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Many of us consider our dogs to be part of our families. In fact, according to an American Pet Products Association survey, over one third of pet owners regularly bring their pets on overnight trips. If you’re among those who travel with your dog, or are thinking of bringing your dog with you when you hit the road this holiday, we’ve got 5 quick tips for bringing the family dog on the holiday road trip. more 1)      Make sure your dog’s tags are properly attached. Taking your dog on the road unfortunately means there will be more opportunities to get lost (rest stops, unfamiliar neighborhoods, etc). Be sure to include your cell phone number somewhere on those tags. It won’t do much good for someone to call back to your house if you’re just across the parking lot from them. 2)      Make frequent potty breaks. No matter how well adapted your dog is to your vehicle, the ASPCA recommends giving your dog ample opportunity to not only eliminate, but also to stretch out and move around. As a side note, some dogs only feel comfortable “going” at home. You may want to make a few practice trips to get your dog acclimated. 3)      Ask your vet about preventative flea/tick treatments. Since there is no way of knowing what the environment will be like at each and every stop along the trip, there is no reason to risk your dog picking up fleas, ticks, or anything else. 4)      Prep the seat. If your dog is not traveling in a carrier, you will need to make sure their seat is ready for travel. Some dogs will sit still and can be fastened into a doggie seat belt, others prefer to move around a bit. If your dog won’t be fastened in, make sure they won’t have the opportunity to step on (or fall over) any luggage. Also, you’ll want to make sure to bring a chew toy for them and keep anything else chewable out of their reach. Finally, you’ll want to lay down a potty pad in your dog’s seat. Even if your dog is perfectly house broken, the unfamiliar territory of a moving vehicle could trigger an accident. 5)      If you’re staying at a hotel, make sure they accept pets when making your reservation. Some hotels have a charge for pets, but a small fee up front beats not being able to get the room you reserved. Bonus tip: If you don’t know if your dog is a good travel companion, take a few test drives in the weeks leading up to your trip. This will help your dog get acclimated to riding with you, and can also let you know if boarding might be a better idea.

According to AAA, more than thirty percent of Americans travel fifty miles or more for the holidays. Over the past three years the percentage of those opting to drive instead of fly has nearly quadrupled. If you are among the road warriors this holiday season, your Volkswagen navigation system can help you make the most of the journey, instead of focusing on the destination. more How To Operate The Volkswagen Navigation System Your Volkswagen’s RNS 315 Navigation system is remarkably user friendly and maps out your route in four easy steps: Press the NAV hard key. Touch the flag icon on the screen. Begin entering your destination starting with the state, then city, street and number. Once you have entered this information, hit “ok”. Press the “start” soft key. The RNS 315 Navigation system will then automatically calculate the fastest route to your destination. If the fastest route is not your top priority, you can reset your navigation system to calculate the shortest or most economical route instead. It can also be done in four easy steps: Press the SETUP hard key. Select “route options” on the screen. Select “route criteria” on the screen. Choose between fastest, economic or shortest route. You should note that once you change the route criteria, it will remain your default setting until you change it again. The holiday season can sometimes be stressful; especially if there is a road trip involved. Any step that can help alleviate the stress and anxiety of the holidays is a welcomed addition to most.  For this holiday season, let the Volkswagen navigation system be your hero by taking away a stress or two. If you have any additional questions on the navigation systems inside of your Volkswagen, please contact our service department.

As the seasons change and the heat of summer gives way to cooler temperatures, it’s important to keep an eye on the pressure in your tires. It has been noted that air pressure in a tire typically goes down 1-2 pounds for every 10 degrees of temperature change. This drop in pressure can result in numerous hazards for you and your vehicle. Improper pressure can cause increased tire wear, which has a negative effect on the way the car handles, but also shortens the life of the tire. Driving with your pressure too low also causes more of the tire to be in contact with the road, which reduces gas mileage. It can also cause tires to flex more which can lead to tread separation, a blowout, or loss of control. more It is recommended that you continually monitor your tire pressure, especially during the times of the year that show the most drastic changes in temperature, and just using “the eye test” doesn’t get the job done. Checking the inflation levels once a month with a reliable gauge is a good start. Tire pressure can drop by 10 to 12 pounds before it becomes visible. The Volkswagen Tire Pressure Alert Your Volkswagen’s Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) will alert you if one or more of your tires are significantly underinflated. A “low tire pressure telltale” will light up in the instrument cluster display when this happens. The light will be accompanied by acoustic and text warnings if your vehicle has the multi-function indicator. Where Do I Find The Recommended Tire Pressure For A Volkswagen? When your tire pressure drops, you should re-inflate them to the recommended pressure. The recommended pressure for the tires originally installed on the vehicle is listed on a sticker on the driver door jamb. If you have changed the tires, the proper inflation can usually be found right on the tire. For more information on tire pressure, please contact our Volkswagen Service Department in Baton Rouge at 225-291-6000.

Daylight Saving Time came to an end last week.  If you are like most, one of the last lingering reminders of this time change is the incorrect time showing on the dash of your Volkswagen. Thanks to your user- friendly Volkswagen dealer in Baton Rouge, you don’t have to be the person who has to remember their clock is off by an hour for the next six months. Here is a quick tutorial on resetting your clock. more 1)      Find the menu/clock button on the instrument cluster (bottom left-hand corner). With the ignition on, push the button once to highlight the hour on the display. 2)      To advance the hour, use the 0.0/set button (bottom right hand corner). Pressing the button once advances it 1 hour. Holding the button down will move it forward until the correct hour comes up again. 3)      Push the menu/clock button again to highlight the minutes. If you need to change them, press and hold the 0.0/set button to fast forward until you get to the correct minute. 4)      Push the menu/clock button one more time to complete the procedure. You can also reset your clock by adjusting your settings in the MF5.  In fact, that is where you would go to adjust between a 12 or 24-hour clock. For more information, our volkswagen service department in Baton Rouge can be reached at 225-291-6000.

Have you ever gone into a store and been somewhat unsure of what you were going to buy?  Maybe it’s a shirt, a dress, something for your home; you are just waiting for something to speak to you.  Sometimes it could be the features listed on the outside of a box, maybe it’s the way a shirt is displayed on a mannequin or just the feel of the fabric on the hanger.  Shopping for a car is similar in a lot of ways.  At first you may just want to glance at the sticker, perusing the list of features, functions and statistics.  Now that you’re intrigued it’s time to sit in the driver’s seat.  Lastly, and most importantly, just as you would try on that dress before you bring it home, it’s time for a test drive.  Just as you would spin in front of the mirror in the dressing room, counting the reasons that justify your soon-to-be latest purchase; here are 5 reasons to buy a Volkswagen Passat in Baton Rouge. more 1.)    Great Mileage:  You can opt for the 1.8 T, which is a highly competitive 4-cylinder that boasts 28 mpg.  This engine offers the turbo charged German performance you’ve heard so much about with the efficiency of a Honda Accord.  The Passat TDI garners an EPA-estimated 43 miles per gallon.  Competing with many hybrid models, you don’t sacrifice the sophisticated German engineering these cars are known for. 2.)    Space:  Legroom, headroom and backseat space.  The VW Passat offers a sleek, stylish look without compromising comfort. 3.)    Safety: The Passat, like all Volkswagens, have a superior safety rating.  The Passat was awarded with the highest score from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety.  It also boasts a 5-star rating for frontal impact and side crash protection.  Throw in features like crash notification and one of the safest lines on the road is even safer. 4.)    Value:  While most German cars will put a serious dent in your wallet, Volkswagen offers the exhilaration, control and feel of a BMW, Mercedes or Audi for a fraction of the cost.  With an MSRP in the low 20’s, all of the technology and fine-tuning can be affordably yours. 5.)    Fun: The culture of Volkswagen is a strong one.  From sexy, stylish models that meet all tastes to quality craftsmanship, when you buy a Volkswagen, you join a lifestyle.  The Passat is no different with its sophisticated styling. Just like there are a variety of stores to choose from, and even more options inside, shopping for a car can make your head spin.  At Southpoint Volkswagen, the car buying experience is the way it should be, enjoyable.  These are only 5 reasons to buy a Passat, when you come and test drive one, you’ll come up with countless more that are all your own.  Come visit us at 13940 Airline Highway in Baton Rouge.  For more Passat information, click here.

Whether you’ve taken your last walk from Middleton Library to Lockett Hall or have finished studying at the Norman Mayer building; once you’ve been in A.W. Mumford Stadium as a student for the last time or taken a final walk through Friendship Circle with your backpack in tow, one thing is certain and that is there will be some big changes in store as you transition from student to proud alumnus.  Graduating college is an exciting time.  In addition to finding that perfect spot on your wall for your new degree, sending out resumes and going on job interviews, it may very well also be time for a new car.  Having a safe, reliable, efficient vehicle to get home from school, to a new job, to a new city to anywhere in your new life is often easier said than done however.  Well Baton Rouge’s Volkswagen dealer has just the car and just the program for you. more Designed to help new college graduates buy a new Volkswagen, the College Graduate Program will make your first monthly payment, up to $800, or if you decide to lease, will waive your security deposit.  Of course after spending your life up to this point as a student, no credit history, nor cosigner, is required (if you do have established credit, it must be in good standing). So how do you qualify for this great program? Graduate in the past 24 months, or within the next 6 months, from an accredited U.S. or       Canadian university. Have a full-time (permanent) job or commitment to hire from your future employer. Credit approval from Volkswagen Credit. When you come to pick out the Volkswagen perfect for you, be sure to bring: A copy of your degree or transcript, along with contact information for your college or university. Proof of income and fulltime employment, as well as contact information for your employer. Information for 2 personal references. So as you hang up your backpack and put the kickstand down on your bike, come find the German engineered, fuel-efficient, safe Volkswagen that can take you on the next journey in your life. Come visit Baton Rouge’s Volkswagen dealer, Southpoint Volkswagen, at 13940 Airline Hwy.  Or visit us online at https://www.southpointvw.com.  For more information, click here.

Buying a car is an exciting event.  At Baton Rouge’s Volkswagen dealership it really is an experience to be enjoyed. There is something to be said for the feeling you get when you first lay eyes on the car you’ve been looking for, and even more so when it’s in your favorite color.  While the exhilaration of sliding behind the wheel is immense, when you purchase a pre-owned car there can still be a little trepidation as to what you may be getting yourself into. Of course what caught your eye was the dazzling paint, freshly waxed and sparkling in the sun.  The interior is vacuumed and spotless.  You pop the hood and take a look at the clean purring engine and this certified preowned Volkswagen does more than drive like a dream, it looks like one too.  However, although everything passes the eyeball test, the components and elements that drive the car and their condition are more difficult to grasp.  This could be a cause a for concern if you weren’t purchasing a preowned vehicle that comes with JD Power and Associates’ best extended warranty. more When you drive off of the lot in your beautiful new (to you) car, you’ll not only have any remaining factory warranty to protect your vehicle, you’ll have an additional 2 years or 24,000 miles of protection beyond that.  The World Auto certified pre-owned program will cover any repairs  to your car, free of charge after a $50 deductible.  All certified preowned Volkswagens include this warranty. While the traditional maintenance and wear-and-tear items of the vehicle are not covered, the sophisticated engineering and state-of-the-art technology that German vehicles are famous for, is fully covered for the duration of the original factory warranty and an additional 24 months or 24,000 miles.  If the original manufacturer’s warranty expired before you purchased the vehicle, you’ll begin with World Auto’s 2 year/24k mile coverage.  You’ll also have access to having your repairs made by Volkswagen certified technicians with Volkswagen factory parts.  What about that tedious paperwork and redtape?  That’s all handled by Baton Rouge’s Volkswagen service department. So as you look for that new car, or “new to you” car, the combination of German engineering, fuel efficiency and safety from Volkswagen’s entire line is a great option.  Couple that with an extended warranty that takes the suspense and uncertainty of buying a preowned car and you get the savings of a used car with the peace of mind of a new one.  Come see us at Southpoint Volkswagen at 13940 Airline Hwy. in Baton Rouge, or click here to shop through our full certified preowned inventory.

Making a car purchase is a big decision. But, with so many options to choose from - like whether or not you should lease or buy - car shopping often gets a bad reputation as a stressful activity. However, it doesn't have to be a headache. Instead, it should be an exciting experience that's fun and engaging. At Southpoint Volkswagen our team is dedicated to making the car buying experience easy and enjoyable by providing our customers with car buying tips. more What You Need to Know About Buying A Car In Baton Rouge Perhaps the most notable benefit of buying a car rather than leasing it is that you’ll eventually own the vehicle.  Eventual ownership can be a huge plus, as it means you’re free from making future car payments, have the right to sell the vehicle at will, and can make any changes to the vehicle desired. Another benefit of buying is that you’ll never have to worry about any minor damages that occur to the car, other than just the basic costs to clean/repair. Of course, you can also drive as much as you want without any penalties. Another consideration is the amount of money available as a down payment.  If you are a buyer who prefers to reduce monthly obligations with up-front money or a down payment (cash on hand to use toward vehicle purchase) then you might choose to purchase rather than lease. One of the main reasons car shoppers in Baton Rouge choose to buy rather than lease is the number of miles they drive in a typical year.  If you are a driver who drives more than 15,000 miles a year and enjoys owning a car, buying is probably the choice for you. Facts about Leasing A Car In Baton Rouge Unlike buying, which often requires high monthly payments and typically insists on a down payment, leasing usually doesn’t warrant either. As such, the most obvious advantage to leasing a vehicle is that the upfront costs are less – no down payment and smaller monthly payments. In addition to the costs, another benefit of leasing is that you never have to worry about driving an old car, which is a big plus for those who want to trade in an older model for a newer one every few years. Also because of the term of the lease usually falls in line with the car’s warranty most maintenance and repairs are done at little to no cost. If you own a company or receive a monthly car allowance there might be some additional tax benefits to leasing.  Check with your tax advisor. Lastly, if you decide to lease you are not necessarily giving up on vehicle ownership.  There is always the option to purchase the vehicle at the end of the lease term. The Takeaway: Which is better There is no right answer to this question.  The decision whether to purchase or lease is a personal one.  As you can see there are benefits to both options and our goal is to provide our customers with the best option for their situation. When it’s time for your next vehicle, our award winning Volkswagen dealership in Baton Rouge is ready and able to guide you in the right direction. Whether you are buying or leasing, our Volkswagen team is here to provide you with quality vehicles, low prices, and an individual car buying experience.