The Test Drive List You Need To Have

We all love our vehicle, but many don't love the maintenance you have to put into your vehicle for it to continue to run smoothly. Lucky for you, when you service your ride with us here at King Volkswagen, you don’t have to get your hands dirty and you could score huge savings! So if you find that your vehicle is in need of some maintenance and you don’t have time to do it yourself or you just don’t want to, schedule an appointment today or just stop in! Big or small, we can get the job done for you in no time! We’re talking about servicing your vehicle because this week we are talking about an issue that many car owners run into, mysterious fluid leaks. Have you ever pulled out of a parking spot and noticed a large puddle or stain right where your vehicle was? If so, you know that panic that quickly sets in. However, this week we want to help calm your nerves with some simple and easy to remember tips if you find yourself in this situation! Did you know that you can figure out what part of your vehicle is leaking just by the color and texture of the fluid that’s leaking? Yup, it’s true, and that means you can quickly determine the issue and get it fixed asap! So, to help you in this situation, we have provided a color guide for you below! King Volkswagen’s Color Guide To Leaking Fluid LIght brown to black: If the fluid leaking from your vehicle is a brownish/black color, chances are its motor oil. This can leak from various spots of your vehicle, but if it is leaking from the center and the odor smells like rotten eggs, the culprit could be a lube oil leak. This won’t stop your vehicle dead, but it means that there is an ongoing issue and you should bring your vehicle in for a professional examination Light yellow to dark brown: Brake fluid starts out as a clear/yellow color and as it ages it becomes dark brown, similar to motor oil. An easy way to distinguish is simple, just feel the fluid. If the fluid feels slippery, it’s likely brake fluid. If this is the case, your vehicle is not safe to drive and you’re going to want to bring it in for repair as soon as possible. Red(ish): If the fluid leaking from your vehicle is a red or reddish color, it’s generally power steering fluid. Power steering fluid will leak from under the front part of your car and is thin in texture. If this is the case, there is an issue with the power steering pump. Orange: If the leak is from the center of your vehicle and the fluid is an orange/reddish-brown color, it could be transmission fluid. However, rust from your radiator mixing with an antifreeze leak can appear orange-ish as well. However, antifreeze will be thin and can leak from anywhere, which could help you determine the difference. Yellow, Green, or Pink: These leaks will be the easiest to spot, and typically the simplest to diagnose. More times than not, the cause of such bright puddles is a simple coolant leak. In these cases, your vehicle’s age comes into play. Older vehicles tend to blow off a bit of coolant when the engine gets too hot, so a few little spots are nothing to worry about. If your vehicle is newer, this coolant shouldn’t be dripping any excess liquids so it might be a good idea to bring it in for a look. Clear: If the fluid leaking from your vehicle looks like water, it probably is water. The air conditioning can build up excess condensation and result in puddles of water underneath your vehicle. This occurs in properly running cars, only be worried if it becomes constant and a lot.

If you’re looking to save money any way you can, why not consider increasing your gas mileage? Over time, this can save you serious cash, and all you have to do is tweak your driving a little bit. Interested? Keep reading. The first step is to not speed. When you speed, you’re accelerating and decelerating frequently, which decreases your MPG’s. For every five mph over 50 you go, you’re paying roughly 10-20 cents more per gallon of gas. Use your cruise control. It gets rid of any extra acceleration and deceleration that might happen when you’re driving on the highway and keeps your vehicle moving at a consistent rate of speed. Don’t idle your vehicle - find a place to park. Come to a full stop and then turn it off. Idling wastes a lot of gasoline and is also not so good for the environment. If you have a storage box or bicycle rack on your roof, consider switching it to something that’s rear-mounted. With a bulky storage accessory on your roof, the aerodynamics of your vehicle decrease, which in turn decreases your mileage. Be patient and focus on being safe as well. When you pay attention, you drive safely. (Though you should be driving safely all the time)… just sayin’! Find Your Next VW At King Volkswagen!

Out of all the people in the United States, 60% own pets. 73% of those pet owners own dogs. And do you know what? A lot of those dog owners like to travel with their dogs in the car. If you’re part of that population, we’ve got some great tips for you on how to safely travel with your dog - keep reading! Only travel with your dog if they are healthy. If your dog is looking sick, bring them to the vet! If you need care for your dog while you’re away, then find a dogsitter or a place for you to board your pup if you’re going to be away for a while. In the car, your dog needs to be restrained so they don’t wander and hurt themselves. The two options you’ve got are a crate (which needs to be big enough for your dog to stand up, sit down, lie down and turn around inside of) or a harness tie-down. When you’re on the road, only give your dog water to drink. Food is a no-no while you’re driving just because dogs can get carsick too. That water should be distilled/filtered or the regular water from your tap that you give them at home. Don’t let your dog ride on your lap or stick their head out the window. The former because they can impede your ability to drive properly and potentially cause an accident, and the latter because debris, dust, and other nasties can fly into your dog’s eyes, ears, and mouth from the road and cause injury. The final piece of advice is to stop frequently for potty and exercise breaks. Not only can your dog use the exercise, but you can as well! Dogs Love New Volkswagens, It’s A Fact