Safety Tips for Traveling with Your Pets

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

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

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