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.
3 Reasons Your VW Car Engine May Be Overheating
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.
Does Your Volkswagen Need New Headlights?
The last thing you needs is to suddenly not have enough light to see the road ahead, especially at night or in bad weather conditions. Failing headlights that don’t work properly will severy impair your vision. Below are signs from your VW dealer that warn you when your Golf, Jetta, or Taos needs new headlights.
Does Your Volkswagen Need New Headlights From Your VW Dealer?
Your Headlights Are Dim and Fade
When headlight bulbs are old, they grow dimmer and slowly start to fade until they don’t provide enough light for you to see the road ahead clearly. When your car’s headlights have lost their luster and are not shining as brightly as they used to, it’s time to start thinking of replacing the bulbs.
You can also check if the dimness is not due to dirty or damaged headlight covers blocking the light. If you’ve replaced the bulbs and the light is still dim, it could be due to a wiring issue. Ask your Volkswagen technician to inspect your headlights to determine what is causing the problem.
Your Headlights Are Flickering
Headlights randomly flicker on and off when the bulb filament is damaged or worn, and the bulb is on its way out. Get the headlight bulb replaced as soon as possible before it burns out completely. When headlights flicker, it doesn’t always mean you need to get a new bulb. The flickering can also be due to a faulty battery connection, socket, or bad harness that your Volkswagen technician will expertly repair.
One of Your Headlights Is Out
When one headlight bulb is out, it’s a sure sign that it’s time to replace both bulbs. Usually, headlight bulbs are replaced in pairs, and when one burns out, the other one has already started to dim, and it won’t be long before it also burns out. Replace both bulbs as soon as possible to ensure you get an even spread of light and better visibility at night and in inclement weather.
You Have High Beam Problems
If your low beams work perfectly but not your high beams, it could be due to a burnt-out bulb, a blown fuse, or a wiring issue. If you’ve replaced the bulbs, checked the fuses, and the high beams are still not working, your Volkswagen technician will quickly sort out the problem.
You Are Frequently Replacing Bulbs
If you change your headlight bulbs frequently, there might be a corroded socket or a loose connection. Ask your Volkswagen technician to inspect your headlights and determine what is causing the problem.
Your Are Struggling With Blown Fuses
Headlights that continue to cause problems and constantly burn out and hassles with blown fuses are symptoms of an electrical issue. Your Volkswagen technician must thoroughly inspect your car’s electrical system to repair the problem.
If you have problems with your car’s headlights, stop at Crain Volkswagen of Fayetteville today. The skilled Volkswagen technicians will sort out your headlight issues fast and effectively.
Image via pixabay.com by AutoPhotography
When the leaves turn brown and the smell of pumpkin pies wafts through the air, it can mean only one thing: fall is here. Fayetteville, AR is spectacular this time of year and there’s plenty to do, so whether you want to load up the Taos with the family for an action-packed day trip or take the Golf for a solo nature adventure, you’ll be spoiled with options. Here are just a few of our favorite fall activities.
4 Amazing Fall Activities You Can Drive to From Fayetteville, AR
1. Go Pumpkin Picking at Farmland Adventures
Nothing says “family fun” like a giant corn maze, the chance to ride a wagon, and pony rides. All that and more is up for grabs at Farmland Adventures. Be sure to pick your pumpkin and swing past the farmers’ market for any other fresh produce you might need for dinner! And it’s not just for kids – you can book for adult groups and enjoy things like sitting around the campfire. Plus, there’s plenty of parking for your VW.
2. Take in the Flowers at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks
This gorgeous garden is home to some of the most dazzling native flora and fauna in the state. If you’re in the mood to relax, you can simply stroll amongst the twelve themed gardens and wander into the region’s only native butterfly house. Feel like learning more about the gardens’ ecosystem? There are plenty of educational resources available for children and adults alike, including hands-on learning experiences.
3. Road Trip to Lake Wellington
Want to get out of town? Pack the spacious Tiguan with camping supplies and head to Lake Wellington, a roughly two-hour drive away. There’s no better time to visit than Fall, when the leaves are a tapestry of orange and red. It’s tranquil and suitable for those traveling solo. If you’re not one for tents, they have cabins available for hire too. Enjoy a gentle walk around the lake or, for something more challenging, hike through the National Forrest.
4. Enjoy One of the Many Fall Festivals
We’re lucky to host an abundance of autumnal festivals here in Fayetteville, from the Arkansas Apple Festival to the Junk Ranch event. The former will see you enjoying live country and gospel music, square dancing, parades, and of course, apples, while the latter is an impressive junking festival with more than 200 vendors hawking their goods. For crafters and home cooks, the War Eagle Mills Arts & Crafts Fair is unmissable – at least stop by for the delicious food!
So which fall activity will be your first stop? Are you one for a corn maze or more interested in a campaign getaway? Whatever you’re in the mood for, the city has you covered, and your VW has the capacity and manpower to get you there. To scope out our range of new and used Volkswagens or get yours serviced, come down to Crain Volkswagen of Fayetteville in Fayetteville AR today.
5 Signs Your VW Is Having Electrical Problems
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.
Local Art in Fayetteville, AR: 5 Favorite Destinations Just a Short Drive Away
1. Fenix Arts
Run by a collective of artists, Fenix Arts is committed to serving its community through art and education. Located on Fayetteville square, you can visit Fenix Arts Thursday through Sunday, where you will feel welcomed and right at home. Check for special evening events that often include intimate concerts, poetry slams, and theatrical performances.
2. Art Ventures
3. Local Color Studio Gallery
4. Velesero
5. University of Arkansas Fine Arts Center Gallery
With this list of art destinations, we guarantee you will experience a renewed appreciation of the arts. While you’re making your way through town, be sure to stop at Crain Volkswagen of Fayetteville to look at our superb selection of cars, both new and pre-owned. We look forward to setting you up on a test drive with the perfect vehicle.
Image Via Pixabay.com by Tasos_Lekkas
Scheduling your car’s routine brake service is essential to ensure it operates at its peak level. Bring your car to your local VW dealer and check this vital task off your to-do list.
6 Benefits of Getting Routine Brake Service at Your VW Dealer
1. Save on Costly Repairs
Car maintenance can be costly, but car repair can be brutal on your bank account. Don’t wait for an emergency only to find yourself paying a large lump sum to get back on the road. Preventative service not only ensures a safer ride, but it also minimizes the accumulative and pricey damage caused by faulty brakes.
2. A Quieter Drive
Whether you’re driving in a busy and bustling city environment or taking the rural route, loud and distracting noises can ruin any ride. Maintained brakes provide a smoother drive, so get your brakes serviced to guarantee a quieter, calmer drive without intrusive background noise.
3. Safer Driving Experience
Nothing trumps safety when it comes to driving. But not every driver lives that philosophy. Braking effectively during crucial moments could save your life, and the lives of others, but many drivers put off for tomorrow what could be done today. Take control of your safety and have a Volkswagen technician review your brakes to ensure a safe driving experience.
4. Increased Fuel Efficiency
In our growing eco-conscious world, fuel efficiency is on many drivers’ minds. With proper maintenance, your brakes work efficiently, so less energy is exerted by your car to brake when needed. This means that less fuel is used as you drive. Not only is this green-minded approach beneficial to the environment, it’s kinder to your wallet when you fuel up.
5. Better Resale Prospects
Without maintenance, a faulty brake system can wreak havoc on other components of your car, leading to depreciation in its value. This can cause trouble for you in the future when you want to sell your car to upgrade to a newer VW model. With regular servicing, you get the relevant documentation to prove you’ve been maintaining your car’s overall health, easing future buyers’ worries when it comes time to sell.
6. Meets Inspection Regulations
Driving with bad brakes isn’t just dangerous, it might be illegal. Without working brake pads and discs, your car isn’t likely to pass inspection, meaning you could be breaking the law when you take your car out. Keep your brakes in good shape to avoid any costly fines or dangerous driving scenarios.
While the do-it-yourself approach might be tempting when it comes to checking your own brakes, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. Save yourself the hassle and visit Crain Volkswagen today to talk to a skilled VW technician about servicing your brakes.
If you’re ready for a night of live entertainment, your Volkswagen Jetta Sport is the perfect companion to explore great venues in and around Fayetteville, AR. On your next drive to town, you’ll discover great concert halls, theaters, and performance venues for a wide variety of entertainment year-round.
Drive on Down: 5 Great Theaters and Performance Venues Near Fayetteville, AR
1. George’s Majestic Lounge
This spectacular venue was established in 1927 and has become one of the top performance centers in the Fayetteville area. George’s Majestic Lounge features a wide range of live performances, including regular shows since the 1970s. This concert hall’s website features an updated calendar of upcoming musical performances and live events.
This historic lounge and concert hall is one of the longest-running venues in the area and the perfect place to enjoy your favorite musician or band.
2. Prairie Street Live!
Prairie Street Live is an amazing outdoor concert venue that offers fantastic live performances, music festivals, comedy shows, film screenings, and art shows. It’s the ideal place to visit during your stay in the Fayetteville area, and it’s conveniently located near a bicycle path in the center of town. This exceptional outdoor space is artist-led and operated, with upcoming performances displayed on the venue’s website and lots of parking available.
3. JJ’s Live
4. TheatreSquared
5. Walton Arts Center
Walton Arts Center is a wonderful local performance space that features art shows, music festivals, literary events, and plays year-round. This cultural center is located near the University of Arkansas campus and has been open since 1992 as an essential part of the city’s entertainment. You’ll find a great variety of upcoming musicals and live shows on the center’s website, with the option of purchasing tickets, memberships, and gift certificates.
Fayetteville offers a fantastic variety of live performance venues for concerts, art festivals, plays, and community events for locals and visitors to the area. Contact us at Crain Volkswagen of Fayetteville and see what we have to offer you from our incredible inventory of new and pre-owned vehicles today.
Image via Pixabay.com by Amitkrsocial
If you’re looking for a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon in Fayetteville, AR, look no further than one of its finest farmers’ markets.
Drive Home With Fresh Food: Visit the Fayetteville, AR Farmers’ Market
Why Is It One of the Most Famous Farmers’ Markets?
This open-air market has been bringing local produce and goods to NWA since 1973. Farmers from four counties within 60 miles flock to the market to sell their vegetables, fruit, flowers, meat, honey, eggs, baked goods, artisanal items, jams, crafts, and more.
Everything at this hyperlocal market is all-Arkansas grown and made, which means it’s the freshest product you will find around. The market prides itself on helping to create a more healthy and environmentally friendly community.
Where Is It? When Is It Open?
Located at 21 W. Mountain St., the market is open on Saturdays from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. April through November and from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays from May through September.
Their online market offers year-round service with curbside pick-up on Thursdays from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the outdoor parking lot at the south end of the Fayetteville Public Library. The market also hosts holiday events and is open rain or shine, unless the weather is severe.
Who Are Some of Their Vendors?
On any given market day, you can find all kinds of freshly picked produce, fruits, and flowers, like big fat blueberries from Hatch Farm or a stunning floral arrangement from Lee Family Garden. You can grab your certified naturally grown eggs from Rutherford Farm or a rack of lamb ribs from Round Mountain Farm.
As for premade items, vendors include vegan baked goods from Eureka Vegan and artisanal ice cream flavors, like sweet basil and olive oil, from Simple + Sweet Creamery. You’ll also find gift items like leather moccasins and candles from craftsmen like Negu Leather Co. or Candles by Whitney.
Come for the Produce, Stay for the Entertainment
In addition to having access to the best fruits and vegetables around, this local attraction also offers entertainment and community. It’s a gathering place where neighbors often bump into one another and can be educated on local composting efforts.
Stop and enjoy local performers playing some tunes, meet local politicians running for office, learn about a local non-profit, or enjoy an event like Kids Day with activities like temporary tattooing, wool spinning, a scavenger hunt, and an observational bee hive.
Whatever you bring home from your trip to the market, you’ll easily be able to pack it into the car with the Volkswagen Atlas’ power liftgate rear cargo access. Stop by Crain Volkswagen of Fayetteville today to test drive the latest model. We look forward to serving you and take pride in serving every customer that walks through our door.
Image Via Pixabay.com by Pexels
Does Your VW Need a New Catalytic Converter?
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
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.
Connect with us
Recent Blog Entries
- 2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs Golf R in Fayetteville, AR
- Volkswagen 4MOTION Fayetteville, AR: AWD vs Front-Wheel Drive
- 2026 Volkswagen Atlas vs Subaru Ascent in Fayetteville, AR
- Volkswagen Models Earn Car and Driver Editors’ Choice for 2026 in Fayetteville, AR
- VW Safety Features vs. Other Brands: How Volkswagen Stands Out in Fayetteville