Tips and Tricks To Weather The Storm
No matter what season it is there is always one type of weather we run into and that’s rain storms. It might be spring showers that bring may flowers, summer storms, fall storms that blow away the leaves, or winter storms that create sleet. Whatever it is rain is something we experience at every point of the year so we should know how to drive through it, right? In fact, sometimes rain is so bad that it causes flooding and although it is recommended not to drive during flooding, sometimes we just can’t control it. To learn some tips and tricks for driving during a flood keep reading!
Driving in heavy rain:
- Turn your headlights on – the Highway Code says you must use them when visibility is seriously reduced
- Use fog lights if you like, but switch them off when visibility improves.
- Leave twice as much space between you and the car in front – it takes longer to stop in the wet.
- If your steering feels light due to hydroplaning, ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually.
- If you break down don’t prop the bonnet open while you wait. Rain-soaked electrics can make it harder to start the engine.
Driving during floods and standing water
- Try to avoid standing water if you can.
- Don’t drive into flood water that’s moving or more than 4 inches deep. Let approaching cars pass first if you are unsure of the depth
- Drive slowly and steadily so you don’t make a bow wave.
- Test your brakes as soon as you can afterward. Water can have a damaging effect on brakes, make sure they are working properly before you continue to drive
- Fast-moving water is very powerful: if strong enough your car could be swept away. Find an alternate route if the water is moving too fast to pass through
Watch out for:
- Look out for slip and trip hazards like curbs under the water.
- Manhole covers can get lifted and moved.
- Water levels can change quickly
Meet The All-New Arteon
Say hello to the future. The newest vehicle from Volkswagen that is set to be coming soon is the all-new Arteon! Your eyes are sure to be drawn to the exterior as soon as you see it. The fastback look is only part of what makes Arteon so stunning. There’s the muscular stance, frameless windows, and a wide chrome grille that blends perfectly into the LEDs to create an unforgettable front fascia. The roofline slopes downward, merging seamlessly with the back, conveying style, and performance.
Take a seat inside and you feel like you finally know what home feels like. The front sport seats are as stylish as they are comfortable and if you add the available ventilated and driver-massaging feature, you may never want to leave. Inside, elegance and space are plentiful. Listen to your favorite music on the available Dynaudio® premium sound system, and find your preferred temperature with 3-zone automatic climate control. And that’s just for starters. And regardless of where your next adventure takes you, never miss the incredible view thanks to the available Power tilting/sliding panoramic sunroof
The look may be classic, but it’s far from the only story. The Arteon is a host of performance features that help make it as much fun to drive as it is to stare at. The standard 2.0L TSI® turbocharged engine kicks out 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. And you can use that power well, thanks to an 8-speed automatic transmission. DCC lets you choose the driving mode that best fits your style. Select from either Normal, Comfort, or Sport to find the one that feels right. And as conditions change, available 4MOTION® distributes power between the front and rear wheels as needed to help optimize traction and stability.
And while style and performance are important Volkswagen never wants you to pass up a chance for a greater peace of mind. That’s why they have equipped the Arteon with an arsenal of safety features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitor, Light Assist, Lane Assist, Rear Traffic Alert, Front Assist, and Park Assist.
Although the Arteon isn’t out yet doesn’t mean you can’t do some research on this beauty and have no doubt that when this amazing vehicle arrives we will have it here at King Volkswagen! Till then Check out the rest of our available inventory and if you find something you love, schedule a test drive with us today!
Things I Love About My New Golf SportWagen
Slip behind the wheel of the sportier utility vehicle when you choose the 2018 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen. With seven colors to choose from, LED taillights, and Roof Rails, your SportWagen is designed just for you while having an enhanced look to really get heads turning. Take in the view yourself with the available Power tilting/sliding panoramic sunroof. No matter where your adventure takes you the sunroof that measures over 12 square feet in size also tilts and slides so you can enjoy the sun, the moon, and the stars. When you take a seat inside you’ll fall in love with the premium feel of the comfortable and easy to clean V-Tex leatherette seating. It doesn’t stop there, inside you’ll find advanced convenience features like 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, 3-spoke, leather-wrapped, multi-function sport steering wheel, Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, and so much more! Need more room to do the things you love? With 66.5 cubic feet of cargo space and the 60/40-split rear seats, the options are endless inside the SportWagen.
Just like your little red wagon, only with horsepower! Take your childhood memories and upgrade them when you drive the 2018 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen. With a standard 170-hp turbocharged engine, the Golf SportWagen has the power and handling to help get you where you want to go. Go ahead, widen your horizons. Take your turn in the power seat with the turbocharged 1.8L TSI® engine, performance comes standard. It’s fast, it’s fun, and it’s raring to go. The Golf Alltrack is the key to unlocking roads that are off the beaten path 4MOTION all-wheel drive, Off-road Mode,* and increased ground clearance allow you to take on all kinds of terrain with more confidence!
Never pass up a chance for a greater peace of mind. A lot goes into your 2018 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen before you do. Starting with the engineering, the safety cage which is designed with Front and rear crumple zones help absorb crash energy, while a rigid safety cage helps deflect it away from the driver and passengers. With the help of seven stability-enhancing systems from Electric Brake-Pressure Distribution, to help maintain stopping power during abrupt braking, to Electronic Stability Control which can adjust engine throttle and apply force to the wheels that need it most.
Your 2018 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen comes with entertainment front and center thanks to the 8″ touchscreen navigation system with glass display. Take the carpool karaoke to the next level with the available Fender®which has 400 watts of power and delivers clear, concert-quality sound to make sure you rock while you roll. Take your favorite apps along for the drive with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto, which makes it easier to stream music, receiver text messages, and make phone calls.
Taken on all the possibilities behind the wheel of the 2018 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen. If you’re ready to trade-in your old vehicle for one that has a track record for breaking them then come on down to King Volkswagen and allow us to help you find the perfect SportWagen for you!
We’ve Got Special, Yes We Do!
It’s summertime here a King Volkswagen and we think there is no better way to celebrate than with our EXTREMELY HOT DEALS! This month ONLY you snag a brand new Volkswagen SUV or car as low as $149/mo!* NOW that’s a deal you can’t beat! Stop into King Volkswagen this month and SAVE HUGE! But don’t wait too long, these deals are only good till the end of August, say goodbye 8/31/2018! HURRY! We can’t wait to see you and help you get into your dream Volkswagen at your dream price!
Deals:
The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta S – Lease for only $149/mo for 36 months!* And that’s not all pay$0 down!
The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Limited – Lease for only $149/ mo for 36 months and pay $0 down!*
The 2018 Volkswagen Passat 2.0T S – Lease for ONLY $169/mo for 36 months and pay a $0 down payment!*
The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas 20T S – Lease for ONLY $249/mo for 36 months and pay NO money down!*
HURRY! These deals will be gone before you know it!!!
*All offers expire 8/31/2018. See our Specials Page for full details.
The Brake-Down: What To Do When Your Brakes Fail
Imagine driving down the highway you see that up ahead you will be hit some traffic so you hit your brakes to slow down and nothing happens. Whether you’re going 65 miles per hour or 30 miles per hour it doesn’t matter this can be one of the scariest things you’ll ever face behind the wheel of your vehicle. I hope you never have to experience this situation, but let’s face it life can throw us some curveballs and it’s better to be prepared than to not be. SO here are some tips that will help you get your car to stop in this scary situation.
Don’t Panic:
- I know that sound kind of stupid but the truth is freaking out with only make the situation more dangerous. Stay focused and freak out after you’re safely out of your car.
Take your foot off the gas pedal and turn off cruise control:
- The point in this situation is to de-accelerate so do not hit the accelerator! Cruise control should go off as soon as you touch the break but just to be sure, turn it off.
Pay attention to how your brake pedal feels:
- If it’s soft and goes to the floor, you may have low fluid, a faulty master cylinder or problems with your drums or calipers. You may be able to rebuild some braking pressure by pumping the brakes
- If your brake pedal is hard and does not move, something in your brake system may have seized or you may have an obstruction under the pedal. Try to feel with your foot or look to see if you have something under the brake pedal.
Pump your brakes;
- Pumping your brakes several times may rebuild enough pressure in the braking system for you to stop. This may take a while, so keep trying.
Shift into low gear:
- Shifting into lower gears helps slow you by using your engine to slow the car. If you have an automatic transmission, downshift a gear at a time into low range. If you have a manual transmission, downshift a gear or two at a time.
Use the emergency brake:
- Using the emergency brake can usually bring your car to a stop but it will take longer than usual to come to a stop because it only stops the rear wheels.
Keep your eyes on the road and continue to steer.
- Pay attention to what’s in front of you, and maneuver to avoid heavy traffic, pedestrians, and dangerous obstacles
Warn other drivers and pedestrians
- Turn your hazard lights on, and honk your horn to make others aware that there is a problem.
If you have room on either side of you, steer sharply from side-to-side
- Turning creates friction, which slows your car naturally. If you do not have brakes, try turning sharply from left to right over and over to slow your car down
Use your surroundings to slow the vehicle
- Do whatever you can to get under control. Use terrain to your advantage, Use guardrails to slow your vehicle, Use road friction to slow your vehicle, Small trees and shrubbery will slow your vehicle when all else fails.
Look for a safe spot to pull over:
- The safest method is to look for bushy protrusions or shrubs and run it through the friction will significantly reduce car speed to a halt
Most modern cars today have technology features to keep the driver and passengers connected while on the road. Technology can become a distraction while driving but the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta has breakthrough technology features that help enhance the driving experience without getting in the way. It’s tech with a purpose, not just tech for the sake of tech.
Volkswagen Digital Cockpit: The 10” screen displays your information digitally in high resolution, making it easier to see and give you more time to focus on the road and not on tiny print. You can customize what’s displayed, from speed, estimated fuel economy, and travel time to route guidance, assistance systems, and elevation.
8″ touchscreen navigation: Besides looking great, the available sleek glass display helps make the map more prominent, while dynamic route guidance assists you with turn-by-turn information.
VW Car-Net® Security & Service: Did you forget where you parked? Unsure if you locked your car doors? With VW Car-Net Security & Service it will tell you, and even call if you need help!
Sunroof rain notification: To busy jamming out to your favorite song to realize that big rain cloud? Or maybe you forgot to close your windows on the way into work? The VW Car-Net mobile app can help. It can send you a notification so you can return to the car and close it.
Open vehicle notification: What if you accidentally left your Jetta unlocked or maybe your trunk didn’t shut all the way? The VW Car-Net mobile app can let you know, and can even lock the doors remotely!
If you want to stay connect and still feel safe in and outside of your car, check out the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta! And let your Jetta do the hard work for you!
Increase Your Fuel Economy With These Easy Steps!
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’!
Car Seat Do’s and Don’ts
Car seats aren’t as easy as you remember, but they’re pretty self-explanatory, right? Wrong! Actually more people than ever are making big mistakes when it comes to fastening the seat belt on their little ones. But it’s not their fault these car seats are getting safer but SO much more confusing! So whether you’re a babysitter, an expecting parent, a new parent, or an expert parent I’ve got the do’s and don’ts of car seats
- The child is turned face-forward too early
- Babies must ride facing the rear until they are at least 1 year old and weight 20 pounds – Experts recommend waiting even longer but it is up to the parent
- Some parents don’t like facing the baby to the rear because they have trouble seeing the baby’s face, but it is important that the child doesn’t face forward in case of a crash. A solution is to get get a childproof mirror to hang on the backseat headrest to see the baby.
- The seat isn’t installed tightly enough
- Most people don’t know how tight they should be pulling the safety belt, the answer is as tight as possible. When you jiggle the area where the safety belt is pulled through, the chair should not move more than 1 inch in any direction!
- Harness straps are too loose
- A big mistake is not tightening the harness straps enough, this because they don’t want to make it too tight or uncomfortable for the child. The correct way is the straps should be tightened so that the slack can’t be pinched between an adult’s thumb and forefinger. This ensures that the child won’t slip too far down in the seat and that the child won’t fall out.
- Infant seat angled incorrectly
- The seat must be reclined no more than a 45-degree angle, just enough so the child doesn’t flop forward but if he/she is positioned anymore than that they could be thrown out between the straps headfirst.
- Harness straps are in wrong slots
- When the child is facing the rear position, the straps should be in slots at or just below the shoulder. If the child is old enough to be facing forward, the straps should come through the uppermost slots.
- Harness retainer clip is out of place
- The clip should always be at the child’s armpit level.
- The locking clip is out of place
- If needed, it should be positioned no more than an inch from the safety-belt latch.
- The safety belt isn’t in locked mode.
- This information will be provided to you in the owner’s manual of your car, determine what type of belts you have and follow the directions regarding how they must be used with a child-safety restraint.
No matter how new or old you are at caring for a child, the end goal is to protect them. Do just that next time you use the car seat. If your car seat remains in your car take a minute to make sure that it is correctly installed to ensure the best safety possible.
Clean Your Trunk: It’s About Time
Summertime is finally here, the kids are out of school, and we’re ready to head out on a road trip. But where are you going to put all your luggage? Your backseat is full of pillows, blankets, and the kids’ toys. And even your trunk is jam-packed with unnecessary items that you may have been hoarding through the winter months. Now is the time to clean out your trunk – that storage space is crucial for road trips and no one wants to sit on top of the cooler, am I right? We have you covered with our DIY trunk cleaning guide, follow along below!
Beginning any cleaning project we must start with a clean slate. Seriously, we’re talking totally clean, just washed, good-smellin’ type of slate. Pop that trunk and get to tossing all those items into two piles. One – keep, two – toss/ donate. Decipher what items are totally necessary to keep and which ones you can truly live without. Trust us, you can recycle that plastic bag full of other plastic bags. When your trunk is clean, give it a good vacuum and scrub-down. We’re pulling out all the stops on this one – vacuum, spray, scrub, vacuum. There you go, we got a clean trunk.
Next up, comes the organization hack. Now that you know which items you’re keeping, decipher which ones are necessary to live in your vehicle. Choose to keep items like windshield washer fluid, oil, jumper cables, a blanket, a first aid kit, and a sweatshirt/ jacket. These are the items I find that is more important to hold onto in the event of an emergency. Pick a way to organize your items. Whether it be something as simple as a shower caddy or something designed specifically for the trunk, get yourself one and stash your items in there. This will allow you to store items around the caddy on those long, luggage filled road trips. Plus, you’ll know exactly where something lives and where to go to get it.
We hope you follow our tips and tricks to keeping a clean and organized trunk and use these for miles to come! Got any tips of your own? We would love to hear what organization tips work best for our customers, leave us a comment!
Summer BBQ Packing: A Guide
Summer is officially here, at least that is what the calendar says so it must be true – yippee! That means nights hanging by the pool, Summer BBQ’s, and late night bonfires with your friends. But when it comes to packing up the VW for a friends BBQ there are a few ways to stay organized and make your life easier. This week, we have your guide to packing the ultimate Summer BBQ necessities! Take a look below.
- Freeze water bottles in place of ice in your cooler. Frozen bottles will keep your items cooler for a longer period of time, plus when they thaw you will have bottled water to drink! Double-whammy!
- Pack a small first-aid kit. It is always a good idea to be prepared and creating your own first-aid kit from home items can help during those tight situations, especially if you have children.
- Pack the cooler smartly and efficiently.
- Start with a clean, cold cooler
- Use a water-tight reusable container to store food items, keep any bagged items on the top of the ice/ frozen water bottle layers
- Cans and bottles should layer the bottom of the cooler where they’ll stay cold longer, if you choose the ice method, add a layer of ice on top of drinks and food containers. Ice will make its way through the crevices and keep your items cool
- Be sure to pack the cooler full so no warm air can sneak in
- Pack a plastic tub to haul back any cans or dirty dishes you may have brought to the BBQ
- Bring your favorite goodies to eat/ grill – it is a GREAT idea to always pack your favorite Summer foods which will also add to the amount of food and variety offered at the BBQ. Trust us, your friends will thank you for it!
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