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Guys! Can you believe it’s already September? Before we know it the fall and winter months will be creeping in, and that means one thing! After a long summer of travel and adventures, you should give your ride the TLC it deserves with regular maintenance. However, this is the perfect opportunity for you to kickstart your fall service! It might be a little early, but the poor weather will be here before you know it! So get ahead with three essential end of summer services below! DIY approved for our customers that like to get their hands dirty, but our team is here for any assistance you might need! Just head over to our site and schedule your test drive today! Service To Complete… Inspection: The place to start is with an inspection. This is the best way to narrow down the service/ maintenance your vehicle needs most. This will include important checks like battery check, fluids, belts, hoses, lights, and more These are important to catch now because as temperatures fall, components can worsen Tire Tread Your tire tread is extremely important, especially during the upcoming winter months. If your tire tread is low or bald, you have no grip on slick and icy roads The proper tread depth should be at least 2/32” If you need a simple way to check your tire depth, utilize the penny test Penny Test How To: With Lincoln’s head facing downwards, place the penny into several grooves of a tire. If you can see the top of his head, your tread depth is worn too low and it’s time to replace your tires If you’re in heavy snow areas, you should invest in snow tires - which have proven to provide better traction than all-season tires. Keep an eye out for more than just tread depth. Look for intense light exposure, puncture holes, or anything thing else Windshield Wiper Maintenance Often overlooked, but the real MVP of winter driving, windshield wipers are extremely important all year round, especially during the winter months When snow, sleet, hail, etc. are falling at you, you need a good pair of wipers to keep your visibility clear Examine your blades for breaks, tears, streaking, etc. If you’ve had your wipers for more than 6 months, it’s a good idea to replace them If you get a lot of snow, looking into purchase wipers specifically for snow/winter weather Schedule Your Fall Service Today!

August is just around the corner, and whether you’ll be heading back to school or you’re a parent of a child who will be heading back to school, this week’s blog is for you! If you or your child will be heading back to school this August, I’m sure you’ll be running around trying to get everything in order before they pack the car up and go. However, your friends at King Volkswagen want to remind you to service your vehicle before you go. Vehicles tend to get overlooked during the back to school season, but nothing can ruin your back to school experience like a breakdown. So take a peek at 8 helpful car care tips below. If you find you need maintenance or repair, leave it to our certified service professionals! Schedule a service appointment today or upgrade completely, and browse our new inventory today! CH-CH-CHARGE IT UP Don’t find yourself getting out of a class only to find your battery has died. If your car is sluggish to start or if the dashboard lights or radio are giving you trouble, it may be a sign you need a new battery. Batteries only last three to five years, so if you’ve had yours a long time, it’s probably time for a new one. If you find you need a replacement, your mechanic can test your battery during routine maintenance and oil changes. Take a peek at your lights. Headlight or taillight out? Lights out on your vehicle are very dangerous. A burned-out headlight can impair your ability to see the road clearly, increasing the risk of a flat tire or accident. While a burnt-out taillight can make it hard to see you. Simply turn your lights on while the car is in park, and walk around the entire vehicle to make sure your headlights, rear lights, blinkers, and hazards are functioning properly. Not only will this keep you safe, but it will keep you from getting a pulled over/ a ticket. If you need replacement, just schedule a service appointment today. Top off all the fluids Regular oil changes are a must, but that isn’t the only fluid you should be keeping an eye on in your vehicle. Keep an eye out for transmission, brakes, coolants, and more. Clean fluids help your engine run smoothly, while dirty fluids can cause damage. Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated Improper tire pressure can cause you to get fewer miles per gallon? It can also increase wear and tear, resulting in a need to replace the tires sooner than normal, and becoming very costly. To keep your tires in tip-top shape, keep a tire gauge in your car and check the pressure monthly. Check for wear and tear by utilizing the “penny test” by inserting an upside-down penny in the tread groove. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, it’s time to get new tires. Check your seatbelts—and wear them. Buckle up and stay safe this school year. Simply wearing a properly fitted seatbelt saves thousands of lives each year. It’s one of the most effective ways to avoid serious injury in an accident. Airbags alone are not enough to protect you. Make sure your seatbelt is secured tightly across the pelvis and rib cage. Take a break and get your brakes checked It’s no secret that your brakes are a crucial part of your drive. Worn brakes can make it hard to stop quickly and can cause your car to travel farther before coming to a halt — making it more likely you’ll find yourself in an accident. To avoid that, a professional mechanic should check your vehicle’s brakes regularly, preferably as part of a routine maintenance check performed during regular oil changes. Pack an emergency kit just in case It’s never a bad idea to be prepared! Items you’ll want to keep in your car in case of trouble include a flashlight, tire repair kit, first aid items, a basic tool kit (lug wrench, screwdriver, hammer), jumper cables, hazard triangle, a blanket, and even a small amount of cash. Don’t forget your wipers You don’t want to be driving down the highway, and go to use your wipers and have no washer fluid! Your windshield wiper fluid needs to be topped off to ensure you have good visibility in poor weather. Wiper blades need regular replacement too, usually every six to twelve months. Get Your VW Service Here!

As the weather continues to warm up, you’ll be hitting the road for some fun in the sun. However, if you’re like the rest of us, you’ve barely moved your vehicle so it might be a little messy from the winter months. So this week we are here to help you get your Volkswagen back into tip-top shape just in time for your next getaway! Whether that means taking out the closet of clothes you have in there, replacing winter supplies with summer supplies, or a full gut, we’ve got you covered with 4 simple steps below! Check it out and get road trip ready today! Before you hit the road it might be a good idea to pop open the hood of your vehicle and see what’s going on underneath! It’s important to know your fluid level is properly full, your battery is fully charged, and no other issues are occurring. If you find your Volkswagen is in need of maintenance or a repair, no problem! Our service department is open and ready to help you with whatever you need! Just schedule an appointment or give us a call today! Toss The Old & Organize The New: Take everything out of the car, including car seats, music, and miscellaneous items stored in the glove box and door pockets. Don't forget the trunk and cargo area! Organize the rest of the items into three piles: stuff you use all the time, things you use occasionally, and items you might need in an emergency. Whatever doesn't fall into these categories should be stored in your home or garage. Or even tossed out! For Real, It’s Time To Say Goodbye: Ask yourself, "How do I use my car?" Do you basically live out of your car? Maybe you’re a parent with two toddlers in car seats or a salesman who travels with a trunkload of samples. Whatever it is, figure it out. Prioritize Depending upon your needs, go through your three piles and prioritize the most important items in each group And just like seasonal clothes in a closet, many items such as ice scrapers and emergency kits should be stored back into your vehicle Contain Loose objects in the car lead to disorganization and mess. In the event of a sudden stop or a crash, they can also damage your car or, worse, injure your occupants. Get yourself a good organizer to keep all of your items concise and easy to access. We’re Open! Schedule An Appointment NOW!

It’s no secret that cars are complex, and if you don’t know a lot about cars, other than it gets you from point A to point B then, the chance you know the different filters in your vehicle is slim. No big deal, that’s why this week’s blog is dedicated to helping you learn more about your vehicle! With springtime right around the corner, it’s a great idea to change out your air filters! But did you know you have both Cabin Air Filters and Engine Air Filters? So when are you suppose to change them? Are they the same? How do you change them? All great questions! You can find the answers below and if you need help or want a professional to change them for you, be sure to schedule your service appointment today! Two Types Of Filters: Cabin Air Filter: Usually the cabin air filter is located right in your glove compartment or beneath your dashboard. This will need to be replaced regularly to avoid polluted air from coming into your vehicle, and more importantly, being breathed in by you. Engine Air Filter: The engine air filter prevents dust, dirt, debris, etc from getting into your engine, which could cause serious damage if that were to happen. How Often Should They Be Changed? Knowing when to change your air filter is important to you and your vehicle’s health! It is important to check your owner's manual for this answer because every car is different, but the rule of thumb is to change after every 12,00-15,000 miles. But it is suggested to change them after pollen season so that allergens are pushed into your cabin once the filter starts to deteriorate. Time To Change Your FIlters? Schedule An Appointment Now!

Fall has come and before we know it, it will be gone. Before that happens, it is important to make sure that your vehicle is in tip-top shape for the winter months ahead. If you haven’t started your fall service there is no better time than now! But where should you start? Great question! It’s your lucky day because this week we are talking about your tires and how you can service them for the winter months. Aka a perfect place to start your fall service! Your tires are an extremely important factor in how your vehicle performs in winter weather. It’s no secret that after the snow falls and temperatures drop low, the road conditions can become very bad. If your tires aren’t in good shape you can find yourself slipping and sliding all over the road. To help keep you and your passengers safe this winter, giving all four of your tires a good inspection is important. There are a couple of things you should be looking for before you give them the A-OK. Below you find all the information you’ll need to ensure your vehicle’s tires are up for the winter weather conditions. Checking Your Tire Depth: Evaluate the tread depth of your tires to make sure you have enough traction to grip the road An easy way to check you tire depth is with the Penny Test Just place a penny upside down in your tread. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, it may be time for new tires. Checking Your Tire Pressure: Use a tire pressure gauge to make sure your tires are properly inflated and then fill your tires with air as needed Your owners manual will have the proper PSI for your tires To check your pressure, remove the valve stem cap, press the gauge head evenly onto the valve stem, use firm pressure so that the hissing sound stops Remove the gauge and read the pressure adjust as needed Checking Your Tire’s Condition & Age: Look at the tread and sidewalls for any cuts, scrapes, punctures, bulges, bumps or cracks. If you see anything suspicious, have a tire service professional take a closer look. You also want to keep an eye on your tire’s age. Depending on how much you drive, your tire’s tread may last for years but just because the tread is not worn out does not mean that your tires don’t need to be replaced To determine your tire’s age just look at the DOT stamping on the sidewall At the end of the DOT stamp, there is a four-digit code that will tell you when the tire was manufactured. Example: A code that looks like 4719 means the tire was manufactured in the 47th week of 2019 Finding that your tires could use some TLC? Don’t stress it, the pros here at King Volkswagen can help match you with the right tires and replace them in no time! Plus, when you service your vehicle with us you can save big using our service specials! In fact, we have tire special that allows you to save big, Buy 3 Eligible Tires, Get The 4th For $1!* Claim your coupon here, and be sure to schedule a service appointment now! *All offers expire 10/31/2019. See specials page for full details. Shop Our Tire Center Now!

Fall has arrived and we want to help you get your vehicle ready for all that’s coming up! We know you probably hit the town all summer long and your vehicle is probably in need of some well deserved TLC, and the fall season is the best to get your vehicle back in tip-top shape! That’s why this week we want to give the tools to help you get started on that long list of things to check and service before the winter months ahead. As we all know the weather is ever-changing which means the sooner you service your ride, the better! So where should you start? Great question! If you take a peek below you’ll see 5 helpful tips and tricks to help get you through your fall service! We know not all of our customers are DIY lovers and some might just be very busy. Whatever the reason is, if you don’t have time to service your ride yourself, our team would be more than happy to help you get your VW back in tip-top shape and ready to take on whatever weather will be coming our way. So let’s not waste any more time, check out our tips below or head over to our site to schedule a service appointment today! Inspect The Battery: Check the battery connections to make sure they’re tight, clean and free of corrosion Harsh winter weather can be hard on a vehicle battery, so you want to check the battery and charging system before the cold sets in Check Your Tires: Check tire tread depth Look for any signs of wear and tear such as bulges and bald spots Check the tire pressure, and adjust it accordingly using the PSI listed in your owner’s manual or driver’s side doorjamb Tire pressure drops when the temperatures drop, so keep a regular schedule of tire pressure maintenance Have Your Brakes Checked: It’s no secret your breaks are important, but in the winter months, it’s important they’re in shape to take on the winter weather. Make sure the brake pads/rotors don’t need to be replaced and have the brake line checked as well. Our team is more than qualified to help give you peace of mind and repair any issues we may find Check Wiper Blades, Defrosters, and Heater: Checking your cooling and heating system is important for your comfort, but it’s also important for your safety, too. Visibility could be hindered in the winter months due to frost, ice, snow, and other elements. Making sure your defroster is working, your wiper blades don’t have any cracks or are leaving streaks across your windshield Generally, wiper blades should be replaced every 6 months Don’t forget the windshield wiper fluid! Most vehicles will warn you you’re running low but it is Check Your Lights: Your vehicle’s lights tend to be overlooked, but as the days begin to grow darker sooner, your lights become extremely important Think about the last time you changed your headlights and taillights, if you can’t remember, chances are it’s time to change them! If they’re still running smoothly, give them a good cleaning to create better visibility Schedule Your Service At King VW Here!

Summer is in full swing and now that you’re tan, looking fab, and getting ready to hit the road to your next adventure, nothing can stop your shine...except maybe a rainstorm. It’s no secret that we can get some pretty crazy rain storms during the summer, and even though they tend to be quick, they can sometimes be intense. If you find yourself stuck on the road during one of them, don’t stress, if anything just pull-over until it clears up. But if you plan to venture through the storm be sure that your wipers are up for the challenge. Most of know how important wiper blades are, but rarely maintenance them! Why you might ask? Good question, I don’t know! I can only assume it is because when our wiper blades need replacement a little orange light doesn’t show up on our dashboard and because we don’t have to use them every day we tend to pay less attention to them. So this week we are giving you the 411 on everything you need to know about your wipers, including what to look for to see if they need replacement and tips for maintaining the life of them! Don’t wait any longer, get those wipers ready to take on anything and wipe away the stress the next time you’re stuck in a rainstorm! When inspecting your wipers, look for the following: Broken frame - Detachment of frame arm or connection point Metal Corrosion Visible cracks, tears, or missing pieces Check squeegee wiper to see if it is still flexible Check that squeegee is secure in the wiper frame. Maintenance Tips: Being able to see out of your window is essential to safe driving. Most drivers use wipers to clear away rain, sleet, and snow, yet most drivers wait too long and end up driving with bad wipers. Remembering to maintenance your wipers every six months or when you notice the action above happening. Why your blades deteriorate: Sun: Ultraviolet light and ozone deterioration Oil: Car waxes and exhaust hold rubber-deteriorating oil Airborne debris: Sand, mud, and dust carried in the wind Moisture: Acid rain and salt water (in moist air both near the shore and inland) Extend the life of your wipers by doing the following: Clean your windshield every time you fill your tank Gently wipe the rubber squeegee with a damp paper towel to remove any loose dirt or oil. Never use your windshield wipers to de-ice your windshield Pull your wiper blades away from your windshield during winter months to prevent ice on your wipers! Get Your Genuine VW Wipers Here!

One of the most frustrating things that can happen to you as a car owner is when you go to start your engine and it fails to turn over. Immediately your mind starts going a million miles an hour trying to figure out what could possibly be wrong. Then you remember you’re late and you start getting angry and the whole situation is a mess. But before you start stressing, take a deep breath and relax because there are several reasons your engine might be failing and it doesn’t mean that you’ll be coughing up a ton money either. So prepare yourself in case you find yourself stranded with a dead battery, and check out the different reasons why your battery might be dead. If you find yourself in need of a new battery, be sure to schedule a service appointment with us and we can find the perfect battery for your vehicle and get your vehicle back on the road in no time! Human Error: Hey it happens we all make mistakes but to avoid having to deal with a dead car make sure be extra vigilant before leaving your car. Make sure to double check your headlights, and make sure you’ve closed your doors and trunk all the way. Parasitic Drain: This is caused by components in your vehicle continues to run after the key is turned off. Your battery is pretty strong, it has enough energy to keep things like the clock, radio presets, and security alarms operational at all times but if there’s an electrical problem, the parasitic drain may exceed what’s normal and drain the battery. Bad Charging: if your charging system isn’t working properly your car battery could drain while you’re driving the car. If you think this could be the issue causing your battery to die, a professional mechanic will be able to diagnose what’s causing the charging problems. Defective Alternator Diode: An alternator is what recharges the battery and powers certain electrical systems if your alternator has a bad diode your battery can drain. Old Battery: Old batteries are just that, old. They can be close to dying altogether and might have trouble holding a charge. This could be the case if you find that your car won’t start often. You are supposed to change your battery every 4-5 years so if you’re in that time frame and you’re experiencing issues with your battery, bring your car to a professional for a diagnosis. Service Your VW With Us!

King Volkswagen thrilled to finally say it’s Spring! And we feel that there is no better way to celebrate than to get out our spring clean checklists and start checking them boxes off! One of the most overlooked tasks by a car owner is remembering to top of your fluid levels. Your fluid levels all have a line that they should remain at and when they fall below that line, issues can occur. If you’re not one to even know what fluid levels you should be checking, then this week’s blog is perfect for you! Below you will see that we have listed out all of the levels you should be keeping an eye and why it is important to top them off if they are lower than recommended. Topping off your fluid levels is a fairly easy task, and should only take you a few minutes to complete. However, if you don’t think your a DIY person, at least when it comes to vehicles, just schedule a service appointment with us and we can get your vehicle topped off and ready to go in no time! Before you schedule an appointment, be sure to check out our service specials page to see if there are any discounts that can help you SAVE BIG! Engine Oil: Your engine needs oil in order to keep moving parts lubricated and working properly. To check your oil, make sure your engine is cool before popping open the hood. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it on a clean rag, reinsert the stick all the way back into the tank. Pull out the stick and see where the oil line hits, there will be a notch that indicates what a safe oil level is. If your oil hits below the notch, check for the specific type of oil and add some yourself. Transmission Fluid: Transmission fluid is important because it keeps your transmission lubricated and will save you from expensive repairs. The second dipstick in your engine is for this fluid. Like we did to check the engine’s oil, you will have to remove the dipstick, wipe it off, and reinsert it back into the tank. Pull it back out and examine where the fluid hits on the stick, it’s also a good idea to check the quality of your fluids. Wipe a small amount onto your fingers, if the fluid has a pink or clear look to it, it is fine. If the fluid smells burnt or has particles in it, it is time to swap it out. Brake Fluid: From a safety standpoint, this is one of the most important fluids. Brake fluid basically keeps you from running into other cars and objects. You’ll find the brake fluid reservoir toward the back under your hood, be sure to clean off the outside of the compartment so any dirt or dust doesn’t enter the reservoir. Open up the cap and look inside to see where the fluid level is. It should be about a half-inch from the cap. If it is lower than that, check your owner’s manual for what fluid you should use. Also, if the fluid has a dark tint to it, bring your vehicle into our service department for a change of fluids. Power Steering Fluid: It’s important to have control over your car and this fluid keeps the right parts lubricated to ensure a safe driving experience. This reservoir is typically found under the hood, on the passenger side with a cap that will likely say “steering” on it. Many cars have a light colored reservoir so you can see the level of fluid without removing the cap. If your car has a dark reservoir, clean off the cap before opening to avoid dirt particles from entering the system. Open up the cap and use the dipstick the same way as we did before, if the fluid is low, you can easily add more. Also, if your fluid level is low check for a leak in the system. Windshield Washer Fluid: One important part of driving is being able to see out the windshield, this fluid is key to ensure that happens. Most vehicles have a clear washer fluid tank that will be labeled either “washer” or “windshield.” If you need to add more, simply pop the cap off and pour into the tank. Do not use soap and water if you are completely empty!! But, window cleaner that you use at home can work until you fill up with the real stuff. Schedule Your Service Appointment Here!

Regardless of the season, keeping your fluid levels at their proper level is important in order to make sure your vehicle functions properly. Not many can name all of the fluid levels in our vehicles and what level they should be at. With that being said, I thought it would be a good idea to help inform you this week on what you need to get an eye on and where they should be. Topping off your fluid levels is a simple enough task to do at home, but if you feel safer having a professional do it for you we would be more than happy to do so for you. Just schedule a service appointment or stop in whenever is easiest for you! Vehicle Fluids: Oil Your oil cools your engine, lubricates moving parts, and keeps the moving parts clean. You should change it regularly based on dealer recommendation and check it monthly! Coolant Coolant regulates your vehicle’s temperature. It is located in a reservoir near the radiator. If the level is low (level is indicated on the reservoir) take the vehicle to the shop to get your coolant topped up. Power Steering Fluid This helps you steer the vehicle. It’s located in a reservoir at the base of your windshield. Do the same as above, if the level is low take your vehicle to the shop to get the fluid topped up. Brake Fluid Brake fluid helps braking mechanisms work properly. If the level is chronically low, your brakes could be wearing out. Windshield Washer Fluid As you probably know, this helps clean your windshield of dust, debris, bug guts, etc. If you run out, get more at your local gas station and just refill the clearly labeled tank. Let Us Service Your Ride!

As a responsible car owner, it is your job to make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape! We all know that the engine is the heart of your vehicle and making sure that it runs smoothly is the best way to minimize issues. One of the easiest ways to keep your engine running smoothly is to make sure that your engine’s oil is clean. You should be checking your engines’ oil at least once a month, and if your oil needs to be changed often you could find yourself dishing out tons of money to the professionals. Want to save some money and check it yourself? Check out my how-to below and save your money for something nice! However, if you believe that this task might be too much for your knowledge of cars, schedule a service appointment or stop into King Volkswagen and we can assist you in oil changes, fluid flushes, and anything else your vehicle might need! If you are more of a DIY person, make sure to check your owner’s manual to make sure you use the proper oil for your vehicle. Using the wrong oil could damage your engine and potentially cost you thousands of dollars or a new vehicle all together! Checking Oil: How To Open the hood. Prop it so it stays open. Locate the oil dipstick next to the engine. It should have a yellow handle and/or be labeled. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it on a clean cloth or paper towel. Dip the stick all the way back in. Pull it out again and look at the oil level. If it’s in the middle of the hatched/indicated area, you’re good. More is better, less is okay, but if you’re lower than the area you need to get your oil topped up and have your system checked for leaks. Look at the oil quality and color. If there are a lot of particles or if the oil looks sludgy, you need to get it changed as soon as possible. Put the dipstick back in. Close your hood. Let Us Check Your Oil For You!

Winter is here and that means we won’t be strangers to the cold, snow, ice, rain, and everything else winter has to throw at us! One of the worst parts about the winter weather is traveling in it, that’s why it is important to make sure your ride is in tip-top shape so it can make it through the next couple of months! One of the most important parts of your vehicle that is underappreciated is your windshield wipers. Your windshield wipers work hard to make sure that you can clear through any and all types of weather, and when you can’t, well, that's when accidents happen! The problem is many drivers don’t know it’s time to switch out their wipers until it’s too late. So, in this week’s blog, we want to help you know when it’s time to switch those bad boys out for a fresh pair! If you need any help with replacing or installing your new wipers please feel free to schedule an appointment or give us a call and we will answer any questions we can! If you are looking for genuine Volkswagen wipers, you can pick them up on our website, now! What to look for: Broken frame: detachment from frame arms Metal corrosion: specifically at joints and claws Cracks, tears, or missing pieces in the rubber Check squeegee’s wiping edge, if it is rounded the wiper blade will be unable to make strong contact with the windshield Maintenance tips: Wiper blades should be checked at least every six months and changed out once a year. Weather conditions play a vital role in the life of your wiper blades and can sometimes cause them to deteriorate at a quickened pace. Check over both the squeegee and the metal frames to avoid common problems like streaking, skipping, splitting, and clattering. By doing this you will avoid reduced visibility when weather strikes. These tips can help your blades: Clean your windshield each time you fill up your gas tank Gently wipe off any dirt or oil with a damp towel that has built up on the rubber squeegee. Get Your Wipers Here!