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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.

When you’re driving down the road in your Volkswagen, the last thing you want is your car’s engine to overheat. If it occurs while you are driving, it can be very dangerous to not only you, but other drivers as well. That’s where your coolant comes into play. The coolant liquid in your car is designed to maintain its internal temperature and keep it from overheating. As a car owner, there are benefits of a coolant flush in your Volkswagen, to ensure your vehicle is always in top shape. If you’re weighing whether or not getting a coolant flush is necessary in your vehicle, here are a few benefits to having your Volkswagen’s radiator coolant flushed. Removes Contaminants – When you have your coolant flushed, contaminants left behind by the build-up of old anti-freeze that has lost its anti-corrosive properties are completely cleaned out of your vehicle’s radiator. Rust and Deposits – Rust and other deposits can also make their way into your Volkswagen’s radiator. By flushing the coolant, these are both wiped out. The flush removes old anti-freeze and other deposits and rust that, if left behind, could damage your vehicle’s entire cooling system. Prevents further rust and foam – By replacing the old coolant, the additives in the new coolant not only wash out old rust and foam build up, but it prevents further rusting. Extends lifespan of your water pump – the coolant you add to your Volkswagen vehicle feature additives that help lubricate the water pump in your vehicle, extending its lifespan. Inspects for cooling problems – Having your coolant flushed is a great opportunity to have your radiator’s cooling system looked at. This ensures that you know of any problems and can have them fixed quickly to avoid any further problems. Of course, there are more benefits to having a coolant flushed in your Volkswagen. For more information, feel free to consult our service department. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have. Coolant flush at Speedcraft Volkswagen Coolant flushes are just one of the many services we provide here at Speedcraft Volkswagen. If you’re interested in having your coolant flushed, don’t hesitate to contact us. While you’re here, we’ll also be happy to take a look at the rest of your vehicle or perform another service to ensure that your car is always running in top shape. To view more of our available services, or to learn about our excellent service staff, be sure to visit our service page. There, you can also schedule an appointment to have our expert staff take a look at your vehicle.

Father's day 2015 is coming up on June 21st and if you’re like many people, you’re still looking for something to get your dad. Here at Speedcraft Volkswagen, we can’t think of a better way to show your dad your appreciation than treating his car to one of our many available services. Services available at Speedcraft Volkswagen Here at Speedcraft Volkswagen, we pride ourselves on our expert service staff. We offer a selection of services including lube, oil and filter changes, transmission flushes, tire rotations, inspections and more. Our dealership is your one-stop shop for getting your vehicle on the road and keeping it there. Have you noticed that your dad’s car isn’t running as well as it used to? Or maybe he’s due for an oil change. Whatever it is, we’re sure he’ll appreciate you going the extra mile to treat him to a high quality car service. Is your dad a car lover? If he enjoys working on cars himself, we can help you out there, too. If he likes working on cars on his own, maybe he’s looking for a new part or upgrade to add on to his vehicle.  We know the importance good parts have on your vehicle. That’s why we offer only the highest quality parts – better for your vehicle than those you would find at auto stores. Here at Speedcraft Volkswagen, we use only quality license parts designed to work well in your Volkswagen vehicle. A great idea for a Father's Day activity is to order parts that you can help your dad install in his vehicle. Father's Day 2015 at Speedcraft VW If you’d like to set up an appointment for your dad for a service, please contact us here at Speecraft Volkkswagen. We’ll be happy to help keep your dad’s car running in tip-top shape. Not only that, but our staff will work diligently to ensure that our service is completed quickly and efficiently. You can also contact us here if you’re interested in ordering parts. If you’re looking for a new car of your own, a great way to spend some time with dad is to bring him to test drive some vehicles with you. Just set up an appointment and we’ll be happy to schedule a test drive. Happy Father's Day from Speedcraft Volkswagen!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rhode Island Potholes are wreaking havoc around the state. Avoidance Tips and Easy pothole Inspections. It’s that time of year again. As the snow and ice recede after another brutal winter (we hope the worst is behind us), we see the damage that months of freezing, thawing, and plowing have done to our Rhode Island roads. We don’t have Spring here, we have Pothole Season. And it’s wicked this year. Rhode Island Pothole Problems have been especially brutal to cars throughout the state. We encourage all drivers to read our Pothole Avoidance Tips, and to bring their car in for a quick Pothole Inspection if it’s been jostled a bit too much this season. Pothole Avoidance Tips You’re not going to be able to stop mother nature from wreaking havoc on Rhode Island roads in winter, leaving us with so many dips, divots and holes that they become impossible to safely dodge. But we have a few Pothole Avoidance Tips, so you stand your best chance against, and your car can get through this season in one piece. Tire Pressure - Make sure your tires are properly inflated this time of year. The right amount of tire pressure is crucial to having a good buffer between your rim and the broken pavement. Not too firm or too soft. Leave Room - Tailgating is a primary reason why you didn’t see that big pothole coming. You will spot the big ones before its too late if you just leave a reasonable amount of room between yourself and the car in front of you. Steer Clear of Puddles - Rhode Islanders know that often those tiny little puddles are potholes in disguise. This time of year, there’s no telling how deep a little bit of water really is. If possible, avoid them if you can, or proceed through them with greater caution. Rhode Island Pothole Inspection Rhode Island Potholes are no laughing matter. We might be the smallest state, but we unquestionably have the biggest divots in our roads. When you hit ‘the big one’ you know it. You wait for your tires to deflate, or your car to start pulling to one side, or any number of other symptoms that let you know your car is hurting. If you hit the big one, or just too many to count, you need some peace of mind and assurance that your car is ok. We recommend you stop in for a quick Pothole Inspection. In Rhode Island especially, it’s important to stay ahead of the small problems before they balloon into something catastrophic. A Pothole Inspection is quick and easy. We will get you in and out as quickly as possible. We quickly check the following: - Tire puncture or damage - Wheel rim damage - Premature wear on shocks and struts - Suspension damage - Steering system misalignment - Exhaust system damage - Engine damage NOTE: If your car was damaged by a pothole in Rhode Island, and your vehicle is registered in Rhode Island, you are probably eligible for reimbursement of up to $300. You can learn more about being reimbursed for pothole damage here.

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.

Our new site makes it easier than ever to schedule a service appointment, order parts, and even shop for tires right online. If you have been keeping up with our recent blog posts, you already know that when we recently redesigned our all-new website that simplicity was our guide. The website is still just barely a week old. Here on the blog, we are taking a little time to give you a comprehensive tour of some of the key features we’ve added. We not only wanted to be sure to make your car shopping experience as easy as possible, but we also wanted to make sure we took the hassle out of servicing your car. Simplified Service Schedule and More is available with our convenient new online tools. If you’re in a hurry, click instead of call. The Speedcraft Volkswagen Service Department truly is a one-stop-shop for getting your vehicle in out, and you back to your life. Whether it’s a quick oil change, brake job, muffler repair, inspection, tire rotation or electrical service, we can handle it. Our skilled technicians aren’t just gifted when it comes to cars. They are also some of the best in the business when it comes to taking good care of customers. We might be biased, but our Service Department team can’t be beat. We know that the part of car ownership that is the least fun is the maintenance side of things. Between attempting to make an appointment in the middle of an already hectic schedule, and dealing with dishonest people trying to upsell you around every corner, it can really be a nightmare. We pride ourselves on making the service process smooth, easy, and dare we say, fun. You can Schedule Your Service directly from our site now. It’s a convenient feature, but more than anything we just wanted to make it as easy as possible for you. If you remember your oil needs changing in the middle of the night, feel free to hop online and schedule your next oil change. No need to wait for us to get into the office to make a call. You are encouraged to set up an account, but if you’re in a serious hurry or need some emergency work done, you can simply click to grab the next available appointment. What could be easier? Shopping for Tires and Ordering Car Parts is fun for a few, but a headache for many. You are always welcome to come in and talk with our Service Professionals about all of your concerns and needs for your vehicle. But if you want to shop for tires or parts on your own, we’ve added those features to the site for you. If you have any questions for our Service Department, or if you have any questions regarding our new site, please don’t hesitate to contact us.