Help Your Volkswagen Survive the Heat

This summer in Peoria, there are certain measures local drivers must take to ensure that their vehicles maintain their function and efficiency. With the rise in heat, your Volkswagen vehicle may be more likely to break down on the road, especially if you don’t get proper preventive maintenance. To make sure you get where you need to be going this summer in Peoria, be sure to listen to the tips from our Volkswagen dealership to help your car survive the heat.

Check Your Fluids

For your Volkswagen to safely survive summer temperatures, you need to keep tabs on your engine coolant, or antifreeze. This is the number one fluid to check on in the summer, as a car’s engine gets very hot even without the addition of the summer sun. It would also be a good idea to check your motor oil and windshield washer fluid levels while you’re at it!

Care For Your Battery

Drivers often think they need to worry about their car battery most in the winter, but the summer heat can be even worse for the life of your car battery. Heat and vibration are the main sources of car battery malfunction, so mount the battery in a secure position. The quick evaporation of battery fluid also poses a potential danger. If your battery is more than three years old, we recommend that Peoria drivers visit our service center to have our technicians test its health.

Check Your Tire Pressure

With the hike in temperatures, your tires will expand. Be sure to keep an eye on your tire pressure for smooth, uninterrupted driving.

Maintain Your A/C

Not only is your air conditioning important for keeping passengers cool, it also indicates whether your vehicle is in good health. If your A/C isn’t as powerful or as cold as it once was, it may indicate that your refrigerant is low or there is another problem.

For more tips on keeping your Volkswagen in top shape for summer car rides, contact us at Lunde Volkswagen!

Volkswagen Atlas Tanoak Released At NY Car Show

An all-new Volkswagen model could be heading toward our area in the next year, as Volkswagen released a new concept car at the New York International Auto Show that appears to be earning positive attention. The manufacturer hopes to gauge the reaction of the latest concept car, the Volkswagen Atlas Tanoak pickup, from the media and Volkswagen enthusiasts in order to assess if they should move forward with the production of this vehicle. That’s why our Volkswagen dealership wants to share this latest concept with our Phoenix area customers, who determine the inventory our team hand selects.

A Volkswagen Concept for Phoenix Area Driver

The all-new Volkswagen Atlas Tanoak pickup offers a variety of new features that will excite Volkswagen fans. The brand’s traditional powerful drivetrain finds a home in this newer model, with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 276 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. In addition the wheels get power from the engine with an intelligent 4Motion all-wheel drive system with Active Control and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

This latest concept offers many fresh features that have yet to be paired in one ideal package until now. The Tanoak concept is the first pickup based on the manufacturer’s MQB, or modular transverse matrix architecture; this is some of the most innovative and flexible technical platforms in the automotive world. The Tanoak concept’s dimensions are impressive in that it is 214.1 inches long, which is 15.8 inches longer than the Atlas. It is also 79.9 inches wide and 72.6 inches tall. To top it off, the body of the concept vehicle has been raised two inches compared to the Atlas SUV.

As a result of the improvements based on the Atlas SUV, the Atlas Tanoak has new attributes that Volkswagen customers near Phoenix will love. This new concept has more cargo space, spanning 64.1 inches long, 57.1 wide and 20.9 inches high to fit bikes or surfboards with the tailgate in place. The interior offers unique, contoured seats that are great comfort for heavy-duty off-roading, as well as an easy-to-use touchscreen and digital cockpit that are conveniently placed next to each other.

For the latest information on the Atlas Tanoak concept model, contact us at Lunde Peoria Volkswagen!

Car Hacks to Keep Cool

As the warm weather arrives, you remember why air conditioning is so important in the summer. Rather than sweat it out, it’s especially nice to find places like your car where you can escape the heat if you’re lucky and have some much-needed A/C. Unfortunately, older cars may have weakening systems that take a while to cool down the vehicle, so it can be particularly unbearable to endure even short car trips when you’re trapped inside a hot vehicle. For this reason, our Volkswagen dealership has prepared some tips for Peoria drivers who find themselves without A/C in their vehicles this summer or just need some extra relief from the heat.

A Scientific Hack

If you don’t have a fast-acting, powerful air conditioner in your car, you can still have fun this summer by attempting some interesting science to keep your vehicle cool. You can use your door to push hot air out of your car without any tools. Simply roll down your car windows all the way, and open and close the opposite door repeatedly. As hot air rises and you push the door closed you force the hot air out in exchange for more temperate air.

Avoid Hot Seats

In the summer in Peoria, sliding into your Volkswagen with shorts can definitely burn when your seats are hot. To avoid this pain, cover your seats with light-colored blankets that won’t attract the sun.

Create Your Own A/C

Even if you don’t have your own air conditioning doesn’t mean you can’t craft your own. Bring several cool, damp cloths into your car, and place the cloths over the middle vent of your car or truck. Turn on the air full blast. This makeshift A/C will make getting into your vehicle a pleasant experience this Summer.

Install Car Sun Shades

Another easy way to cool down your car is to invest in some sun shades. You can also choose to make these yourself out of an old blanket square or mesh and wire. When these are pulled down, your passengers and your car will get some protection from sun rays.

Drive With Wet Hair

Before you get in the car to start your drive, wet your hair all over. As the moisture evaporates from your scalp when you’re in the car, you will feel cooler.

Bring Ice

On days when you’re stuck in stagnant summer traffic, you’ll want to find ways to keep yourself cool. We recommend bringing frozen water bottles with you on any car trip. You can easily fill a water bottle, freeze it overnight, and place it behind the neck or back for cold relief.

For more tips on staying cool and healthy this summer in your car, contact us at Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen.

These days, technology seems to be rolling out and advancing more quickly than ever before. Sometimes, that influx of technology can feel busy or even a bit overwhelming. At our Phoenix area Volkswagen dealership, though, technology is integrated so seamlessly that it feels like an extension of the comfort and convenience that you love.

Phoenix area 2019 Volkswagen Jetta

In fact, the latest safety technology that’s built into the 2019 Jetta is sure to put your mind at ease and help you to feel more confident behind the wheel. This all-new sedan has been designed to make safety second nature so that you can focus on driving while various safety features simply carry on doing their jobs behind the scenes. The result is peace of mind no matter where you’re heading.

A Suite of Safety Features Focused on Your Well-Being

Even at its very core, the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta is designed to keep drivers at our Phoenix area dealership safe. If an accident ever becomes unavoidable, a rigid safety cage works in conjunction with front and rear crumple zones to help channel energy away from the cabin. An intelligent crash response system will also unlock the doors, turn on the hazard lights, and deactivate the fuel pump for your safety if a serious accident is detected.

2019 Volkswagen Jetta safety features

Of course, avoiding accidents altogether is always an even better option. That’s why Volkswagen offers a suite of advanced Driver Assistance features on the 2019 Jetta to help you stay alert and aware. In some cases, this smart sedan can even make adjustments on its own to help you steer clear of trouble.

Adaptive Cruise Control, for instance, helps you avoid distractions on the highway by automatically adjusting your speed and following distance to match the flow of traffic. Similarly, Lane Assist can make adjustments to help keep you in your lane if you don’t react to the Lane Departure Warning system.

Along with Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Traffic Alert systems, features like these help to keep an eye out for you from virtually every angle. To learn more about all of the 2019 Jetta’s available safety features, or to schedule a test drive with the Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen team, be sure to contact us by calling (623) 745-8745 today.

Here at Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen, we’re excited to represent an automaker that’s always looking ahead–and working to help define the future! As we’ve seen with many of the automaker’s latest concept vehicles, Volkswagen is consistently working to innovate with its designs and to keep the automotive industry moving forward.

Volkswagen I.D. VIZZION concept

As we continue to move into a world where driver-assist technologies are an everyday reality, it becomes easier to see the potential of autonomous vehicles to become more than just a novelty. Volkswagen is dedicated to moving this technology forward, and we’re thrilled to get a look at the automaker’s latest concept vehicle.

A Look Into the Future

Inspired by what Volkswagen expects to see on the roads in 2030, when Level 5 full-autonomous driving could be a very real possibility, the Volkswagen I.D. VIZZION concept highlights the automaker’s anticipated plans for fully autonomous vehicles.

Volkswagen I.D. VIZZION design

The I.D. VIZZION is the first Volkswagen vehicle to be designed without a steering wheel, accelerator, or brake pedal. Instead, this autonomous model is engineered to function as a sort of “digital chauffeur.” It will operate completely on its own, navigating and steering to the destination automatically.

Additionally, the I.D. VIZZION features innovative technology to identify occupants and adjust settings automatically. Climate control and entertainment options, for instance, would be automatically set to match your preferences.

Equipped with a 302-horsepower powertrain and a 111-kWh battery capable of delivering a range of roughly 300 miles, the I.D. VIZZION is designed to deliver on a performance that fits seamlessly into your typical driving needs. Its sleek exterior also plays host to a wide range of seamlessly integrated sensors, allowing it to operate fully autonomously. It’s easy to see why this concept vehicle is already making waves.

To learn more about the latest Volkswagen models and concepts, including the anticipated 2022 arrival of the I.D. lineup, be sure to contact Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen by calling (623) 745-8745 today.

If you’re like most folks, then chances are that you spend quite a bit of time behind the wheel of your vehicle. From commuting to work and running errands to heading out on weekend adventures, you and your car have undoubtedly formed a pretty close bond. As such, it’s crucial that you take good care of your ride.

Here at our Volkswagen service center near Phoenix, we have you covered when it comes to maintenance and repairs. Our expert staff can help you stick with Volkswagen’s recommended service schedule to help ensure that you can always rely on the performance that you love.

What about keeping your car clean, though? A good wash and wax every now and then certainly goes a long way, but maintaining your look between washes is important, too, just like carrying out car maintenance between major services helps to protect your vehicle.

Items to Keep on Hand for a Cleaner Car

Next time you do wash your car, be sure to wax it, too. Wax creates a protective coating over your vehicle’s painting, helping to protect it against dirt, dust, and debris. This also helps to ensure that the time you spent washing it wasn’t in vain!

Washing your car

Another good move for the exterior is to ensure that your wiper blades are clean. That way, they can do a better job of cleaning the windshield. Simply wipe them down with a 1:4 solution of ammonia and water. This will clean the rubber strips to help reduce streaks and smudges when you use the wipers.

Clean wiper blades

Speaking of wiping things down, keeping a package of gentle baby wipes in the car is always a good choice whether you have kids or not. From sticky fingers to spilled coffee, these wipes are a great way to help handle little messes that tend to pop up on the road.

Of course, you don’t want to just toss those wipes on the floorboard after you’re done. Hang a small trash bag from the headrest or get a small food storage container to use as a trash receptacle. When you stop for gas, dump out whatever trash you’ve accumulated since your last fill up to keep your interior looking great!

With a little effort and help from our expert technicians, you can keep your car looking and running great! To learn more, or to schedule a service visit, be sure to contact Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen by calling (623) 745-8745 today.

Spring has sprung, which means that hot, sunny days will be here in no time. While air conditioning in your vehicle is a luxury for some folks, it’s an absolute essential when summer comes to our desert climate!

Volkswagen air conditioning

Don’t get caught unprepared when the thermometer spikes. Instead, visit our Phoenix area Volkswagen service center now to ensure that you’re ready for the heat that summer is sure to bring.

Maintaining Your A/C and Condenser

For most drivers, the air conditioning is just a knob in the dash that makes cool air pour out of the vents. If you’re a bit more savvy, you might be familiar with your vehicle’s refrigerant or even know how to recharge it. What you might not know, though, is the importance of your vehicle’s air conditioning condenser.

Volkswagen maintenance near Phoenix

Located at the front of the engine bay along with your radiator, your condenser actually serves a very similar purpose to the radiator it’s next to: it allows refrigerant to release heat. Then, the condenser does exactly what it’s name suggests and condenses the refrigerant from a gas back to a liquid state so that it can continue efficiently cooling your car’s cabin.

If the air conditioning isn’t blowing air as cold as it should be, or if you’re finding that your windows are fogging up when the a/c is on, it’s an indicator that your refrigerant may be low or that your condenser might be leaking. Our experts can diagnose the root of the problem and, if you do need a new condenser, help you find the right fit in our Phoenix area Volkswagen parts department.

The best favor you can do for yourself when it comes to your car’s a/c is to check it and have it serviced before you need it. Next time your in your car, crank the air conditioning for a bit and see how it feels. If it’s not up to snuff, simply contact Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen by calling (623) 745-8745 to schedule an appointment and get set for summer!

How Long Do Tires LastThrough seasonal shifts and the terrain changes that consequently take place, your vehicle’s tires may be getting worn out. Your tires will eventually need replacement, but there are ways to ensure they last as long as possible. Our Peoria Volkswagen dealership has years of experience handling tire maintenance, so they’ve broken down how to help keep your vehicle rolling smoothly with a few tips.

Tire Quality

To determine how long your tires will last, there are several determining factors about the type of tire that your car sports. Whether the tire is a summer performance tire or an all-season tire, the expected length of tread life, and how the car is driven are all aspects that decide when your tires will need to be replaced. Performance rubber tends to wear out quickly because it has hard grip, whereas those with less rolling resistance wear out less quickly.

Tire Maintenance

Driving a car with badly aligned wheels will lower your tire’s lifespan, as will driving for long periods of time on tires with less than the recommended pressure. If you do not regularly include tire rotation in your vehicle maintenance, this can accelerate wear, especially for front tires on front-wheel-drive vehicles. Our team in Peoria is happy to offer complimentary tire rotations as one of our Volkswagen service and parts specials.

Type of Car

Sometimes certain models come with tires that wear out more quickly. Typically, the expectation for original equipment tires is they need to replaced every 50,000 miles. However, a variety of vehicle owners report needing to change them at 20,000 miles There are no guarantees.

Tire Value

You don’t need to spend a lot of money on tires, but you also shouldn’t be stingy in the purchasing process. Tires are the only part of the vehicle that touch the ground, so it’s important that they can do their part. Our team recommends choosing tires with higher treadwear and traction ratings, and keep in mind that those with higher speed ratings may not last that long.

Find Tire Maintenance Service in Peoria

We do the work so you don’t have to. Come in to visit Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen today to have us make sure your vehicle’s tires are in tip top shape! Located in Peoria, our team is ready to serve all of your vehicle’s needs.

Using your reasoning, it’s easy to assume that antifreeze is important when the weather is cold and that coolant is important when the weather is hot. The truth, though, is that antifreeze and coolant are one in the same!

No matter what the weather is like, the experts at our Phoenix area Volkswagen service center know that your car typically runs at somewhere around 200º once it’s warmed up. As such, it’s important that coolant runs around the engine to channel heat away to the radiator, where it’s cooled off.

Routine car maintenance near Phoenix

Water does this job well, but is susceptible to boiling or freezing under many circumstances. This is why most vehicles run on a 50:50 mix of water and antifreeze. If you’re filling your reservoir, though, be sure to take note of whether you’re buying pre-mixed, or pure antifreeze. If you buy pure antifreeze, you’ll need to dilute it when adding it to your vehicle.

How Often to Change Your Coolant at Our Phoenix Area Service Center

Asking how often you should flush your coolant and replace it, unfortunately, is a simple question that doesn’t have a simple answer. The team at our Phoenix area shop recommends consulting your vehicle’s routine maintenance schedule, found in your manual, which varies from one vehicle manufacturer to the next.

Checking coolant in the radiator

Most modern vehicles have a longer coolant life, some being marked for changing as high as 150,000 miles or even with a “lifetime” designation. Even these should be changed when they degrade, though; our experts can test your coolant to see how it’s holding up. If your car is overheating, if the coolant is leaking, or if the coolant is visibly discolored, you should come in for service right away.

To learn more about your vehicle’s coolant, how to maintain it, and when your specific vehicle needs it changed, be sure to contact the Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen team at (602) 714-3968!

As a vehicle owner, maintaining your car is one of the biggest responsibilities you have. It’s not just a responsibility, though; you’re also doing yourself a big favor by taking a step to help preserve your own peace of mind.

At our Volkswagen service center near Avondale, we go to great lengths to help ensure that things go smoothly every time you visit us for maintenance. We’re happy to do all we can to make your experience more convenient.

Volkswagen maintenance near Avondale

While it’s never too late to start taking better care of your vehicle, it’s always easier to stay on top of things if you start off on the right foot. If you’re planning on getting into a new Volkswagen soon, or if you recently have, then the a Volkswagen Care maintenance plan at our Avondale area service center is the perfect way to do exactly that!

How It Works

When you purchase or lease a new Volkswagen, or any time before it’s due for its first scheduled maintenance, you can opt to get a prepaid scheduled maintenance plan. This allows you to lock in fixed costs for parts and labor, effectively taking guesswork out of the equation.

Routine car maintenance near Avondale

Choosing one of these plans, which are available in different packages based on the model year of your new Volkswagen vehicle, allows you to get the jump on maintenance down the line. In addition to helping you to lock in prices, it also provides you with the opportunity to secure your peace of mind by ensuring key services will be handled when they should be so that your vehicle continues to run its best.

Even better, you can typically finance the cost of a Volkswagen Care of Car Plus plan along with your vehicle financing or leasing agreement, as long as you decide to opt for a plan at the time you purchase or lease your new Volkswagen.

For more details on the benefits of a Volkswagen Care plan and how you can ensure your vehicle is always taken care of, be sure to contact us online or to call the Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen team directly at (602) 714-3968 today!