice and the sand and salt mixture spread on roads. Take extra care in the winter to keep your car well maintained and clean – not easy with low temperatures – but important. Extensive damage can be caused by the sand and salt mixture used to speed ice melt on roadways and provide traction. The salt and water combine to create rust if not addressed immediately. Corrosion can ravage the undercarriage and body of your Volkswagen. Sometimes, a mixture of highly acidic water, salt and magnesium chloride is used, which can cause even greater damage. The longer the salt and grime sits on your car, the more likely you are to see rust form. Some tips: Avoid puddles and plow trucks – Puddles can hold more salt, and driving behind the plow means you will be the first to drive through fresh salt. Wash your vehicle after a snow storm – The best way to prevent corrosion is to wash any ice melt mixtures off your car as soon as possible. Make sure you spray under the vehicle to get the undercarriage clean. Dry your car thoroughly before it has a chance to freeze. And consider getting wax, which will add another layer of protection between the elements and your Volkswagen's paint job. Get an inspection and keep regular maintenance appointments – Concerns can be allayed by a quick trip to Speedcraft VW in Wakefield. Use Service Xpress, or schedule an online appointment today. Other considerations in cold weather: Rubber components can fail – Cold stiffens rubber, making it less pliable and more likely to tear or break. That’s why windshield wipers sometimes seem less effective in winter – the rubber isn’t conforming to the curve of the windshield. Batteries can die – An old battery that may have been functioning without problems can die overnight in the freezing cold. Ask your technician at Speedcraft VW to test your battery or replace it if needed. Gas can freeze – Keep your tank more than half full. Not only will this keep you running if you are trapped in slow-moving traffic in a storm, it will also help to prevent any freezing liquids from damaging your gas tank. Tire pressure drops – Tires can lose one pound per square inch (psi) for every 10 degrees of temperature drop. Ask your Speedcraft VW technician to check for under-inflated tires, which are subject to damage or failure especially in snow and icy conditions Fluids thicken – Cold weather makes it harder for fluids to flow quickly. Check oil, antifreeze, power steering, brake and transmission fluids. Schedule an online appointment Regular maintenance is key, and here at Speedcraft VW in Wakefield, we make it easy. Our service department offers a range of services and specials and we work with only certified Volkswagen parts. Stop in today.

The average lifespan for most Volkswagen brake pads is 50,000 miles, but that number can vary based on how often you drive, the quality of the pads, how well you maintain your VW and your driving style. For example, if you’re often stomping on the brakes on the highway, if your commute contains a lot of traffic lights, or if you ride your brakes downhill, your brake pads may last only 25,000 miles. There’s no definitive answer, but a few warning signs can indicate that it’s time to get your brakes checked, according to the experts at Speedcraft VW in Wakefield. They know how to service the sophisticated anti-lock braking system (ABS) on all Volkswagen models. Car Service and Maintenance Coupons If stopping takes longer than usual, or your VW vibrates when the brakes are applied, it may be time to replace your brake pads. Another warning sign is pulling to one side when the brakes are applied. This may mean that the brakes are worn unevenly or there may be an issue with the fluid. Get a feel for the brake pedal. If it feels soft or seems to travel too far to the floor, or if the pedal feels high and difficult to push down, get your brakes checked at Speedcraft VW. Schedule Your Service Online Sound is a big indicator of brake problems. Bring your VW in for brake repair when you hear: A high-pitched screech or squeal – This sound is actually a safety warning. It is caused by a small metal tip that comes in contact with the rotor once the brake pad has been worn down to a certain thinness. The sound could go away, however, if the indicator tip wears down as well. That could mean serious damage to the caliper and rotors. Clunking or grinding – This sound means the brake pads have worn down completely and the caliper is pushing onto the rotor, which can become warped in short order. Hissing – This sound could be due to a vacuum leak or a problem with the brake booster. Brake pads are fairly inexpensive to replace, but rotors and calipers are not. It’s best to replace brake pads before they’re completely worn down to prevent costlier problems. Use Genuine Volkswagen Parts Remember that not all brakes are created equal. Genuine Volkswagen brakes are designed and engineered specifically for your VW model’s size, weight and handling. Genuine Volkswagen Brake Pads and Rotors: Retain friction even in extreme temperatures. Withstand salt, brake fluid, fuel and much more without losing braking power. Are quiet and smooth, developing full performance at top speed and do not produce smoke or unpleasant burning smells. Offer a precise fit, meaning no need for remodeling or adjustment — saving you time and money. If your car is due for new brake pads or if you have questions about how often you should replace your brakes, contact us at Speedcraft VW in Wakefield. Our certified technicians can replace your brakes quickly and professionally.

Millions of Americans plan to hit the road this holiday season to visit friends and relatives, but long drives and heavy food can mean boredom and fatigue. All of us here at Speedcraft VW in Wakefield hope you stay safe and have fun, so please don’t rely on an open window and loud music to stay awake. Those tips don’t work, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Even the most vigilant driver can succumb to the strong biological pull of sleep, no matter how hard you buffet yourself with heavy metal music, wind and road noise. Even when you think you feel fine, it’s sometimes hard to tell when you’re too tired to drive. While VW offers numerous safety features – everything from autonomous emergency braking to adaptive cruise control to rear traffic alert – these driver assistance systems are no substitute for a well-rested, attentive driver. The National Sleep Foundation’s signs that it’s time to pull over: Difficulty focusing, frequent blinking, or heavy eyelids Daydreaming; wandering/disconnected thoughts Trouble remembering the last few miles driven; missing exits or traffic signs Yawning repeatedly or rubbing your eyes Trouble keeping your head up Drifting from your lane, tailgating, or hitting a shoulder rumble strip Feeling restless and irritable Of course, it’s important to get 7-8 hours of sleep before your drive, but there are a few other ways to stay alert and safe. Other methods include: Take a short nap before a road trip, or pull over if you feel drowsy and sleep for 20 minutes. Make sure you are in a safe location and remember you'll be groggy for 15 minutes or so after waking up. Find a buddy. Pull over every two hours and switch drivers, while the other takes a nap if possible. Don't rush. Better to arrive at your destination safe than on time. Do not drink alcohol. Even very small amounts can make you drowsy. Don't drive between midnight and 6 a.m. when sleepiness is most intense. Drink coffee. Caffeine improves alertness. A few other things can help make the drive more enjoyable. Have a good time. Create playlists, bring along some audiobooks, pack some snacks and water. If you’re very hungry, or very full, you’ll feel awful. Eat a little here and there to keep yourself comfortable and alert. Pace yourself, and take some stops to stretch and rest. And remember your jumper cables, phone charger, headphones, tool kit and flashlight. If you’d like to learn more tips, tricks and other automotive answers, check our blog frequently, and give us a call at 855-439-7789 or visit.

2018 Volkswagen Atlas Body Construction and Safety Features When searching for a new vehicle, there are many factors to consider – such as style, cost, usability, efficiency, and safety. In Volkswagen's opinion, safety is the most important factor, and the German automaker strives to build the safest vehicles and utilize the latest innovations to keep you, your passengers, and other motorists protected. This is very apparent in the all-new 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, which comes with many standard and optional safety features. Solid Body Construction Of course, the higher safety grade starts with the skin and bones of the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. In certain exterior body panels of the large crossover, high-strength steel is utilized to add sturdiness and solidity. Underneath the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas model's skin, you will find a rigid safety cage that will help protect you and your passengers. The skeleton of the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas also features front and rear crumple zones. Safety Features of the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas comes with the following safety features: Extensive airbag system 3-point seat belts with LATCH anchors and Emergency Locking Retractors (ELR) Height-adjustable whiplash-optimized head restraints Available 4MOTION AWD Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) Electronic Stability Control (ESC), including Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution (EBD) Engine Braking Assist (EBA) Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) Rollover sensor system Available Hill Descent Assist (HDA) Automatic Post-Collision Braking System Brake override system Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS) Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Rearview camera system And much more! What are the Safety Ratings for the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas? At this time, no safety ratings for the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas are available from government or independent safety and crash-testing organizations, but we can expect to see them soon. We promise that we will share them here on our blog once they are released. Find the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas at Speedcraft Volkswagen! To learn more about the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas – and to test drive it – please visit our dealership.

Interior Temperature of Volkswagen Vehicles in Hot Summer Weather Here in Rhode Island, we are lucky to have so many beaches to help cool us down during the summer months. However, once in a while we will experience a heat wave where the temperatures can get up into the 80s, 90s, or even the 100s. These high temperatures can be a little uncomfortable, especially when we have to drive anywhere. Usually, our Volkswagen is parked out in the open where it is exposed to the outdoor temperatures. Unless if you are driving a Volkswagen Beetle Convertible (contact us to find out if we have any in stock!), your vehicle is completely enclosed and will retain the heat. And when the sun is shining bright, the mercury rises even more! So how hot can the cabin of your Volkswagen model get? Some resources say that the temperatures can reach as high as 200 degrees – especially if you have dark interior features/fabrics. That can make driving rather painful – especially when you have to touch the hot steering wheel (hint: throw a towel over your steering wheel before you exit your Volkswagen to keep the surface temperature down). Those hot temperatures are not only uncomfortable, but also incredibly dangerous for pets and children! It only takes a few minutes for the internal temperature of your Volkswagen to rise more than 20 degrees. Please make sure to not leave anyone behind in your vehicle – even if it is "only for a few minutes". In addition to your loved ones, please remember to remove all valuables that could potentially melt in the high temperatures, such as ice cream or plastic-based products (remember the days of LPs and video cassettes with the warning labels?). If you have any questions about how to keep your Volkswagen cool and comfortable this summer, please visit us here at Speedcraft Volkswagen! View Our Inventory of New Volkswagen Models!

How does the Volkswagen Blind Spot Monitor work? When it comes to driving on the highway, merging and switching lanes can be a big source of stress for many drivers. The blind spot on the side of vehicles make it difficult to see if other vehicles are passing or driving next to you. That’s why automakers like Volkswagen are equipping some of their models with features like Blind Spot Monitoring, to help drivers be more aware of their surroundings. Available on select models through the Volkswagen Driver Assistance package, the Volkswagen Blind Spot Monitor. The system functions by keeping track of the blind spots on the side of the VW vehicle and letting the driver know when another vehicle enters either of them. It’s made up of two radar sensors located on the back of the vehicle near each corner. Using the Blind Spot Monitor The Blind Spot Monitor System will notify the driver whenever another vehicle is in the blind spot by flashing an LED symbol on the side mirror. The mirror in which the LED symbol lights up in is relative to the side of the vehicle the other car is on. The system only works with adjacent vehicles, and won’t go off for stationary objects or oncoming vehicles. Get the VW Blind Spot Monitor There are a variety of VW models that come standard with the VW Blind Spot Monitor, while others can get it with the VW Driver Assistance Package. If you’re interested in getting behind the wheel of a vehicle equipped with this impressive technology, contact us here at Speedcraft Volkswagen. We’ll be happy to help you find the Jetta, Golf, Tiguan or other VW model you’re looking for, with all of the safety features you want. Just schedule an appointment online or give us a call to set up a test drive in the vehicle of your choice. That way, you can experience the convenience of the Blind Spot Monitor and its easy-use design for yourself! We look forward to hearing from you!

Which Volkswagen models have Rear Traffic Alert? Safety has always been key when it comes to driving, which is why many automakers are making bigger strides to make their vehicles safer. Volkswagen is among those adding new technologies to their vehicles to not only protect in the event of an accident, but to help drivers avoid them in the first place. One such feature is the Rear Traffic Alert technology, which is available in select Volkswagen models. The Volkswagen Rear Traffic Alert feature is available in a variety of models. Those currently available with the technology include: Jetta Passat Golf SportWagen Golf Golf GTI Beetle Beetle Convertible When paired with the rearview camera, as shown here, drivers have easy visibility behind their vehicle. Most of these great models are available here at our dealership, so we encourage you to take a look at our inventory! Not sure which model is right for you? We’ve already done the research for you! Just check out our comprehensive model reviews for more information! After you’ve finished researching, just give us a call or schedule a test drive here to get behind the wheel! What is the Volkswagen Rear Traffic Alert? We’ve all been in a situation where we're trying to back out of a parking stall or garage, and other larger vehicles or walls around our vehicle prevent us from seeing anything that might be crossing our path. Well, with Rear Traffic Alert, the rear sensors on the back of your vehicle are able to sense if another vehicle or pedestrian is crossing your path. If you’re pulling out of a parking spot and your vehicle senses somebody crossing your path, it will first alert you with an audio and visual alert. If you don’t react in a timely manner, the vehicle will automatically apply brakes to help avoid a collision. The system is only in effect when your vehicle is in reverse, so no need to worry about it going off when someone switches lanes behind you on the highway! The Volkswagen Rear Traffic Alert is just another way these models work to provide you with a safer, more enjoyable driving experience. What do you think of the Volkswagen Rear Traffic Alert? Let us know in the comments below!

2017 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen safety features In Volkswagen vehicles, safety is always a top priority. That’s why the new 2017 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen safety features aim to make advanced features more available to its drivers. So if you’re interested in getting behind the wheel of a vehicle that not only offers sporty performance and affordable fuel economy, but offers impressive control and safety features as well, we recommend looking into the 2017 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen. For the 2017 model year, the Golf SportWagen will feature 4Motion all-wheel drive on its S trim. The system will be available on both manual and automatic transmissions, and will increase driver control and traction on the roads, so you can drive with confidence even in the winter. The 4Motion systems using the latest and best in Haldex-5 coupling, which is activated through an electro-hydraulic oil pump. Other updates for the 2017 VW Golf SportWagen In addition to the new all-wheel drive available on the Golf SportWagen S, other adjustments have been made to the SportWagen lineup to make safety features more readily available to a wider range of drivers. Features for the SEL trim Forward Collision Warning w/ Auto Emergency Braking Blind Spot Monitor w/ Rear Traffic Alert Adaptive Cruise Control Park Assist * Lane Assist * Bi-Xenon headlights w/ Light Assist * Features for the S and SE trims w/ Driver Assistance Package Bi-Xenon headlights LED Daytime Running lights Blind Spot Monitor w/ Rear Traffic Alert Forward Collision Warning w/ Auto Emergency Braking Adaptive Cruise Control * Available As you can see, plenty of great safety features will be available on all models, so no matter which model you opt for, you can rest easy knowing that you’re safe on the road. Get the 2017 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen in Rhode Island If you’re interested in getting behind the wheel of the 2017 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen with its new all-wheel drive capability, be sure to contact us here at Speedcraft Volkswagen. We’ll be sure to contact you as soon as this impressive model arrives on our lot so you can schedule a test drive and give it a try yourself. We’re sure once you experience the impressive technology and features found in the 2017 SportWagen, you won’t want to settle for any other vehicle. What do you think of the new 2017 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen safety features? Let us know in the comments!

2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack NHTSA 5-star safety rating Volkswagen can add another vehicle onto its growing list of award-winning vehicles as the 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack joins the rest of the Golf family with its newly awarded NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which conducts the New Car Assessment Program looked into multiple aspects of vehicular safety when assessing the Alltrack, which excelled across all fields. Since its announcement, the 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack has been touted as a viable choice for families looking for a more compact vehicle. Not only does the Alltrack offer a spacious interior and impressive capability, but now it has also proven to be a safe choice as well. When examining the 2017 Golf Alltrack, the NHTSA assessed front, side and rollover crash tests. Much of the Alltrack’s success in its crash tests is credited to its new 4Motion® All-Wheel Drive performance, sturdy SportWagen construction, and its winning combination of active and passive safety features. Standard safety features in the 2017 Alltrack include a six-airbag system, Electronic Stability Control, Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and an Intelligent Crash Response System. The Alltrack also highlights its driver available assistance systems which include Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Alerts, Parking Pilot and Park Assist. 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack release date While we don’t have an official date yet for the 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack release, Volkswagen has confirmed that the impressive hatchback will be arriving on lots this fall. So don’t worry, you’ll be able to get behind the wheel of the new 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack here in Rhode Island before winter hits. We’re sure that the capable AWD of this impressive model will definitely come in handy during the snowy winter months when the roads get icy. If you’re interested in getting behind the wheel of the 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack as soon as it arrives on our lot, give us a call or contact us here on our site. We’ll be sure to make a note to inform you as soon as it joins our inventory. That way, you can be the very first person to test drive the all-new 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack in Rhode Island! What do you think of the new Alltrack and its impressive safety rating? Let us know in the comments below!