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Traveling with children requires an attention to detail and attention to safety. Kids need to be well-cared for inside the vehicle to prevent driver’s distraction and severe injuries during an impact. Decades ago, children’s regulations on the roads were much different than they are today. In the past, kids were free to roam inside the cabin of a Panama City area VW without breaking any laws.   However, the regulations have changed and due to advanced technology in vehicles, they are required to be in the back seat. Children under 80 pounds should also be properly restrained in a car seat that is suitable for their age and their weight.  Car seats are not the same for all kids. They need to be upgraded as the child grows.   Infants need to be in a seat that faces backwards for the first year provided the child fits safely in the vehicle. Seats then will need to face forward and fit the child comfortably, ensuring the seat belt restraints work safely at keeping a child safe. Car seats with a 5-point harness use their own seat belts but are secured into your vehicle.   Each seat is fastened into the vehicle differently so it is vital to follow the directions of the manufacturer and be sure the child car seat or booster seat is properly installed. If you have just purchased a new or used Panama City Volkswagen, our service center can help you install the child seats you have in the vehicle, using the proper restraints. Seats Need to Grow with Kids The seat your two-year old will not be the same seat you likely use when your child is five years old. Seats must grow with your child’s height and weight. A seat that is too small or too big will not protect your child during an impact like it would if it was the right fit. Read the manufacturer’s directives before buying a seat or ask your child’s pediatrician for advice on selecting the right seat. Use caution when purchasing a car seat secondhand.   Child safety seats are meant to protect kids from flying around the cabin during a collision or being ejected. Kids’ seats should always be placed in the back seat to protect from additional injuries caused by air bag systems. They should keep the child safely and securely positioned into the vehicle and all toys and other belongings should also be secured for overall safety.

There is never a situation where getting behind the wheel when tired is a good idea. Driving while sleeping can prove very dangerous not only to you and your passengers but to everyone else on the roadway. Those that drive long commutes to work or work the late night shift at their job may be most susceptible to driver errors. One of the most obvious ways to prevent mistakes caused by drowsy driving is to get plenty of sleep before you get behind the wheel. But there is also new auto technology that can help you stay safe on the road in your Tallahassee Volkswagen. Avoid Crashes with Technology There is no technology that can make you a perfect driver but there are advances in automobiles that can help you have a safer ride. One reason accidents occur on the highway is due to a momentary drift into another vehicle’s lane. With lane departure warning system, drivers can be alerted when another vehicle starts to cross over into their own lane and can react appropriately. The system also alerts drivers when they are the one making the mistake so they can correct it and prevent an accident.   There are other alert systems that can be beneficial to your safety. Forward collision warning systems use cameras or sensors to indicate to a driver when another vehicle or object in too close to the front of their vehicle. Because accidents often happen quickly and unexpectedly, such a warning system can give a driver the heads up they need to react in time. Many vehicle models with this system also feature automatic braking capabilities. This allows the vehicle to slow down or stop itself if a collision is anticipated. This quick reaction can help prevent a collision in your Tallahassee FL Volkswagen. Personal Responsibility Is Key While technology on your vehicle can be helpful, it certainly is not the only answer. Drivers have a responsibility to everyone on the road to ensure they are not driving while impaired. Long-distance drives should start with sufficient rest for the driver and planned stops for additional rest.   For those commuting from work while fatigued, it can certainly help to have another person in the vehicle with you to keep you alert. Drinking caffeine and letting some fresh air in the cabin of the vehicle can all help when you feel yourself becoming drowsy. Never drive after taking medications with driver impairment warnings, including sleep medications and cold remedies sold over the counter or by prescription.

Whenever you drive, your Four Points area Volkswagen engine runs hot and gets dirty. It is obviously built to handle the heat and tough conditions but not without a price. It is important to keep up with engine servicing on a regular basis if you hope to keep your vehicle on the road for many more years to come. Your responsibility as a vehicle owner includes having regular engine tune ups, oil changes, and tire rotations to ensure all important elements of your VW are working properly.   One area often lacking maintenance concerns the oil filter of your vehicle. While you may understand the importance of having regular oil changes to replace dirty, ineffective motor oil with fresh lubricating oil to protect your engine, you may miss the importance of having your oil filter also replaced when necessary. Oil filters work to keep the oil you have in the engine as clean as possible by trapping dirt and other debris to keep it from entering the clean oil.   Over time, this filter will wear down and no longer be as efficient at protecting your engine oil from debris. It will become so dirty and clogged, tears could form allowing gunk to get inside your engine valves. This can result in mechanical failures as the buildup of dirt can damage your engine. Many mechanics offer a quick oil change but fail to check the filter during the service. At our Four Points area VW service center, our technicians are skilled at performing a complete oil change service including the filter if necessary.   Our service center also stocks VW replacement parts including suitable oil filters so you won’t have to wait around. We will replace the dirty filter, top off your engine with fresh oil, and ensure there are no leaks or damaged hoses. Oil changes should be done based on how you drive and how hard your engine is working. Our experienced technicians will be able to determine what is right for you as far as oil change scheduling goes to ensure your engine is protected. Typically, oil should be replaced every 3,000 to 5,000 miles but if you have a long daily commute or tend to drive in very hilly conditions your oil may get dirtier much faster.   Let us help set your VW up on the right schedule. Call for your first or next oil service appointment today.

A great sized compact crossover, the VW Tiguan is a nice upgrade from a smaller sedan especially for a family vehicle. While roomy, it still offers a compact body style that even fits in the special reserved compact parking spaces. This makes the Tiquan a great choice for city drivers that have no plans to go off road. Our Tallahassee Volkswagen dealership offers both brand new 2013 models for sale as well as some of the Tiguan pre-owned models from earlier years.   The Tiguan is available with front wheel drive in both 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions. There is also the 4Mortion all-wheel drive option which is only automatic. The 2.0 liter, 4 cylinder engine is spirited as well as fuel efficient getting 26 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg for city driving. It also has a towing capacity of up to 2,200 pounds which may be ideal for your family vacations and recreation. The front seats of the 2013 VW Tiguan are both supportive and comfortable. They also adjust for maximum driveability for all drivers. The rear seats tilt and slid so back seat passengers are equally comfortable on the ride. The seats also split 60/40 and conveniently fold down, expanding the cargo room potential. There are also hidden storage compartments on the 2013 model that is great for storage.   As far as safety goes, the Tiguan offers an excellent safety record. There are the standard front and side airbags with the inclusion of rear side thorax airbags as an option. For those selecting the all-wheel drive model, there is also a hill descent control system which helps drivers navigate large hills to maintain speed which traveling on steep road surfaces. While you are driving you can enjoy the standard AM/FM radio with CD player audio system. It features iPod adaptor         and a voice-activated Bluetooth system.   In the top tier vehicles you can also get leather upholstery and push button start capabilities. Mid-level models offer cornering and fog lamps as well as heated seats. The SE and SEL models offer rail racks on the roof for additional cargo space. With the 2013 model Tiguan, you also get leather trim on the shifter knob as well as on the steering wheel.   Stop in our Tallahassee Florida Volkswagen dealership today to check out the Tiguan models available. We carry both new and used models so you surely can find the right priced vehicle that offers all of the great VW features you are looking for in your next vehicle.

If you are looking for a roomy pre-owned vehicle with the reliability of the Volkswagen brand, consider the Jetta Sportwagen. It is certainly attractive on the outside and the interior is something to appreciate. A wagon with definite style, our Woodville area Volkswagen dealership considers it a very nice ride. The Sportwagen offers excellent handling capabilities. With electric power steering, the vehicle offers a smooth ride.   You also can ride in the lap of luxury. The interior cabin space of the Sportwagen is by far one of its best qualities. There is penty of cargo space and the wide hatchback makes it easy to transport your belongings. The rear seats also fold down flat for more room. If you are considering the VW Sportwagen as a family ride, the luxury interior will certainly be enjoyed. The Sportwagen has also been heralded as a IIHS Top Safety Pick.   Back seat drivers as well as those upfront have a nice bit of leg room. Standard features on the Volkswagen Sportwagen include cruise control and climate control. Any upgrades are also available for the 2012 model including a top notch audio system, navigation system, and iPod integration into the vehicle. The Sportwagen is available with both manual and automatic transmissions. All drive styles feature front wheel drive capabilities.   Purchasing a pre-owned Woodville area Volkswagen can be a great way to get a quality vehicle for a more affordable price according to your budget. Our dealership offers earlier models of the Sportwagen as well as the 2013 model. The pre-owned VW model has many of the great features as its newer counterpart and has been certified to be a quality vehicle if it’s on our dealership lot. We stand by the Volkswagen name and only offer the best of the best.   While brand new vehicles are an option, consider the benefits of purchases a highly reliable vehicle that is also stylish and affordable. Our dealership staff can help you narrow down which pre-owned Sportwagen may suit your driving needs best. Schedule a test drive of several VW models so you can be assured you are making the most informed choice. You can cruise the pre-owned vehicles at our dealership including the Sportwagen. When you are ready to make your decision, you can complete the process at our dealership including vehicle financing if it is a service you need.

When you travel with a lot of extra cargo such as is common with kids in sports and other extracurricular activities or when you haul a lot of your own work back and forth to the office, know that the extra weight you are carrying is not doing you any good and it is likely having a serious impact on your gas mileage. Our Panama City area Volkswagen technicians recommend carrying around as little weight as possible in order to get the fuel efficiency your Volkswagen is capable of achieving.   The more weight you carry around, the harder the engine has to work and the more fuel you will end up wasting on your drive. Our technicians recommend that you first do a thorough overhaul cleaning of your VW to remove all of the unnecessary items you are toting around. The trunk should contain only the necessary supplies for emergencies. The stuff you need from time to time can be stored out of the way in the garage if possible to make it accessible when you do have to take it along.   You should also make sure your engine is finely tuned. Dirty filters and leaking parts can cause you to also loose fuel efficiency. Regular maintenance including engine tune ups, oil changes, and filter replacements will certainly help keep your fuel efficiency on track. It is also important for you to have your tires properly maintained. When tires are not properly inflated, they will cause you to lose fuel mileage. You are also at risk of losing traction on wet surfaces. Tires should be properly inflated and also rotated on a regular basis for a more even wear of the tread.   Our Panama City Volkswagen technicians have all of the services you need to keep your vehicle in great shape and save you more money on gasoline. If you neglect basic maintenance services to save money, you are going to end up with higher cost labor charges when engine breakdowns do occur. If you commute to work each day, you may need tune ups more often to ensure your engine parts are functional. Because the heat generated by the engine can cause damage over time, you want to keep up with appointments.   Our technicians can get you set up on a regular maintenance schedule according to your driving habits. Let us ensure your Volkswagen lives up to its reputation for fuel efficiency and reliability. Schedule your first or next appointment with us today and get your vehicle in the right condition to last for many years to come and protect your investment.

One of the most recognizable vehicles on the road today, the Quincy area Volkswagen Beetle still can’t be beat. While it has certainly come a long way in the last few decades Beetle fans still know a great vehicle when they see one. The 2013 is one such great vehicle and has even been upgraded to offer a new convertible model for this year.   The 2013 model offers either a five cylinder engine in the base model or a turbocharged four cylinder engine. For those who are looking for a higher performing ride, there is also a turbo diesel model. All of the engines are available in the convertible model or the coupe.   The Turbo model can clock 60 mph in roughly 7.5 seconds. For those that love the big picture that comes with the speed, the exhaust system produces a powerful bark to let others know you mean business. The diesel model is considered to be the most fuel efficient choice, getting 41 mpg for highway driving. The base model Beetle is also offers a very enthusiastic ride and makes it easy for the driver the handle.   While the Beetle has perpetually been a small car, there is still a lot of room in the front cabin. Even tall drivers will find good head and leg room for driving comfort in both the coupe style and the convertible. Cargo space in the trunk is there for your transportation needs. The convertible’s truck space is just a little bit smaller than the coupe due to the collapsible parts.   You can also expect to find a lot of features in the current model Volkswagen Beetle. There is a USB port and Bluetooth capabilities. Audio systems can be updated on all VW Beetle models. There are also tributes to the years of the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s with the Beetle. Each decade is celebrated with different package options. When it comes to safety, all models of Volkswagen include side, front, and side curtain air bags. Anti-lock brakes and stability control systems also come standard.   If you are looking for a fun vehicle for your transportation needs, consider test driving the new 2013 Volkswagen Beetle available from our Quincy area Volkswagen dealership. Hope in to a coupe or convertible model and get a real experience of the famous Beetle. Our service technicians are on hand to tell you more about possible upgrades to create the Beetle of your dreams

Spring cleaning may be in the air for homeowners but it is also important that you don’t forget about your Tallahassee Volkwagen’s needs as well. While you may keep your carpets and upholstery in great shape, you must also take great care of your engine. It needs regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure it will always be reliable and ready to go when you are.   Our Volkswagen service center in Tallahassee offers all kind of springtime services to keep your vehicle running optimally. Starting with a complete vehicle evaluation, we’ll assess the exterior for any signs of damage including rust. The little dings and dents that occur when driving can quickly escalate to costly damage if left unrepaired. We will also check to ensure your tires are in good shape with sufficient traction. If the tires have little tread left, we can certainly help you select new tires that are suitable for your Volkswagen. If the tread condition is good, we’ll still make sure they tires are properly inflated so you know you will be safe on the roadway.   Springtime cleaning of the engine is also a great way to keep damage and broken parts in check. Our service mechanics will be able to identify parts that have become worn down, broken, and dirty. Many leaks in the engine start out slowly and it is hard to tell something is wrong. Our inspections of your engine will help us catch minor issues before they become major problems.   When your Volkswagen has been checked for mechanical soundness, we will be able to also give your vehicle a deep down clean on both the inside and out. After putting miles on the road, grease and grime from your engine and from the outdoor elements will cling to your vehicle, not only making it look dirty but also potentially ruining your paint and finish. We have the proper tools to remove that tough grime so your vehicle can shine like new again. The interior carpeting and upholstery can be spring fresh again with a thorough cleaning that can remove ground in stains from foot traffic and spills.   Call our service center today to schedule your Volkswagen for a full springtime service. We will not only make your vehicle look like new again, we’ll make sure it stays in like-new condition for the long haul.