You want to feel good about the choices you make, especially when the decision is as big as committing to a vehicle. This is doubly true when you’re shopping for a used car; you want to feel confident in your choice. Fortunately, that’s what the certified pre-owned vehicle program at our Phoenix area Volkswagen dealership is all about!

Volkswagen certified pre-owned vehicle program near Phoenix

When Volkswagen certifies a pre-owned vehicle, it provides the confidence that you rightfully crave when shopping for a used car. That’s because Volkswagen rigorously inspects each and every certified pre-owned vehicle for quality and dependability, putting the automaker’s superior brand knowledge to use and ensuring that only the finest vehicles receive the stamp of approval.

The Benefits of a Certified Pre-Owned Volkswagen

To become a certified pre-owned Volkswagen model, a vehicle must first pass an inspection that covers over 100 different critical points and components. These cover the engine, transmission, brakes, steering components, and many other parts. We also cover any recommended or required maintenance updates before putting a vehicle up for sale.

Phoenix area certified pre-owned Volkswagen dealership

You’ll also enjoy the added confidence of limited warranty coverage with your purchase, as well as 24-hour roadside assistance. Additionally, every certified pre-owned Volkswagen comes with a CARFAX® Vehicle History Report™, as well as a 3-month SiriusXM® All-Access trial subscription for your to enjoy.

Better yet, you can even save on the vehicles you love with the latest certified pre-owned Volkswagen specials at our Phoenix area dealership! Our goal is always to help you get behind the wheel of a reliable vehicle that you’re sure to love.

To learn more about the Volkswagen CPO program, or to schedule a test drive, don’t hesitate to contact Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen online or to call our team at (602) 714-3968 today!

VW service near Phoenix

Having problems getting your Volkswagen to start? Our VW service center near Phoenix has seen it all, and we have a few quick tips for you to try before you get it towed.

Determine If Your Car Is Cranking Or Not

This step can save you a ton of time, and even the newest of car owners are able to do it. Simply turn the key in the ignition, as you normally would starting a car. If nothing happens, the car is not cranking and there are a few things you can try.

If it makes a noise caused by the starter, but doesn’t start, your car is cranking and is better left in the hands of an experienced technician. If you find your car is cranking but won’t start, you can make an appointment today with our Volkswagen service center in the Phoenix area.

My Car Isn’t Cranking. What’s Next?

The tried-and-true method of jumpstarting your car’s battery should be the first step in diagnosing the problem. You should always carry around a pair of jumper cables, but if not, find someone who has them. Simply hook up the positive (red) cable to the good battery’s positive terminal and the negative (black) cable to the good battery’s negative terminal. Once this is done, you can hook up the positive cable to the positive terminal of the good battery. Make sure to clamp the negative cable to a clean, unpainted metal surface under the hood of the dead car.

Start the car with the working battery and let it run for two or three minutes, then start the dead car. If this works and your car starts, remove the cables in reverse order from when you placed them on.Jump Start Didn’t Work?

If your car’s battery isn’t the issue, it might be a bad neutral start safety switch. To diagnose it, simply try starting your car while it is in neutral. If it does start, this is only a temporary fix and you’ll need to bring it in to a trained technician.

jump start

One More Solution

If none of the above fixed the problem, the issue could lie in your battery terminals. These are the parts that connect the wiring to the battery posts. A loose connection or rust and corrosion around the terminals can prevent a car from starting. Always use caution when working around a car battery.

Anyone looking to bring their VW in for a routine inspection or for a specific problem can check out our service and parts specials before coming in.

When it comes to your vehicle, coming to a stop is even more important than getting going! After all, if you can’t safely slow your vehicle down, an accident is inevitable. To ensure that you always have the stopping power you need, good brakes are a must.

Routine Volkswagen brake pad maintenance near Phoenix

So, how do you know when it’s time to change your brakes? The team at our Phoenix area Volkswagen service center is here to fill you in.

What to Look Out For

The first sign that your brakes are wearing out will often be a squeaking or squealing when you apply pressure to the brakes. In itself, this squeak isn’t so much a problem as it is a warning; brake pads are made with indicator tabs that make this sound when the brakes wear down. If you’ve got a squeak, it’s time to service your brakes at our Volkswagen service center near Phoenix.

Vehicle maintenance near Phoenix

If you ignore this sign, though, then the next sound you’ll hear will be more like a grinding or screeching. This means your brake pads have worn out, and what you’re hearing is the backing of the pads rubbing directly on the rotors. Not only does this impact your stopping power, but it also damages your rotors very quickly. That’s why it’s important to service your brakes at the first signs of wear to avoid more costly repairs!

Of course,  there are other senses besides hearing that can tell you your brakes are low. If you feel like your car is taking longer to stop, or if you’re noticing that the brake pedal itself feels different when you press it, it certainly couldn’t hurt to have an expert at our shop double check your brake system.

For more information on your vehicle’s brakes, or if you think you’re due for service, don’t hesitate to contact us online or to call the Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen team directly at (602) 714-3968. Our team is here to help!

When shoppers visit our Peoria Volkswagen dealership to check out our selection and head out on a test drive or two, there are a few things about the brand they usually already know. Shoppers tend to be familiar with the automaker’s reputation for affordability, reliability, comfort, and style.

2018 Volkswagen vehicles for sale in Peoria

One thing that a lot of drivers don’t know, though, is exactly how to pronounce the name of the automaker! We can’t blame them; Volkswagen does has a lot of consonants crammed in there, after all. While we’ll certainly be happy to say it for you a few times if you drop by, we think it’s also easier to grasp the pronunciation if you have a grasp on where the name comes from and what it means.

From Germany to Peoria: The History of Volkswagen

The automaker was founded in Germany during the 1930s, long before we opened our Volkswagen dealer here in Peoria! In the 1930s, much like today, many German automakers were renowned for crafting luxury vehicles. Unfortunately, this meant that most average families couldn’t afford a car of their own. Thus, the People’s Car movement was born.

History of the Volkswagen Beetle

Many automakers began working on their own affordable designs, but ultimately a design by Ferdinand Porsche was chosen and, with government backing, was made accessible to families across the country. That vehicle, as you might have guessed, was the predecessor of the Volkswagen Beetle we know and love today!

So, how does this help you pronounce Volkswagen? The secret is in the word’s meaning: People’s Car! “Volks” means people; you pronounce is similarly to how you would say “folks,” but with a V. “Wagen” means car; in America, we pronounce is the same way we say “wagon.” So when you think of the People’s Car, just think of the folks’ wagon!

If you’d still like to hear it out loud a few times, or if you’re ready to slide into one of these attainable vehicles for a test drive, be sure to contact us online or to call the Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen team directly at (602) 714-3968 today.

The old saying might say that great minds think alike, but the truth is that great minds work together to become even greater! That’s certainly the case with the recently announced partnership between Google and Volkswagen, and our Phoenix area Volkswagen dealership couldn’t be more excited to learn more about what the future holds.

As Web Summit 2017, held in Lisbon this past November, Volkswagen and Google announced their plans to work together to move forward with quantum computing efforts. Working even beyond the limitations of supercomputers, quantum computers are able to solve highly complex tasks and open new doors in terms of research possibilities.

Volkswagen and Google urban traffic planning

The 2018 Volkswagen lineup at our Phoenix showroom makes it plain to see how future-focused VW is, and this research plan builds on that commitment to innovation. Working together with these advanced machines, Volkswagen and Google plan to explore practical new applications.

Paving the Way Into the Future

Working together, Google and Volkswagen are hoping to explore new takes on high-performance electric vehicle batteries, traffic optimization, and machine learning processes.

Google and Volkswagen autonomous vehicles

As Director of the Google Quantum Artificial Intelligence Laboratory Hartmut Neven says, “Volkswagen has enormous expertise in solving important, real-world engineering problems, and it is an honor for us to collaborate on how quantum computing may be able to make a difference in the automotive industry.”

“Quantum computing technology opens up new dimensions and represents the fast-track for future-oriented topics,” adds Martin Hofmann, Chief Information Officer of the Volkswagen Group. “We at Volkswagen want to be among the first to use quantum computing for corporate processes as soon as this technology is commercially available. Thanks to our cooperation with Google, we have taken a major step towards this goal.”

For more information on the latest Volkswagen innovations, including in-vehicle technology, be sure to contact us online or to call the Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen team at (602) 714-3968 today!

Car Seat Honor RollIt’s no secret that driving can be one of the toughest components for growing families. From keeping up with a family’s worth of busy schedules and feeling like a chauffeur to the sheer logistics of getting everyone into the vehicle in the first place, life on the road can be tough. Fortunately, though, it doesn’t have to be.

Volkswagen is aware that small details can make a big difference in the busy life of a family driver, which is why the brand is always striving to make vehicles that can help you to roll with the punches. That’s the mentality that’s behind the addition of the all-new 2018 Volkswagen Atlas and the newly redesigned 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan at our Peoria dealership.

While we’re happy to walk you through all of the details that set these family haulers apart, you don’t have to take our word for it; the experts at Cars.com agree!

Noteworthy Convenience for Family Drivers

Each year. Cars.com checks out new vehicles to see which ones are making things a bit easier for growing families. Their factors for this evaluation include ample room for multiple car seats, as well as implementation of the LATCH anchor system. Out of 65 different 2017 and 2018 model year vehicles tested this year, only 10 earned top marks in all categories.

2018 Volkswagen Atlas for sale in Peoria

We’re thrilled to announce that Volkswagen is the only automaker to have two vehicles named to the Honor Roll! The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas and 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan have both been recognized as vehicles that make things easier for Peoria family drivers, just as they were designed to.

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan for sale in Peoria

As Derrick Hatami, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Volkswagen of America, Inc, says, “Volkswagen grew its family this year to include two new SUVs designed specifically for American families. We are pleased to be recognized for this important element of family-friendliness in Atlas and Tiguan.”

For more information on the 2018 Atlas and Tiguan, or to check out these spacious SUVs with a test drive, don’t hesitate to contact Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen online or to call our team directly at (602) 714-3968 today!

When Volkswagen chooses to completely redesign a vehicle, the goal is always to bring drivers an even  more satisfying and rewarding experience behind the wheel. That’s exactly the case with the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan, which recently arrived at our Peoria Volkswagen dealership with a completely new look and feel.

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan available near Phoenix

From the very start, our staff and out customers have been continually impressed by the all-new 2018 Tiguan. An SUV designed with modern drivers in mind, the 2018 Tiguan provides space, style, safety, and technology in abundance. While we’re not surprised to find out that other experts in the industry agree with our opinion, we’re thrilled that Cars.com recently named the 2018 Tiguan as the Best Compact SUV of 2017!

A One-of-a-Kind SUV

Considering the popularity of compact SUVs over the past several years, it goes without saying that the 2018 Tiguan was up against some stuff competition for this title. Even so, an abundance of space, value, and safety features ensured that this all-new model brought home the accolade. Needless to say, we’re thrilled to be helping Phoenix area drivers get behind the wheel of the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan!

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan interior

Jennifer Newman, the Editor-in-Chief at Cars.com, had many good things to say about this all-new SUV. “The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan impressed the judges with its roominess and value. The cargo capability is top of the class, making this small SUV a huge advantage for shoppers concerned about getting the most room for the money. The Tiguan is also a great option for families, earning the highest possible marks in Cars.com’s Car Seat Check.”

Of course, the team at Volkswagen was thrilled, as well. “Every aspect of the Tiguan is designed to cater to the needs of American drivers and their families,” said Derrick Hatami, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Volkswagen of America, Inc, “and this award validates the All-New Tiguan is a serious competitor in the segment.”

For more information on the all-new 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan, or to experience the difference firsthand with a test drive, be sure to contact us online or to call the Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen team at (602) 714-3968 today!

VW People First Warranty

Volkswagen has really stepped up its game this year with the People First Warranty. Peoria shoppers in the market for a brand new Volkswagen will receive a 6-year (up to 72,000-miles) bumper-to-bumper New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

Covering the Golf, Jetta, Passat, Atlas, and more, the warranty includes powertrain coverage for engines, transmissions, and optional 4Motion all-wheel-drive systems. Furthermore, the warranty can be transferred to all subsequent owners until the car reaches 72,000 miles!

While common Volkswagen competitors–Honda, Toyota, and Ford–offer three-year and five-year basic warranties, Volkswagen trumps the competition when it comes to caring for the customer. To quote the President and Chief Executive Officer of Volkswagen Group of America, “Volkswagen has always been ‘the people’s car’ and with the People First Warranty, we’re putting the customer fist.”

If the People First Warranty isn’t enough to pique your interest, check out our current Volkswagen specials for Peoria shoppers. We at Lunde Peoria are here to work with you. We will take your budget into account and have you driving off in the car of your dreams…without emptying your pockets.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a test drive, contact Lunde Peoria Volkswagen at (844)-845-4661.

Transmissions are one of the most important systems in your vehicle and require care and attention. No one wants to pay for a busted transmission, which is why you should make sure you keep up with routine maintenance at our Peoria Volkswagen service center.

transmission-fluid

Our team of service technicians has the training and tools to keep your vehicle running in prime condition for a long time. Here’s what you need to know about transmission fluid and when it needs to be changed in order to avoid more expensive trouble down the road.

Transmission Fluid Tips From Peoria Volkswagen Service Experts

Automatic transmission fluid serves two very important purposes in making your car run—it acts as a hydraulic fluid for pistons and also lubricates transmission parts at high temperatures. This means the fluid undergoes quite a bit of stress and will eventually break down.

draining-transmission-fluid

It’s a good idea to check your fluid on a regular basis. This is easy to do because transmission fluid is bright red so it’s easy to spot in the event of a leak. The fluid darkens as it becomes contaminated so the change in color is the best way to determine the health of your transmission fluid. If it’s dark brown or black, you may want to bring it in to our service center. Peoria drivers may even find Volkswagen service specials they can use at our service center.

Here’s how you check:

  • Locate the well and unscrew the cap
  • Pull out the dipstick to make sure the fluid is still bright red
  • Put the fluid on a white paper towel and let it soak for 30 seconds
  • If it turns brown and doesn’t spread on the towel, then it’s time to get it changed

If you have any more questions about routine maintenance, just contact us today. You can set up a service appointment by calling (602) 714-3968.

We at Lunde’s Peoria Volkswagen know that changing your car battery can seem a bit daunting when you’ve never done it before; therefore, we’ve compiled a little list to help you out. Follow these few easy steps and you’ll be back on the road in no time.

Changing the car battery

Removing the Old Battery

No matter the Volkswagen you drive through the streets of Peoria, changing the battery remains the same. So, let’s first turn off the engine and open the hood to get started:

  1. Detach the negative (black) cable from the battery
    • Loosen the nut with a combination wrench
    • Twist and pull up the cable (from the end) with your hand
  2. Detach the positive (red) battery cable from the battery
    • Follow the same method you used to remove the negative cable
  3. Remove the battery hold-down clamp using a combination wrench or a socket and ratchet
  4. Remove the battery from the battery tray
    • Grab from the bottom using both hands (it will be heavy)
  5. Clean any corrosion left behind on the battery tray and hold-down clamp
    • Use a battery cleaning solution or a mixture of baking soda and water

Inserting the New Battery

  1. Place the new battery in the battery hold-down tray
    • REMEMBER to secure with the hold-down clamp
  2. Spray both terminal ends with anti-corrosion solution
  3. Attach and tighten the positive cable (red)
  4. Attach and tighten the negative cable (black)
  5. Finally, make sure everything is tight. If the connections are loose, you won’t be able to pull out of your driveway. Though Peoria is a fun city, we’re sure you would like the option to leave.

Is There An Easier Way?

If you still don’t feel too confident about doing this on your own, feel free to schedule service with us in Peoria. We’ll have your car ready to go in a jiffy. Or, contact our service department at 855-736-6568.