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Spring is in full bloom and summer is right around the corner, which means you may be gearing up for your next road trip! Before you pack the family up and hit the highway, you may want to prepare some activities for the long hours in the car between your vacation destinations. Take a list at King Volkswagens top 5 activities to combat road trip boredom listed below and enjoy every minute of your time on the open road! Don’t have a ride that’s road trip worthy? Take a look at our wide variety of available inventory and find the perfect Volkswagen to take on your next adventure! 5 Road Trip Activities To Combat Boredom Capture The Adventure If you’ve brought your phone along, a good way to pass the time while in the car is to take pictures of the scenery or make funny little videos in the car! You’ll thank yourself later when you look back on all the memories you recorded! Play Games Whether it’s a good old-fashioned car game like ISpy or something more modern you could play on a handheld device, games, in general, make the time fly by! Rock Out To A Road Trip Playlist Get together all your favorite songs to sing at the top of your lungs with the windows rolled down and get to your destination before you know it! A little karaoke in the car never hurt anyone! Listen To Audiobook/Podcast Storytelling has been a pastime since the beginning of history! Tried and true, listening to a book on tape or an interesting podcast will keep you entertained the whole trip long. Fill Out Postcards This one is a bit old school, but so much fun! If you go somewhere picturesque and postcards are available consider sending some to friends and family with little updates about your trip! It’s something cool for them to put up on their fridge and a great way to share the vacation vibes.

Let’s play a game! This week we want to know what’s hiding in your Volkswagen’s trunk. Hopefully, it’s all the items that we have listed below for you! The items you’ll find below are some that you should always be carrying with you in the event of an emergency. So take a look and ensure that these items are in your trunk and if you’re thinking you don’t have enough space for all of these items, stop by and let our team help you upgrade your vehicle today! 10 things to keep in your trunk: Jumper cables Portable air compressor or tire sealer (if you don’t have a tire jack) Emergency survival kit Reflective triangles or road flares First aid kit A working flashlight A multi-tool for minor fixes Cell phone charger Windshield washer fluid Extra jacket, shoes, and blanket Need More Room? Upgrade Today: https://www.vwking.com/searchnew.aspx

Happy winter! Temps are dropping this winter and the team at King Volkswagen is here to help you have a successful winter ahead in your Volkswagen! Whether you’re traveling this winter season or staying close to town, these five life hacks will help you stay on top of those winter potential hazards. Check them out below and be sure to put them to good use. And as always, if you’re ready to upgrade into a brand new VW, you know where to find our team. Hurry in and let’s find a new VW that fits your budget and style! Emergency Kit: It’s always a good idea to be prepared in the event of an emergency, especially in the winter months. We encourage you to keep an extra coat, warm hat, gloves, and extra socks in your vehicle. It’s a good idea to keep a blanket, phone charger, flashlight, bottle of water, and a small non-perishable snack. Stop Foggy Windows: Foggy windows are no stranger in the winter season. And they can lead to potentially dangerous situations. Roll down your windows to quickly defog those windows or keep a clean chalkboard eraser in your vehicle to wipe away the fog. Keep Yourself From Getting Stuck: If your vehicle is a little on the lighter side, we encourage you to place a few bags of kitty litter in the back of your vehicle or trunk. This will aid in traction in the rear of your vehicle. And also keep a small shovel in the event you get stuck. Keep The Underside Of Your Vehicle Clean: It’s important to keep your vehicle clean all year long, but it’s especially important to keep the underside of your vehicle clean during the winter. Dirt, salt, and ice can accumulate underneath and cause erosion. Get a car wash on a warmer day and park your vehicle in the garage. Avoid Frozen Wiper Blades: Whether it’s a little snow or ice, no one likes frozen over wiper blades. We recommend leaving your wiper blades propped up when your vehicle is in park or place a pair of socks over the blades to keep them from freezing. Find A New VW Here: https://www.vwking.com/searchnew.aspx

‘Tis the season to spread Christmas cheer & this week, we’re here to do that! Check out our Ultimate Christmas Playlist below and be sure to turn it up once the family gets to your house! We promise these classics will make everyone smile and put them in a good mood! Let’s get started! Mistletoe - Justin Bieber Santa Baby - Ariana Grande Let It, Snow! Let It, Snow! Let It, Snow! - Frank Sinatra What Christmas Means To Me  - Stevie Wonder Rudolph The Rednosed Reindeer - Dean Martin Last Christmas - Ariana Grande Thank God It’s Christmas - Queen Run Rudolph Run - Chuck Berry My Favorite Things - Dave Brubeck Little Drummer Boy - Josh Groban Silent Night - Idina Menzel White Christmas - Josh Groban Silver Bells - Dean Martin This Christmas - Seal Frosty The Snowman - Ella Fitzgerald Ready to upgrade your sleigh this holiday season? Great! Come see our team right here at Joe Cooper Ford of Shawnee and let us treat you to the best car buying process you’ll experience. Find Your New VW Here

Time is ticking and temperatures are dropping this holiday season, and if you’re anything like us, you know that the worst part about this time of year is hopping into your vehicle when it’s frigid. That’s why we’re here to drop off some warming tips to keep you toasty warm in your Volkswagen this winter! Not sure if your ride is up to the challenge? Upgrade your ride with our team today. Hurry on by during the last few weeks of the Sign Then Drive Sales Event and let our team help you find your next new, warm Volkswagen vehicle! Get in your vehicle & drive. Allowing your vehicle to warm up won’t actually make your vehicle warm up faster Make sure you dress warm, coat, gloves, and a hat! Purchase a heated steering wheel cover to keep your hands warm. Park in the garage. Cover the windshield. Stock up on hand-warming packets. Buy a heater or seat cover that plugs into your car. Keep blankets in the back seat. Take along a warm beverage. Invest in a block heater to warm your engine faster. Grab A New Volkswagen & Stay Warm: https://www.vwking.com/searchnew.aspx

‘Tis the season to lend a helping hand to those who are in need. And here at King Volkswagen, we want to help you make the choice of volunteering easier than ever by providing a few places that could use your generous help this holiday season! Take a look at our list below and be sure to get ready to give back this holiday season! Schedule booked and not sure if you’ll be able to make it happen in December? No worries, these local charities would love to have some extra help no matter what time of year it is! Gaithersburg HELP Pantry (301) 216-2510 301 Muddy Branch Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878 Must make an appointment Montgomery County Volunteer Center (240) 777-2600 12900 Middlebrook Road, Germantown, MD 20874 Open weekdays 9 AM to 5 PM Manna Food Center (301) 424-1130 9311 Gaither Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20877 Open weekdays 9 AM to 3 PM The Humane Society of the United States (301) 258-3100 700 Professional Dr, Gaithersburg, MD 20879 Open weekdays 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM Rebuilding Together Montgomery County (301) 947-9400 18225A Flower Hill Way, Gaithersburg, MD 20879 Open weekdays 9 AM to 5 PM So we have our destination to volunteer and now you’re wondering how you’re going to get there. We have that answer! We want to help you get behind the wheel of a new Volkswagen that is safe and reliable. Put your worries to rest this holiday season and get to all of your destinations with ease thanks to a new VW! Hurry on by today and take a test drive in what could be your new edition to your driveway! Find Your Dream VW After Lending A Hand: https://www.vwking.com/searchnew.aspx

So, you want to stay warm in your vehicle this holiday season but what do you know about keeping your ride warm? If the answer is not much, we have you covered! Check out our tips on this week’s blog and be sure to upgrade your ride or service it to ensure no issues going into the holiday season! We hope to see you and your ride soon! Got a garage? Park in there! If you are lucky enough to have a garage, put it to good use. Parking your vehicle inside your garage will give you a jump start on warming up your vehicle. And if you have leather seats, you won’t have to think about how cold your bottom is when you’re driving down the road. Another added bonus, you won’t have to clean off your vehicle from snow or ice! Block heaters, not remote starters. Remote starters are very convenient additions to your vehicle, but did you know that block heaters can do the same job without burning as much fuel? Engine block heaters can cost as low as $30 and can even be set on a timer to warm up your ride while you’re getting ready for the day! Drive it, don’t idle it. Many drivers don’t know that driving their vehicle will actually warm it up faster than letting it idle for a long period of time in your driveway. When you push start and hit the road, your engine is working hard which then turns that energy into heat which will warm up your cabin making you toasty warm faster! Wait 10 seconds and go. Most newer vehicles these days are equipped with stop-start technology which means your vehicle will turn off when it comes to a full and complete stop. Why is this so important? Well, not only does this feature save you fuel, in the long run, it’s better for the environment. And don’t worry - those 10 seconds are not enough time for your engine to cool down. So, you’ll leave toasty warm! Be Sure To Service Your Ride This Month: https://www.vwking.com/vwservicescheduler.aspx

When buying a new car, a test drive is one of the most important aspects of upgrading your vehicle. We understand that purchasing a vehicle is a stressful situation and at King Volkswagen, we strive to make it easy and fun. This week we have four helpful tips to ensure that your test drive is easier than ever before. We hope you’ll spend some time with those tips below, stop in to see our team, and let us help you upgrade into a brand new Volkswagen this summer! Let’s talk test driving tips! Understanding what the test drive is The #1 goal of a test drive is to see if the vehicle is a good fit for you and your family. While spending a lot of money on a new vehicle, it’s important to ensure that the vehicle you’re test driving is really the right one and worth the money you’re going to spend. Take your time with the vehicle, go over all of the features, and don’t be pressured into purchasing something you don’t love through and through. Listen to the experts While your opinion matters most, there is also a time and place to listen to the car experts when it comes to features like comfort, convenience, power, etc. Car reviews can be a great source of information and can offer great insight that you perhaps didn’t notice during your test drive. Drive the vehicle as if you own it One mistake many new car buyers make is not driving the vehicle on your daily commute. We encourage you to take advantage of this time by driving back roads, busy streets, or highways if they are typically in your daily commute. This will help you get a better feel for how the ride will be once you purchase the vehicle. Don’t let shiny features blind you Oftentimes, buyers are blinded by specific features or price points. Don’t let this be you. Take all of the features into consideration before making a final decision. It’s a great idea to make a list of features that you’re looking for in a vehicle and check them off as you go. Schedule Your Test Drive Here: https://www.vwking.com/searchnew.aspx

Summer days are here and that means you’ll be getting ready to hit the road. And if you’re anything like me, you decide the destination at the very last minute. But we’ve hand-picked a few summer spots for you to hit to make deciding on a destination easily! Whether you’re looking for some blood-pumping adrenaline days or relaxed exploring, there’s something for everyone on our list this week! Take a look, decide your destination and stop in to see our team to service your ride because let’s be honest, we don’t have time for any breakdowns this summer. Stop in and let our team give your ride the green light to drive! C & O Canal - Whether you are looking to bike, jog, or just take a stroll, the historic C & O Canal is the perfect place to do it. Explore all that this 184-mile long trail has to offer because wherever you choose to explore, it’ll be a beautiful scenic route. Swallow Falls State Park - If you’re looking for a quick little trip to see some beautiful scenery, Swallow Falls is the place for you! All of these sites are easily accessible so if you’re not in for a hike, no worries! These falls offer beautiful views that will blow you away without having to spend half the day hiking! National Harbor - A popular place in the summer months, National Harbor is home to plenty of shopping, restaurants, and the Capital Wheel! Spend the day or the night - we promise you won’t regret spending your weekend here! Catoctin Wildlife Preserve & Zoo - If you have smaller ones traveling with you, this might be at the top of your list! Check out the animals up close and take a safari ride that you won’t forget. Take the family and let them roam this remarkable zoo! Maryland Vineyards - If you’re a lover of wine, there are dozens of vineyards to choose from across Maryland which several are open year-round! Enjoy the tasty wine paired with the beautiful views that these vineyards have to offer. Just prepare to have a designated driver! Ride In Style This Summer In A New VW!

The week is here! What week are we talking about? Well, the 4th of July week of course! With so much going on in the world right now, the 4th of July really has snuck up on us, and if you volunteered to host the holiday party this year you might find yourself stressing out. However, if this is the case, then you’ve come to the right place! This week’s blog is dedicated to helping you throw the best 4th of July party ever...the best part? These helpful hacks will help you save money and time! With time dwindling down, right now is the perfect time to start! Take a peek below and get started on your tips and tricks below. Oh, and if you’ll be traveling this holiday weekend, make sure your ride is in tip-top shape with service from King Volkswagen! Schedule your appointment now and have a safe and fun holiday! It’s All About The Game: Put out a variety of yard games, such as cornhole, ring toss, ladder ball, bocci ball, a football, baseball and gloves for playing catch, and frisbees. Slide Into Summer: The 4th of July marks a big milestone in summer, tell your guests to soak up the sun in their bathing suits while having some good old fun with a slip and slide! Perfect for the kids too! Keep The USA Theme Going: When the water fun wears off, keep your guests entertained with playful buckets filled with July-themed tattoos, stars and striped pinwheels, “snapper” fireworks, sparklers, themed candy, and glow bracelets for when the sun goes down Soak Up The Sun Safely: Keep guests safe with plenty of sunscreen and bug spray close at hand. Set out little buckets with sunscreen and bug spray in several different places on the deck, patio, and backyard, so guests never have to look far to find some and reapply. S’more Food The Better: If you have a fire pit in your backyard, consider setting up a fun s’mores buffet for your guests.  Think beyond the Hershey bar and include a variety of chocolate options including the traditional milk chocolate, Hershey’s Cookies & Cream bars, dark chocolate options, and even Reese’s peanut butter cups. DIY Decorating: Keep the budget low with fun DIY decorations! Look around your home to see what you already have on hand that could fit your Fourth of July party’s red, white, and blue theme. Mason jars, empty cans, plastic bottles, wine bottles, etc, can all be transformed into cheap and easy centerpieces, utensils holders, or candy displays! Teamwork Makes The Dream Work: Consider making your party a potluck.  When it comes to food, summer potlucks are a great option for large parties. Helps bring a variety of food to your party without having to break the bank and slave in the kitchen for days beforehand Schedule Service Before You Hit The Road!

Time is ticking and we want to know how you and your family are spending your time during quarantine this spring! If you’ve run out of ideas, let us help with that. We’ve put together a few ways for you and your family to stay busy this April. Got any ideas of your own that aren’t listed below? We want to hear from you! And of course, if your vehicle needs service or you’re ready to upgrade - you know where to find us. We will be waiting to help you! Planting Season Spring is the perfect time to start a garden Whether it’s just a few flowers by the front door or you’ve chosen to plant an entire garden, flowers can help brighten up your home and your mood! Spring Cleaning Of course, you might have already started to spring clean but don’t forget about places in your home like the attic or the basement. And definitely don’t forget about your vehicle! Spend some time cleaning out all of the garbage, unnecessary items, and give it all a good scrub! And don’t forget to disinfect it all! Get Active Spring means a bit of warmer weather, new sports to play, and more ways to stay active! Now is a great time to get outdoors with the family and enjoy some fresh air. Grab your favorite mit to play catch or even get out your running shoes and take a family run. Or if you have a little yard work to get down, having a few extra helpers wouldn’t hurt! Recipes To Try While many restaurants are closed during quarantine, this is a great time to freshen up on your cooking skills and any recipes that you’ve been meaning to try. Take some time to pick out a few recipes on Pinterest and get to cooking. Make The Most Of Your Daylight There’s only so much time during the day and now while days are longer, we encourage you to take full advantage of the daylight that we have! Get outside and take nature walks after work, exercise in the morning, or even do some yard work on your lunch break if you’re working from home. The possibilities are endless - get outside and enjoy the sunshine! King Is Here For Your Needs! Upgrade Today!

‘Tis the season for a new year and a few New Year’s resolutions! We know you may have already decided on your own resolutions, but what about your ride? Have you set any resolutions or goals for your vehicle? If not, don’t worry, we have you covered. Check out our list below and be sure to put them to good use in the new year! And don’t forget to schedule your next appointment with us below and snag a service coupon today so you can save a little bit of cash while servicing your ride in 2020! Don’t Neglect Car Maintenance If you didn’t keep up with your regular car maintenance in 2019, your first new year’s resolution should be to call your mechanic! Yes, I know keeping up with car maintenance can be a pain, but when you don’t keep up with it bigger problems can arise. And it isn’t cheap. Schedule a service appointment today or stop into King Volkswagen today for your service needs! Learn To Do Basic Maintenance Yourself 2020 is the year of DIY and if you’re tired scheduling maintenance and spending money on service, there is no better time than now to make it a new year’s resolution to learn how to do it yourself! Start with something small, like learning to replace your windshield wipers. It usually needs to be done twice a year and is important for road safety. It’s an easy goal for the new year to accomplish quickly. End Distracted Driving According to the DMV, on average 9 people are killed by distracted driving every day. Most people think that distracted driving means texting and driving but it actually refers to anything that can take your full attention away from the road. This includes reaching for something, changing the music, using an app, checking your GPS or map, taking a photo, checking email or posting to social media, eating and drinking, and even putting on makeup/grooming Make this resolution to drive less distracted to keep you and others on the road safer. Keep Your Car Clean For some of you keeping your car clean comes naturally, but for the rest of us, it is a daily challenge. If your car is a mess going into the new year learn how to declutter your car and prevent future clutter. First, remove everything from your car that you do not need. Second, organize those important papers in your car and rid of the papers you don’t need. Throw out old receipts, coupons, and other miscellaneous papers. Then find the important documents like your registration, insurance, and owner’s manual and put them in a safe spot. Third, give your car a deep clean after you’ve decluttered it. Vacuum the seats and floor, wipe down windows, and take it through a car wash. Schedule Your Service Today!