Cold Starting your TDI
The coldest temperature ever recorded in Vermont was -50° F ( 😯 ). If you currently own or have ever owned a diesel vehicle, you would know the chances of it starting in that temperature is slim to none. However, people have been successful in starting their TDI’s up to -35° F. How do they accomplish that? There are simple measures you can take to aid you in the process.
What you want to keep in mind is the vehicle needs all the power it can get in order to start. This means all lights should be off (including your daytime running lights, which are always on unless the parking brake is applied), the heat should be turned off (until the vehicle starts, at least), any other accessories
such as heated seats or the radio should also be switched off. The key should be in the ignition and switched to the ‘on’ position (one click forward, some refer this to ‘accessory mode’) in order to allow the glow plugs to warm up and successfully start the vehicle. Once you see the glow plug light illuminate on your dash, cycle the key off and then on again (just accessory mode!), wait 5 seconds after the glow plug light illuminates again, then attempt to start your vehicle. Once it starts, let the vehicle idle until a smooth idle is achieved then you’re good to go. (Note: if you have a push-to-start button, the vehicle will not start until the glow plugs are the proper temperature. That’s why there’s a lag sometimes when attempting to start.)
If your vehicle still won’t start, you may have other issues going on. For instance, diesel fuel is known to gel up in cold temperatures. To prevent this from happening, there is an additive you can (and should) add to your tank every other fill up in the winter. Unfortunately, if your fuel does gel up, the vehicle should be towed to your nearest dealer for repairs.
We hope these tips help those of you who may not have known about them. If you have any questions feel free to reach out and we’ll do our best to help you to the best of our ability. The number for our service department is (802) 861-4111
*Note: We are not affiliated with any towing companies.
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Let’s Talk Tires: “Snows” v.s. “All Seasons”
It goes without saying that we see a lot of snow here in northern Vermont. However, ask around and you’ll get various opinions on the best equipment to handle it all. Regardless of opinion, there are some important facts that most people are unaware of, facts that could save lives! It’s your responsibility to keep control of your vehicle, no matter the conditions of the roads. It is possible, even on the worst of days. Y
ou just need to be prepared.
Snow tires are made of a different compound than “all-season” tires. Snow tires are significantly softer than the latter, providing more traction in the colder temperatures. When “all-season” tires get cold, (or when any rubber gets cold for that matter) they harden. When your tire hardens, less surface area is able to touch the ground, therefore providing less traction. So, realistically, your snow tires are not just for snow. As soon as the temps start to dip below 50 degrees is an ideal time to swap your tires out for the season. Snow tires are specifically built with a softer compound so when they get cold/harden they can still provide you with the traction you need. Also, snow tires are designed with sipes that suction water away from your tires, reducing your chance of hydroplaning. They also feature a tread pattern specifically designed to push snow away as you’re driving.
At this time, the only true “all season” tire out there is the Nokian WRG3 – but with the expectation of mild snow fall, nothing like we get around here.
Another thing to note – while a snow tire with 2/32″ of tread may pass Vermont state inspection, snow tires under 5/32″ do not perform well in the snow. It is recommended to replace the tire before it reaches 5/32″. An easy way to measure the tread yourself is with coins: Place a pen
ny into several tread grooves across the tire. If part of Lincoln’s head is always covered by the tread, you have more than 2/32″ of tread depth remaining. Place a quarter into several tread grooves across the tire. If part of Washington’s head is always covered by the tread, you have more than 4/32″ of tread depth remaining. Place a penny into several tread grooves across the tire. If the top of the Lincoln Memorial is always covered by the tread, you have more than 6/32″ of tread depth remaining.
Now – studs vs non-studded: studded snow tires decrease your stopping ability but increase your traction on icy roads. They’re also significantly loader, if that’s something of concern for you. Do you travel mostly in town or are you more rural? Typically we’d say if you live on more mountainous roads or roads that don’t get plowed well studs may be a good idea, but if you live in a city or town or don’t drive very much, studs may not be worth it.
But what about tire chains? Tire chains are definitely less popular around here but can be beneficial. Actually, in Vermont, larger automobiles (over 26,000 lbs) are required to have tire chains, or they face a $1,000 fine. Tire chains are typically used on summer tires to provide additional traction in the snow that they otherwise would not be able to accomplish. So, they are a more inexpensive way to get around in the snow (v.s. purchasing snow tires), but they can be cumbersome as they have to be removed prior to travelling on clear/dry roads.
Now I know some of you are thinking, “I’ve lived
in Vermont my whole life and I’ve never purchased snow tires!” Well, you’ve been very lucky, but you may not always be that lucky. There is a significant braking disadvantage when using all-season tires in the snow. Now are you thinking, “Okay, so I’ll just leave more space between me and the other drivers, easy fix”? You’re not alone, we hear it all the time. The issue with that is what if someone cuts you off? What if, for some reason, your attention from the road wanders for just a moment, and the person in front of you suddenly stops? You never know what could happen. That’s why you need to prepare for the worst. Your all-wheel drive gets you going, but your snow tires are what stop your vehicle.
If you need snow tires and cannot afford them, Vermont has a program called “Wheels for Warmth” that sells used inspectable tires for very reasonable prices. There is no income requirement to participate. The most expensive tires, 18 inch and larger, are $25 each. The least expensive, 14 inch tires, are $10, 15 inch $15 and 16 inch $20. Thirteen inch tires and singles are free. The only caveat with the program is that it is a once-a-year sale on the last Saturday in October. For information regarding the program, you can visit their website at www.wheelsforwarmth.org
One last thing to mention, if you already have snow tires or are planning on purchasing them in the future, we offer tire storage for $75 for one season ($150 per year). The benefit here is you will never have to touch a tire again – we do all the labor for you. It’s a beautiful thing.
2018 VW Auto Show
Los Angeles (November 2018) – Volkswagen sure made its presence known at the LA Auto Show this year, bringing along the Final Edition Beetle, the I.D. BUZZ CARGO van, as well as a concept electric bike, Cargo e-Bike.
The I.D. BUZZ van was first released as a concept at the Detroit Auto Show last year, and this year VW released a sibling, the I.D. BUZZ CARGO van. VW says it could be launched in Europe as a production vehicle as early as 2022. A little longer than the I.D. BUZZ, it features a few other features: a variety of battery pack options, and depending on the chosen pack it can range 200-340 miles, a solar roof that can extend the range by
up to 9.3 miles a day, fully autonomous driving, a digital cargo system, a 201-horsepower electric motor, single-speed transmission, and rear-wheel drive. An all-wheel drive system is said to be available in the future, adding an additional motor to the front of the vehicle.
In addition, VW introduced their first electric bike – the Cargo e-Bike. The thought here is for use where trucks or standard sized vehicles cannot fit, making it ideal for deliveries in obscure places. It features a 250-watt motor powered by a lithium-ion battery. It is equipped with two wheels on the front with a load platform placed between them. The e-Bike can carry a total of 463 lbs and tilt-compensating technology keeps the load platform horizontal while turning. Market introduction is expected in 2019.
As VW is looking towards the future, they also paid tribute to their past with the Final Edition of the Beetle, which made its auto show debut during this time. As we covered in another post, VW is discontinuing the Beetle going forward, but not without paying tribute to its icon by releasing limited edition models – of which we are already starting to receive in our inventory so be sure to check them out before they’re gone for good!
The Volkswagen Golf R – the sparsely produced all-wheel drive hot hatch – is now more exclusive than ever. In August, Volkswagen of America announced the Spektrum program, which gives enthusiasts the option of 40 different hand-painted exterior colors when ordering the Golf R for an additional $2,500. Did you ever own a Ginster Yellow or Mars Red GTI? How about a Deep Blue Pearl R32? Want to reminisce the good ol’ days? You’re in luck – those colors and 37 others are part of the program. (Including Viper Green Metallic, found on the Lamborghini Huracán 😎 ) For a full 360-degree view of all 40 colors you can visit www.vw.com and use their builder tool. If you are interested in ordering, contact our sales department and they can walk you through the process. 😀
The Volkswagen Beetle: 2019 Final Edition
The Volkswagen Beetle: the people’s car since 1945. After three generations and 7 decades Volkswagen announces the end of production for the iconic Bug. In celebration, Volkswagen is producing two special Final Edition models; the Final Edition SE and the Final Edition SEL. No immediate replacement is in the works, but Volkswagen says, “Never say never.” 
The Final Editions will be available as a coupe and as a convertible. Standard they are equipped with a 2.0 liter TSI® engine (174 hp & 184 lb-ft of torque), six-speed automatic transmission, body-matched side mirrors and special chrome treatments, heated washer nozzles, and the coupe models come standard with a sunroof. The “Turbo” badging will be replaced with a special-edition “Beetle” badge. The SE model will come with 17-inch 15-spoke aluminum wheels, while the SEL will feature 18-inch wheels with a disc design to replicate the classic salad-spinner wheels. All Final Edition models will feature KESSY® keyless access/push-start button ignition, leather wrapped multi-function steering wheel, Climatronic® automatic climate control, ambient lighting, a 6.3-inch touchscreen radio with Bluetooth, USB port, SiriusXM® radio, Car-Net® App-Connect, blind spot monitoring and rear traffic alert system. Some of the upgrades in the SEL model include diamond-stitched leather seats vs. the cloth rhombus-pattern seats the SE models have. The SEL also includes Car-Net® Security & Service, Guide & Inform, navigation, Fender® Premium Audio system, and front and rear park distance control.
The Final Editions will feature two new colors: Safari Uni “a reinvention of Harvest Moon Beige, a color from the New Beetle—and Stonewashed Blue, a nod to the 1970 Jeans Bug and most recently seen on the 2016 Beetle Denim” [VW Media] They will also be available in Pure White, Deep Black Pearl, and Platinum Gray. The exception here is the convertible which will not be available in Safari Uni, but are available with a unique brown soft top.
Pricing starts at $23,045 for SE coupes and $25,995 for SEL coupes. Convertible pricing starts at $27,295 for SE models and $29,995 for SEL models.
We’ll be sad to see them go – but you never know. They might be back 😉
The All New Volkswagen Arteon
Way back in 2015 Volkswagen introduced the concept model of the Arteon as a replacement for the ill-fated CC. Now, it’s finally here. Volkswagen unveiled the production model of the Arteon at the Geneva International Motor Show in March of 2017 (It was debuted n the U.S. at the Chicago Auto Show in February of this year). Klaus Bischoff, the head designer of Volkswagen says, “The Arteon combines the design elements of a classic sports car with the elegance and space of a fastback. It’s an avant-garde business-class Gran Turismo that speaks to the heart and head alike.” The vehicle features a 111.9-inch wheelbase, and a 191.4-inch long body; it is 73.7 inches wide and is 56.2 inches tall. The front end was completely redone, featuring a hood that extends over both fenders and a grille that extends through the full width of the vehicle. It comes standard
with chrome strips on the side windows, LED taillights, LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights, alloy wheels, Keyless Go access, stainless steel door kickplates, composition media infotainment system (including eight loudspeakers, AUX-IN and USB), electronically controlled A/C system, leather multi-function steering wheel (with paddle shifters on DSG models), six-way power adjustable front seats, driver alert system, and a progressive steering system. The Elegance trim level includes chrome door mirror caps, LED taillights with dynamic indicator light function, 18-inch “Muscat” alloy wheels, continuous chrome trim strip on lower bodywork, heated windshield washer jets, contrast stitching on seat covers and floormats, aluminum-look pedal covers, Alcantara /”Vienna” leather seating surfaces, and heated front seats. The R-Line trim level includes high gloss black finish of the C-signature in the front air intakes, leather multi-function R-Line design sport steering wheel, 18-inch “Sebring” alloy wheels, heated windshield washer jets, special R-Line bumpers, continuous chrome trim strips on lower bodywork, chrome-plated exhaust tips, “Titan Black” headliner, stainless steel door kickplates front and rear (with R-Line logo on front plates), aluminum-look pedal covers, Alcantara/”Vienna” leather seating surfaces with R-Line logo, special 
R-Line steering wheel, and heated front seats. It’s launching with six turbocharged direct-injection engine choices; all having four cylinders, gas AND diesel (!!!), ranging from 148 hp to 276 hp. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual for the base models (both gas and diesel!) and a 7-speed automatic DSG for all trim levels. Best of all for us in Vermont, it features a FWD option AND an AWD 4Motion option (unfortunately without the standard transmission, but we digress). Volkswagen was nice enough to grace us with it’s presence this past Friday, September 14th and we can’t wait to have them here on the lot.
Be sure to come check it out when they come in, around November/December of this year! You don’t want to miss it 🙂
Winter Escapes in Vermont
As the temperatures drop and the sunlight is all but gone, we thought we’d make a list of places to go during Vermont’s winter months.
Photo courtesy of Bolton Valley
Bolton Valley-
We would not be Vermonters without suggesting locals and visitors alike hit the slopes this winter. Bolton Valley is our personal suggestion for a ski resort in the area. Bolton is conveniently located between Burlington and Montpelier, Vermont. While it may not be the largest mountain, it has one perk that can be hard to come by; night skiing. Let’s face it; waiting in long lift lines on the weekends or during vacation can be frustrating. You find yourself spending the majority of your day trying not to trip and cause a domino effect of fallen skiers. The whole time you’d rather be plowing through the fresh powder. Well, have no fear! Head on over to Bolton Valley after 4 pm and you can ski until 10 pm for only $20. That’s right, $20! During the day, you can tackle up to 5,000 acres of skiing on a variety of trail levels ranging from beginner to glade. After a session on the slopes, enjoy a variety of food ranging from Belgian waffles to flatbread pizza!
Photo courtesy of Groennfell Meadery
Colchester’s Mead Hall-
Why not escape the cold of winter inside a hall that serves up Scandinavian food and craft mead? What is mead you ask? The brilliant minds at Wikipedia describe mead as “an alcoholic beverage created by fermenting honey with water, sometimes with various fruits, spices, grains, or hops.” There is no doubt that the craft beer scene in Vermont is exceptional, but why not broaden your pallet with craft mead as well? The Mead Hall is home to Groennfell Meadery, Havoc Mead, and Lord Colchester’s. All three brands brew up some creative and tasty beverages for all adults to enjoy. From sour, to sweet, to slightly spicy, you can find a mead that’s just right for you. Our personal favorite mead is the Nordic Farmhouse. Families are also welcome, as the Mead Hall serves up a unique food menu fit for a Viking. Some highlights from the menu include bratwurst, herring, and a Scandinavian cheese plate!
Photo courtesy of Higher Ground Music
Higher Ground-
Continuing with the tradition of escaping the cold, we suggest heading over to Higher Ground for some live entertainment. Higher Ground is a music and performance venue in South Burlington, Vermont. The space has been known to host a number of artists just before they break into the mainstream (Macklemore comes to mind). From a small local band to one of your favorites, Higher Ground is a go-to spot for live music. Some upcoming acts that we are excited for include The Wood Brothers, Rough Francis, The Griswolds, and Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness.
Photo courtesy of Lake Champlain Chocolates
Lake Champlain Chocolates-
Church Street in Burlington, Vermont is beautiful in the winter. Meticulously hung Christmas lights make the trees and shops glow, and create many an Instagram photo opportunity. Despite the beauty, it can be pretty chilly outside with winds whipping up from the lake below. To make your stroll far more pleasing, warm up with a hot chocolate from Lake Champlain Chocolates. Their delicious, creamy, chocolatey cup is hands down one of the best hot chocolates around.
Introducing the New VW Atlas
A BIG addition was recently announced at Volkswagen. The Atlas is the newest vehicle to join the VW family. An SUV with three-row seating and up to 96.8 cubic feet of cargo space, the Atlas is a family car in the truest sense.
The Atlas seats up to seven people. That’s a lot of friends, family, car-poolers, or even traveling clowns. Basically, you will have no trouble driving a large group around. Don’t have 7 people joining you on your journey? The second and third-row seats fold down for full utilization of the cargo space. That room is perfect for your skis, groceries, camping gear, tools, etc.
A large SUV can sometimes be difficult to maneuver through busy streets. Thankfully, the Atlas offers nine Driver Assistance features that can be added to your personal vehicle. A few of these features are Pedestrian Monitoring, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Front Assist. These features help you navigate past crosswalks, on two-lane roads, and in busy traffic. It’s great to see so many safety features in a family-size SUV.
For more information, check out The Atlas’ page on VW.com. Plus, check out the video below!
End of October Activities
The foliage is out and the weather has been amazing this fall. Along with apple picking, rocking a flannel, and carving the perfect pumpkin, there are plenty of other fall and Halloween related activities that await! Here are a few things to do in Vermont before October ends.
Nightmare Vermont-
Since 2004, Nightmare Vermont has been scaring guests who dare enter their haunted houses. This year you can get scared out of your boots at the Champlain Valley Expo in Essex Junction.
The haunting runs from October 21-22 and October 27-29. Tiptoe through the expo starting at 7pm on Thursdays and Fridays and 6pm on Saturdays.
Their Facebook page challenges you to, “Enter the maw of a desperate and haunted circus. Beware of clowns! Escape from monsters!”
Rocky Horror Picture Show-
While Fox may have just released their take on the horror comedy musical, there is nothing like seeing Rocky Horror live. Just look at the description (horror-comedy-musical). A three for one special! There’s singing, dancing, wild costumes, and fan interaction that you can only get at a live performance. What more could you ask for?
The Stowe Theatre Guild will be performing the musical sensation October 21-22 at 7:30pm in Stowe. Tim Curry is not included.
Mountain Biking-
One advantage of the weather being so nice this fall, is the extended mountain biking season. While some Octobers can make it too cold to grip the handle bars, this year has been great to get outdoors and on the trails. Check out Single Track’s list of the best mountain biking in Vermont.
Need a ride to the mountain with plenty of room to store your bike? It’s as if Volkswagen had Vermonters in mind with the new 2017 Golf Alltrack. With 4Motion all-wheel drive, the Alltrack is perfect for hitting the Vermont roads this fall.
Trivia-
Love trivia but hate those ridiculous categories like Theoretical Physics or the History of the Macedonian Empire? Waterworks has the solution for you! Every Tuesday at 7 pm, the Winooski restaurant runs a themed trivia night. That’s right, each week has its own theme making it easy to pick and choose which event to attend. Keeping with the spirit of Halloween, on October 25th the theme will be The Walking Dead. For all of you die hard zombie fans, this night is for you. For those who are not such big Rick Grimes supporters, the following week’s theme is entitled Everything’s Connected. Trivia at Waterworks is worth a try for the food alone. Their spicy pork and rapini flatbread is amazing, even if we’re still not sure what rapini is.
Vermont Filmmakers’ Showcase-
From animation, to fiction, to documentary works, Vermont’s growing film scene will be on full display this weekend. As technology continues to advance, and drop in price, it’s amazing to see what independent filmmakers can produce. Forget going to Los Angeles or NYC, here’s a chance to see what Vermont’s very own artists have made.
Check out the films October 21-22 at the Main Street Landing Black Box Theatre in Burlington. Oh and don’t forget, Skinny Pancake is right below the space!
Independence Day Festivities
Still trying to make plans for the holiday weekend? Don’t worry, the city of Burlington has you covered.
Fireworks begin at 9:30 pm, but food and activities kick off at 5 pm!
Entertainment includes:
@ Perkins Pier Root 7, 5 – 7 pm Mango Jam, 7:30 – 9:30 pm 98.9 WOKO, 99.9 The Buzz, KOOL 105, WJOY and WIZN, broadcasting, 5:30 – 9 pm
@Waterfront Park Sambatucada!, 7 – 8 pm Star 92.9, 101.3 ESPN and Planet 96.7, broadcasting 4 – 9 pm with “Inflatable Family Fun Park” and cash cube Price Chopper Bounce House, 4 – 9 pm Face painting and Henna, 5 – 9 pm
@Boathouse Kat Wright & The Indomitable Soul Band, 8 to 9:30pm and 10 – 11 pm Dan Marcotte Biplane Airshow, 8:30 – 8:45, in the sky over the harbor
@Battery Park Burlington Concert Band, 6 – 9 pm
@North Beach Eagle Country 97.5, broadcasting 5 – 9 pm Also, check out the Local 44 Fireworks Spectacular! live on July 3rd from 9 to 10 pm on WFFF/Local 44 DO NOT BRING: pet or sparklers. Souvenirs sold at Waterfront Park, Battery Park, Perkins Pier. Food vendors at Waterfront Park, Perkins Pier, Battery Park, and North Beach.
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