Blog

Knowing that your vehicle's tires are in good condition gives you peace of mind and is essential for road safety. A set of quality tires will give you the grip you need to safely accelerate and brake, even on roads covered in ice and sleet. Below are ways to tell if your Volkswagen needs new tires from your VW dealer. Does Your Volkswagen Need New Tires From Your VW Dealer? Your Car's Tires Are Old Like everything else in life, tires don't last forever. Tires age, and when they get old, structural changes occur due to extreme temperatures, road conditions, and exposure to the sun. The deteriorating state of the rubber will influence your car's handling performance, reducing your safety on the road. Generally, tire manufacturers recommend replacing tires between six and ten years. You can check the replacement specifications for your specific brand of tires or ask your Volkswagen technician for assistance. You Can See the Tire Wear Indicators The flat rubber bars on your tires are called wear indicators and warn you when you need to replace your tires. These bars become more visible as you drive. You can barely see the wear indicators on tires when they are new, but the bars become more visible as you drive your car. As soon as you can see the wear indicators clearly, it's time to visit your dealership for a new set of tires. You Notice the Tires Are Damaged Take a close look at your tires and check the sidewalls. If you notice cracks or deep cuts caused by age and use or bubbles and bulges that could cause weak spots and seriously increase the risk of blowouts, replace your tires. The Treads Are Worn Unevenly While checking your tires for damage, you may notice that the treads are worn unevenly. Uneven tread wear occurs when the tires are not inflated to the correct pressure levels or misaligned. If one side of a tire is more worn than the other, you will have to replace your tires. To ensure that your car's tires wear down evenly, ask your Volkswagen technician to rotate your car's tires every time you take your vehicle for an oil change. The Grooves Are Shallow The treads on your car's tires give you the traction you need, especially on wet and icy road surfaces. When tires get old, the rubber wears down and loses traction. Thoroughly inspect the tread on all four of your tires and if the threads appear shallow, measure the depth. You can ask your Volkswagen technician to check the tread depth, or measure the depth yourself with a tread depth gauge or do a penny rest. Do the Penny Test Use a penny and insert Lincoln's head into the grooves. If you can see Lincoln's head, the grooves are shallow, and you need to get a new set of tires. If the head disappears, your tires are still good. Check the Tread Depth With a Gauge Press the probe of a tire tread depth gauge into a groove on your tire and measure the depth. If you get a reading higher than 6.32 inches, the treads are good but if the tire tread depth is lower than 5.32 inches, start thinking of replacing your tires. If the reading is 2.32 inches or lower, get a new set of tires ASAP. Make a habit of regularly inspecting your car's tires. Check the tread depth and look for bubbles and blisters. If you notice tire damage, uneven wear, or shallow treads, it's best to get a new set of tires to keep you safe on the road. Visit Crain Volkswagen of Fayetteville today. Our tire experts will assist you in finding a quality set of tires and perform an expert tire installation.   Image via Pixabay.com by qimono

It's generally recommended that Volkswagen owners replace their air filters once every 12,000 miles. This usually amounts to once every three times you go in for an oil change. But if you notice any of the following 6 signs of filter trouble, you might want to get it changed sooner. Let's look at the most common signs you should head to your local VW dealer for a new car air filter. 6 Reasons to Replace Your Car Air Filter Low Gas Mileage Just like humans, your engine needs to breathe. While driving, air is drawn into the combustion chamber, where it's mixed with fuel and ignited to power the pistons. If the inflow of air is restricted by a clogged-up filter, then the fuel-air mixture is unbalanced and burning less efficiently. This means the engine needs to use more fuel for each mile it drives your car. So if you notice that your full tank isn't taking you as far as it used to, pop your hood to check on the filter. It might be time for a new one. Black Smoke When the fuel-air mixture becomes unbalanced, the engine tries to compensate with excess fuel. A good deal of this excess fuel goes unburnt, which causes all sorts of problems over time. A lot of it gets expelled from the tailpipe in the form of black smoke, and sometimes even flames. So if you're seeing black smoke in the rearview mirror, it's quite likely that a failing filter is to blame. Misfiring Engine Another problem caused by an excess of unburnt fuel is a sooty residue building up on your spark plugs. Spark plugs provide the electrical surge that ignites the fuel-air mixture inside the combustion chambers. When they get coated in soot, they conduct sparks less effectively and sometimes fail altogether. As a result, you'll begin experiencing problems when starting your car, as your engine misfires. Sputtering Sounds While Idling A healthy engine sounds smooth and quiet while idling. An engine with struggling spark plugs because of a blocked air filter will often create sputtering or coughing sounds while idling. Don't ignore these noises. Check the filter to see how clean it is. Blackened Filter When you check your filter, a little discoloration isn't necessarily a problem. Hold up the filter to inspect it under bright light. If it's clearly warped and blocked in patches, and you're also experiencing one of the above problems, then it probably needs replacing. A Year Since Your Last VW Dealer Check-Up To keep your car in tip-top shape, it's a good idea to get your filter changed either once a year or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. So whenever you go in for your yearly engine diagnostic, have your filter replaced as well. This way you'll probably never have to experience any of the above problems. To have your filter checked and replaced today by certified professionals, visit Crain Volkswagen of Fayetteville, the region's leading Volkswagen dealership.

Make your next vehicle a midsized sedan that has the sporty attitude you need to turn every drive into an unforgettable thrill ride. You'll get excitement, convenience, comfort, and more when you select the 2022 Volkswagen Passat.  From the well-crafted, cohesive design philosophy behind this vehicle to the cutting-edge safety features protecting you and your passengers, learn more about what the Passat has to offer when you read the preview we provided for you. Introducing the 2022 Volkswagen Passat Bold and Sophisticated Appearance Sporty lines and sophisticated contours give the Passat an easily-recognizable profile that stands out among the crowd of ordinary, same-old vehicles. The modern sedan design aesthetic this vehicle captures will give you a look of pure class and sophistication. Upgrade to the Passat R-Line or Passat Special Edition to get an even more stylish appearance that you'll show off on every drive you take. Comfort and Legroom Inside You'll have plenty of space to stretch out and enjoy the ride when you're sitting behind the wheel of the Passat. That wheel comes leather-wrapped for a classy finish, with multi-function features that let you control your vehicle's settings without taking your hands off the wheel. Advanced climate control and the additional rear air vents ensure that the entire cabin is kept at an optimal temperature for you and everyone riding with you to enjoy the journey. Technology at Your Fingertips A host of tech features in the Passat are designed to keep you connected with the world around you while you're out on the road. When you plug in a compatible smartphone and start up the App-Connect feature, you'll be able to access all of your phone's features right through the Passat's easy-to-use touchscreen display, with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility to work with just about any modern phone. Intelligent Driver Assistance Safety is any driver's top priority, which is why Volkswagen went above and beyond to give you a ride you can be confident in with the Passat. The blind-spot monitor and lane assist system work with your safe driving habits to make highway driving more secure, keeping you centered in your lane and aware of other drivers around you. Meanwhile, the park assist system uses autonomous steering to make getting into or out of a tight space a breeze. Fun and Precise Performance Turbo technology and high-performance handling will help you create unforgettable driving memories when you're cruising in your Passat.  You can assume more direct control over the powerful kick provided by the TSI engine by using the wheel-mounted paddle shifters to go through the gears. Volkswagen also included a six-speed automatic transmission that will bring you from a standstill to top speed and back down again with smooth precision and ease. Ready to experience what a modern Sedan should be? Come get into the driver's seat of the Passat and raise your standards for what you expect from your everyday vehicle. Schedule your test drive at Crain VW of Fayetteville today!

Atlas was a powerful god, and this auto more than lives up to the reputation of its namesake. Find out why the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas will help you reign supreme on the road. Basics About the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Volkswagen went big and ambitious when it introduced the Atlas model in 2017. This impressive SUV is the iconic brand's largest vehicle to date. The 2022 entry keeps its big brother status strong, measuring at about 201 inches long, 73 inches wide, and 70 inches high. And with a starting price a bit under $34,000, it provides buyers with one of the best values in its mid-size SUV class. Space to Spare If you're looking for a family hauler with plenty of room, this crossover SUV is a very nice mini-van alternative. You'll get three rows of seats that can easily handle your entire crew. Your cargo space is no slouch either, accommodating massive amounts of luggage or everyday cargo. Your storage doesn't end in the obvious places. Bountiful spaces throughout the vehicle can provide a temporary home for your smaller items. Even the cups are covered with a number of cup-holders. Better yet for those family outings, you can now tow up to 5,000 pounds with the new tow hitch. Tech Trends All of your digital and technology needs are at your fingertips, if you wish. The eight-inch digital gauge cluster sets you up to stay connected and updated in style. For just a tad more investment, you can take advantage of the Technology package that gifts you USB ports in every row. You'll also get all your infotainment favorites like Apple and Android offerings, along with convenient remote start capabilities. Sleek New Looks Add to your cool factor with beautiful all-black 20-inch wheels. Equally striking Premium trim packages come with eye-catching 21-inch trims known as the R-Line aesthetic. If you're really into dark and mysterious, opt for the R-Line Black trim that'll give your auto just the right allure. Heavenly Handling Dependability will likely never be an issue with the Atlas' standard eight-speed automatic transmission. You'll even have some versatility with either four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive options. In addition to the drive choices, you can also choose from either a 235-horsepower four-cylinder engine or a 276-horsepower V6 engine. Both of these options provide plenty of acceleration and overall power without sacrificing a smooth ride. You won't have to worry about shakes and shudders while you drive, but you will feel as if you're zipping along even at lower speeds. Steering and absorption capabilities are strong as well. Best of all, you maintain an efficient fuel economy. Captain Safety Take some of the worries out of your road trips with incredibly useful driver assistance features such as adaptive cruise control. Plus, this vehicle may actually save your life with its collision warning systems and automated emergency braking. Rest even easier with crash test ratings that earn the highest five stars. If you encounter unexpected mishaps, get assurance from up to two years of complimentary maintenance services. Make yourself a titan of the highways. Drop by Crain Volkswagen of Fayetteville and check out Volkswagen's mighty new lineup.

You can't just choose any random mechanic for your Volkswagen. Your car is like a member of the family, and you should work with someone who'll treat both you and it with the care and attention you deserve. You'll find a VW mechanic like this at your Fayetteville, AR VR VW dealer. In fact, you'll find several. But to bring you extra peace of mind, we'll outline the qualities you should look for in your mechanic below. 4 Qualities to Look for in a VW Mechanic At Your Fayetteville, AR VW Dealer 1. The Ability to Communicate Well Some mechanics are great workers, but they seem lackluster when it's time to communicate with you. That's not what you want in a mechanic. If you can't talk through your worries and ask questions, then you're not going to feel as comfortable as you should. You'll be stressed before, during, and after your repair. A great mechanic should be able to chip away at your worries and answer any questions you have about your repair. You deserve to know what's going on with your Volkswagen, and a great mechanic will tell you in terms you can understand. You may not know all the technical car lingo, and that's fine. A great communicator knows how to explain things to someone who's not an expert. 2. The Ability to Solve Problems Some car issues are straightforward, but sometimes weird issues come up that are confusing for your mechanic. A great mechanic can act as a detective; they'll listen to you describe your car's symptoms, determine the different causes, and eliminate what's improbable. Then they'll look at what they're left with to help them figure out what issue or issues you're having, even if your car is having a strange or unlikely set of problems. 3. The Ability to Never Stop Learning Even the most practiced mechanics come across problems they've never repaired before, and some mechanics will shake their heads and tell you they can't fix them. They may even encourage you to get a costly part replacement or replace your entire vehicle. A great mechanic, however, will see your problem as a learning opportunity, and they'll see if there are new machines and techniques available to fix your vehicle. They want to stay on top of the changes in their field. They'll exhaust all techniques and technology, old and new, before determining if they can fix your problem or not. 4. The Ability To Work Hard Fixing cars isn't an easy profession, so you need a mechanic with a strong work ethic to get through the toughest jobs they're faced with when you're having issues. They need to go above and beyond to take care of your problems. They'll also need to have enough work ethic to check for problems your car might have even if your Volkswagen isn't showing symptoms. A great mechanic cares enough to work hard and get your vehicle back in the best condition. Do you agree with us about these traits? Come to Crain Volkswagen of Fayetteville, and you'll find that all of our mechanics have the qualities outlined above. We'll do our best to provide you and your Volkswagen with the best care possible. Image via Pixabay.com by Ralphs_Fotos

Style, versatility, and all of the latest tech come together for you in one total package of an SUV that you've just got to check out. Meet the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan, a strong contender for the next vehicle of your dreams. This five-seater SUV has a whole lot of impressive features to show off for you, so to get you introduced to everything this vehicle can do, we previewed some of the best features Volkswagen packed into this year's model. Get to Know the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan Easy-To-Use Technology Volkswagen is all about integrating cutting-edge technology into the vehicles they create, and the Tiguan is an excellent example of that commitment to innovation. With the available Fender premium audio system and a three-month Platinum Plan free trial to SiriusXM radio, you'll have all the entertainment you could ask for on the road ahead. You'll also enjoy seamless remote features with your vehicle thanks to the convenient Volkswagen Car-Net feature. Intelligent IQ.DRIVE Cruising Your long trips from point A to point B are about to get a whole lot simpler thanks to the suite of driver assistance technology incorporated into Volkswagen's cutting-edge IQ.DRIVE system. You'll be kept alert to all potential dangers thanks to features such as the active blind spot monitor or rear traffic alert system. During highway driving, lane keep assist, and travel assist keep you exactly where you need to be: centered in your lane in traffic. Sleek and Smart Design With all those high-tech features incorporated into the flawless design aesthetic the Tiguan shows you from the moment you see it, Volkswagen proves that beauty and brains can come together in one complete vehicle. The capable and sleek exterior projects a confident image on the road, giving you an attitude that's ready for anything. Intelligent interior design gives you comfort and cargo capacity all in an inviting atmosphere that will have you looking forward to the ride home. Statement-Making Performance Plenty of vehicles will get you where you're going, but not many will let you have as much fun along the way as the Tiguan will. The 16-valve 2.0-liter 184-horsepower turbocharged engine represents the pinnacle of SUV performance, giving you the speed and maneuverability you crave. The four distinct drive modes included in the 4Motion Active Control system let you adjust your performance with the turn of a dial. Emphasis on Safety While the driver assistance technology the Tiguan is equipped with will keep you out of trouble, this vehicle is also well prepared if danger does arise. The rigid safety cage with front and rear crumple zones is designed to minimize the impact anybody on board feels in the event of a collision. There's also six advanced stability-enhancing systems that help to keep you in full control in situations where you begin to lose traction. Safe, smart, and stylish; the Tiguan is a triple threat of an SUV. Check out this exciting vehicle for yourself when you come to browse our extensive inventory. Come on down to Crain VW of Fayetteville today!

Keeping your VW in optimal condition has many advantages. Not only does it allow you to remain safe on the road, but it also prevents you from breaking down and improves the resale value of your vehicle. In Fayetteville, AR, you have a brand-name dealership that can offer you the best-quality VW repair out there. Let's have a look at some tips on how you can get great service in the local area. 3 Tips for Getting a Quality VW Repair in Fayetteville, AR 1. Use Your VW Dealer The main factor that determines the quality of your repair is the person carrying it out. If you choose a mechanic who doesn't specialize in Volkswagen cars, you might have to return to the garage soon because there is an issue with the service provided. However, by going with your dealership mechanic, you're unlikely to run into any problems. All our employees here at Crain Volkswagen work with this brand every day, and they have been trained specifically to repair and service these kinds of cars. As a result, they will be able to diagnose your car's issue very quickly, and they can fix it competently. This mix of rapid service and high quality is why our customers keep coming back whenever they need to have their car looked at by a professional. 2. Insist on Genuine Spare Parts There are a number of different sources for spare parts, and some mechanics will offer you salvage components that come from other vehicles or off-brand products that weren't produced by VW. In most cases, you should only work with technicians who will fit genuine, brand-name spare parts in your car, as they are likely to function much better. What's more, such items won't put your warranty at risk because they were designed for your car. In fact, our work and your new parts generally come with their own warranty, so you can be sure that your money is well spent. Should there be another issue within the warranty period, we will be happy to repair your vehicle for free. 3. Go to the Dealer as Soon as the Issue Occurs A way to reduce your costs and the complexity of the repair necessary is to visit your dealership as soon as you notice that there is a problem with your vehicle. This could be a warning light on your dashboard, a strange smell or sound, or a change in how your car feels when you drive. Don't delay your repair because it's almost always easier for us to fix your VW if the issue is still small. Getting your VW repaired as soon as a small issue appears is important because it keeps your costs down and your vehicle running well. You should always visit a brand-name dealership for service because they will have highly qualified mechanics and genuine VW spare parts for your car. Get in touch at Crain Volkswagen of Fayetteville to find out more about the kinds of repairs we offer and to book your first appointment with one of our technicians. Image via Pixabay.com by RyanMcGuire

If you want to keep your car in perfect condition, it makes sense to keep up with your VW service schedule. This involves getting checks, diagnostics, inspections, and other auto services like oil and filter changes on a regular basis to keep all of the key components and systems running smoothly. This guide will go over some of the best benefits of getting regular routine service for your vehicle in Fayetteville, AR. 4 Benefits of Keeping Up With Your VW Service Schedule in Fayetteville, AR 1. Keeping You Safe One of the best benefits of keeping up with your service schedule is that it can help you enjoy a safer and more pleasant ride. If you fail to get certain services, like tire checks or oil changes, your car's performance can start to suffer and worrying problems may appear. These problems could seem quite minor at first but could become really serious over time, leading to issues like spongy brakes or random stalls that could put you in danger. However, regular servicing will help you avoid these kinds of dangerous situations to keep yourself and your passengers safe. 2. Identifying and Fixing Problems One of the main aims of many auto services like brake system checks and multi-point inspections is to identify issues with your car that you might not have noticed. Many issues can go undetected over time, like fluid leaks or contaminated engine oil. By placing your car in the hands of trusted mechanics, you can learn all about these problems and get them fixed right away before they develop into bigger issues. This can help you enjoy a much better driving experience each day. 3. Saving Time and Money Many people put off vehicle servicing because they don't want to pay for the costs of brake checks and engine oil changes, but the truth is that you can actually save way more money in the long run by keeping up with your service schedule. How? Well, by paying for services, you can prevent big problems and avoid major repair bills. It's much cheaper to get an oil change, for example, than have to cover the costs of an expensive engine repair or replacement parts if you leave bad oil in the engine for too long. 4. Peace of Mind There's also the fact that regular servicing can provide some much-needed peace of mind. Cars are pretty complicated machines, with lots of moving parts and potential issues. So you might start to worry or stress out if you hear a strange sound or notice that the car doesn't feel quite right. By getting servicing and having all of your car's parts and systems checked and fine-tuned regularly, you'll be able to drive around with more confidence, knowing that your car has been properly cared for by trusted professionals. As you can see, routine VW servicing offers a lot of advantages. Not only can it help you enjoy a safer, smoother ride, but it can also save you money and help you avoid all sorts of technical and mechanical issues, too. Visit Crain Volkswagen of Fayetteville for all your auto servicing needs.

A tire rotation involves moving your vehicle's tires from front to back or side to side to last longer and ensure your safety on the road. Get your tires switched at your Fayetteville, AR, Volkswagen dealer as soon as you experience the following signs. Don't delay to avoid more damage, which could result in replacing the entire set of tires, costing you money and time. Does Your Volkswagen Need a Tire Rotation From Your Fayetteville, AR, Volkswagen Dealer? Uneven Front and Rear Wear Take a good look at all four tires. If it looks as if the front tires are wearing down faster than the rear tires, it's an indication that your vehicle's tires need to be switched. Ask your Volkswagen technician to do this as soon as you can to avoid uneven wear. Irregular Wear Inspect your vehicle's two front tires. If you notice that a tire is more worn on one side than the other tire, it's time to swap the tires. If the tires are worn down severely, replace the tires. Vibrations Uneven tread wear and tire imbalance will cause vibrations. Not only does this cause damage to your vehicle, but it's also unsafe. Schedule a tire inspection at your dealership if you feel vibrations at speeds higher than 45 miles an hour. The tires might need to be rotated, balanced, and aligned to ensure performance and safety. Why Rotations Are Important Not all tires wear down at the same rate. The front tires on front-wheel drive vehicles wear down faster than the rear tires. Regular rotations will ensure even wear across all four tires and extend the life of your vehicle's tires, saving you money in the long run. On all-wheel-drive vehicles, rotations minimize the wear on components and stress on the drivetrain. When the tread wear and depth are even, it will improve handling, cornering, and braking, keeping you safer behind the wheel. When To Rotate Your Tires It is generally recommended that you rotate your vehicle's tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. This will depend on your tires and the type of Volkswagen you drive. Usually, a vehicle's tires are rotated during every oil change. The fast and convenient VW Service Xpress includes a rotation, and you don't need to schedule an appointment. When your vehicle's tires are rotated, your Volkswagen technician will also thoroughly inspect the tires for wear and damage. The tires will also be inflated to the correct pressure levels. How Tires are Rotated The type of vehicle determines how the tires are rotated. The front tires on a front-wheel-drive vehicle will be moved back, and the rear tires crossed to the front. On rear-wheel-drive vehicles, the front tires are crossed to the back, and the back tires are moved to the front. On four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles, all four the tires switch places. The right front and left rear and the left front and right rear tires are swapped. The information on how often you need to rotate your tires and the rotation patterns for your vehicle are in your owner's manual. You can also ask your Volkswagen technician for information. Visit Crain Volkswagen of Fayetteville today, and get an expert rotation from our qualified Volkswagen technicians.

When considering the running costs of your car, insurance is at the top of the list. Although most drivers spend hundreds of dollars per year on their car insurance, there are several ways to keep your costs reasonable and get the best quote possible. The sales team at your Volkswagen dealer here in Fayetteville, AR can not only help you to pick out your new or used vehicle but also to find insurance that fits your needs. 3 Things to Know About Getting Car Insurance for Your Volkswagen 1. Arizona Insurance Is Good Value According to Bankrate, the average annual cost of full coverage is $1,674 in the US. Fortunately, this figure is a bit lower in Arizona, at $1,547. If you opt for just basic coverage, you might pay $555 on average, which is very good compared to some of the more expensive states. The minimum liability coverage is $25,000 per injured person, $50,000 per accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident. This is also lower than in many other areas of the US. 2. Several Factors Influence Your Quote You may think that the kind of car you buy is the biggest factor when it comes to the price of your insurance, but there are actually many different factors that influence what kind of quote you might get from your insurance company. One very important consideration is your age. Younger drivers are considered riskier than older ones, so you're likely to get a much better price if you're between the ages of 30-59. Once you approach retirement age, your quote might go up again. Statistically, people over 80 are more likely to have an accident than drivers in their prime, and insurance companies take this into consideration. Another important factor is whether you have a clean record or not. Someone who has never been involved in an accident and sticks to all the traffic rules is much more likely to get an excellent quote than someone who has a track record of incidents. 3. Your Volkswagen Dealer Can Help If you're a new driver or you're worried about what kind of insurance you should get, you can speak to the customer service team at your VW dealership. Whether you've bought a new or used vehicle from us, we will be more than happy to help you decide what level of coverage you need and which company could be a good fit. Before you make your purchase, we can also speak to you about ways you can bring your insurance cost down. For example, there are certain advanced safety features that can reassure insurance providers that you are less likely to cause an accident with your new vehicle. Speak to your sales representative to find out whether such features are already included in the car you're looking to purchase, or whether you can buy them as an additional package. In Arizona, finding insurance for your Volkswagen doesn't have to be a challenge if you enlist the help of your VW dealership. Get in touch with us at Crain Volkswagen of Fayetteville to speak to one of our talented customer service specialists. They will answer all of your insurance questions and recommend some excellent providers.

Your VW's transmission plays a major role in the daily smooth, reliable functioning of your beloved Volkswagen. When your transmission starts to deteriorate or experiences a malfunction, the chances are that you will notice pretty quickly, as your vehicle's performance will begin to decline. Here are four signs that you are in need of a transmission repair from your local Volkswagen dealer. 4 Signs Your VW Needs a Transmission Repair from your Volkswagen Dealer 1. Squealing Noises Unusual noises coming from your transmission is one of the surest signs that something is amiss within your vehicle. If you notice any irregular clanging or squealing noises coming from your transmission, these may indicate that your transmission gears have worn down due to age or wear and tear, resulting in worsened performance. Any time you hear any strange noises from your vehicle, whether from the transmission or another system, your best course of action is to bring your VW into the dealer for repair service. Your expert VW technician can identify the root cause of the strange noise and repair it before it creates further damage within your vehicle. 2. Shifting Out of Gear Another sign that your transmission is in need of repair is your vehicle shifting out of gears without you telling it to. Maintaining control of your VW at all times is essential to staying safe on the road, preventing accidents, and responding quickly to any dangerous activities from other drivers. However, if your gears are shifting or slipping on their own, you could create a hazardous driving situation for yourself and those on the road with you. Slipping gears typically occur due to a lack of transmission fluid within your VW or wear and tear on the transmission system. Bringing your vehicle to the dealer can help you ensure that it is safe to drive and fix any issues before they lead to an accident. 3. Burning Smell If you ever notice a burning smell coming from your vehicle, you can assume that something is seriously amiss. A burning smell from your transmission may indicate that the transmission has overheated, creating a potential fire hazard that could put you and other drivers at risk. As soon as you notice a burning smell, we recommend turning off your vehicle, getting out of the vehicle along with any passengers, and contacting roadside assistance. An expert can determine if your vehicle is safe to drive to the dealership or if you will need to have it towed. 4. Dark Transmission Fluid Is your VW leaking dark transmission fluid, or have you noticed that the fluid within your transmission looks abnormally dark? If so, this could indicate a problem with your transmission. Fresh, regular transmission fluid should look bright red and smell slightly sweet. If your fluid looks brown or black in color, whether it is leaking or not, this could mean that the fluid is old and creating damage within your transmission. The fluid could also turn dark when your transmission is overheating and burning the fluid. In any case, taking your vehicle to the dealer as soon as possible can ensure that your transmission problem does not worsen. Noticing transmission problems can be a little stressful at first. However, at Crain Volkswagen of Fayetteville, we make the repair process as quick and stress-free as possible. Contact Crain Volkswagen of Fayetteville today to schedule a transmission service appointment.

Are you thinking about purchasing a new SUV? You're not going to want to miss out on the 2022 VW Taos. This fun and super-functional vehicle is ready to take you everywhere you want to go. Here's a look at everything this all-new Taos has to offer. A First Look at the 2022 VW Taos The Basics of the '22 VW Taos When it comes to cars, crossover SUVs are among the most versatile. If you're searching for a car that's just as happy to take you to work in the morning as it is to hit the dusty trails and go on a camping adventure, it's hard to get better than one of these cars. All new this year is the Volkswagen Taos. This fun, funky, and engaging crossover with a super unique design. Don't worry about losing the Taos in busy parking lots with its bold exterior, and enjoy its range of useful and entertaining features every time you drive. Pricing and Trims There are three different trim levels available for the '22 VW Taos. All three options offer you a super affordable and sporty ride. If you're just looking for the car's basics, then the S trim is the way to go. You'll be spending around $22,995 if you decide to go with this trim. The mid-range SE trim, starting at $27,245, is perfect for drivers looking for something a little more. Finally, the SEL is the best option if you're looking for a bit more luxury. Expect to spend around $31,490 when you go with this option. Engine No matter which of the three trim levels you end up with, you'll get the same reliable and engaging engine. This is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 158 horsepower. You have the option of pairing this engine with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, depending on your preference. Going with front-wheel drive will get you an eight-speed automatic transmission while all-wheel-drive models get a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Regardless of the configuration, you'll love the feeling of driving the '22 VW Taos. You'll also appreciate how fuel-efficient this fun little crossover is. Interior and Storage Space The VW Taos's interior design is simple and minimalist without being boring. It keeps everything driver-focused, and there is a range of available features that make it even more comfortable. This includes interior ambient lighting, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof to keep things light and airy. As for space, you won't be lacking in the VW Taos. You and your passengers will get to enjoy plenty of legroom. Planning on going on an adventure? Don't worry about having to leave any luggage behind with the VW Taos's ample storage space. If you've been in the market for a fun and versatile crossover SUV, then the VW Taos is perfect for you. You'll love its style, performance, as well as its incredible interior comfort. You seriously can't go wrong with this car! Ready to learn more? Come see us at Crain Volkswagen of Fayetteville!