April is National Car Care Month!
Each year, the non-profit Car Care Council supports two months, April and October, to bring attention to the importance of car care and maintenance. Why would Car Care Month be in April?
In April, winter is finally ending and the spring and summer season is here. Thelen Auto Group and the Car Care Council advise vehicle owners to take care of any necessary repairs that are needed. Neglecting or putting off automotive care actually makes costs more expensive in the long run when it comes to extensive repairs.
Results of vehicle inspections held at community car care events across the country during Car Care Months in April and October 2014 revealed that 84 percent of vehicles needed service or parts. The top repairs needed were:
- Low washer fluid
- Dirty or low motor oil
- Low or leaky/dirty coolant
- Front windshield wipers
- Deflated tires or worn tire tread
- Air filters
- Batteries
Most of these repairs are typically quick and inexpensive to have done, but can increase in price the longer you wait. Procrastinating with car repairs can also lead to a decrease in car value.
Whether you take care of the vehicle repairs yourself or have a professional do it you can save money by being proactive with maintenance. Following a routine maintenance program can help you with repair costs, and making informed decisions about what your car needs.
Take advantage of National Car Care Month this April and come visit us at Thelen, where we offer free vehicle inspections and service reminders. Let us help you get your car in top shape for the upcoming spring and summer months! Make an appointment today.
Volkswagen Tiguan GTE Active Concept
With the North American International Auto Show in Detroit now over, we like to look back at some of the coolest reveals of the event! Check out one of our favorites below…the Volkswagen Tiguan GTE Active Concept:

This concept vehicle is making a splash in the rugged, off road ride market. It definitely looks the part and has the components, including a turbocharged, 148 horsepower engine. What really makes this vehicle stand out is the electric motors that are integrated with the transmission! This vehicle is capable of front wheel drive, rear wheel drive, or all-wheel drive operation. One of the coolest features is the ability to choose the best combination of gasoline and electric power based on input from the driver and road conditions. The Tiguan GTE will arrive in the US with available 7 passenger seating as well. Enjoy other features including a 9.2 inch touchscreen that can respond to hand gestures, a head’s up display, and a full set of digital instruments. This infotainment system will support Apple and Android. Keep checking back at Thelen Volkswagen for when it arrives!

It’s back to school time again. Ever wonder what the best cars to take back to school are? Look no further! Leading the way is the 2015 Volkswagen Golf! This car, voted as one of the best hatchbacks and affordable small cars, the Golf is bursting on the scene and into all our hearts.
The new 2015 Volkswagen Golf has gotten a make-over for this model year. The Golf now boasts a longer, lower, and wider frame that creates more space and better handling. The base model comes with a 1.8 Turbocharged four-cylinder engine that runs quiet. You can also choose between the five-speed manual transmission that comes standard and is known for its great fuel economy. The Golf also comes with the option of a six speed automatic transmission. The base 2015 Golf gets an estimated 25/37 mpg city/highway, which is comparable to many of the other vehicles in the same class. The Golf could also go from 0-60 in 7.8 seconds!
The turbodiesel TDI earns praise for its impressive fuel economy. It gets up to 31/45 mpg, which is exceptional based on its competition. It boasts many of the same features as the regular Golf, only feels a little slower in revving up.

The new Golf’s interior has gotten an upgrade as well. Standard in all trim levels, of which the Golf has ten different ones, is a 5.8 inch touch screen audio system. The seats are also very comfortable and well-bolstered so you are held in place as you make your way around the corners. There is also 52.7 cubic feet of cargo space in this new model, which is more than the majority of its competitors.

Why does this car rank so high on the back to school list of vehicles? Because the Volkswagen Golf incorporates everything you need at the price you can afford. No matter what you need, the Golf can supply it. There are ten different trim levels to choose from at price points that everyone can agree on:
- 2-Door 1.8T Launch Edition – Starting at $17,995
- 2-Door 1.8T S – Starting at $18,995
- 4-Door 1.8T S – Starting at $20,695
- 4-Door 1.8T S w/Sunroof – Starting at $20,995
- 4-Door 1.8T SE – Starting at $24,495
- 4-Door 1.8T SEL – Starting at $26,995
- 4-Door TDI® Clean Diesel S – Starting at $21,995
- 4-Door TDI® Clean Diesel SE – Starting at $25,495
- 4-Door TDI® Clean Diesel SEL – Starting at $27,995
- 4-Door 1.8T Sport – Starting at $25,935
Overall, you get an impressive hatchback that does not feel cheap. Volkswagen made all the right decisions with this new Golf to give you the best vehicle as you head back to school.
For more information on the new 2015 Volkswagen Golf, contact Thelen Volkswagen today!


