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Volkswagen driver assistance Safety has always been a top priority for the Volkswagen brand. That’s why new Volkswagen models offer new driver assistance safety features designed to help the driver not only maintain control of their vehicle, but avoid accidents as well. The Volkswagen driver assistance system comes with seven innovative technologies that function using an integrated camera and radar. The world’s full of twists and turns so it can be difficult for drivers to be prepared for everything. To give them a hand and a little more confidence on the road, new Volkswagen vehicles will feature driver assistance features to help prepare for the unexpected. The features included with the Volkswagen Driver Assistance package Forward Collision Warning w/ Autonomous Emergency Braking Your vehicle uses front sensors to monitor traffic ahead of it and alert you to the possibility of a collision. If a collision is unavoidable, the system will automatically apply brakes. Adaptive Cruise Control This system helps you keep your distance from the cars ahead of you using front radar to detect the distance between you and the car ahead of you and adjust your cruise control set speed accordingly. Park Assist Never struggle with parallel parking again with VW’s new Parking Assist feature which assists the driver in judging if a spot is large enough for your vehicle and assist in maneuvering into the space. Lane Departure Warning Your vehicle will sense when your vehicle deviates from its lane by using its camera and radar to detect lane lines. So if you leave a lane without signaling, the system will alert you and take corrective action. Blind Spot Monitor A sensor on the side of your vehicle is able to detect nearby vehicles that you might miss in your blind spot. This system assists with merging and changing lanes. Rear Traffic Alert Avoid the risk of backing into another vehicle in parking lots with your Volkswagen’s available rear sensors that will alert you if a vehicle is crossing your path while in reverse and apply brakes if needed. Parking Pilot Shown on the right, we touched on this briefly when discussing Park Assist, but the Parking Pilot will help you back out or drive into a parking spot by giving you audio and visual alerts when your vehicle becomes too close to cars around it. Get new Volkswagen vehicles at Speedcraft Volkswagen If you’re interested in getting behind the wheel of a Volkswagen vehicle that comes with these innovative, advanced features, contact us here at Speedcraft Volkswagen. We have a selection of models available for you to choose from, so we’re confident that you’ll have no trouble finding one that suits you. To begin your search, you can view our current inventory right here on our website as well as schedule an appointment for a test drive. What do you think of the Volkswagen Driver Assistance system? Let us know in the comments!

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!

Unpairing Bluetooth in a Volkswagen Bluetooth is a handy tool that many drivers use these days to stay connected behind the wheel. It allows drivers access to contacts and music on their phone without having to take their hands from the wheel. That being said, sometimes you need to unpair a phone from your Volkswagen’s Bluetooth. Whether you got a new phone or a new vehicle, unpairing Bluetooth in a Volkswagen is easy enough. Take a look at the directions below to learn more about how to unpair  a Bluetooth device in your car. If you’re looking to delete old bluetooth profiles off of your Volkswagen Tiguan, Jetta, Golf or other VW model’s Bluetooth, it’s easy enough to do. If you have any questions, be sure to contact us here at Speedcraft Volkswagen – we’re always happy to help you with any of your VW-related questions! Unpairing Bluetooth instructions Step 1: Go to the “Phone” option on the center information panel. Step 2: Select the “Users” option and you will the names of the phones paired with your vehicle. Step 3: Scroll down to the phone option that you would like to remove. Step 4: Press the “OK” button on your steering wheel. Step 5: Then you’ll receive a prompt with multiple options, you can scroll down until you find the “DELETE” option, and press “OK”. And you’re all set! From there, your phone should be unpaired from your vehicle. If this process didn’t work for you, you may need to reset your vehicle’s Bluetooth system. You can do this by selecting the “Phone” option and then selecting the “Reset to Factory Settings”, which will erase all of the vehicle’s saved phones. If you’re having trouble getting your phone to link properly, you may be having a problem with compatibility. To check if your phone is compatible with your Volkswagen vehicle, visit this page, where you’ll find all of the phones compatible with Volkswagen models. Questions? Leave them in the comments below and we’ll be sure to address them!

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!

Using Push Button Start If you’re lucky enough to find yourself behind the wheel of a newer Volkswagen vehicle, you already know that it comes with some pretty great features designed to improve your driving experience. That of course means offering convenient features like Push Button Start and Keyless Entry. If you’re new to such new-fangled tech, take a look below to learn how to get the most out of them. With a vehicle with Push Button Start, getting going has never been easier. To start, you need to make sure that you have your vehicle’s key on your person, whether it’s in your purse, pocket or even hand, it doesn’t matter as long as the vehicle is able to sense it. Without the key, the vehicle won’t start and you likely won’t be able to get into it either. Once you’re inside the vehicle, you’ll need to put your foot on the brake (if you have a model with manual transmission, put your foot on the clutch instead). Then all you have to do is push the Start/Stop button and your engine will automatically start. Pressing the button without pressing down on the pedal won’t start your vehicle, instead it will enter accessory mode. When you’ve arrived at your destination, pressing the Start/Stop Button again will turn the engine off. Using Keyless Entry Similar to the Push Button Start feature, Keyless Entry also adds an element of convenience to your commute. Gone are your days of rummaging through pockets and purses for your keys, now all you need is to know you have your keys on you somewhere. To use Keyless Entry, like the Push Button Start, you need to have your vehicle’s key on you. Easy enough, and it only gets easier. From there, all you have to do is walk within five feet of your vehicle’s doors and put your hand behind the door handle. Wait there momentarily as your vehicle senses the key and then the doors will unlock automatically and you can pull the handles to open them. When you want to lock your vehicle, all you have to do is press the dimple on the door handle and all of the doors will lock. Like the idea of Push Button Start and Keyless Entry and want to get a vehicle of your own with it? No problem! We currently have a wide selection of models available that come with both features. All you need to do is take a look at our inventory and contact us here!

Setting the clock in the 2016 Tiguan At Speedcraft Volkswagen, we know the frustration of running late because the clock in your vehicle is wrong. Whether it’s daylight savings time or you want to sync it with your watch, sometimes changing the time in your car is necessary. To ensure that you’re always on time, we’ll show you how to set the clock in your 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan. New Volkswagen models like the 2016 Tiguan feature a high-line instrument cluster that can make changing the clock in your vehicle a little more complicated. The clock in your Tiguan can be changed in the easiest way using the multi-information screen above your steering wheel. When your car is on, press the menu clock button in the lower right corner of your instrument cluster to highlight the hour shown at the top of the screen. To change the hours forward, press the set button. To move the hour forward, all you have to do is press it once. If you want to move it more than one hour, hold the button down to fast forward. Then press the menu clock button again to highlight the minutes. You can change the time by the minute by pressing the “Set” button the desired number of minutes you want to change. Like with changing the hour, you can also hold down the set button to fast forward. After you’ve finished setting the clock, press the menu clock button a final time to complete setting the clock. By setting the clock in the instrument cluster also changes the clock in your radio or navigational system automatically so you don’t have to worry about changing both. Get the Tiguan at Speedcraft Volkswagen Here at Speedcraft Volkswagen, we have plenty of options for you to choose from. If you’re interested in the Tiguan, be sure to take a look at our available models. We’re sure that you’ll have no trouble finding one that you like. From there, you can get in contact with our staff and we’ll schedule a test drive. Questions or having difficulty setting your Tiguan’s clock? Feel free to ask below!

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 winter driving It would appear that we’re in for another harsh winter this year, and as we learned last year, a big part of winter driving is being prepared. Since we never know when we could experience a sudden early winter, we thought it’d be a good idea to give you an idea of how handle winter driving in your Volkswagen early so that you can be ready when the time comes. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, New England is once again due for a snowy, unseasonably cold winter. As most drivers know, a lot of care and planning goes into winter driving, which is why we here at Speedcraft Volkswagen want to give you a heads up on ways to prepare for the coming winter months. For the best driving experience, we recommend you try out one of our models featuring all-wheel-drive. AWD significantly improves your vehicle’s stability and increase your control over the vehicle. If you’re on the market for a new vehicle, we highly recommend considering one with AWD. Here on our lot, we have a selection of new models, both 2015 and 2016, which feature AWD and are proficient at handling snowy roads. If you’re interested, be sure to check out the Tiguan and Touareg models available in our inventory. You can also feel free to schedule an appointment for a test drive. While AWD is only available in certain vehicles, that doesn't mean our other models can’t hold their own on snowy roads.  All of our new Volkswagen models come with Traction Control, which helps drivers keep and gain traction when roads conditions are poor. Prepare for winter with Speedcraft A great way to ensure that whatever Volkswagen model you drive will be up to whatever this winter throws at us is to switch to winter tires. Winter tires perform more favorably in winter conditions than traditional all-season tires. If you’re interested in getting your Volkswagen outfitted with winter tires, visit our Tire Store here on our site to learn more. If you’re interested in learning more about Volkswagen winter driving, AWD or other tips and tricks, be sure to check out the rest of our blog and be sure to visit later, when we’ll have even more information updates. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us, and we’ll be happy to help! How do you prepare for winter driving? Let us know in the comments below!

Volkswagen accessories and parts Volkswagen vehicles are built with utmost care. In order for them to work properly, they need the right parts. Likewise, in order to get the most out of your ride, you need the right accessories for your model. Well, we can help you in both instances here at Speedcraft Volkswagen. Our dealership is an excellent source of genuine Volkswagen accessories and parts. Here at Speedcraft Volkswagen, we’re dedicated to ensuring that not only does your Volkswagen continue to run smoothly, but that it also provides an enjoyable ride for you. That’s why we offer a wide line of services to ensure that your Volkswagen is in top shape. To order parts here on our site, be sure to take a look at our eStore. Volkswagen parts We know that some of our customers are mechanically inclined and like to do their own work. However, that doesn’t mean you should have to use any old parts. To help you maintain your Volkswagen’s high quality, Volkswagen quality parts can be ordered here through our website and picked up here at our dealership. If you need any help, feel free to contact us with questions. If you’d like us to perform the part’s installation, that’s no problem, either. Simply let us know and our service department would be happy to lend a hand. Genuine VW accessories Here at Speedcraft, we’re also your one-stop source of genuine Volkswagen accessories, designed to work seamlessly with whatever Volkswagen model you have. We can hook you up with accessories to improve communication in your vehicle with additions such as iPod® adapters and SIRIUS Satellite Radio. We can also help you enhance the design of your model by adding on anything from license plate frames to body kits and spoilers. You can also get accessories to make traveling easier. We have a wide selection of racks available for you vehicle. These types of accessories make it easy to transport bikes, snowboards and other outdoor equipment. Other available upgrades include exterior protectants, floor mats, organizers and new alloy wheels. If you’re interested in ordering parts or genuine Volkswagen accessories designed to work seamlessly with your Volkswagen vehicle, contact us here at Speedcraft Volkswagen. We’ll be happy to help you place any orders, answer questions or assist you with installations. What type of accessories to you have or want in your Volkswagen? Comment below!

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.