Common Car Smells Demystified
Most drivers aren’t mechanics. So when your car starts emitting a funny smell our first instinct is to bring the vehicle to a shop. In most cases, that’s a great idea, but sometimes an unusual smell is just a way for your car to tell you to ease up on the brakes or give it a good cleaning or airing out. Below are six common smells that will be helpful to add to your basic car knowledge.
Burning Oil – This smell is very distinct and is often accompanied by a thick smoke. A burning oil smell is typically caused when oil drips on part of the exhaust system. Get rid of the leak and the smell should go away.
Musty – A musty odor is caused by water that is collecting inside your vehicle and allowing mold or mildew to grow. Check for damp floor mats or upholstery and let your car air out on the next nice day.
Acrid – The source of an acrid (harsh burning) smell is usually burnt brake material. If you smell this smell make sure that your parking brake is off and be mindful that you aren’t pressing on the brakes and gas at the same time.
Gasoline – If you smell gasoline, and you didn’t just fill up at the gas station, it’s likely that there is a leak in the fuel line or bad fuel pressure. Get your vehicle looked at as soon as possible so you don’t put yourself or anyone else in any danger with this flammable liquid.
Sweet – Unless you just picked up a dozen doughnuts for the office, a sweet smell is not something you usually associate with your car. Check the pavement under your parked car for a puddle of antifreeze as the heater core may be leaking.
Sulfur – Just like burning oil, sulfur is a pretty distinctive smell. If you smell rotten eggs, bring your car in for a checkup as the catalytic converter may need repairing.
If you smell any of these smells or something not covered on the list, bring your vehicle into King Volkswagen and let us take a look!
Laukkonen, Jeremy. “Seven Reasons Your Car Stinks.” About.com Autos. N.p., 30 Sept. 2015. Web. 29 July 2016.
If you are a Volkswagen enthusiast and also a fan of driving convertibles then the 2016 Beetle Convertible is the perfect model to fit both of your loves. We now have this all-new model available right here at King Volkswagen and we invite all of our customers from Gaithersburg, Rockville, Bethesda, and Germantown, MD to stop by and take it out for a test drive. Soon you will also be able to read all about the details of each of the different trim level options through our new Research & Review page. This page will provide you with an in-depth look at the specifications of this vehicle to help you feel more informed about your options. Our sales team will be happy to answer any further questions that you may have.
Volkswagen Class Action Settlement Information
As you may have heard a few months ago, Volkswagen had issues dealing with the emissions of its diesel-powered engines. Volkswagen has been notified of the proposed settlement terms and we want to inform our customers of their options. These settlement terms have not gone through final approval so please be mindful that terms and conditions may change.
If these proposed settlements are approved, Volkswagen has agreed to buy back, terminate leases, or provide approved emissions modifications to models that were affected. They may also be asked to provide cash payments to owners/lessees, pay for remediation for the environment, and promote zero-emissions technology for vehicles in the future.
To see if you or your vehicle qualify for restitution please visit the website below. We thank you for your patience and understanding in this matter and look forward to continuing our relationship with our drivers.
Visit https://www.vwcourtsettlement.com/en/ for more details.
Remember when we told you that we would be releasing a new Research & Review page for the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle? Well good news because this new page is now officially available on our website. You can now browse through this page for a detailed overview on each of the three trim levels and all of the standard and available performance, safety and convenience features. Afterwards, stop by King Volkswagen and take a test drive.
A few of the features that are offered on this vehicle include Tire Pressure Monitoring System, Crash-Optimized Front End, Brake Override System, 50/50-Split Folding Rear Seat, Easy Entry System, Front Comfort Seats, Heated Front Seats, Rearview Camera System, and more.
Learn even more by reading the full page.
Time Is Running Out On Our July Specials!
July is almost over and with it comes the end of our new vehicle specials for the month. Our associates here at King Volkswagen will be happy to get you behind the wheel of a vehicle that suits your personality and your needs. So, if you’ve been thinking about getting a Jetta, Tiguan, e-Golf, or Passat to get you through the rest of the summer, visit 979 N Frederick Ave. in Gaithersburg, MD 20879 today for the best selection.
Volkswagen Helps West Virginia Flood Victims
In light of the recent devastating floods that have affected West Virginia, the Volkswagen Group of America Foundation has donated $50,000 to the West Virginia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (WV VOAD). VW has also pledged to match any donations made by employees to the cause. This generous amount will be divided up among WV VOAD’s services to help families and community members who need shelter, food, construction assistance, animal care, and other aid.
If you are interested in making your own donation please visit https://wvvoad.communityos.org/cms/home. That website is also one to use if you, friends, or family members affected by the floods need assistance.
“VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA FOUNDATION DONATES $50,000 TO AID WEST VIRGINIA FLOOD RELIEF EFFORTS.” Volkswagen Media Centre. US Media Newsroom, 18 July 2016. Web. 19 July 2016.
2016 VW CC Research & Review Page Live
We are happy to announce that our Research & Review page on the 2016 Volkswagen CC is now live on our website. We suggest that our Gaithersburg, Rockville, Bethesda and Germantown, MD take a moment to read it through before coming in for a test drive. You’ll find information on trim levels, safety features, and engine options. You can also start the financing process from the comfort of your own home with our pre-approval application.
A few standard convenience and safety features on the 2016 VW CC are Side Curtain Protection® Head Airbags, Reinforced Safety Cage Construction, Trunk Loading Edge Protection, Sport Suspension, and Heated Side Mirrors with Integrated Turn Signals. To learn more, head over to our new page!
Are you interested in hearing all about the 2016 Volkswagen Golf R? If so we have good news! The Research & Review page that we told you was going to be released on this vehicle is now available. You can now read up on everything about this vehicle and then head over to King Volkswagen to see it in person and take it out for a test drive.
This page will tell you all about the two different trim level options available for this vehicle including the 292 horsepower 2.0T Four-Cylinder TSI® Engine that powers both trims and all of the safety and convenience features that come included on each. Some of these features are Intelligent Crash Response System, Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, Electronic Stability Control, Bluetooth® Technology with Audio Streaming, Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers, Rearview Camera System, and Heated Front Seats.
Check out the full page to learn even more!
Clever Road Trip Hacks
Who doesn’t love a life hack? Well, in celebration of “official” road trip season we are bringing you a list of our favorite road trip hacks! Whether you are traveling across the state or the country you’ll find a useful hack on this list. Here are seven to get you started:
- Hang an iPad/tablet from the sun visor for a hands-free tv show or movie watching experience.
- Plastic wrap or press and seal wrap make great impromptu “lids” for your drink. Just punch a straw through the middle and sip away!
- Don’t waste money on overpriced drinks that are half filled with ice anyway. Get a personal fridge to keep cans of soda and bottled water in. They aren’t as expensive as you might think and hold a surprising amount.
- Save plastic containers a week or so before your trip. An empty peanut butter jar or coffee creamer container are great sizes for on the go snacks for a shorter trip.
- Drive-thrus and takeout restaurants are notorious for forgetting utensils and napkins. Don’t leave anything to chance and pack your own.
- Make a set of “How-To” cards for on the road repairs and fixes. If you’ve never jumped a car or only changed a tire once, you might forget a critical step if you’re in the middle of nowhere and stressed out. Step-by-step instructions could save you time and money on the road.
- If you’re bringing your four-legged friend on the trip with you, don’t forget about their safety. There are several companies that make comfortable safety seats for animals that fit in the front seat and utilize the seatbelt like a car seat does.
Ready for more? Check out the huffingtonpost.com article for the full list and don’t forget to come into King Volkswagen for a car check up before heading out on your trip!
Williams, Abigail. “17 Road Trip Hacks That Will Save Your Summer.” The Huffington Post. Huffington Post, 24 July 2015. Web. 12 July 2016. <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/road-trip-hacks-summer_us_55a54c5ce4b0ecec71bd22e0>.
Are you looking to get behind the wheel of the newest version of the Volkswagen Beetle? If you are then King Volkswagen is excited to invite you over to our dealership to take a test drive in the 2016 model. The Beetle is ready and available for you anytime you want to stop over. For more information on the specifics of this model read all about it on the Research & Review page that we will be releasing soon. Keep checking back here to find out when this page will be available and head over to see us and the 2016 VW Beetle soon!
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