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Saving gas in your Volkswagen These days, all drivers are looking to get the most out of their vehicle’s gas tank. That being the case, there are plenty of tips for you to follow to get better savings in your Volkswagen, however where there are tips, there are tips and tricks, there are bound to be myths as well. Here are 5 popular myths about gas mileage that many drivers take to be truth. If you’re following these tips looking to save money, you’ll be surprised to find that they can actually end up costing you in the long run. Myth #1. Only smaller cars get good fuel economy This one’s been disproven time and time again. With all of the hybrids and direct fuel injection engines out there today, there are plenty of larger vehicles that deliver some pretty remarkable fuel economy. Myth #2. It costs more fuel to start a car than to leave it idle This one can really end up costing you. While this may have been the case back in the day (depending on how long you stayed idle), modern fuel injected engines are much more effcient at starting. Leaving your car idle can cost you a quarter to half a gallon per hour, depending on your engine size. That can lead to you losing 1-2 cents per minute. For that reason, it’s recommended that you turn your engine off when your vehicle is sitting still and you know you’ll be waiting a while. Myth #3. Vehicles should be warmed up before being driven A popular notion here in the northern states, modern engines don’t need to sit idle, “warming” up before being driven. This was the case for older models, which is why the practice has been continued for so long, traveling through generations of drivers, however modern technology makes it unnecessary, and it can end up costing you fuel. Myth #4. Manual transmissions always get better fuel economy This is true in many cases, but to say “all” would be incorrect. The auto industry has really come a long way in improving the automatic transmission vehicle, bringing them to the point where they’re fore the most part equal to the manual transmission, and even perform better in some instances. Myth #5. Premium fuel improves your fuel economy Unless your vehicle is designed to run on premium fuel, or makes a loud knocking noise when filled with regular fuel, it’s very unlikely that you’ll find any real benefit to using premium fuel over regular. In some instances, your Volkswagen might have a slight improvement, however the cost of the premium fuel would likely more than cancel out any savings. To see what fuel you should be using, check your owner’s manual. Have any fuel economy myths of your own? Let us know in the comments below!

How to replace Volkswagen windshield wipers When it comes to driving, there are few things as important as having proper visibility – especially in bad weather conditions. That’s why it’s extremely important that your Volkswagen’s windshield wipers are working properly. To ensure proper visibility with your wipers, they should be switched out regularly with new blades. Take a look below to learn when and how to replace your Volkswagen windshield wipers. As a rule of thumb, your Volkswagen’s wiper blades should be replaced about every six months to make sure you don’t end up driving around with worn out, dull blades that hardly work. Of course, you can also change them whenever you notice they aren’t wiping properly and it begins to affect your visibility. If you’d like, our expert staff here at Speedcraft Volkswagen are always here to help change them for you and help with any other service your vehicle may need, otherwise it’s a relatively simple process to do on your own. Signs that your windshield wipers need replacing The signs that your windshield wipers need changing are easy to see – literally. The biggest indicator that your wipers should be replaced is a decline in your visibility when you use them. Some common signs include your wipers squeaking, chattering, skipping areas or just smearing or streaking – all of which can either decrease visibility or simply be distracting to the driver. Since the windshield wipers on your Volkswagen are made of rubber, they eventually wear out – even when they aren’t used very often. That’s why it’s important to make sure that they’re in good shape when you need them. Follow the simple steps below to replace your wipers on your own. How to replace your windshield wipers Step 1: Remove the old wiper Remove the old wiper by lifting the wiper arm away from the windshield. Then press the small tab on the underside of the wiper, where it meets the arm. You can then slide the wiper blade off of the arm by pulling the center toward the bottom of the arm. Step 2: Line up the arm with the new blade This is easily done – just move the hook on the arm over the plastic clip on the new wiper blade. Step 3: Tighten Finally, tighten the wiper by pulling the wiper blade onto the arm. You’ll hear a clicking sound when it locks into place. Then, lower the wiper and you’re all set! Repeat this process for the second wiper if necessary. If you need any help with your vehicle’s windshield wipers, or if they aren’t working at all, , feel free to visit us here at Speedcraft Volkswagen. We’re equipped to handle a wide variety of different services, so we’ll be happy to help with any fixes or maintenance you may need. You can contact us here on our site with any questions or to make an appointment.

How to replace Volkswagen windshield wipers When it comes to driving, there are few things as important as having proper visibility – especially in bad weather conditions. That’s why it’s extremely important that your Volkswagen’s windshield wipers are working properly. To ensure proper visibility with your wipers, they should be switched out regularly with new blades. Take a look below to learn when and how to replace your Volkswagen windshield wipers. As a rule of thumb, your Volkswagen’s wiper blades should be replaced about every six months to make sure you don’t end up driving around with worn out, dull blades that hardly work. Of course, you can also change them whenever you notice they aren’t wiping properly and it begins to affect your visibility. If you’d like, our expert staff here at Speedcraft Volkswagen are always here to help change them for you and help with any other service your vehicle may need, otherwise it’s a relatively simple process to do on your own. Signs that your windshield wipers need replacing The signs that your windshield wipers need changing are easy to see – literally. The biggest indicator that your wipers should be replaced is a decline in your visibility when you use them. Some common signs include your wipers squeaking, chattering, skipping areas or just smearing or streaking – all of which can either decrease visibility or simply be distracting to the driver. Since the windshield wipers on your Volkswagen are made of rubber, they eventually wear out – even when they aren’t used very often. That’s why it’s important to make sure that they’re in good shape when you need them. Follow the simple steps below to replace your wipers on your own. How to replace your windshield wipers Step 1: Remove the old wiper Remove the old wiper by lifting the wiper arm away from the windshield. Then press the small tab on the underside of the wiper, where it meets the arm. You can then slide the wiper blade off of the arm by pulling the center toward the bottom of the arm. Step 2: Line up the arm with the new blade This is easily done – just move the hook on the arm over the plastic clip on the new wiper blade. Step 3: Tighten Finally, tighten the wiper by pulling the wiper blade onto the arm. You’ll hear a clicking sound when it locks into place. Then, lower the wiper and you’re all set! Repeat this process for the second wiper if necessary. If you need any help with your vehicle’s windshield wipers, or if they aren’t working at all, , feel free to visit us here at Speedcraft Volkswagen. We’re equipped to handle a wide variety of different services, so we’ll be happy to help with any fixes or maintenance you may need. You can contact us here on our site with any questions or to make an appointment.

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 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!

Brakes making noise in your Volkswagen The brakes in your Volkswagen are integral to the safety of your vehicle. That being said, it’s important to recognize signs of problems arising in your vehicle’s brakes. One of the tell-tale signs of brake problems is hearing your brakes making noise. There are three particular noises for you to listen for in your brakes that could be signs that your brakes need repair or replacement. It’s a good idea to make a habit of occasionally turning down your radio and listening to your brakes, though if you don’t hear noises coming from your brakes, it’s pretty safe to assume that they’re in fine working order. However, if you do notice one of the types of noises listed below it’s important that you bring your vehicle in to have it checked out. Car making a squealing noise When you’re driving, you might hear a high-pitched squealing noise that goes away when braking. This noise isn’t a problem itself, but is actually a warning noise used to indicate the potential for a brake problem. Manufacturers like Volkswagen build this warning into their vehicles to notify drivers before your vehicle’s brakes begin to wear down into the rotors. At that point, it’s a good idea to bring your vehicle in to our excellent service department here at Speedcraft Volkswagen. Catching problems with your brakes at this point is going to save you the most money as the more your brakes grind into the rotor, the more the cost of repair go up. Grinding noise in your brakes If you miss the squealing noise, unfortunately the next noise you’ll hear is a grinding or growling noise when you brake and it’s quite a bit more serious of a problem. The grinding noise is caused by your vehicle’s brake pads being worn through and the brakes beginning to grind into the rotor. This noise is usually much louder and harder to miss. You’ll likely know it when you hear it. When your Volkswagen reaches this point, unfortunately the cost of repair can rise quickly. The longer you drive your vehicle while it’s experiencing this problem, the more damage is done. If you don’t fix this problem as soon as possible, it can lead to further problems with the caliper in the hydraulics which can lead to another costly repair. Squeaking brakes Another noise you may hear coming from your brakes is a squeaking noise that occurs when you stop. Luckily, this isn’t a very serious problem and doesn’t usually call for a replacement of your brakes. Rather, it’s a sign that your brakes were not installed correctly when they were changed. A possible cause is weak pads or unlubricated caliper. Usually this isn’t a cause for a problem in your vehicle, aside from being annoying, but it is a relatively easy repair. If you’re experiencing any of these problems in your Volkswagen vehicle, we encourage you to stop by our service department here at Speedcraft Volkswagen. Simply contact us here to schedule an appointment.

Brakes making noise in your Volkswagen The brakes in your Volkswagen are integral to the safety of your vehicle. That being said, it’s important to recognize signs of problems arising in your vehicle’s brakes. One of the tell-tale signs of brake problems is hearing your brakes making noise. There are three particular noises for you to listen for in your brakes that could be signs that your brakes need repair or replacement. It’s a good idea to make a habit of occasionally turning down your radio and listening to your brakes, though if you don’t hear noises coming from your brakes, it’s pretty safe to assume that they’re in fine working order. However, if you do notice one of the types of noises listed below it’s important that you bring your vehicle in to have it checked out. Car making a squealing noise When you’re driving, you might hear a high-pitched squealing noise that goes away when braking. This noise isn’t a problem itself, but is actually a warning noise used to indicate the potential for a brake problem. Manufacturers like Volkswagen build this warning into their vehicles to notify drivers before your vehicle’s brakes begin to wear down into the rotors. At that point, it’s a good idea to bring your vehicle in to our excellent service department here at Speedcraft Volkswagen. Catching problems with your brakes at this point is going to save you the most money as the more your brakes grind into the rotor, the more the cost of repair go up. Grinding noise in your brakes If you miss the squealing noise, unfortunately the next noise you’ll hear is a grinding or growling noise when you brake and it’s quite a bit more serious of a problem. The grinding noise is caused by your vehicle’s brake pads being worn through and the brakes beginning to grind into the rotor. This noise is usually much louder and harder to miss. You’ll likely know it when you hear it. When your Volkswagen reaches this point, unfortunately the cost of repair can rise quickly. The longer you drive your vehicle while it’s experiencing this problem, the more damage is done. If you don’t fix this problem as soon as possible, it can lead to further problems with the caliper in the hydraulics which can lead to another costly repair. Squeaking brakes Another noise you may hear coming from your brakes is a squeaking noise that occurs when you stop. Luckily, this isn’t a very serious problem and doesn’t usually call for a replacement of your brakes. Rather, it’s a sign that your brakes were not installed correctly when they were changed. A possible cause is weak pads or unlubricated caliper. Usually this isn’t a cause for a problem in your vehicle, aside from being annoying, but it is a relatively easy repair. If you’re experiencing any of these problems in your Volkswagen vehicle, we encourage you to stop by our service department here at Speedcraft Volkswagen. Simply contact us here to schedule an appointment.

Front end alignment in Wakefield RI Being able to drive in a straight line is important for your vehicle and safety. If while driving you’ve noticed that your vehicle doesn’t drive in a straight line, even when the steering wheel is completely straight, it is very lucky that your vehicle has an issue with its front end alignment. It may be the case that your Volkswagen vehicle drifts slightly the left or right. While this may seem like a minor inconvenience to some, it can actually put you and your car at risk. When you drive your vehicle with alignment problems, controlling your vehicle can be difficult. While driving straight on the highway or in the city, drivers must make constant small corrections in order to stay in their lane, taking concentration away from what’s ahead of them. Another instance where front end alignment causes problems is emergency braking. By not being able to predict where your vehicle will go during emergency braking, it can be very difficult to maintain control. For reasons such as these, it’s important that drivers see that their alignment problems are fixed. As the owner of your Volkswagen vehicle, it’s important that know how to recognize front end alignment problems, but also what goes into fixing them. Signs of alignment problems As we said earlier, an obvious sign of problems with your Volkswagen’s alignment is a noticeable drift to the left or right while driving straight. This is caused by the front tires of your vehicle not being aligned properly. This sign is usually very easy for drivers to notice. Another way you can find problems with your vehicle’s tire alignment is the feeling of your steering wheel. If there is a vibration in it, it is a sign that your vehicle is having problems balancing. Bring your car in to Speedcraft VW Even though it can be obvious when your vehicle is experiencing alignment issues, there’s still a chance that it could go unnoticed for some time. That’s why it’s also important that you bring your vehicle in to our service department regularly to have its alignment tested. Here at Speedcraft, our expert staff will inspect your vehicle’s suspension and steering systems in addition to inspecting your tires and their air pressure. Then we’ll use an alignment rack with sensors that measure your vehicle’s alignment to see if it’s off. If your vehicle’s alignment is uneven, then your vehicle’s camber, caster and toe angles are properly adjusted to meet the manufacturer’s specifications. To get in touch with our service department and have your car’s alignment checked out, feel free to contact us here at Speedcraft Volkswagen. We’re always happy to help. Feel free to come to us with any questions or concerns about your vehicle.

Front end alignment in Wakefield RI Being able to drive in a straight line is important for your vehicle and safety. If while driving you’ve noticed that your vehicle doesn’t drive in a straight line, even when the steering wheel is completely straight, it is very lucky that your vehicle has an issue with its front end alignment. It may be the case that your Volkswagen vehicle drifts slightly the left or right. While this may seem like a minor inconvenience to some, it can actually put you and your car at risk. When you drive your vehicle with alignment problems, controlling your vehicle can be difficult. While driving straight on the highway or in the city, drivers must make constant small corrections in order to stay in their lane, taking concentration away from what’s ahead of them. Another instance where front end alignment causes problems is emergency braking. By not being able to predict where your vehicle will go during emergency braking, it can be very difficult to maintain control. For reasons such as these, it’s important that drivers see that their alignment problems are fixed. As the owner of your Volkswagen vehicle, it’s important that know how to recognize front end alignment problems, but also what goes into fixing them. Signs of alignment problems As we said earlier, an obvious sign of problems with your Volkswagen’s alignment is a noticeable drift to the left or right while driving straight. This is caused by the front tires of your vehicle not being aligned properly. This sign is usually very easy for drivers to notice. Another way you can find problems with your vehicle’s tire alignment is the feeling of your steering wheel. If there is a vibration in it, it is a sign that your vehicle is having problems balancing. Bring your car in to Speedcraft VW Even though it can be obvious when your vehicle is experiencing alignment issues, there’s still a chance that it could go unnoticed for some time. That’s why it’s also important that you bring your vehicle in to our service department regularly to have its alignment tested. Here at Speedcraft, our expert staff will inspect your vehicle’s suspension and steering systems in addition to inspecting your tires and their air pressure. Then we’ll use an alignment rack with sensors that measure your vehicle’s alignment to see if it’s off. If your vehicle’s alignment is uneven, then your vehicle’s camber, caster and toe angles are properly adjusted to meet the manufacturer’s specifications. To get in touch with our service department and have your car’s alignment checked out, feel free to contact us here at Speedcraft Volkswagen. We’re always happy to help. Feel free to come to us with any questions or concerns about your vehicle.

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.

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.

Signs that you need to change your brakes Your brakes are vital to the functioning of your vehicle. That’s why it’s important to know that they’re always working properly. As time goes on, your brakes begin to wear down and eventually don’t offer the same secure slowing or stopping as they used to. It’s warning signs like these that are vital to knowing when to get your brakes replaced. Here are a few signs that you need to have your brakes changed. A good sign that the years are starting to wear on your Volkswagen’s brakes is the sound of them.  If you hear a high-pitched screeching sound when you apply your brakes, that is an indicator designed to warn you that your brake pads need replacing. Don’t worry about missing the sound, as it’s loud enough to hear while the windows are up, though you may need to turn down your radio and air. If you hear this noise often, it’s definitely a time to schedule an appointment. A less obvious sign that your brakes are wearing is reduced responsiveness or fading. When you first get your car, you’ll notice how responsive the brakes are. If you notice that your brakes aren’t as responsive as they used to be, or if the pedal sinks to toward the floor, this might be caused by a leak in the braking system. Pulling is another sign of not only wearing brakes, but also that they’re wearing unevenly. Pulling causes your vehicle to move to one side when braking. For this fix, you may need a brake adjustment or to have the fluid replaced, both of which can be performed here by our expert staff here at Speedcraft Volkswagen. If nothing else, you’re sure to notice if your brakes begin grinding or making a growling noise. This means that you’ve worn down your brake pads completely. It’s possible that this problem will require your rotors to be replaced, so it’s important that you have your brake pads replaced before this becomes an issue. Get your brakes changed at Speedcraft VW If you experience any of these problems with your brakes, we strongly encourage you to stop by our dealership to have them looked at. Any of these problems with your Volkswagen’s brakes are no small matter and it’s better to be safe than sorry. Our expert staff will be happy to help you with any repairs necessary to your car’s brakes or other components. To make an appointment, you can contact us here on our website or call our service department at 855-216-4638. We’re happy to provide you with the best service possible and ensure that you’re always safe and in control while on the road.