Winter vs. All-Season Tires
Especially when you live in a colder climate, the slicker roads can sometimes get the best of you. One of the many ongoing debates is whether you need winter tires or all-season tires when heading out on the road. We have decided to lay out some facts about each so the best decision can be made when buying the tires for your vehicle.
Winter Tires
- Winter tires can provide better braking performance in snow and ice.
- They are specially made for any type of winter condition, including snow, ice, sleet, slush, wet and cold.
- They can reduce snow build up on the tires due to the aggressive tread.
- Winter tires have special tread rubber that stays flexible at low temperatures.
All-season Tires
- All-season tires are design to help with traction and grip in wet and snow conditions.
- They are made to provide stable driving in both wet and dry conditions.
- They do offer traction in a variety of different weather conditions, though winter tires are more specialized for snow and ice.
If you have any questions for us, please do not hesitate to call! We are here to help with any questions you may have!
Happy Thanksgiving from Thelen VW!
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, we thought we would share one of our favorite dessert recipes. Let us know if you try it and how it went! Do you have any favorite recipes to share?
Double Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake
Ingredients
- 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 1 (9 inch) prepared graham cracker crust
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch ground cloves
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup frozen whipped topping, thawed
Directions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
- In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Blend in eggs one at a time. Remove 1 cup of batter and spread into bottom of crust; set aside.
- Add pumpkin, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg to the remaining batter and stir gently until well blended. Carefully spread over the batter in the crust.
- Bake in preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until center is almost set. Allow to cool, then refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight. Cover with whipped topping before serving.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Is it Safe to Complete an Online Credit Application?
Throughout the last few years, many processes have transitioned to a more digital format. While this definitely has its advantages, many people are weary of putting their personal information into the digital cloud. It is often feared that information will be stolen and used in a negative way.
When it comes to personal finances, many people are extra careful with where they post that information and with whom it is shared. This can be especially true if they have had credit issues in the past. This means that when it comes time to filling out an online credit application to purchase or lease a vehicle, many people wonder whether filling it out online is the best way to go, particularly on a dealership’s website.
Having challenged credit can be stressful. Many people feel embarrassed and often worry about whether their application will be accepted. When they try to find out whether they can be financed, it can be a daunting task to come in.
Our job is to make sure that you feel comfortable when you share your credit information with us. We will work hard to find a payment plan that works best for you. We will also make sure that your information is kept private, so you don’t have to worry about anyone else obtaining your credit information. Filling out an application online is a great idea as it will save you a lot of time. It is an absolutely secure way of figuring out financing options before you enter the dealership. This will help put your mind at ease and reduce the stress that can arise while purchasing a vehicle.
If you would like to fill out our credit application and discover what options are available for you, feel free to fill out our completely Secure Online Credit Application. Your information is only made available to our finance department so they can find the proper vehicle to fit your needs. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask! We are here to help make your car-buying experience go as smoothly as possible.
Make the Most of your Test Drive
You have done your research and have narrowed it down to the vehicles that you are interested in. Now it is time to see the vehicle in person and make sure it the perfect one for you. You and your salesperson will work together to find out exactly what information you need to make the right decision. Here are some helpful tips to make sure that you are making the most out of your test driving experience.
Kick the Tires
It is really important you learn everything you can about your prospective new vehicle. “Kicking the Tires” is an expression to learning the nooks and crannies about the vehicle. Ask questions like, how is the overall appearance? Do the colors work well together? Is there enough space for your passengers and cargo? Are the seats comfortable? Make sure to go over the points that are most important to you. If you have a larger family or frequent passengers, you may want to check the seatbelts to see how your passengers will feel when buckled in. This is the perfect time to make sure the features supplied work for you. Ask this before the test drive so you know what to focus on during the drive itself.
Ride Comfort
Now that you have inspected the car, it is time to do the test drive. One of the aspects you are paying attention to on this drive is how comfortable you are while driving. Is the ride smooth or harsh? How do the seats feel? Is there a lot of noise in the cabin? How does the vehicle respond when you accelerate or brake? What are the blind spots? Is it easy to park? These are just some of questions you need to work out as you drive the vehicle. Remember, your salesperson is happy to help you with any question you may have at this time. They are there to make sure the experience is just right for you!
Other Questions and Concerns
Now that you have a feel for how the vehicle drives, it is time to work out further details. If you have any other questions about the vehicle, such as special features or pricing, now is a great time to talk to your salesperson. They will work hard to make sure that you know everything you need to know about the vehicle and ensure that the stress is taken out of the equation.
If you have any questions about the test drive, or anything else, please do not hesitate to ask us! We are here to help with any questions you may have and we will work hard to find the perfect vehicle for your needs!
Take a trip to see the leaves this Fall
The fall season is a wonderful season in Michigan. The beauty of the leaves changing colors gets a lot of people on the road going on color tours. Everyone has their favorite drive that they like to take during this time. No matter where you go, there is something wonderful to see.
What is great about the state of Michigan and its fall color is that there is usually a week or two between adjacent shoreline and inland areas so you can see the colors peak as you travel. For instance, in the Traverse City area, you can see peak color for almost three weeks in a row with the inland areas changing colors first and then traveling out to the Old Mission Peninsula.
Click here for some of the best color tours provided by Michigan.org.
Where is your favorite place to go on a color tour? We would love to hear your suggestions! Also, please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about getting your vehicle ready for your fall excursions. Our Service Departments would be happy to take a look at your car and provide any necessary repairs you may need before heading out on the road.
Football season is here! Is your car ready?
It is football season again! The stadiums are packed, tailgate parties are being organized, and TVs are being primed to find the optimal channels. Are you ready? Most likely, the answer is “Yes!” But is your car ready? Here are a few things to consider when getting your vehicle ready for the football season.
- Tailgating – For a lot of fans, most of the fun of the game occurs in the parking lot. Tailgating parties are the talk of the group. They are often surrounded by fun, food, and drinks. It is important that your battery has enough juice to handle what you are throwing at it. This can include listening to the pre-game show on the radio, music, or even running an outlet (if your vehicle is equipped for that). You wouldn’t want the battery to quit and you are stuck after the game waiting for help to arrive. Make sure your voltage is checked before you leaven, and it is advised to carry jumper cables just in case.
- Traffic – Traffic can be difficult just before a game, with bumper-to-bumper vehicles and drivers trying to rush to get to the game. Make sure your brakes are up to the challenge so that unwanted accidents do not occur. Check the components and the fluid levels before heading out, you won’t regret it.
- Games at night – With so many games occurring in the evening, you will want to make sure that your headlights are ready to go. A burned out bulb can result in getting pulled over, or even an accident if you are not careful. Make sure your headlights, taillights, and signal lights are up and running correctly to ensure a safe trip to and from the game.
We are here to help with your pre-game checkup! Contact us today for an appointment and we will have your vehicle ready for the big game in no time!
Packing an Emergency Kit for your Vehicle
Planning for emergencies ahead of time can possibly mean the difference between life and death. Whether an accident occurs, you are stranded due to a flat tire, or you need a first aid kit, any scenario can be planned for so you are well-stocked and organized in case something may happen while you are driving. Check out these helpful tips from WikiHow on how to put together items in an emergency kit in case something happens.
- Put together a kit of essentials. Make sure to have an emergency kit that will help you in various situations. Make sure that a first-aid kit is included. Also, a knife, flashlight, matches or lighter, a whistle, a pen, and a small notebook are great additions to your kit. If possible, an extra cell phone charger would be nice as well. A supply of non-perishable food and bottled water is essential as well. You can use them if you are stranded or waiting for a tow truck.
- Invest in a tool that will break out your window. There are models that can fit on your key chain that are strong enough to break a car’s door window. Many of them also include a safety blade that can cut through a seatbelt.
- Hide a spare key on the vehicle just in case you get locked out or lose a key. This can be done using a magnet or duct tape.
- Put enough cash in the vehicle somewhere for a full tank of gas, at least. Keeping it out of plain sight will most likely keep you from the temptation of spending it on something that is not an emergency.
- Keep an old cell phone in the vehicle in case you have to dial 911.
- Store a disposable camera in your kit. It can come in handy if you need to take pictures of a fender bender or other such instances.
- Think ahead about car repair. More equipment that is handy to have with you are road flares, Fix-a-Flat, emergency reflective triangles, jumper cables, and a poncho. Duct tape can be used to fix quite a few items in your vehicle, and a small tool kit can really help in a pinch.
By packing just a few items into an emergency kit for your vehicle, you can help yourself avoid a potentially dangerous situation. Most of these items are found easily, but can really make a difference when an emergency situation arises.
Fuel Economy in the Summer
Did you know that hot weather can actually increase your fuel economy? There are several factors as to how this happens. One is that your engine warms up faster, since it is already rather warm when you start it. Also, summer grades of gasoline are slightly better and have more energy. Another advantage is that warm air causes less aerodynamic drag than cooler air.
However, there are common practices that can reduce fuel economy as well. One such practice is running the air conditioning. This is the main contributor to reduced fuel economy. Under very hot temperatures, the AC can reduce a normal vehicle’s fuel economy by more than 25%. The effect on hybrids and electric vehicles can be an even larger percentage. Another way that may contribute to reduced fuel economy is driving with your windows down. Open windows can increase wind resistance, which causes your vehicle to use more energy to push through. While it may not be noticeable at first, once you reach highway speeds, this can increase dramatically.
So, what are things you can do to improve fuel economy in hot weather? Below is a list of possibilities to help combat the things that may be draining your fuel tank.
- Don’t use the AC more than needed.
- Park in the shade whenever possible so the cabin doesn’t heat up as much.
- Drive with the windows down for a short time before turning on the AC. Letting the pent up hot air out first will reduce the energy needed to cool down the cabin.
- Most AC systems will cool the vehicle faster if you are driving, so don’t sit in idle with the AC running.
- Roll down the windows during low speeds and use the AC on the highway.
By following a few of these simple instructions, you can help your fuel economy from slipping too far off the mark during the warmer summer months. Help your trip by being able to avoid frequent stops at the gas station!
Wow! Check out the 2016 Volkswagen Passat!
The 2016 Volkswagen Passat is a standout among the mid-sized sedan segment. Several features have been included in the new model, including a standard rearview camera and newly available safety features such as lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and frontal collision warning with automatic braking. A USB port replaces the Volkswagen plug for connecting smartphones and media players. Trim levels have also seen a few changes, including the addition of a sporty R-line model.
The 2016 Volkswagen Passat is offered in five main trim levels: S, R-Line, SE, SEL, and SEL Premium. The S comes standard with rearview camera, dual-zone climate control, cloth interior, cruise control, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a 5-inch touchscreen and a six-speaker sound system. When upgrading to the R-Line, which gives the Passat a sportier look, Volkswagen adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. It also boasts several exterior and interior styling elements. If you pair it with the Comfort package, you would receive heated side mirrors, heated front seats, leatherette interior, and an eight-way power driver seat.
Moving up from there, you reach the SE trim level which builds upon the R-Line with Comfort package. It also adds a sunroof, adaptive cruise control, a 6.3-inch touchscreen, HD and satellite radio, Car-Net telematics system, and a collision mitigation system with automatic braking. There is an optional Technology package that adds on features such as foglights, automatic wipers, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated rear seats, a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, a navigation system, and an upgraded version of Car-Net.
The SEL takes the features of the SE with Technology package and builds upon it. It adds features such as driver memory settings, leather upholstery, a premium Fender audio system, and an eight-way power passenger seat. The top-of-the-line SEL Premium offers these as well as power-folding mirros, front and rear parking sensors, remote ignition, automated parallel parking feature, lane departure warning system, and the Lighting package (which includes foglights and LED headlights, taillights and daytime running lights).
The 2016 Volkswagen Passat uses excellent materials both inside and out. Scoring a perfect five stars overall in government crash testing, the Passat is a great family sedan. The overall design is decidedly upscale yet refreshingly simple. Fuel economy is handled well, while still giving a quick and smooth driving experience. On the highway, the Passat is quiet and comfortable for both driver and passengers, making it a relaxed and refined choice for everyday driving.
You can check out our inventory here! If you have any questions, do not hesitate to let us know!
Benefits of an Extended Warranty
Many new car owners are faced with the decision of whether to purchase an extended warranty for their new vehicle or not. To help make the decision a little easier, let’s first define what an extended warranty is.
An extended warranty is designed to protect the owner from repair costs after the original new-vehicle warranty has expired. They can sometimes be called a service contract, vehicle service agreement, or extended service agreement.
These extended warranties typically allow customers to have repairs made to their vehicle, typically with little or no deductible, for an additional period after the original factory warranty runs out. They act as security against unexpected vehicle repairs and ensure that these repair costs are covered without having extra financial stress.
Along with repair benefits, many extended warranties offer other services such as car rental discounts, towing, lost-key services, and trip benefits that can help finance unexpected expenses if you are far away from home and your vehicle breaks down.
Unfortunately, there are some items not covered by extended warranties; these are known as “wear items”. Wear items that aren’t covered by extended warranties are typically parts that need to be replaced over time from normal use and can include tires, brakes and shocks. Every warranty is different from the next, so check the exclusions section to find out what isn’t covered by your warranty.
Many warranties are transferrable to future owners as well. This helps both the buyer and the seller, as it may increase resale value, and it also gives a peace of mind to the future buyer. Transfer fees for extended warranties are usually minimal.
If you are on a fixed budget and don’t want to be surprised by expensive repair bills, an extended warranty may be ideal for your vehicle. This is especially true if you plan to keep the vehicle longer than the original manufacturer’s warranty.
Like any insurance policy, prices vary and each one covers different aspects of your vehicle and repairs that are needed. Review your current warranty and financial budget to choose an extended warranty that benefits and suits your needs the most. Have questions about extended warranty coverage or pricing? Contact us today!
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