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Drive Safely in Windy Weather Man, doesn’t summer already seem like it was so long ago? We’re already dipping our toes in weather patterns that suggest that snow tires might not be far behind and that the air is shifting from “crisp” to “frigid,” and outright bad weather might not be far behind. Of course, bad weather makes for tricky driving, and one of the most unpleasant weather situations is when it’s really windy. So, how do you drive safely in windy weather? Here are four tried-and-true tips, from your old pals at Speedcraft VW. Tip #1) Don’t Speed. We know, big words coming from a dealership called Speedcraft. But we mean this: when it’s extremely windy out, you already will have a difficult time reacting to changes in traffic and the like. Factor in extreme speed, and you’re asking for trouble. This is an artist's approximation of what the wind looks like. Tip #2) Don’t Follow Closely Behind Trailers. Really, it’s best practice not to follow closely behind any vehicle, ever. But when it’s windy, some people try to tuck in behind Semi trailers, thinking that the massive vehicles can block the wind. Never, ever do this. It’s dangerous. Also, don’t follow behind boats, or anything else on trailers. Tip #3) Minimize Your Distractions. Remember the old adage: Hands at ten-and-two. Don’t check your phone, don’t fiddle with the radio, don’t apply chapstick, don’t “Wave ‘Em Like You Just Don’t Care” even when the radio tells you to throw your hands in the air. Pay attention to task at hand, and keep your hands on the wheel. Tip #4) Consider Driving Your Most Aerodynamic Vehicle. Lots of drivers associate any sort of poor weather with driving an SUV, but in windy weather, it might be best to drive a more aerodynamic vehicle. While SUVs are more powerful, they are also typically more boxy and are affected more by high winds. So if you’ve got an aerodynamic car, drive ‘em if you’ve got ‘em. We hope that these tips will help to keep you and your vehicle safe when the winds start flaring up! However, we understand that accidents do sometimes happen, so if they do, we encourage you to visit our service department at Speedcraft VW. Drive safely out there!

96-Hour Whole-Tail Sales Event This coming weekend, and only for this coming weekend, we are featuring a special event at Speedcraft VW, “The 96-Hour Whole-Tail Sales Event.” However, before we turn you loose to descend on our Providence-area dealership, we figure we’d better answer any and all questions you might have regarding this exciting sales opportunity. So, what should you know about our “96-Hour Whole-Tail Sales Event?” First off, what does “Whole-Tail” mean? To put it simply, “Whole-tail” means that, for the 96 hours of the sale, shoppers will receive the lowest pricing of the year on a large selection of trucks, SUVs, sedans and hatchbacks. For these four days, wholesale pricing will be available to the retail public. Once the four-day sale is over, the prices will return to normal. When will the sale be held? Beginning on Friday, November 7th, and running through Monday, November 10th, this special pricing will be available at Speedcraft VW. However, there are a limited number of vehicles available for this sale, and once a particular vehicle is off the lot, well, it isn’t coming back. Wow, this sounds urgent. Is there any way I can speed up the process? There certainly is. We now feature a number of terrific tools and financing helpers on our website, which might allow shoppers to come away with financing as low as 0.9% APR. Additionally, if you’re planning on trading in a vehicle to help in your payment for your next “Whole-tail” purchase, you can use our simple AutoTrader Trade-In Marketplace tool to get a good idea of what your vehicle is worth! So what do I do next? Get to Speedcraft VW, obviously! This sale begins on Friday morning, bright and early, and once it’s over, it’s over! So get in touch with our dealership, easily secure your financing, and get ready to drive away with the vehicle of your dreams as part of our “96-Hour Whole-Tail Sales Event!”

Trick-or-Treating Safety Tips Providence RI This weekend, we’ll dress up our kids like the most adorable ghost/witch/ninja ever witnessed and march them out into the fall night to track down all the corn syrup that they can in a few short hours. Of course, to them it’s much more than that: it is childhood, after all. Yet, we much keep them safe. So here, from your friends at Speedcraft VW, are five tips for trick-or-treating safety to follow this Halloween! Map Your Route Beforehand. One of the most helpful things you can do before heading out is to diagram the route you intend to take. This will help you to avoid backtracking, locate any parking lots or bathrooms you can use, and will keep you from getting lost. Follow these tips for a safe and successful Halloween! Be Costume-Clever. When you take your kids out into the night, it’s best to remember three rules: don’t let their costumes drag under their feet, make sure they have comfortable shoes, and if they are wearing a mask, make sure it’s one that lets them breathe and see. You can thank us later. Use Flexible Props. When I was a kid, I remember going as Casey Jones from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles one year. One of his props, if you’ll recall, was a hockey stick. And no sooner had I eaten 15 candy bars than that hockey stick became a weapon. So use flexible props for your pirate or what-have-you. Don’t make the same mistake my parents did. Reflect, Reflect, Reflect. Many neighborhoods aren’t particularly well-lit, and there will be cars and kids everywhere. So add some reflective strips to your kids’ costumes so that they will be clearly seen. Also, bring along a flashlight to light the path ahead of you. Analyze the Candy Prior to Feasting. No, there probably won’t be any razorblades in there. However, there might be candy pieces that have fallen out of their wrappers, that are just accumulating lint. Gross! Throw those away, as well as any pieces that appear to have been opened and rewrapped. So, now you’re ready to take on the trick-or-treating world, right? Have fun out there, stay safe, and stay warm. And, on behalf of Speedcraft VW, have a Happy Halloween! Come see us soon!

Buy 3 Tires, Get 4th for $1 While we certainly understand that you might have more on your plate with the impending holiday than you might usually--it’s almost Halloween, silly--that isn’t any excuse to avoid what is one of our favorite promotions at Speedcraft VW: Buy 3 tires, get the 4th for $1. There are only a few days until the promotion ends, and there isn’t any time to waste! The promotion will be available at Speedcraft VW until October 31st, so head down to our Providence-area dealership today! Here are the four best reasons--the first three will cost you, and the fourth one is yours to keep--to take advantage of this promotion while there’s still time! 1) It’s a terrific deal. No kidding, right? The cost of tires can often surprise buyers when it comes time for replacements, and this is a great time to help knock almost 25% off of the overall cost. And, as the #1 Online Rated VW dealership in Rhode Island, you can be certain that we’ll get your tires changed and get you back on the road in a hurry. At Speedcraft VW, we'll get your tires changed to get you back on the road in a hurry. 2) Consider the weather. If you’re feeling that crispness in the air, you can be certain that the show is getting ready to fly soon. For this reason, you’ll very likely be needing updated tires or all-weather versions in the coming weeks, so why not clear that off the docket this week? 3) It’s just the beginning of a great friendship. As we stated before, we are consistently rated as Rhode Island’s #1 Online Rated VW dealership, and we’re confident that once you’ve had the Speedcraft VW difference, you’ll be back many times over. We’ll work with you to schedule your regular maintenance, and you can be certain that you’ll be treated with honesty and integrity. 4) It’s part of getting your car ready for fall. As we wrote at the end of September, this is a crucial time to assess any issues you might be having with your vehicle, even those not related to your tires. We’ll work with you to make sure that all vehicle systems are running properly, getting you prepared for the seasons ahead. So visit us at Speedcraft VW soon, there isn’t any time to waste! We’ll get you on the road in no time, as part of our "Buy 3 Tires, Get the 4th for $1" promotion!

2015 VW Jetta Providence RI It’s becoming a bit of a trend around here at Speedcraft VW: for the third time this month, we’re rolling out the red carpet to announce the arrival of a new vehicle for the 2015 model year. Hot on the heels of the debut of the Tiguan and Passat, we are now excited to welcome the 2015 VW Jetta, our flagship compact family sedan. The fully redesigned vehicle features a host of stylistic alterations and new technology features, so let’s take a quick tour of the most famous member of Volkswagen’s Mt. Rushmore, shall we? New Powertrains The Jetta has always been a fan favorite for its dynamic performance and excellent fuel efficiency, but the latest edition sweetens the deal even further than it has in past years. While a 2.0L four-cylinder engine delivering 34 highway mpg comes standard, two excellent optional powertrains are available in the upper-level trims: a turbocharged 1.8L four-cylinder generating 170 hp and 37 highway mpg is found in the SE and SEL trims, while a 2.0L TDI diesel offers abundant low-end torque and a truly absurd 46 highway mpg. The functional and welcoming interior cabin on the Jetta rises to all occasions. Refreshed Styling For a model long recognized for its value and dependability, the Jetta certainly cleans up nice. For the 2015 model, the Jetta adds three inches to its wheelbase and has new structural changes, the result of which is a vehicle that is both visually satisfying and mechanically sound. And, with its confident posture and economical use of interior space, the Jetta manages to be larger than it at first appears. Safety First If you know anything about the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick+ designation, you might know that they don’t give those to just anyone. And, with the Jetta’s standard features such as traction and stability control, antilock disc brakes and full suite of airbags, it not only receives top recognition from the IIHS, it also gets a 5-star Overall Crast Test Rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as well. A rearview camera and crash mitigation technology help to ensure that, once inside the 2015 VW Jetta, you feel safe and secure. The 2015 VW Jetta is now available at Speedcraft VW, located near Providence in Wakefield, RI. Visit our dealership today to schedule your test drive!

2015 VW Passat Providence RI Our preview last week of the 2015 VW Tiguan was so much fun, we figured that we’d just continue the welcoming party here at Speedcraft VW. After all, this truly is the best time of year. You know how people will chirp during the springtime about how everything is so fresh and new? Well, this time of year is springtime for auto dealerships. So many new models! So much to be excited about! Such as, for example, the 2015 VW Passat! The interior of the 2015 VW Passat features upscale upholstery and next-generation technology. In terms of overall quality and dependability, the Passat has long had a generational appeal about it. It’s been so good for so long that it really shouldn’t be surprising that this is the finest model year ever; what might be surprising, however, is just how great the latest Passat actually is. With sleek styling, soft-touch interior materials and great strides made in terms of technology, the 2015 VW Passat is a fine example of the German automaker’s dedication to crafting vehicles that are both fun to drive and envelope-pushing in every way. Available in five trim levels and with three distinct engine choices, the 2015 VW Passat is also among the most customizable mid-size sedans available today. The best way to break down the engines is also quite simple: simply ask, what do you want? World-beating fuel efficiency and turbocharged agility? Try the diesel-powered 2.0L four-cylinder TDI, which delivers as much as 44 highway mpg according to EPA estimates, as well as a spry 150 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. Want power and excellent acceleration? Then you’ll be wanting the 3.6L V6, which churns out 280 hp with a zero-to-sixty time of just 6.4 seconds. And, for the best of both worlds, the 1.8T four-cylinder offers 170 hp and 36 highway mpg. Without a doubt, this is a team of powertrains worth writing home about. With the Passat's one-touch sunroof, you'll be seeing nothing but blue skies. This level of sophistication continues inside the 2015 Passat, which is among the segment’s most spacious. When we say that you could comfortably fit five six-footers in the Passat, we aren’t joking. Don’t believe us? Come to Speedcraft VW and see for yourself. Additionally, the 15.9 cubic feet of trunk space is exceedingly generous, and can be easily accessed by way of the 60/40-split-folding rear seat. And, with truly upscale upholstery materials throughout and updated technology features such as VW’s Car-Net telematics system, the Passat offers excellent luxury while remaining exceedingly affordable. So come and try the 2015 VW Passat for yourself at Speedcraft VW. We believe that you’ll come away impressed. Schedule your test drive today.

2015 VW Tiguan Providence RI If you’ve driven by our Providence-area dealership lately, you might have noticed some new additions to the family at Speedcraft VW. You might have noticed some exceptional new features, attractive new designs, and well-priced new models. Who knows, you might have seen your next new Volkswagen. The 2015 models have begun to arrive at Speedcraft VW, and we’ll be taking close looks at each of them individually over the next couple of months. So, let’s get this party started, shall we? Ladies and Gents, without further ado, the 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan. For the new model year, Rhode Island drivers will relish the refreshed 2015 Tiguan, which sees a reorganization of its powertrain and standard features, reclaiming its spot atop the crossover SUV class. For 2015, VW has streamlined the standard powertrain, giving it a 2.0T four-cylinder engine, which pairs with an automatic six-speed transmission to deliver 200 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 26 mpg on the highway. The spacious and attractive interior of the 2015 VW Tiguan seats five occupants comfortably. Inside the Tiguan, the now-standard features tip the scales firmly in the luxury direction. A rearview camera, satellite radio and VW’s Car-Net telematics system are all now featured on all models, while upscale options that are now available include a 12.7 sq. ft. panoramic sunroof, a Fender Premium Audio System and leather heated front seats. Throughout the spacious and well-planned interior, the 2015 VW Tiguan proves an accommodating partner for up to five occupants. Despite its abundance of wonderful convenience features, one shouldn’t assume that the iconic European automaker has thumbed its nose at safety. Now standard on the 2015 VW Tiguan are several terrific safety features, including an Intelligent Crash Response System, an advanced safety cage and the best-in-class roof strength rating. Inside, outside and everywhere in between, the 2015 VW Tiguan continues to set precedents within its segment. The 2015 VW Tiguan is now available at Speedcraft VW, where it comes equipped with standard no-charge scheduled maintenance. To learn more about this exciting arrival at our Providence-area dealership, visit Speedcraft VW today!

Volkswagen XL Sport With models like the Jetta and Passat routinely placing among the most popular cars on the road, much of our attention is justifiably centered around Volkswagen’s long list of production vehicles. However, for a brand with 106 factories in 27 countries, many lesser-known curiosities also stir our interest at Speedcraft VW. This is the case with the just-unveiled Volkswagen XL Sport, an absolutely stunning vehicle that very few of us will ever actually see with our own eyes. Still, that doesn’t stop us from doing a little dreaming, does it? The XL Sport received its debut at the recent 2014 Paris Motor Show, where the breathless anticipation could be felt all the way over here in Rhode Island. Volkswagen outfitted a vehicle that they have rightly described as a “firecracker” with a Ducati 1199cc Superlegerra V-Twin engine, which will offer 197 horsepower and a top speed of 168 mph. It is also the 200-millionth Volkswagen ever produced, which is a milestone in its own right. The stylish interior of the VW XL Sport features red-stitched faux-suede seating. The XL Sport is the racing-inspired sibling to the XL1, which made headlines last year when it was announced that an unprecedented 261 mpg were possible with it’s innovative powertrain and lightweight construction. While fuel-economy numbers haven’t been released for the XL Sport, it’s expected that it will still top 200 mpg, which is simply ridiculous. Also noteworthy for the stylish two-seater is its eclectic interior design, which features red-stitched faux-suede seats, a wood-trimmed shifter, and a carbon-colored minimalist design for the dashboard. We suppose the moral of the story is, We really want one. Unfortunately, we probably won’t get the chance. Volkswagen has announced that a mere 250 XL Sport models will see production, suggesting that only the industry’s elite will get their mitts on one. However, even at Speedcraft VW, we are allowed to daydream. Of course, the same spirit of innovation that’s found in the XL Sport can be experienced in VW’s fine production models, many of which are now available for the 2015 model year. Stop by today and test drive one for yourself!

Get Your Car Ready for Fall At Speedcraft VW, we love fall as much as the next guy (or girl). We love the changing leaves, the crisp air, and the pumpkins that seem to be popping up out of thin air. However, this also represents a time where our cars are susceptible to various ills, and where we need to take care to be sure that they’re ready for the oncoming winter. Here are five ways to get your car ready for fall,, from you old pals at Speedcraft VW. Check Your Lights and Batteries. Frequently, our battery posts will develop corrosion and metallic residue, which will sometimes give your car trouble starting or sap power from your car’s electrical functions. So, simply take a steel brush and wipe away any buildup, then reattach your battery fittings tightly. Then, check to make sure your headlights and taillights are working at full strength. If they look to be lacking, they may need replacing as well. Fall is here in Rhode Island. Are you ready for it? Change your Wiper Blades. When you enjoy summers like ours, there aren’t any drawbacks, right? Wrong. Constant heat and sunshine dries out the rubber surfaces on your vehicle, and this is most evident on your windshield wiper blades. They’ll dry out and crack, rendering them completely ineffective. And, since blades are relatively inexpensive, this is an easy fix you can do yourself. Replace your Air Filter. This is another fix that is commonly overlooked, even though its amazingly simple to do. A dirty air filter will cause a drop in your fuel efficiency, make its engine run rougher, and cause problems for your vehicle’s exhaust. Check your Spare Tire. We never think of our spare tire, on the whole, until it’s too late. However, heading into winter, this is something that it would be foolish to overlook. Just use a standard tire pressure gauge, and make sure that your spare is ready to go. Top Off Your Fluids. This is yet another easy maintenance issue that is seldom addressed. So make sure that your washer fluid is clean, your brake fluid is full, and that your engine coolant is at an appropriate level. Lord knows, heading into our winters, you don’t want to find yourself on the side of the road because you overlooked something so simple. Of course, there are also service issues that you can’t do yourself, and that’s where Speedcraft VW comes in. So, if you’re in need of service or maintenance heading into the fall and winter months, schedule it with us!

2015 VW Beetle Classic Providence RI Upping the ante on what is already considered by many to be a “classic” car, we’ve just received word that, for the upcoming model year, there will be a 2015 VW Beetle Classic. We at Speedcraft VW have sifted through several of the details, and you can get your first look (and first information, of course) regarding this upcoming release right here! Here’s what we know so far: 1) Its styling will be decidedly retro. Look at those wheels in the photo above. Look familiar? They’ve been called the “Heritage” wheel design, crafted to recall the iconic wheels found on Beetles from the 1950s and 60s. Certainly eye-catching, no? The Classic will also get an attractive two-tone interior, which can be seen in the picture below, and will be available in exactly three colors: Pure White, Black Uni, and Reflex Silver. To put it mildly, we are fans of this design. The attractive two-tone interior trim certainly sets the Beetle Classic apart. 2) This will be the least expensive Beetle. Wait, what? You heard us correctly. The base price of the Beetle Classic will actually come in at about $275 cheaper than the previous base model. This recalls one of the Beetle’s initial aims, which was providing cheap transportation following World War II. Care to take a guess what the first Beetles cost? Under $1,300. 3) Don’t let the price fool you… Because this Beetle is anything but bare-boned. Along with its retro aesthetic, it is powered by a 1.8L Turbo four-cylinder that gets paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. It also features a spoiler and VW’s RNS315 Navigation system. So, basically, this is just an awesome deal all around. We’re expecting to begin seeing the Beetle Classic Coupe around these parts in the coming weeks, with its convertible counterpart planned for release early next year. For further details about this or any other vehicle at Speedcraft VW, contact us today!

How to Avoid Hitting a Deer You’re driving down the road, minding your own business. You take a second to adjust the radio, settling for the station that plays entirely too much John Mellencamp. Next thing you know...boom. A deer has sauntered into the roadway, interrupting your stress-free cruise while causing no small amount of damage to your Volkswagen. While hitting a deer is often unavoidable, there are certain factors to consider that might make these incidents less frequent. So, from your buddies at Speedcraft VW, here are a few tips to help avoid hitting a deer. Tip #1: Think like a deer. When we run into a deer, our thoughts are generally all the same: “That stupid %@#&ing deer.” However, a deer relies on instinct, and certain variables frequently lead it into a losing collision course with your car. It generally is on the move most often during mating season--from September to December--at the hours near sunrise and sunset. They also prefer areas with edible foliage, ample places for shelter, and ponds and creeks to drink from. If you’re driving in one of these areas, look out. This is probably the last photo this deer ever took. Tip #2: Keep your eyes moving. If you’re driving on a remote road, you probably know that the ditches are loaded with potential day-ruiners. Thankfully, God believes in fair play, so he gave deer a surface on their eyes that reflects light. When you see two yellowish green dots in the ditch, those dots often make their way toward the road. And, since deer rarely travel alone, they’ve probably brought some friends along. Tip #3: Use your headlights to your advantage. When you’re on a country road with few other cars, wondering why this station plays so much John Mellencamp, use your highbeams whenever possible. And, when you happen upon a herd of deer, alert other drivers of the potential hazard with a simple flicker of your highbeams. They’ll often do the same. Tip #4: Don’t lose your cool. So far, we’ve touched only on tips to avoid hitting a deer. However, sometimes a collision is unavoidable. In these cases, don’t panic. Don’t swerve into the ditch or oncoming traffic, simply brake and honk your horn. If you’re choosing between swerving or hitting the animal, well, the deer is gonna get it. When these accidents happen--which, to be sure, we hope that they don’t--you’ll likely need some attention to your vehicle, which is where Speedcraft VW comes in. Our friendly service department will work quickly to return you to the road in no time, easing your stressload by fixing your car the right way, the first time. Simply click the button below to schedule your post-deer service!

Four Car Shopping Tips So, you’ve decided to take the plunge. You’ve had a good run with your car, but you aren’t the recent college grad or single adult you were when you bought it, and your needs have changed. At Speedcraft VW, we’re pretty well-versed in accommodating these lifestyle shifts, and maintain a variety of services to cater specifically to these changes. But what do you need to know prior to your vehicle purchase? Here are four car shopping tips to consider prior to your visit; we hope to see you soon! 1) Get an Idea What You Have. Are you considering your present vehicle as a trade? Sometimes, your current vehicle can act as your whole down payment, which greatly cuts into the financial burden you’ll be taking on with your new vehicle. Using our handy “Value Your Trade” tool, you can get an AutoTrader-estimated value before you ever leave your house. You can also apply for financing, and get an idea what sort of rates you can expect to receive once you arrive at Speedcraft VW. Information on many vehicles, including the popular VW Jetta Sportwagen, can be found on our website. 2) Look for Rebates and Incentives. This is frequently one of those “How will you know if you don’t ask” situations. Most dealerships feature special financing for first-time buyers, recent college graduates and the like. Speedcraft VW, of course, is no different. We feature regular factory incentives and new car specials, in addition to our popular College Grad Program. Contact our dealership for details! 3) Do your Homework Online. As many buyers become more and more tech savvy, an increasing amount of the early research can now be done online. Brochures and vehicle information are generally available on a dealership’s website. For example, looking for info regarding the new 2015 GTI or Golf? You can now find a wealth of information easily online at our website, eliminating much of the stress and headache associated with vehicle research. 4) Calculate your Fuel Savings. Although we all are cognizant of fuel economy ratings, we seldom consider the tangible benefits of an extremely efficient car. For example, say you’re trading a car that gets 25 mpg for the new Passat TDI, which regularly achieves 40 mpg on the highway, and your driving habits will remain the same. If you drive 12,000 miles per year, you might reasonably expect to consume as much as 200 gallons fewer per year, which translates to nearly $1,000. These are savings you’ll notice. So, are you ready to think about the many options available to you at Speedcraft VW? Then pay us a visit in the Providence RI area, and we’d be happy to answer any and all questions that might arise. See you soon at Speedcraft VW!