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Many important aspects make up your vehicle—working together to keep it running. One of those important aspects is your car’s battery. The battery supplies the necessary current to the starter motor and ignition system, getting the engine going. Because of this, it’s integral to pay close attention to the condition of the battery in your car. Our Avondale area Volkswagen service center has some tips on how to keep your battery in top condition, and what to do if it fails. Open up your vehicle’s hood and take a look at the battery; make sure that each connection is clean, tight, and corrosion-free. The battery cables act as veins that attach the battery to give it what it needs to operate. Clean corrosion, dust, and rust from around the cables. Regularly test the electrolytes in each cell with a hydrometer; if you get a reading that differs from the others by .05 or more, it may be time for a replacement. Finally, a loose cap or plug can wreak havoc; make sure all of the caps and plugs on the battery are tightly secure and fastened so that battery acid and other fluids don’t leak. Follow the steps below to test your battery. Make sure the ignition key and all of your vehicle’s lights are off Connect the red (or positive) voltmeter test lead to your battery’s positive terminal Connect the black (or negative) voltmeter test lead to your battery’s negative terminal Compare your reading to the following chart Keep Your Volkswagen On the Avondale Area Roads By Taking Proper Care of the Battery Unfortunately, car batteries don’t always give a warning before they fail, so it’s important to get them inspected regularly, and replace them about every three years; take a look at your owner’s manual for a more precise interval for your specific Volkswagen model. If you find yourself in a situation with a car that won’t start, follow these steps: Grab the jumper cables from your trunk Find another driver who is willing to help you out with the jump Make sure that both cars are in “park” or “neutral” with the ignitions turned off and emergency brakes on Remove the caps from each vehicle’s battery and connect the cables Attach one red clip to the positive terminal on your vehicle’s battery, and attach the other to the positive terminal on the other vehicle’s battery Attach one black clip to the negative terminal on the other car’s battery, and attach the other black clip to an unpainted, metal surface on your vehicle—away from the carburetor and the battery itself Try starting your vehicle If your vehicle still fails to start, it’s time to get a new battery. If your Volkswagen is in need of a battery inspection or replacement, look no further than Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen. Our service facility features highly-trained technicians that can take a look at your current battery, and even help you find the right replacement should your vehicle need one. Our skilled service technicians also have the tools and knowledge required to take care of the new battery installation for you. We even offer service specials, so you can take advantage of great savings on Volkswagen service at our Avondale area dealership. For more information about taking proper care of your vehicle’s battery or to schedule a service appointment at Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen, contact us at (602) 714-3968. Schedule VW Service

If you’re looking to finance your next vehicle, why should you choose to do so at Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen? Our Peoria VW finance center offers number of benefits to our customers. We work with local institutions all over the area to ensure that our customers get the best Volkswagen financing plans available at competitive rates. We have access to some of the lowest interest rates in the business, and we strive to make your experience with us the best ever! At our dealership, you’ll find a wide selection of brand new Volkswagen models to choose from, as well as a large inventory of pre-owned vehicles from various other brands. Once you’ve narrowed down your vehicle search, the friendly and knowledgeable finance staff at our dealership will work with you to develop a financing plan that works best for your budget. It is our aim to get you behind the wheel of the vehicle of your dreams at an affordable rate, and there are many benefits of financing at Lunde's Peoria Volkswagen. Volkswagen Finance Programs at the Most Competitive Rates Whether you’ve got bad credit, no credit, or great credit, our finance staff will custom design the right financing package for you. We’ll work hard to find the best interest rate for you, and best of all, you can apply for financing at our dealership from the comfort of your very own home! Be sure to click on the button below to access our convenient online finance application. At Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen, we have special arrangements with local and national vendors—making our dealership a top destination for vehicle financing. And don’t forget, we’ve been rated as a top-five Volkswagen dealership in customer satisfaction in the USA for multiple years. We’re committed to providing a hassle-free car shopping experience to our customers; we never use high-pressure tactics. In fact, we always want to make sure that you’re walking away from our dealership happy and content, which is why we offer a seven-day money back guarantee on all new and used vehicles, as well as a 30-day exchange guarantee on all used vehicles. Visit us today to explore our inventory of new and used cars, and let our helpful finance staff find a way to get you behind the wheel in a way that works best for your budget and lifestyle. To learn more about the finance department at our dealership, contact Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen at (602) 714-3968. Apply for Financing

At Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen, we’re pleased to announce the arrival of the 2017 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen in Peoria. Offered in S, S 4MOTION®, SE, and SEL trims, the Golf SportWagen is a versatile option for those in the market for something between a sedan and SUV. The Golf SportWagen offers cargo space for just about anything! Thanks to its 60/40-split folding rear seat, you can configure the vehicle’s interior to suit your needs—with up to 66.5-cu.-ft. of space to work with. The 2017 VW Golf SportWagen was designed with the adventurer in mind. It features roof rails that allow you to take gear of all kinds with you. So whether you’re heading to the mountains for a ski trip or going to the beach to enjoy the surf, there’ll be plenty of space for the equipment you need. The Perfect Vehicle to Take on Your Next Arizona Adventure The all-new Golf SportWagen offers a fun-to-drive and fuel-efficient option to Peoria VW shoppers. Its 1.8L turbocharged TSI® engine delivers 170 horsepower, while achieving impressive fuel economy thanks to the 4MOTION® all-wheel-drive system and available Tiptronic® with Sport mode transmission. The 4MOTION® all-wheel-drive system transfers torque between the front and rear wheels, while Tiptronic® with Sport model allows you to change gears with a quick tap of the shifter for a custom-made drive. All the fun isn’t just to be had in the driver’s seat. The Golf SportWagen offers a ton of cutting-edge features that keep everybody entertained along the way. With Volkswagen Car-Net® App Connect, you can access maps, messaging, music, as well as your favorite apps from your smartphone—all from the touchscreen display. For the music lovers, this 2017 model offers the Fender® Premium Audio System, which delivers 400-watts of concert-quality sound so you can pass the time during your journey with your favorite songs. For more information about the 2017 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen, contact Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen at (602) 714-3968.

The 2017 Volkswagen Golf has long been one of the most popular models from the brand. At Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen, we’re thrilled to share that the 2017 VW Golf lineup has been named to Car and Driver’s “10Best” list for the 11 th consecutive year! “There are currently five different versions of the Golf for sale in all 50 states, a sweeping armada of excellence that includes three gas engines, front- or all-wheel drive, and wagon or hatchback body styles. Attitudes range from the save-some-fuel base Golf to the kill-some-apexes Golf R. Volkswagen manages to imbue every time level with the same understated feel, regardless of specification or price. All Golfs drive with a solid composure and predictability, with controlled body motions and the ride quality of a far more expensive machine,” said Car and Driver. Golf, Golf Alltrack, Golf GTI, and Golf R: All Named to Car and Driver’s “10Best” “We are honored that Car and Driver has named the Volkswagen Golf models to its 2017 ‘10Best’ list. Earning this award for the eleventh consecutive year validates the consistency of the Golf family in delivering unmatched quality and performance at a competitive price point,” said Hinrich J. Woebcken, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. The Car and Driver annual “10Best” list features 10 of the magazine’s most favored new vehicles. Cars are judged on value, performance, and the ability to satisfy the comprehensive driving needs of the consumer. For the 2017 model year, the Golf Alltrack joins the family of Golf models available at our Peoria Volkswagen dealer. Building on the popular Golf SportWagen, the Alltrack offers a raised ground clearance, standard 4MOTION® all-wheel drive, and rugged exterior styling. You can catch the Golf, Golf Alltrack, Golf GTI, and Golf R featured in Car and Driver’s January 2017 “10Best” issue! For more information about the impressive 2017 Volkswagen Golf lineup, contact Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen at (602) 714-3968.

At Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen, we’re thrilled to offer the 2017 Volkswagen Touareg in Peoria. The 2017 Touareg is available in three distinct trim levels for shoppers to choose from, including Sport with Technology, Wolfsburg, and V6 Executive. Behind the wheel of the Touareg, you can lift, pack, load, haul, and sit in the lap of luxury! This 2017 VW model puts new meaning behind having it all and doing it all. Inside the cabin of the Touareg, prospective buyers will be 64 cubic-feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down—offering plenty of space for you to pack in what matters most when it comes time for your next weekend adventure! Adding an air of sophistication and glamour to the Touareg, the cabin also offers available heated leather seating and an available panoramic sunroof, which extends over backseat passengers and allows you to let the sun shine in or have a great few of the star-filled sky. Luxury You Can Really Live With Peoria VW shoppers will take solace in the available ventilated front seats, especially during those hot Arizona summers. Designed to keep you cool when the weather warms up, these ventilated front seats help ensure that air circulates throughout the seat so that you stay comfortable—no matter how long the journey. Prospective buyers can opt for the available Hands-free Easy Open Liftgate to take convenience a step further. The Hands-free Easy Open Liftgate unlocks and opens when you stand behind the vehicle with your key fob on you while swiping your foot under the rear bumper. You don’t need to lift a finger, which is perfect for the days when you’ve got a huge grocery haul or you’ve shopped ‘til you’ve dropped at the mall! For more information about the 2017 Volkswagen Touareg, contact Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen at (602) 714-3968.

The eagerly awaited derivative of the Golf SportWagen has arrived at Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen, and marries practicality with a fun-to-drive nature. The 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack in Peoria is an affordable yet upscale alternative for shoppers looking for an all-wheel-drive wagon that’s ready to take on any adventure. One of the Golf Alltrack’s key features is the 4Motion® permanent all-wheel-drive system, which is activated before any wheelspin occurs—helping to eliminate the loss of traction. The system uses an advanced control function based on specific driving conditions, so your Alltrack is up for any environment! “We heard from dealers and customers that they wanted to see a Golf SportWagen with the all-terrain capability that comes from an all-wheel drive system. We are excited to introduce the Golf Alltrack to meet the active lifestyle needs of our customers,” said Joerg Sommer, Vice President, Product Marketing and Strategy of Volkswagen of America, Inc. Recipient of a 5-star Overall Safety Rating from the NHTSA What makes the Golf Alltrack even sweeter for Peoria VW shoppers is that it has received the highest five-star overall crash test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The NHTSA’s crash test ratings are aimed at helping shoppers make their vehicle purchasing decisions. “The Alltrack was already highly-anticipated, thanks to the combination of SportWagen design and all-wheel-drive performance, so this rating will add to the vehicle’s appeal,” said Sommer. The Alltrack can thank its array of active safety features, such as the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and the Intelligent Crash Response System, for helping the vehicle to achieve its NHTSA rating. The Automatic Post-Collision Braking System helps to bring the car to a stop after a collision, helping to reduce the change of any additional impacts. In the event of a collision that deploys the airbags, the Intelligent Crash Response System turns off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and activates the hazard lights. To learn more about all that the 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack has to offer, contact Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen at (602) 714-3968.

If your vehicle is giving off an unusual odor instead of that new car smell, it could lead to an expensive repair or health hazard so it’s important to follow your nose. At our Peoria Volkswagen dealer, we’ve got a list of common odors and their possible causes. Sweet Antifreeze has a sweet, syrupy odor and if you’re smelling it inside your car, it usually means that there’s a leak somewhere in the cooling system. The source may not be easy to see; it could be from a corroded heat exchanger or in the form of steam that enters the cabin and fogs the windows. If you notice this sweet smell, have it addressed because breathing in antifreeze is a health hazard. Musty If you notice a musty smell when you turn on the air conditioning, mold or mildew has probably formed in the air conditioning system. Moisture naturally collects on the evaporator, but running the fan at high-speed with the AC turned off can dry the evaporator. If the problem persists, it could be a result of a clog in the drain tube; if that’s the case, bring your car in to our service center and let our service technicians take a look! Electrical Have you noticed a burnt toast smell? That could indicate a short circuit in an electrical component or overheated insulation. You should always take electrical odors seriously, as short circuits and overheated components are common sources of fire. Burning A burning smell could indicate that oil is oozing onto a hot part of the engine or exhaust system. It could also be a result of overheated brake pads or rotors—due to aggressive braking. On a vehicle that features a manual transmission, the clutch plate could be worn or overheating from riding the clutch pedal. Leave or other debris in the engine compartment can also burn on hot surfaces. Rubber The smell of burning rubber could mean that the accessory drive belt is slipping or getting chewed up by a broken pulley or hose rubbing against a moving part. In addition, an overheated clutch plate could also produce a burnt rubber smell. Rotten Eggs If you smell rotten eggs or sulfur, your car’s catalytic converter may have gone bad. This could mean that the engine or emissions system has made the converter overheat. Gas When a cold engine is first started, it’s normal to smell a little gas, but if you continue to smell gas after the engine is warm, the gas cap could be loose or the evaporative emissions control system could be leaking or clogged. The evaporative emissions control system is supposed to contain the fuel vapors and recycle them through the engine. The smell of gas could also indicate that gas is leaking from the tank or another part of the fuel system; always investigate gas smells when your car is parked before starting the car. If you’ve noticed a curious scent in your vehicle, bring it in to our Peoria Volkswagen service cente r and our highly skilled technicians will check it out and make sure that everything is safe! To learn more, contact Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen at (602) 714-3968. To schedule a service appointment with us, click the button below.

Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen and Riviera Broadcasting are excited to announce the return of the Bites ‘n’ Brews Craft Beer Festival! Our Peoria Volkswagen dealership is proud to be a part of this exciting festival, showcasing over 20 craft breweries from Arizona and across North America under the Hensley portfolio. The festival will also include 27 of the best food trucks the West Valley has to offer! When: Saturday, October 1 st, 2016 from 4pm-10pm Where: Peoria Sports Complex Ticket Information: General Admission: $30 Pairing Pavilion Upgrade Tickets: $45 VIP Colonnade Upgrade Tickets: $60 Designated Driver Tickets: $5 General admission tickets include eight beer samples and a souvenir beer mug. Pairing Pavilion upgrade tickets include three food and beer samples, and access to the covered pairing pavilion. VIP Colonnade upgrade tickets include a complimentary taco station, a chocolate and pastry stations, other games and activities throughout the festival, and access to the air conditioned VIP area. This exciting festival, presented by our Volkswagen dealer in Peoria, also features the valley’s best DJ spinning today’s hottest music, beer pairings, various outdoor games, life-sized beer pong, and other games and activities throughout the festival. A portion of the festival’s proceeds will go to benefitting the Peoria Diamond Club. The Peoria Diamond Club, established in 1993, operates spring training in partnership with the Mariners, Padres, and the city of Peoria. In exchange for providing a volunteer workforce to help with parking, ticket sales, and other functions during games, the club shares in revenue from those efforts and redistributes the funds through its grant program. In 2014 alone, more than 600 c volunteers donated more than 22,000 hours to club projects and events, and the club awarded $105,641 in grants to 18 organizations. Since its founding, the Peoria Diamond Club has donated more than $1.5 million to hundreds of local organizations benefiting thousands of children! To learn more about the Bites ‘n’ Brews Festival, contact Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen at (602) 714-3968.

Summer has only just begun, but the temperatures in Arizona have been rapidly climbing; in fact, things have gotten so hot in AZ that people have been able to cook eggs in the street! In recent days, temperatures have leapt as high as 118 degrees, breaking a record of 115 set nearly 50 years ago! Temperatures like the ones we’ve been experiencing can be very dangerous if you don’t take the proper precautions. Our Peoria VW dealer think it’s very important for people to know how to recognize symptoms of heat-related illnesses so that they can take care of themselves and their loved ones. Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion: Heavy sweating Weakness Cold, pale, and clammy skin Fast, weak pulse Nausea or vomiting Fainting There are many ways to combat heat exhaustion if you notice any of these symptoms. Our Volkswagen dealership in Peoria first suggests moving to a cooler location. Lie down and loosen your clothing. Sip some water and apply cool, wet cloths to as much of your body as possible. If you’ve vomited and it continues, we highly suggest seeking medical attention as soon as possible. Symptoms of Heat Stroke: High body temperature (above 103-degrees) Hot, red, dry, or moist skin Rapid and strong pulse Possible unconsciousness If you’ve noticed any of these heat stroke symptoms, you should call 911 immediately; a heat stroke is a medical emergency! Move to a cooler environment and try to reduce your body temperature by applying cool cloths or sitting in a cool bath. Along with keeping yourself and your family cool and safe during these dangerous weather conditions, don’t forget about your furry friends! Make sure your pets have plenty of water, and even give them some time to splash around in a cool pool or bath—or apply cool, wet cloths to help keep them comfortable and out of harm’s way. To learn more about staying safe in Arizona’s extreme heat, contact Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen at (602) 714-3968.

At Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen, we love how passionate VW owners and fans are.  They truly love their vehicles and will take advantage of any opportunity to celebrate the brand.  From Volkstock and beyond, Volkswagen enthusiasts jump at the chance to get together with other VW lovers.   From t-shirts to dozens of other accessories, fans love to showcase their love of the brand, and now they can do so in ways that are even sweeter!  VW fans with a serious sweet tooth and love of baking can make Beetle-inspired cakes and cookies!   Along with dozens of other accessories, Volkswagen DriverGear now offers cookie cutters shaped like the legendary Volkswagen Bus and Beetle!  There’s even a recipe on the back of the packaging to get you started!   Here’s an easy-to-follow sugar cookie recipe to use with your adorable new cookie cutters: What You Need: 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon baking powder 1 cup butter, softened 1 ½ cups white sugar 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Directions: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder.  Set aside. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.  Beat in the egg and vanilla.  Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Roll out the dough and stamp out cookies using your DriverGear Beetle and Bus cookie cutters. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden brown. The Beetle is the most iconic model from the brand and one of the most iconic vehicles in automotive history!  The Beetle, loving referred to as the “bug,” has been in product since the 30s, gaining popularity with the hippie movement in the 60s.  It continues to be one of the most beloved vehicles today!   Nearly as widely renowned as the Beetle is the VW Bus, which was also popular with the hippie movement in the 60s.  Today, the VW Bus continues to be a fan favorite – though no longer in production.   In addition to cookies, fans can turn cakes into the celebrated Beetle!  Check out the how-to below!

Routine maintenance is an integral part of vehicle ownership that can get quite costly over time.  At Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen, we understand how important saving money is to our Peoria VW shoppers--that’s why we offer the Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen Loyalty Club Card!   With the Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen Loyalty Club Card, shoppers can save 10% on service, parts, and accessories, and take advantage of an array of membership perks!  Membership to our loyalty program includes a complimentary safety inspection for your Volkswagen, a free car wash, a free tire rotation and inspection, $20 off factory recommended service or maintenance over $50 on your second visit, and an oil change special of $29.95 for conventional or $69.96 for synthetic—that’s a total savings of $1,500! Great Savings On Volkswagen Service, Parts, and Accessories! Joining is a breeze for Peoria VW shoppers; simply fill out the online form, and we’ll send you a personalized $1,500 Loyalty Club Card.  In addition to saving every time you use your card, you’ll receive a ton of bonus offers reserved exclusively for Loyalty Club members!  Start saving today!  Present your card before your purchase or repairs order write-up and our dealership will deduct 10% off your total bill each visit!   All discounts will be deducted from the balance of your card, and you may use your card as often as you’d like!  For more information about the Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen Loyalty Club Card, contact our Peoria VW dealership at (602) 714-3968.   Our dealership is proud to be one of the leading destinations for Volkswagen service in Peoria.  Our state-of-the-art service department features the latest diagnostic equipment and highly trained technicians ready to handle your vehicle’s service needs—whether they be routine maintenance or repairs.  Our expert service staff works only with genuine Volkswagen replacement parts and accessories to preserve the integrity of your vehicle, and works hard to provide you with exceptional service in a timely manner!  Schedule a service appointment with us today!