No matter how much or little time you spend behind the wheel, there is a very good chance you have experienced a form of road rage at one point in time. Whether you tend to lose your temper regularly or once in a while, road rage can lead to dangerous traffic situations. We want to ensure the safety of drivers each time they head out on the road. This week we are dedicating our blog to preventing road rage and tips that can help you stay calm behind the wheel.

Method 1: Staying calm when you experience road rage

• When you recognize your rising anger, it is important to stay calm. Take a few deep breaths, try to clear your mind, and remember driving while angry can put yourself and others at a heightened risk. Listening to calming music can also help you stay calm and resist the urge to retaliate against other drivers. Keep your distance from the vehicle who may have cut you off or otherwise made a road error. Tailgating will increase your chances of an accident.

Method 2: Stay safe when other drivers are aggressive

• In the event of an aggressive driver, stay calm. Do not let their actions affect your driving, keep your emotions in check, and allow them to pass by. Avoid making eye contact and when they do pass, drive defensively to ensure your own safety. Keep your eyes on the road, don’t tailgate, and stay a safe distance behind the car in front of you. Remember your priorities, it is important to get home to your family safely. Don’t entertain aggressive drivers.

Method 3: Preventing your own personal road rage

• Before heading out, check your own mood. If you feel angry, give yourself a few moments to calm down – a short walk or deep breathing can help in these types of situations. Always drive when you are well rested to avoid agitation on the road. In many cases, road rage occurs when one driver is overly tired, late or even hungry. Give yourself a little extra time to get to your destination, stay well-rested, and keep a snack in your vehicle to keep hangry to a minimum.

We hope you find these methods useful and will begin using them in the future!

Part of buying a new vehicle is deciding to buy or lease and which option makes more sense for your life. For some people the answer is easy but for others, it can be a never-ending battle when it comes to making this choice. But don’t stress – we have a helpful guide that can help you decide which option would be a better fit for your lifestyle and your wallet. Take a look below and visit us for a test drive today!

Why you should lease:

• Lower monthly payments: leasing a new vehicle will allow you to get into that new car while not having to pay an arm and a leg for a down payment. You may even be able to upgrade to a higher trim level or add on a few advanced options all while staying within your budget.

• Small down payment: when it comes to leasing a new vehicle, often times there is a required small down payment or none at all depending on the deal that you agree upon. Plus, if you have a trade-in, this could be your down payment and will keep you from shelling out a lot of cash from your pocket.

• Latest models & technology: one of the benefits of leasing a vehicle is having the latest models and upgraded technology features when they hit the lot. It today’s industry, cars are always evolving and coming out with better and more efficient features. If you are someone who loves have the latest and greatest – leasing is probably for you.

• Selling your trade-in isn’t a worry: when you lease, you won’t have to worry about selling your vehicle. Simply, drop your vehicle at the dealership and be on your way. It is seriously that easy. But we know once you lease a Toyota, you’ll want to lease more and more for years to come. So, drop your old one off and pick up your new one in an easy breezy process.

Why you should buy:

• Monthly payment are a goner: once you successfully pay off your vehicle, you no longer have a monthly payment. You’ll only have to worry about paying for fuel, car services, and insurance. If you are the kind of driver who likes to own a vehicle until the wheels fall off – buying is the right option for you.

• No mileage restrictions: when you opt to buy a vehicle, you are free to drive here, there, everywhere without anyone holding mileage restrictions over your head. If you drive more than the average person or live somewhere where you do a lot of driving, buying your next vehicle is probably the smarter choice!

• Customize your ride: if you like to customize your ride from top to bottom, buying is most definitely the best choice. You have the ability to add whatever you like without having to pay any customization or excess wear fees.

Credit is a-okay: when buying your vehicle your credit doesn’t need to be outstanding. Many people might have this problem and feel like they are trapped. Explore all your options and see where your interest rates may fall.  

Are you planning on teaching your teen how to drive this Summer? Great! We know this can be an exciting yet frightening time for everyone involved. But, we have dedicated this week’s blog to tips for new teen drivers! Or maybe they’re some tips that you can begin practicing in your everyday travels. Regardless, our tips can be applied to anyone driving routine and will make the roadway safer for everyone. Check them out below and let us know which ones work best for you!

# 1: Minimize distractions – these can be anything from other passengers to the radio to your cell phone. Keep these to a minimum and never do anything that will take your attention from the roadway. You should give 100 percent of your attention to driving whenever you slip behind the wheel. Driving solo can reduce the risk of a collision and will minimize distractions when a teen is behind the wheel.

#2: Turn off your cell phone – cell phones have only caused problems when you’re behind the wheel, even if it is hands-free. Turn it off, stow it and give all your attention to the road. Your phone can become very distracting and will only put you in danger when you are behind the wheel. NO texting, NO calls, NOTHING stow it and don’t put yourself or others at risk.

#3: Obey the rules – pay attention to road signs, speed limits, and other rules of the road. These rules/ laws are designed to keep you and other drivers safe each time you set out for a journey. Set yourself up for success and practice the rules of the road.

#4: Defense driving is helpful – always be aware of your surroundings and stay at least one car length away from the car you are following. This will act as a buffer zone and will give you enough time to react in the event of a collision or other roadway conditions. *Some insurance agencies will offer discounts if you participate in their defensive driving course to improve your driving skills.*

It is important to teach your teen these safe driving tips to ensure they are sculpted into a safe driver, even when you are not in the vehicle with them.

Summertime is almost here, like seriously, it is right around the corner. And what better way to kick off summer than a little DIY interior detailing for your VW that you love oh so much! Maybe you forgot to do the whole spring clean thing or you’re not sure entirely where to start – well, we got your back. Our blog this week is dedicated to detailing the interior of your vehicle. Check out our guide below!

• Get rid of any dirt, debris, or dust that has built up, using a vacuum and baby wipes, clean out your vents, wipe down your dash, seats, center console, and doors with a microfiber cloth and a cleaning solution. Vacuum your floor mats and the crevices in your seats – things tend to build up here. *Expert tip! Try using Q-Tips for the nooks and crannies.
• Carpets get real dirty, give them a wash-down. Floor mats are known for harboring moisture, dirt, mud, and all other nasties. Once you remove your mats, wash them using a foaming carpet cleaner. Work the foam over the carpet using a back-and-forth motion. When you decide your carpets are clean, twist a microfiber cloth into the carpets to remove any leftover foam, allow your mats to dry and finish off with another quick vacuum.
• Clean those windows!!!! Take glass cleaner and a plush microfiber cloth and give your windows a bath. Front, back, Windshield – make sure to show TLC to all of your windows. Clean your windows using a straight-line stroke,  no circles. You may want to pass over your windows a few times for a perfectly clean look. If there are any leftover streaks, use a microfiber cloth to remove them.
• Seats need love too! In order to clean your vehicle’s seats, you will need an all-purpose concentrate. Try looking for one that is pre-mixed with water and comes in a spray bottle. When you’re ready, spray a generous amount of cleaner onto your seat and using a microfiber cloth, wipe in circular motions to loosen debris. If you have tough, pesky stains – spray the clean again and gently scrub the surface with an all-purpose scrubbing pad and wipe clean with the microfiber cloth.

And there you have it! A guide to detailing your vehicle’s interior – let us know what tips and tricks have worked for you.

We know you carry more than precious cargo inside your Volkswagen – this week we have listed out some of the most important do’s when it comes to traveling with children who ride in a car seat. Check them out below and start practicing if you don’t already!

Do Tips:

• Make sure the harness-retainer clip is level with your child’s armpits. If they are in the wrong place, the straps could end up sliding off.
• Take your car-seat to a local inspection site so a professional can ensure the installation is correct.
• Choose a car-seat with a five-point harness.
• If you have a forward-facing seat, place the harness straps on your child’s shoulders to ensure the most protection in the event of a collision.
• If your child has outgrown a car-seat, try using a high-back booster seat. Studies have shown these are safer than backless ones in the event of side-impact collisions.
• Tighten the harness straps so they are tight enough for you to only fit one finger underneath.
• Safety-belts should be tightened enough so the seat is only able to wiggle less than one inch from side to side.

Did we leave out any tips that you find helpful? Let us know! We would love to hear from you.

Source: https://www.parents.com/baby/safety/car/car-seats-dos-donts/

When it comes to owning a vehicle there are a few things that you should know. One of those being how to change your car’s battery. If you don’t know how don’t stress. We got your back – this week’s blog has all the information on how to change out the old and bring in the new!

A few things you’ll need:

• A new battery
• Wrench
• Corrosion cleaning solution & wire brush
• Blanket or old towel

Park your vehicle on a flat surface with your parking brake on. To avoid burning yourself, give your vehicle time to cool down before popping open the hood. When you’re ready, pop open your hood and place your blanket or towel across the fender of the vehicle. This will keep battery corrosion leakage from leaking onto your engine or front fender.

Locate your battery and decipher which is the positive and negative port. Start with the negative terminal, use your wrench to loosen bolts just enough to allow you to remove the cable. Remove the negative cable and pull away from the terminal. Do the same with the positive terminals. Once both cables are removed, unclamp the battery from the holder. Wiggle your battery free and remove from the holder.

Once your battery is free, look at the holder and cables. If there is any corrosion, clean it off with your cleaning solution and wire brush. Let everything dry completely before connecting your new battery.

When everything has dried, place your new battery back into the holder and secure it with the clamp. Like we disconnected, we are going to reconnect the cables and bolts – this time, the positive terminal will go first. Attach the cable and tighten the bolt. Repeat with your negative terminal.

Badda bing, badda boom! You are finished! It is time to close up shop and give that baby a go! Test to make sure that your vehicle starts. If not, make sure all the cables are properly tightened and your cables are clean. If you continue to have problems, contact our service department here.

Hey you – I know your trunk is messy. No? Are you sure… there might be a mess back there that you don’t want to admit to but that is okay, your secret is safe with me. I have some tips for tackling that mess and how to avoid the mess creeping back into your life. Let’s go!

Number 1: Your trunk is meant for storage, it is not a closet or a garbage can. Remove all items from your trunk and decide whether you are keeping the items or it is time for them to be canned, trash canned that is. Don’t forget to recycle those items that are plastic! Remove everything, your trunk should be empty.

Number 2: So, your trunk is empty but is it clean? Give your trunk mat a good once, or twice, over with the vacuum. If your mat has mud or any stains use a cleaning solution or scrub it down with the proper carpet cleaning tools. Let your mat dry completely before adding your belongings back in.

Number 3: Organizers will work wonders. If you tend to carry items like car fluids, use a shower caddy to keep those bottles from rolling around your trunk and possibly opening up. You should designate a place for those items that you do plan to keep in the trunk. Also, secure items that have a tendency to roll around, this will reduce loud banging noises while you are driving and can cause damage to your vehicle if not secured.

Number 4: Make things easier for yourself, if your trunk is clean, clear, and organized, you will be able to use it more often for those big items you purchased or shopping trips. Plus, in the event of a flat tire, your spare will be easier to access if your trunk is organized and not a black hole of who knows what in there.

Number 5: Keep it out of the trunk, if your items don’t live in your car they should not be in there. Keep your trunk for items that you would need in case of an emergency. Keep things like your purse, plastic shopping bags, really anything with a handle should be kept up front with you. This will help prevent bags from tipping over and spilling your items all over the trunk. Use hooks that slip over your headrest to hold onto your bags!

So, it’s time for a new car and you would NEVER pay full price, right? Well, we hope so. This week we are introducing some of our May specials that will have you happy and your wallet smiling. Check them out below and stop in or schedule a test drive online!

The 2018 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8T SE Sport is the right sedan if you are looking for something sporty, equipped with advanced technology, and ready for any road trip. Get into one today for $190 a month on a lease or choose to buy for $20,765.*

Are you looking for a vehicle that is flexible and designed to keep you comfortable? The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan S is the right choice for you, then. You can either lease for $199 a month or buy for $25,192.* Either way, you can get in a new Tiguan for a great price equipped with features you love!

We have a second Tiguan offer, as well. Perhaps you love the traditional style the Tiguan offers but don’t need a brand-new version. The 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan Limited 2.0T  is a great choice for a new vehicle. Choose to lease for $164 a month or buy for $21,917 – either way you’ll be happy in whichever Tiguan you choose.*

Life will be as big as you make it in a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas 3.6L V6 S. Enjoy versatile cargo space, leg/headroom for everyone, plus, a carefully crafted interior to keep everyone entertained. For $305 a month with a lease deal or choose to buy for $32,694 – your family adventures will never be limited or dull in an Atlas.*

*All specials expire on 5/31/2018. See specials page for full details.

Spring is here and that means one thing – it’s time to spring clean. Yup, whether it is your house, the backyard, or your desk at work – everything could use some TLC cleaning. Your vehicle is just another item to add to the list during your spring cleaning extravaganza. Dedicate some time to show your vehicle the love it deserves, after all, you did pay a pretty penny for it. This week, I have some tips to ensure your vehicle gets clean and you have fun doing it!

I like to start out any cleaning party with some tunes, grab a radio and turn on some music that will make your cleaning a little more fun!

Now, for the cleaning. Start by removing any garbage, unnecessary items, or things that simply don’t belong in your car. Your vehicle is meant to get you from point A to B, it is not a black hole for things to be sucked into! Next, remove your floor mats from the inside of your vehicle. If you have carpet floor mats use a carpet cleaner to rid your mats of any dirt or debris. Rinse and lay flat to dry. If you have all-weather mats, soap and water will get the job done, dry them using a microfiber towel and place them to the side.

Vacuum up any dirt, dust, or french-fries that you may have dropped. Don’t forget about the cracks in your seats or your trunk. Be sure to get underneath your front seats by moving them both forward and back. Next, move onto your upholstery. Use a damp microfiber towel to wipe down your seats, center console, dashboard, and door frames. I like to use an all-purpose cleaner with no harsh chemicals for my car’s interior! Avoid getting any electrical connections wet. Don’t forget about those cupholders – I always do! I also like to give my steering wheel an extra pass over to rid any germs that may have built up.

Your air vents are known for having grimy, debris build up. Try vacuuming out the dirt first, then if you can see leftover debris, use a foam paint brush. The brush will get into nooks and crannies that your vacuum couldn’t reach plus you can toss it out when you are finished. I like to use my all-purpose cleaner here to, give your vents a quick wash-down using your cleaner and microfiber towel. For a clean, fresh smell, add an air freshener to your vehicle. Next time you hop in, it will smell like a brand new car!

Lastly, give your windows some attention. The winter can dull your windows and now that it is springtime, they should be shining like new! Clean both inside and out with a window cleaner and a microfiber towel. Don’t forget about your mirrors, give them the same TLC!

One of the great things about Volkswagen is that their vehicles are equipped with great technology. One of those technologies is Volkswagen Car-Net®. Huh, what’s that? It’s no fun when your vehicle is equipped with great technology but you aren’t sure what they are or how to use them. I was unsure what  Volkswagen Car-Net® was so I did some digging, this week’s blog will answer those questions you may have and you’ll be glad you bought a VW.

Volkswagen Car-Net® turns your vehicle into the center of an information universe. Compatible with iPhone® and Android™ devices, your vehicle will be a source of support, help, and communication. From sending destinations directly to the navigation system, accessing your music library, obtaining vehicle reports, plus more – you’ll always be connected, no matter where you go.

The things you love on your phone are now available in your VW. Car-Net App Connect™ lets you access the apps from your compatible smartphone and use them from your dash. Maps, podcasts, music, anything your phone can do, your VW can do! How cool is that?! I’d say pretty cool.

Communication is key in any good relationship, you’ll be able to talk to your vehicle even when you’re not around. Lock and unlock your vehicle, view the status of your vehicle’s doors/ trunk and more, find where you parked your vehicle, or get assistance from a live specialist from your desktop or smartphone.

Your car will even notify you if you’ve left your windows open and rain is in the forecast. Or what about when you’re low on fuel, you’ll receive a notification right to your phone as a reminder to fuel up next time you plan to hit the road. What’s even cooler is that you can give your VW a name to make your connection even stronger!

Stop by our showroom and ask for full details and how to get into a Volkswagen from Fiore that’s equipped with Volkswagen Car-Net®!