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With the summer fast approaching and school ending for the year, kids are going to be looking forward to your next family vacation. While they may be looking forward to your next family trip, you may be dreading the drive with a car full of cooped-up kids. Worry not! We have some tips for keeping your kids occupied and your own sanity. So whether you've got a twenty minute drive or six hour trip, these tips and tricks are sure to make long drives more bearable for you and your kids. Make the car ride fun Making the car ride fun is easier than it sounds. If you want to keep kids occupied in the back seat, try providing them with new toys. These don’t have to be extravagant or expensive toys, Silly Putty, yo-yos and other small toys found at the dollar store will do a lot to curb their boredom. Coloring books, word searches and other paper games are also a great way to entertain kids during the trip. Try holding off on giving these to the kids until they start getting bored, it’ll keep them occupied longer. Minimize stops When you’re driving with kids, you want to minimize stops as much as possible. That being said, make sure to offer bathroom breaks when available. You can reduce your number of stops by fueling up before you go and packing multiple snacks. Packing snacks that you don’t usually give your kids will keep their interest longer, but be sure to monitor their sugar intake. If your kids are more technologically inclined, portable video games systems and tablets can keep them entertained for hours. Otherwise, a portable DVD player is another great way to keep them occupied. Audiobooks and Kids CDs are also great ways to entertain your kids in the car, and may even put them to sleep in the process. If you’re looking for a new vehicle to take you on your family vacation, we offer the 2015 Volkswagen Golf and the 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan which offer plenty of room for your family and their gear. If you’re just looking for a temporary vehicle for your trip, we also offer rentals of select new vehicles. A new vehicle offers a new and exciting experience for kids during the drive. Contact us for more information. Have any tips and tricks of your own for keeping kids occupied in the car during long tips? Let us know in the comments below!

With the summer fast approaching and school ending for the year, kids are going to be looking forward to your next family vacation. While they may be looking forward to your next family trip, you may be dreading the drive with a car full of cooped-up kids. Worry not! We have some tips for keeping your kids occupied and your own sanity. So whether you've got a twenty minute drive or six hour trip, these tips and tricks are sure to make long drives more bearable for you and your kids. Make the car ride fun Making the car ride fun is easier than it sounds. If you want to keep kids occupied in the back seat, try providing them with new toys. These don’t have to be extravagant or expensive toys, Silly Putty, yo-yos and other small toys found at the dollar store will do a lot to curb their boredom. Coloring books, word searches and other paper games are also a great way to entertain kids during the trip. Try holding off on giving these to the kids until they start getting bored, it’ll keep them occupied longer. Minimize stops When you’re driving with kids, you want to minimize stops as much as possible. That being said, make sure to offer bathroom breaks when available. You can reduce your number of stops by fueling up before you go and packing multiple snacks. Packing snacks that you don’t usually give your kids will keep their interest longer, but be sure to monitor their sugar intake. If your kids are more technologically inclined, portable video games systems and tablets can keep them entertained for hours. Otherwise, a portable DVD player is another great way to keep them occupied. Audiobooks and Kids CDs are also great ways to entertain your kids in the car, and may even put them to sleep in the process. If you’re looking for a new vehicle to take you on your family vacation, we offer the 2015 Volkswagen Golf and the 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan which offer plenty of room for your family and their gear. If you’re just looking for a temporary vehicle for your trip, we also offer rentals of select new vehicles. A new vehicle offers a new and exciting experience for kids during the drive. Contact us for more information. Have any tips and tricks of your own for keeping kids occupied in the car during long tips? Let us know in the comments below!

Bluetooth® capabilities in the 2015 Jetta When you get behind the wheel of a 2015 Volkswagen Jetta, you already know you’re driving in comfort and safety. But did you also know that the Jetta offers a selection of other services for your entertainment and convenience? Well it can with to its wireless Bluetooth ® capabilities. With Bluetooth, drivers have access to a variety of services right there in their car. With Bluetooth® technology, you can wirelessly connect your phone and car. When connected, you can drive while talking on the phone – without even touching your device. An overhead microphone picks up your voice while the car’s speakers allow you to hear the conversation. This means you can hold conversations on your phone in your car without ever taking your hands off the wheel. The Bluetooth technology also allows you to steam music. With a Bluetooth connection, you can stream music from your device through your car’s speakers. You’ll never have to worry about finding music to listen to, you favorites will be right on hand. How to pair your Jetta and phone with Bluetooth Pairing your device with Bluetooth is quick and easy. First, you need to ensure that your phone is compatible with the Jetta’s Bluetooth. You can do this at vw.com/bluetooth. Fill out the necessary information and make sure you’re good to go. Then, your vehicle should be in the accessory mode with the parking break applied in order to begin the pairing process. From the Bluetooth menu on your phone, search for new devices. The option for “VW PHONE” should appear after the search. This option should be selected. Some devices may prompt some alerts about the Bluetooth. You can then accept the notifications so that a connection will be established automatically. Now you have access to your phonebook directly from your vehicle. After your vehicle is paired, you can place and receive calls while on the road. Be sure to remain attentive while behind the wheel and not allow phone calls to be a distraction. To get behind the wheel of a 2015 Volkswagen Jetta with Bluetooth capabilities, see our inventory. If any of them catch your eye, contact us here at Speedcraft Volkswagen to set up a test drive.

Bluetooth® capabilities in the 2015 Jetta When you get behind the wheel of a 2015 Volkswagen Jetta, you already know you’re driving in comfort and safety. But did you also know that the Jetta offers a selection of other services for your entertainment and convenience? Well it can with to its wireless Bluetooth ® capabilities. With Bluetooth, drivers have access to a variety of services right there in their car. With Bluetooth® technology, you can wirelessly connect your phone and car. When connected, you can drive while talking on the phone – without even touching your device. An overhead microphone picks up your voice while the car’s speakers allow you to hear the conversation. This means you can hold conversations on your phone in your car without ever taking your hands off the wheel. The Bluetooth technology also allows you to steam music. With a Bluetooth connection, you can stream music from your device through your car’s speakers. You’ll never have to worry about finding music to listen to, you favorites will be right on hand. How to pair your Jetta and phone with Bluetooth Pairing your device with Bluetooth is quick and easy. First, you need to ensure that your phone is compatible with the Jetta’s Bluetooth. You can do this at vw.com/bluetooth. Fill out the necessary information and make sure you’re good to go. Then, your vehicle should be in the accessory mode with the parking break applied in order to begin the pairing process. From the Bluetooth menu on your phone, search for new devices. The option for “VW PHONE” should appear after the search. This option should be selected. Some devices may prompt some alerts about the Bluetooth. You can then accept the notifications so that a connection will be established automatically. Now you have access to your phonebook directly from your vehicle. After your vehicle is paired, you can place and receive calls while on the road. Be sure to remain attentive while behind the wheel and not allow phone calls to be a distraction. To get behind the wheel of a 2015 Volkswagen Jetta with Bluetooth capabilities, see our inventory. If any of them catch your eye, contact us here at Speedcraft Volkswagen to set up a test drive.

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

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

The 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan has all the style and appeal you could ask for in a compact crossover SUV. The Tiguan has a long list of features that come standard, making it easy to get your money’s worth. So if you’re looking for a family vehicle with plenty of interior and exterior features, be sure to take a look at the 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan. 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan’s interior features Your comfort and safety is the number one concern of the 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan. With height adjustable cloth bucket front seats, you’re sure to be driving in comfort. The manual adjustable lumbar support and seat height lets you customize your seat. Personalized seats offer the most comfortable driving or riding experience possible. Rear seats are capable of reclining as well as split-folding for passenger comfort or additional cargo space. Interior air filtration and air conditioning ensure that the inside of your vehicle is always comfortable. For additional comfort, the 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan features eight speakers for a full audio experience. The AM/FM stereo, satellite radio and auxiliary audio input and USB with external media control means you’ll never struggle to find something to listen to. The Tiguan’s interior also features Bluetooth®  capability for hands-free, wireless phone calls. Exterior features of the 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan The 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan has an epa mileage estimate of 21 city/ 26 hwy mpg. It rides on 16 inch alloy wheels that can handle all seasons. An inside mounted temporary spare tire is also included for your convenience in case you need it. Cargo tie downs and trailer wiring makes the Tiguan not only a fashionable, but a capable vehicle. The Tiguan is a crossover SUV with a long list of safety features meant to keep you safe on the road. Daytime running lights enhance your vehicle’s visibility. Stability control, traction control, emergency braking assist and brake drying help make the Tiguan easier to control in bad weather. Dual front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags, child seat anchors and post-collision safety system are there for you in the event of an accident. Interested in the 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan? Let us know in the comments! If you’re considering the Tiguan as your next vehicle, take a look at our inventory for available models and let us know if you’d like to schedule a test drive.

The 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan has all the style and appeal you could ask for in a compact crossover SUV. The Tiguan has a long list of features that come standard, making it easy to get your money’s worth. So if you’re looking for a family vehicle with plenty of interior and exterior features, be sure to take a look at the 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan. 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan’s interior features Your comfort and safety is the number one concern of the 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan. With height adjustable cloth bucket front seats, you’re sure to be driving in comfort. The manual adjustable lumbar support and seat height lets you customize your seat. Personalized seats offer the most comfortable driving or riding experience possible. Rear seats are capable of reclining as well as split-folding for passenger comfort or additional cargo space. Interior air filtration and air conditioning ensure that the inside of your vehicle is always comfortable. For additional comfort, the 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan features eight speakers for a full audio experience. The AM/FM stereo, satellite radio and auxiliary audio input and USB with external media control means you’ll never struggle to find something to listen to. The Tiguan’s interior also features Bluetooth®  capability for hands-free, wireless phone calls. Exterior features of the 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan The 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan has an epa mileage estimate of 21 city/ 26 hwy mpg. It rides on 16 inch alloy wheels that can handle all seasons. An inside mounted temporary spare tire is also included for your convenience in case you need it. Cargo tie downs and trailer wiring makes the Tiguan not only a fashionable, but a capable vehicle. The Tiguan is a crossover SUV with a long list of safety features meant to keep you safe on the road. Daytime running lights enhance your vehicle’s visibility. Stability control, traction control, emergency braking assist and brake drying help make the Tiguan easier to control in bad weather. Dual front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags, child seat anchors and post-collision safety system are there for you in the event of an accident. Interested in the 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan? Let us know in the comments! If you’re considering the Tiguan as your next vehicle, take a look at our inventory for available models and let us know if you’d like to schedule a test drive.

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

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

The VW Beetle in Rhode Island It’s safe to say that the Volkswagen Beetle is still one of the most universally recognizable cars ever built. Its historical significance in pop culture, modern American society, the sexual revolution, and the 60s and 70s counterculture cannot be understated. The VW Beetle in Rhode Island is still a big piece of Americana, and it’s still treasured by so many. The Volkswagen Beetle Has Come a Long Way since it was first introduced, and a few recent videos make that more evident than ever. The National Geographic channel produced a half hour documentary on the history and evolution of the Volkswagen Beetle. It is pretty incredible, and filled with historic interviews and footage that really help to place this piece of nostalgia in a cultural context. It is 30 minutes well spent for anyone who loves the bug. Coincidentally, this week VW also released a pretty epic video showing the 2015 VW Beetle in all its modern glory. We currently have several Beetle configurations in stock here in Rhode Island. They are as affordable as they have ever been. We even set up a virtual showroom right here on our website to let you see all of the options and features of the new 2015 Beetle. If you’ve never driven a bug, they are absurdly fun with tons of personality. They still turn more heads than any other VW model. Feel free to schedule a test drive for a time that is most convenient for you. And, as always, feel free to pop in whenever you’re in the neighborhood! Also, be sure to check out the latest VW Incentives for the Beetle and the Beetle Convertible. Driving the car of your dreams is more possible than you probably realized.

The VW Beetle in Rhode Island It’s safe to say that the Volkswagen Beetle is still one of the most universally recognizable cars ever built. Its historical significance in pop culture, modern American society, the sexual revolution, and the 60s and 70s counterculture cannot be understated. The VW Beetle in Rhode Island is still a big piece of Americana, and it’s still treasured by so many. The Volkswagen Beetle Has Come a Long Way since it was first introduced, and a few recent videos make that more evident than ever. The National Geographic channel produced a half hour documentary on the history and evolution of the Volkswagen Beetle. It is pretty incredible, and filled with historic interviews and footage that really help to place this piece of nostalgia in a cultural context. It is 30 minutes well spent for anyone who loves the bug. Coincidentally, this week VW also released a pretty epic video showing the 2015 VW Beetle in all its modern glory. We currently have several Beetle configurations in stock here in Rhode Island. They are as affordable as they have ever been. We even set up a virtual showroom right here on our website to let you see all of the options and features of the new 2015 Beetle. If you’ve never driven a bug, they are absurdly fun with tons of personality. They still turn more heads than any other VW model. Feel free to schedule a test drive for a time that is most convenient for you. And, as always, feel free to pop in whenever you’re in the neighborhood! Also, be sure to check out the latest VW Incentives for the Beetle and the Beetle Convertible. Driving the car of your dreams is more possible than you probably realized.