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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.

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.

If the air temperature coming from your Volkswagen’s vents is too cold, you smell a strange odor, or you just want to get your climate control system checked out, Speedcraft Volkswagen in Wakefield, RI, offers service specials, top-quality parts and personalized service. If you need a specific problem fixed, Speedcraft Volkswagen technicians can identify the source of the air temperature problem, and odor, which could be caused by gas leaks and mold. A climate control check-up is a good idea this time of year if your drives are feeling chillier than they should. The problem is, many different culprits may be responsible: a broken heater blower motor, a problem with the thermostat, or a failed heater blower motor resistor. This list is far from complete, and easy fixes abound, such as a hose or fuse replacement, so it’s important to get the best diagnosis. Another thing to consider in keeping heating/AC systems in the best shape is the cabin air filter, which catches dust and pollen, improves airflow and reduces unpleasant odors from outdoors. Replacement intervals vary, but sitting in traffic, where your VW is filtering pollution and smog, or driving through a lot of dust and dirt on back roads can mean replacing the cabin air filter more often than the usual 12,000 to 15,000 miles. Your VW dealership is a great place for regular maintenance. Volkswagen says a good rule of thumb is to bring your vehicle in for checks every 5,000 miles or so, to ensure that nothing is going wrong. While some problems in your car only cause minor inconveniences, others can be dangerous. Here at Speedcraft Volkswagen, you’ll receive excellent service from friendly and knowledgeable service staff. They’re sure to get your vehicle back in top shape in no time. Call (855) 439-7791 call to schedule service or make an appointment online.

If the air temperature coming from your Volkswagen’s vents is too cold, you smell a strange odor, or you just want to get your climate control system checked out, Speedcraft Volkswagen in Wakefield, RI, offers service specials, top-quality parts and personalized service. If you need a specific problem fixed, Speedcraft Volkswagen technicians can identify the source of the air temperature problem, and odor, which could be caused by gas leaks and mold. A climate control check-up is a good idea this time of year if your drives are feeling chillier than they should. The problem is, many different culprits may be responsible: a broken heater blower motor, a problem with the thermostat, or a failed heater blower motor resistor. This list is far from complete, and easy fixes abound, such as a hose or fuse replacement, so it’s important to get the best diagnosis. Another thing to consider in keeping heating/AC systems in the best shape is the cabin air filter, which catches dust and pollen, improves airflow and reduces unpleasant odors from outdoors. Replacement intervals vary, but sitting in traffic, where your VW is filtering pollution and smog, or driving through a lot of dust and dirt on back roads can mean replacing the cabin air filter more often than the usual 12,000 to 15,000 miles. Your VW dealership is a great place for regular maintenance. Volkswagen says a good rule of thumb is to bring your vehicle in for checks every 5,000 miles or so, to ensure that nothing is going wrong. While some problems in your car only cause minor inconveniences, others can be dangerous. Here at Speedcraft Volkswagen, you’ll receive excellent service from friendly and knowledgeable service staff. They’re sure to get your vehicle back in top shape in no time. Call (855) 439-7791 call to schedule service or make an appointment online.

Winter is tough, but luckily your Volkswagen can take it. The snow, ice and frigid temperatures make driving more challenging and proper maintenance essential. Here are a few ways drivers can prepare for the unpredictable, but remember, the factory-trained and certified service technicians at Speedcraft VW in Wakefield are available to help with any number of issues. The Speedcraft VW service department offers Volkswagen Service Xpress. You'll get the same high level of service and genuine VW parts, but without an appointment. For quality, convenience and competitive prices, jump in the fast lane today for oil and filter changes, exterior bulb replacement, air filter replacement, tire rotation, cabin filter replacement, new wiper blades and a battery check and replacement. No appointment is needed. Schedule Service At a Time that Works for Your Lifestyle Speedcraft VW also offers lots of ways to keep your car and wallet happy at the same time. Take a look at these great car service and maintenance coupons. At Speedcraft VW, we can make your vehicle even tougher with accessories to give you extra protection from the winter elements, like splash guards, a hood protector and all-season floor mats. With some preparation and additional protection, you’ll be ready for anything this winter. Here are some guidelines for keeping your VW ready for whatever winter can dish out. Bring your VW in today and our service specialists can help. Check the antifreeze – Antifreeze and water are normally mixed at a 50/50 ratio. That typically puts your protection level at twenty degrees below zero. Bolster the battery – If water levels are low, add distilled water to cover the lead plates inside your battery. Also make sure battery cables and terminals are clean and tight. Measure the tires – Measure your tire tread and consider replacing your tires if they reach approximately 4/32" of remaining tread depth, or switch to snow tires. Then check your tire pressure, which can be lowered by cold temperatures. Adjust as needed. Check windshield wipers and fluid – If your wiper blades are more than six months old, replace them for winter. Make sure your wipers are free of frost, frozen rain or snow before turning them on. Use a washer solution that won't freeze in winter temperatures, and be prepared to top it off often. Change oil regularly – Be sure to stay up to date on oil changes throughout the winter. Protect the paint – Give the exterior a coat of wax because cold, ice, snow and salt can be tough on paint. Wash your VW as often as possible during the winter, making sure to clean in the wheel wells and underneath to prevent buildup and damage. Whether your vehicle is due for a routine oil change or needs repair work, you can count on the Speedcraft VW service team to get the job done right.

Winter is tough, but luckily your Volkswagen can take it. The snow, ice and frigid temperatures make driving more challenging and proper maintenance essential. Here are a few ways drivers can prepare for the unpredictable, but remember, the factory-trained and certified service technicians at Speedcraft VW in Wakefield are available to help with any number of issues. The Speedcraft VW service department offers Volkswagen Service Xpress. You'll get the same high level of service and genuine VW parts, but without an appointment. For quality, convenience and competitive prices, jump in the fast lane today for oil and filter changes, exterior bulb replacement, air filter replacement, tire rotation, cabin filter replacement, new wiper blades and a battery check and replacement. No appointment is needed. Schedule Service At a Time that Works for Your Lifestyle Speedcraft VW also offers lots of ways to keep your car and wallet happy at the same time. Take a look at these great car service and maintenance coupons. At Speedcraft VW, we can make your vehicle even tougher with accessories to give you extra protection from the winter elements, like splash guards, a hood protector and all-season floor mats. With some preparation and additional protection, you’ll be ready for anything this winter. Here are some guidelines for keeping your VW ready for whatever winter can dish out. Bring your VW in today and our service specialists can help. Check the antifreeze – Antifreeze and water are normally mixed at a 50/50 ratio. That typically puts your protection level at twenty degrees below zero. Bolster the battery – If water levels are low, add distilled water to cover the lead plates inside your battery. Also make sure battery cables and terminals are clean and tight. Measure the tires – Measure your tire tread and consider replacing your tires if they reach approximately 4/32" of remaining tread depth, or switch to snow tires. Then check your tire pressure, which can be lowered by cold temperatures. Adjust as needed. Check windshield wipers and fluid – If your wiper blades are more than six months old, replace them for winter. Make sure your wipers are free of frost, frozen rain or snow before turning them on. Use a washer solution that won't freeze in winter temperatures, and be prepared to top it off often. Change oil regularly – Be sure to stay up to date on oil changes throughout the winter. Protect the paint – Give the exterior a coat of wax because cold, ice, snow and salt can be tough on paint. Wash your VW as often as possible during the winter, making sure to clean in the wheel wells and underneath to prevent buildup and damage. Whether your vehicle is due for a routine oil change or needs repair work, you can count on the Speedcraft VW service team to get the job done right.

Windshield wipers are easy to mistreat in the winter. If you suspect your wipers aren’t doing the job they should, get quick help from the experts at your Speedcraft Volkswagen dealer in Wakefield. Windshield wiper blades that are specially designed for the rigors of winter will hold up better than others, but running them over ice and snow can damage them. Using sturdy wipers and treating them well will give you crystal-clear visibility. Like all other components on your Volkswagen, the windshield wipers are of the highest quality. Is it time to replace you VW windshield wipers? The recommended timeline is every six months to a year, though at Speedcraft Volkswagen, our rule of thumb is to replace them when they are no longer provide clear visibility or when you see that sad, trailing piece of rubber hanging from your windshield wipers. Look for these signs of damage: Cracks – Is the rubber one smooth piece or is it cracked, split or broken off in places? If you see any imperfections in the rubber, that means it’s time for new wiper blades. Streaks – If you notice a consistent film on your windshield, even after you’ve sprayed fluid to clean it off and wiped the blades with a paper towel, that’s another sign your wipers need to be replaced. Noise – If your wipers make that awful chattering sound when they drag across the glass, it means they’re only in contact with the windshield some of the time, and they need to go. Bent Metal – Rough treatment during ice removal and car washes can damage the metal part of the wipers. If the metal is damaged, contact with the windshield will be impaired. Time to replace! Schedule Service Today Taking your car to Speedcraft Volkswagen can save you time and money. Check out these great car service and maintenance coupons. Also, no appointment is needed for windshield wiper replacements, and other services, and you’ll be in and out in under an hour using our VW Express Service.  If you’d rather schedule an appointment, you can do so online. Avoid the hassle of measuring your wipers, looking up the correct size (and then having to exchange them when they turn out to be incorrect). And make your wiper blades last longer by keeping your windshield clean, clearing the wiper blades of debris and using a scraper – not your wipers – to clear ice and snow. Speedcraft Volkswagen technicians are trained for your car. It’s just as quick and cost-effective as other options. A little peace of mind will make a convenient trip to Speedcraft Volkswagen well worth it.

Speedcraft Volkswagen in Wakefield, RI, is proud to announce that most 2018 Volkswagens in the United States will come with 6-year/72,000-mile warranty. Called the “People First Warranty,” the bumper-to-bumper package includes powertrain coverage for engines, transmissions and optional 4Motion® all-wheel-drive systems. The warranty can be transferred to subsequent owners for up to six years or 72,000 miles, whichever comes first, from the date it was first sold new, VW announced. Most competitors offer a three-year/36,000 mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000 mile powertrain warranty on their cars and SUVs. Normally, if a vehicle is sold to a second owner, the powertrain limited warranty is not transferable beyond five years or 60,000 miles from the date it was first sold new, VW says. Warranty Expanded Beyond Atlas, Tiguan The People First Warranty was first introduced for the 2018 Atlas and Tiguan, but now it covers additional 2018 VW models: Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Golf, Golf Alltrack, Golf GTI, Golf R, and Golf SportWagen, Jetta and Passat. The only new VW not covered by the warranty is battery electric e-Golf. “Expanding this warranty beyond those two models gives our dealers another compelling argument for the rest of our lineup, and we believe it will lead to a reduced overall cost of ownership for buyers,” said Derrick Hatami, Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing for Volkswagen of America. Warranty Helps With Affordability Michelle Krebs, executive analyst for Autotrader, told Automotive News that the expanded warranty helps consumers afford a new car. "To keep monthly payments down, consumers are stretching auto loan terms," he said. "The Volkswagen warranty extends along with those loans to help the first buyer – and even the second buyer of a VW – save repair costs.” Hinrich Woebcken, CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, said in a press briefing Friday that the VW brand was at a “fundamental turning point” and outlined goals for 2018 that include “rebuilding the trust of our customers, dealers, and employees." The expanded warranty will play a key role, he said. “Our future success depends on how well we listen and respond to our customers to rebuild their love for Volkswagen.”

Speedcraft Volkswagen in Wakefield, RI, is proud to announce that most 2018 Volkswagens in the United States will come with 6-year/72,000-mile warranty. Called the “People First Warranty,” the bumper-to-bumper package includes powertrain coverage for engines, transmissions and optional 4Motion® all-wheel-drive systems. The warranty can be transferred to subsequent owners for up to six years or 72,000 miles, whichever comes first, from the date it was first sold new, VW announced. Most competitors offer a three-year/36,000 mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000 mile powertrain warranty on their cars and SUVs. Normally, if a vehicle is sold to a second owner, the powertrain limited warranty is not transferable beyond five years or 60,000 miles from the date it was first sold new, VW says. Warranty Expanded Beyond Atlas, Tiguan The People First Warranty was first introduced for the 2018 Atlas and Tiguan, but now it covers additional 2018 VW models: Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Golf, Golf Alltrack, Golf GTI, Golf R, and Golf SportWagen, Jetta and Passat. The only new VW not covered by the warranty is battery electric e-Golf. “Expanding this warranty beyond those two models gives our dealers another compelling argument for the rest of our lineup, and we believe it will lead to a reduced overall cost of ownership for buyers,” said Derrick Hatami, Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing for Volkswagen of America. Warranty Helps With Affordability Michelle Krebs, executive analyst for Autotrader, told Automotive News that the expanded warranty helps consumers afford a new car. "To keep monthly payments down, consumers are stretching auto loan terms," he said. "The Volkswagen warranty extends along with those loans to help the first buyer – and even the second buyer of a VW – save repair costs.” Hinrich Woebcken, CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, said in a press briefing Friday that the VW brand was at a “fundamental turning point” and outlined goals for 2018 that include “rebuilding the trust of our customers, dealers, and employees." The expanded warranty will play a key role, he said. “Our future success depends on how well we listen and respond to our customers to rebuild their love for Volkswagen.”

What is the Lifespan of a Battery in a Volkswagen? We have all experienced this scenario: we are heading out of the house or the office, eager to get to our destination, when we get into our Volkswagen and attempt to turn on the ignition, and our vehicle doesn't start. It is then that we realize that our Volkswagen's battery is dead – and it is usually at the most inconvenient time! In order to help you avoid this from happening to you again, we asked our service experts here at Speedcraft Volkswagen for some tips. How Long Does a Car Battery in a Volkswagen Last? On average your Volkswagen model's battery can last about six years, though it can vary depending on your geographical climate. Rhode Island is known for getting extremely cold in the winter, and this can be hard on your Volkswagen and its battery. The way you drive and maintain your Volkswagen can also affect its lifespan. What Can I Do to Get the Most Life Out of My Volkswagen Models Battery? There are several things you can do (or not do) to help make your Volkswagen model's battery last longer: Always make sure to turn off your headlights and interior lights (if you are using them) when you exit your vehicle. Most lights in modern vehicle will turn off automatically when you switch off the ignition, but it never hurts to double check and to actually turn off all switches. Do not rely on your Volkswagen as your primary phone charging station. When possible, try to keep your Volkswagen parked in a garage and away from the elements. Perform regular maintenance on your Volkswagen. How Often Do I Need to Have My Volkswagen Model's Battery Checked? Once your battery reaches three years of age, we recommend having it checked by a Volkswagen service professional twice a year (ideally spring and fall). If your Volkswagen is due to have its battery checked or replaced, please schedule a service appointment with us here at Speedcraft Volkswagen. View Our Inventory of New Volkswagen Vehicles

What is the Lifespan of a Battery in a Volkswagen? We have all experienced this scenario: we are heading out of the house or the office, eager to get to our destination, when we get into our Volkswagen and attempt to turn on the ignition, and our vehicle doesn't start. It is then that we realize that our Volkswagen's battery is dead – and it is usually at the most inconvenient time! In order to help you avoid this from happening to you again, we asked our service experts here at Speedcraft Volkswagen for some tips. How Long Does a Car Battery in a Volkswagen Last? On average your Volkswagen model's battery can last about six years, though it can vary depending on your geographical climate. Rhode Island is known for getting extremely cold in the winter, and this can be hard on your Volkswagen and its battery. The way you drive and maintain your Volkswagen can also affect its lifespan. What Can I Do to Get the Most Life Out of My Volkswagen Models Battery? There are several things you can do (or not do) to help make your Volkswagen model's battery last longer: Always make sure to turn off your headlights and interior lights (if you are using them) when you exit your vehicle. Most lights in modern vehicle will turn off automatically when you switch off the ignition, but it never hurts to double check and to actually turn off all switches. Do not rely on your Volkswagen as your primary phone charging station. When possible, try to keep your Volkswagen parked in a garage and away from the elements. Perform regular maintenance on your Volkswagen. How Often Do I Need to Have My Volkswagen Model's Battery Checked? Once your battery reaches three years of age, we recommend having it checked by a Volkswagen service professional twice a year (ideally spring and fall). If your Volkswagen is due to have its battery checked or replaced, please schedule a service appointment with us here at Speedcraft Volkswagen. View Our Inventory of New Volkswagen Vehicles

Common Vehicle Leaks and Their Color Indicators Have you been noticing pools of liquid around or under your Volkswagen (and it hasn’t been raining)? Then there is a good chance that your Volkswagen might have a leak somewhere! Volkswagen is renowned for its top-notch quality, but leaks may occur from time to time, especially as the vehicle ages. In order to give you an idea of what kind of liquid is leaking from your Volkswagen (and what you should do), we have built a handy-dandy color guide! Engine Oil Engine oil is one of the most common leaks in any vehicle and are pretty easy to spot due to its location (front end of the vehicle), texture (slimy), and color (amber, dark brown/black or rainbowy). Brake Fluid Is there an odd liquid around your wheels and tires? Is it light brown or clear in color and has a “slick” feel to it? That is probably a brake fluid leak and you need to call a tow truck right away! Coolant Coolant leaks are also pretty common in the automotive world and a tell-tale sign is the warning light on the dash. If you look on the ground, you will find a slimy green, pink, or yellow liquid. Transmission Fluid If you notice a leak near the middle of your Volkswagen, it very well could be transmission fluid. The liquid’s texture and color will either be thin and reddish brown (new) or thick and brown (old). Power Steering Fluid Although similar in color (light reddish brown to brown) to transmission fluid, power steering fluid leaks will be closer to the front of the vehicle. The liquid’s texture will also be on the thinner side. Let the Speedcraft Volkswagen Service Department Help You Out! If you need any help with diagnosing your Volkswagen vehicle’s leak or to get it fixed, please contact our service department and schedule an appointment!