Blog

Drivers who are searching for a super functional and good-looking SUV with plenty of room will want to check out the 2023 VW Atlas. You truly can't go wrong when you purchase this car. Wondering what exactly it can offer you? This is everything that you need to know. Get to Know the 2023 VW Atlas What You Need to Know This spacious and good-looking SUV is seriously built to impress. With a super powerful engine setup along with good looks, the Atlas is a car that stands out like no other. Plus, with three rows all of which can comfortably fit adults, you'll love how easy it is to head out on adventures—and take all your friends with you too. What's New This Year? You can expect a couple of changes to the Atlas this year, including fewer trim levels. The SE starts off the lineup this year. Any trim level above this one now gets a larger digital instrument cluster. Trim Levels There are five trim levels available for the Atlas this year. The base level is the SE, with the S now no longer available. If you're looking for some additional features, then you'll want to take a look at the SE with Technology. Drivers who prefer a mid-range option will quickly fall in love with everything the SEL can offer. But if that's not enough for you, then you can consider the SEL R-Line Black or the highest trim level, the SEL Premium R-Line. Performance With two different engine options available, it shouldn't be hard to find the perfect setup for you. The base engine is a four-cylinder powertrain making an already impressive 235 horsepower. For even more muscle, take a look at the available V-6 that makes 276 horsepower. Both of these engines come with an eight-speed automatic transmission. You also have the option of going with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. You'll love how responsive this vehicle is, as well as how easily the suspension soaks up bumps in the road. Interior Inside the 2023 Atlas, you'll find a shocking amount of space. Whether you're heading to soccer practice with the kids or you're going on a road trip with friends, there will be plenty of room to take everything and everyone you need. You'll also appreciate the vehicle's infotainment system which is super easy to use and can connect quickly to your phone with either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. If you've been looking for a super spacious and high-quality SUV, you're going to love the 2023 Atlas. If you're thinking of buying this car, it's important to visit the right place. We're ready to help you. Visit us today at Crain Volkswagen of Fayetteville.

Checking the tire pressure on your Volkswagen is a vital part of routine vehicle maintenance. Not only does it keep you safe on the road, but it also extends the life of your tires. If your VW dealer hasn't shown you how to check tire pressure, or if you're unsure where to start, this quick guide will help. VW Dealer Tips: 6 Easy Steps to Check Tire Pressure Quickly 1. Locate Your Tire Pressure Level The first step is locating your vehicle's tire pressure recommendation level. This information can be found in one of three places: the owner's manual, on a sticker inside the driver's door frame, or on the side of the driver's door. Once you find this information, write down the recommended pressure for each tire. 2. Check the Tire Pressure Next, use a tire pressure gauge tool to check the pressure in each tire. To do this, remove the valve cap from the tire and press the tip of the gauge onto the valve stem. You will be able to tell whether you need to inflate or deflate the tire with the pressure gauge. 3. Inflate Your Vehicles Tires If your tire pressure is below the recommended level, you will need to add air to it. To do this, locate an air pump and insert quarters into it (if necessary). Next, attach the air hose to the valve stem on your tire and hold down on the trigger until you hear air flowing into the tire. Stop adding air when you reach the recommended level. 4. Deflate Your Vehicles Tires If your tire pressure is above the recommended level, you must release some air from the tire to reduce the pressure. This method doesn't require an air pump, but a tire pressure gauge is still necessary. After removing the valve cap, press the gauge's tip onto the valve stem. Then, press down on the trigger to release air from the tire until the pressure reaches the recommended level. 5. Replace Valve Cap After you have added or released air from your tires as needed, replace the valve caps. This will help prevent dirt and debris from getting into the valve stems, which could cause problems with maintaining proper tire pressure in the future. 6. Repeat Process Monthly It's essential to check your tires monthly to ensure that they are correctly inflated. With just a few minutes of effort, this will help extend your tire's life and save you money on fuel. Plus, it is always better to be safe than sorry! Tire pressure checks aren't difficult, but they can become tedious over time. Let a professional do the heavy lifting if you find it a hassle. Bring your Volkswagen to Crain Volkswagen of Fayetteville for fast and efficient tire servicing. We'll keep your car in tip-top shape from top to bottom!

No one wants to break down due to a faulty car belt, especially in a rural area where cell phone reception is weak or non-existent. While a comparatively quick and inexpensive fix, not counting lost time on the job, ruined vacation plans, or the added cost if you face a long tow back to your VW dealer, the problem is entirely avoidable. A worn belt is among the easiest problems to spot early before it becomes a major issue. 4 Signs You May Need to Have Your VW Dealer Replace One of Your Car's Engine Belts 1. One or More Systems Stop Working Most contemporary vehicles run on a single serpentine belt that connects the engine to all systems, from the starter to the drive train, radiator fan, alternator, and heat or air conditioning. If the belt is loose, one of these systems may not be operating. While a serpentine belt is more efficient than multiple belts, it won't be long before the car becomes immobile if you don't address the issue quickly. In a vehicle with multiple belts, the car may continue running, depending on which belt is stretched or broken, but ignoring the problem can lead to more serious failures. Even if the car starts and runs, check your belts if a system ceases to function. 2. High-Pitched Screeching Noise Emanating From Under the Hood If your engine is screaming like an infant begging to be fed, especially when you start the car or accelerate, that's a good indication your belt is about to fail. Don't invite trouble by ignoring the sound (or the alarming looks from pedestrians and fellow drivers). As soon as possible, visit your local VW Service Department so that a qualified professional can remedy the problem. 3. Car Belt Appears Damaged Don't wait for your vehicle to make frightening noises or act sluggish. Inspect your belts regularly. New belts are smooth with a flat, black finish on one side and a regularly patterned grip on the other. If any portion of the belt appears frayed, cracked, or glazed, you should be concerned. Have it checked by a professional at the earliest opportunity. 4. Engine Overheats, Stalls, and/or Exhaust Fumes Turn Black When certain systems aren't responding due to a damaged belt, it can cause cooling or friction issues that cause the engine to seize up or parts to grind together. Always be aware of the indicators on your dashboard. If the oil or radiator gauges are nearing their respective red lines or the check engine light comes on, the cause could be a faulty belt. It always pays to monitor your vehicle's performance. Listen to the engine and check under the hood regularly. Your car will let you know when it needs attention. Stay ahead of the problem and have it serviced regularly at Crain VW of Fayetteville.

When you think of an overheating engine, you get visions of steam pouring out from under the hood. This is an extreme example, but it's something that can happen if overheating problems are ignored. If you have a car overheating, your trusted VW dealer can fix the problem. These are examples of issues that can lead to overheating. Car Overheating? Three Reasons to See Your VW Dealer Today Broken Water Pump Liquid coolant is used to control your engine temperature. Your VW engine produces heat, and heat can damage your engine if it's not removed. Coolant collects heat as it moves through your engine. The cooling system operates at high speed, as it needs to match your engine's heat production. The water pump is the component responsible for pumping coolant through your engine. The pump starts as soon as coolant is released and switches off when the engine temperature drops below its pre-set point. A broken water pump will prevent coolant from moving through your engine, and the temperature will rapidly rise. We can replace the broken pump, and the coolant will flow again. Leaking Coolant A coolant leak is one of the most serious issues your cooling system can face. As we saw above, the cooling system depends on the constant flow of high-pressure coolant through your engine. Over time, material fatigue and damage can take their toll on the system. Parts like the radiator hoses can become less flexible and crack, radiator seals can shrink, and hose clamps can loosen. Coolant can leak from many places, but it's easy to distinguish from other car fluids. Coolant is always in bright colors like pink, yellow, green, and blue. If you see a pool of liquid in any of these colors, you have a coolant leak. Our technicians will thoroughly examine your cooling system and find the source of the leak. We'll fix the leak, and your engine temperature will return to normal. Damaged Thermostat The thermostat is a small valve that controls the flow of coolant in your engine. When your engine reaches a pre-set temperature, usually between 185F and 210F, the thermostat opens and releases coolant. Once your engine temperature drops below the pre-set point, the coolant is withdrawn, and the valve will close. The valve can fail and jam in one position. A thermostat that's jammed open will continually supply coolant. This lowers the engine's temperate and makes it less efficient. A thermostat that's jammed closed won't release coolant, and this will cause your engine to overheat. We'll remove the thermostat and replace it with a new one to fix the problem. Fortunately, there are always numerous signs your engine is running too hot. Call us at Crain Volkswagen of Fayetteville, and we'll fix the problem.

Your car's electrical system consists of a battery, a starter, and an alternator and powers the ignition system, components, and accessories. If one of these parts malfunctions or breaks, you'll experience a whole lot of car issues. Below are five signs from your VW dealer that your Volkswagen Jetta, Golf, or Atlas is having electrical problems. 5 Signs From Your VW Dealer That Your VW Is Having Electrical Problems 1. Dim Headlights One of the first signs of an electrical issue is dim headlights. Your battery powers your headlights, and when your battery is weak, your headlights will seem dimmer than usual, go from bright to dim when you accelerate, or flicker on and off. You'll also notice that your dashboard lights are not as bright as they used to be. 2. Battery Trouble The battery is the heart of your car's electrical system, and a weak battery near the end of its life will cause an array of vehicle issues. There won't be sufficient power to charge the engine, and suddenly all the electronics will start acting up. You'll have problems with your power windows and locks, the windshield wipers and heated seats, and some of your car's accessories might not work at all. 3. Cranking Issues Your battery is not the only thing that starts your car. The starter and the alternator are also part of the electrical system. If either of these components fails or breaks, your engine won't crank when you turn the key in the ignition. If there's a problem with the starter, you'll hear a clicking sound, and when the alternator malfunctions, you'll hear a whirring sound. 4. Blown Fuses Blown fuses will usually cause a minor electrical issue. Your interior lights or radio will suddenly stop working, some climate control features will not function properly, or your horn won't honk. A malfunctioning alternator that's overloading the circuits will blow a fuse. If you have hassles with blown fuses and continuously replacing them, there's a problem with the electrics, and it's best to ask your Volkswagen technician to repair the issue. 5. Burning Odor Your car's electrical system is a maze of wiring that runs through your vehicle. Smelling burning plastic insulation is a serious problem that will get worse and could cause severe damage. The odor could come from an overheated wire. It's best not to take unnecessary risks and schedule an appointment with your Volkswagen technician as soon as possible for repairs. If your headlights are dim or flicker, you struggle with your car's electronics, or it's hard to start your vehicle, don't stress. Stop at Crain Volkswagen of Fayetteville today, and our qualified Volkswagen technicians will quickly and effectively sort out your car's electrical issues and get you back on the road in no time at all.

Responsible for breaking down your car's harmful emissions into neutral compounds, your catalytic converter is essential to the environment. However, it's also critical for the smooth running of your car, as a malfunction can affect the intake of air into the engine, and the efficient use of fuel. Read on for some of the signs that you need to ask your VW dealer about a converter replacement. Do You Need to Contact Your VW Dealer About a New Catalytic Converter? Previous Problems Converters can last for over ten years, but they can also become clogged and damaged. There are a number of engine faults that can have a knock-on effect on the exhaust system, such as misfiring spark plugs, faulty valves that lead to engine oil or coolant leaks, or a sharp blow to the underside of the vehicle. If you know that your car has suffered from any of these problems recently, it's sensible to get the converter checked out. Rattling Sounds The converter, or "cat" as it can be known, is covered in tiny pores, rather like a honeycomb. These are coated in platinum, palladium, and other precious metals that are used in the catalysing process. However, if it is damaged, pieces can break off and infiltrate the exhaust system. This may lead to a rattling sound underneath the car. Bad Smells One of the chemicals in fuel that should be catalysed by the converter is hydrogen sulfide. This is usually broken down into sulfur dioxide, which has no odor. However, if the cat is clogged or malfunctioning, unburnt fuel might enter the exhaust system and this can produce an unpleasant sulfuric scent, similar to rotten eggs. A malfunctioning converter might also cause a smell of burning or thick black smoke from the exhaust. Not only will this make the drive less pleasant, but it's also a sign that your exhaust system needs a diagnostic check. Less Fuel Economy A damaged or clogged cat won't allow your engine to burn gas as efficiently and will let unburnt fuel into the exhaust system. If you find that your car is costing you more at the fuel pump, your converter could be the culprit. Reduced Power If the cat becomes clogged, it disrupts the air flow into the cylinders and unbalances the fuel-air mix. This will result in less power, especially noticeable when you accelerate or drive at speed. If there's a sluggish response from the engine, schedule an appointment as soon as you can. Without a fully functioning cat, your car won't perform as well, and it could lead to more expensive problems further down the line. While a replacement could be the only solution, it could be fixed by flushing the exhaust system or other repairs. Either way, though, it's important to act promptly, so schedule an appointment at Crain Volkswagen of Fayetteville and let our certified technicians guide you about the right course of action.

Keeping your VW in great running shape is a top priority for most drivers. Thankfully, there are some simple, but essential, things that you can do to help keep your car happy and healthy for many years to come! We've assembled this quick list of our top 5 car maintenance tips for drivers looking to stay ahead of the curve and keep their VW running smoothly. Advice From a VW Dealer: 5 Car Maintenance Tips To Keep Your VW in Great Shape for Years 1. Check and Change Your Fluids There are a number of vital fluids that keep your vehicle's internal systems working regularly and safely, including brake, transmission, and power steering fluid. It's important to get these checked regularly (about every 5,000 miles or so) to ensure they're fresh and working as necessary. Getting these checked at your local dealership means they can also replace them for you if the mechanic notices it's time for new fluids in your VW! 2. Change the Oil Regularly You've probably heard it said that engine oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle, and it's true! Regularly checking your oil and keeping up to date with your scheduled oil changes is an essential step in keeping your car in great working condition for the years to come. Your VW dealer will be able to let you know how frequently you should be changing your oil to ensure your engine keeps running smoothly. 3. Replace Your Engine Air Filter Your vehicle's engine air filter is an essential component that keeps dirt, debris, and other unwanted materials out of your vehicle's engine, so it's important to make sure it's clean and functioning well. If your engine air filter wears out and stops working as intended, it can allow particles and debris into your engine that can cause serious damage to your vehicle's internal systems. Stay ahead of that problem and replace your engine air filter when it starts to wear out! 4. Keep Your Car Clean Your car keeps you dry and clean in all kinds of weather and road conditions, and it's important that you do the same for it, too! While a little dirt on your car isn't inherently a big deal, a build-up of dirt and grime can start to wear out parts of your vehicle's body and undercarriage over time. Depending on the climate you drive in, winter road salt may also be a damaging element building up on your car. A quick, regular cleaning will help limit this and keep your car in great shape. 5. Get an Annual Inspection In general, probably the best thing you can do for your VW's long-term health is get it looked at by professionals on a regular basis! Most people recommend an annual inspection to ensure your vehicle is safe and that there are no components that are wearing out and creating a risk of more serious damage to other parts of the car. Whether it's an oil change, an inspection, or anything else your VW needs, we've got you covered! Come on down and visit us at Crain Volkswagen of Fayetteville today for the maintenance your vehicle needs to keep it running safely and smoothly for years.

Your VW engine is designed to work effectively and efficiently, but even the best engineering can develop problems over time. Parts can wear or break, and if they do, your VW will develop engine problems. If you're in the area of Fayetteville, AR, your VW dealer can help you. We have the technicians and technology to fix any problem with your engine. These are a few of the problems we can fix. 3 Engine Problems You Should Always Get Fixed at Your VW Dealer Damaged Sensors Since the 1980s, sensors have been attached to all cars. These sensors connect to your car's computer and continually send information from their attached component to the computer. Your VW's computer uses this information to make its decisions. This can become a problem if a sensor is damaged. Damaged sensors will either send no information or send incorrect information to your computer. The oxygen sensor, for example, has a crucial function. It measures the amount of unburnt oxygen in exhaust gases. The correct ratio of air to fuel is 14:1, and your computer uses the information from the oxygen sensor to adjust the air-fuel mix. If this sensor malfunctions, you may use more fuel, or your engine performance will drop. Timing Chain Problems Older engines used a timing belt, but your modern VW engine uses a timing chain. The timing chain synchronizes the movement of the camshaft and the crankshaft. By synchronizing the movement of these two components, the valves and pistons will operate just as they are designed to. Timing chains are very robust, but over time you'll see and hear signs that your chain is failing. In time, the chain will stretch slightly, which will cause issues like poor compression and backfiring. If you experience either of these signs, our technicians will check the chain for you. If it's worn or damaged, we can replace it for you. Damaged Alternator The alternator is a mini generator that produces all of your VW's electrical power. The alternator produces power, from the time your engine starts till you shut down your engine. Alternators have a long lifespan, and eight years is an average life for an alternate. As an alternator gets older, it will start to produce less power. As electrical power production drops, your car's electrical systems will start to suffer. Reduced power means your VW's computer will have to decide how to apportion the limited power available. You'll notice electrical glitches, dim headlights, and other signs of reduced power. We can check your alternator, and replace it if it's wearing out. If you experience problems with your engine, call us ASAP at Crain Volkswagen of Fayetteville. Our Volkswagen-trained technicians can fix any problem for you.

If you suspect the engine in your Volkswagen Golf, Jetta, Taos, or Passat is not running at its best and you can't figure out what's causing the problem, an engine diagnostic test from the qualified technicians at your VW dealer will give you all the answers. The test will pinpoint issues accurately, and the technician will perform expert repairs. 7 Signs Your Volkswagen Should Get an Engine Diagnostic at Your VW Dealer 1. The Check Engine Light Is On We know you've heard all about the check engine light before, but it's crucial never to ignore it when you notice the light is on. The light warns you when there is a problem with the engine, and the faster you get it checked out, the less damage will be caused. When the check engine light is on, bring your car to us. A qualified Volkswagen technician will perform a diagnostic test to accurately determine why the check engine light was triggered and perform the required repairs to prevent further damage. 2. Your Car Guzzles Gas With today's sky-high fuel prices, the last thing you need is for your car to guzzle gas. When you suddenly have to fill up more than usual, even if you don't put more miles on the clock, there's a problem that needs urgent attention. Many issues will cause your car to burn more gas and to find out what is causing it, bring your vehicle to us for a diagnostic test so that one of our skilled technicians can sort out your gas woes once and for all. 3. Your Car Is Slow and Lazy A long list of vehicle problems will cause your car to feel slow and lazy when you step on the accelerator. It could be a faulty fuel pump, a clogged air filter, a bad air filter, a sensor problem, or a load of other issues. A diagnostic test will quickly determine the cause of your car's loss of power. 4. Your Car Idles Roughly When the engine is not purring and idles roughly, many problems could be the cause. It could be dirty fuel injectors, clogged air filters, exhaust system problems, faulty fuel pumps, and bad spark plugs. Get rid of the guesswork with a diagnostic test. 5. You Hear Strange Noises When there is a problem with your car's engine, you will hear all sorts of strange noises. Worn, damaged, and broken parts can make terrible sounds under the hood. We will quickly find out the cause with a diagnostic test and fix the issue to avoid further damage. 6. You Smell Bad Odors Fumes inside your car are dangerous and unhealthy. When you get a whiff of something terrible, such as gas or exhaust fumes, especially inside the cabin, it's a warning that there is a problem. Bring your car to us ASAP for a diagnostic test. 7. You See Smoke From Under the Hood or Tailpipe Something is getting too hot when you see smoke pouring out from under the hood or the tailpipe. Smoke is always a reason for concern and must be checked out as soon as possible. Bring your Volkswagen to us for a diagnostic test, and we will quickly find the problem. When it comes to car troubles, make your life easy by getting rid of the guesswork with a diagnostic test. Drop by Crain Volkswagen of Fayetteville today for a diagnostic test performed by highly skilled Volkswagen technicians, and we will take care of your engine problems fast.

The warranty that is offered by the manufacturer can be easy to overlook when taking test drives and talking about financing. However, when shopping around, or even after the purchase, it's important to understand the finer details of the warranty coverage that comes with your vehicle. In this article, we will take a look at the car warranty available at your Volkswagen dealer. What's Included in a Car Warranty From Your Volkswagen Dealer VW offers a basic warranty with all new car purchases that is similar to the bumper-to-bumper warranty that is industry standard. However, this new VW warranty is not broken into a bumper-to-bumper warranty and a powertrain warranty. Along with this warranty, VW offers an anti-perforation warranty, 24/7 roadside assistance, as well as a no-cost scheduled maintenance plan. These coverages and more make the coverage offered on new vehicles by Volkswagen to be some of the best in the industry. The New VW Warranty The new VW warranty offered as part of a suite of services VW calls Carefree Coverage, is valid for 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. This warranty covers all costs of repairing or replacing components that have malfunctioned due to defective parts or faulty workmanship that has occurred at the factory. This warranty covers most components of the car including high-tech electrical components, the infotainment center, and all mechanical components. This warranty provides peace of mind that you won't have to worry about a large repair bill in the first few years of ownership. This Warranty does not cover parts that wear out due to normal use. This includes parts like tires, spark plugs, oil filters, windshield wiper blades, light bulbs, and other components. In addition, this warranty is transferable during the specified period. Repairs made necessary due to improper maintenance or damage are excluded from coverage. The Certified Pre-Owned Warranty All VW vehicles that meet the certified pre-owned criteria come with additional coverage that is valid for one year or 12,000 miles. With this additional coverage, a certified pre-owned Volkswagen will have 5 years of warranty coverage. This warranty functions as an extension of the new vehicle warranty and will have the same terms and exclusions. Additional Coverage In addition to the standard manufacturer warranty, VW offers some additional warranty coverage for new vehicles. The Anti-Corrosion Warranty covers rust to the metal that occurs from the inside out. This warranty is valid for 12 years and has unlimited mileage. Rust that occurs due to improper maintenance or damage, or that occurs from the inside out, is excluded from coverage. VW offers 3 different tiers of extended warranty coverage called the Drive Easy Service Protection Plan. These plans vary in the range of coverage and deductibles that may apply. This program is available for a term of up to 10 years or 150,000 miles. If you are in the market for a new car, VW has some of the most attractive warranty options in the industry. If you want to learn more about the warranty options, or if you are ready to find that perfect new VW, come see us at Crain Volkswagen of Fayetteville.