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Planning Out Road Trips in Your Brand-New VW Electric Car Gas prices are absolutely insane these days. In fact, some people are reporting that it's costing them more than $100 to fill up their tanks. For those who are trying to plan a vacation or family road trip, there's never been a better time to consider switching over to an electric vehicle. And if you're going to make the switch, then you might as well switch to the best electric vehicle on the market. We’re referring, of course, to the Volkswagen ID.4 for sale, which was named the 2021 World Car of the Year award winner. It was also recently voted one of the 2021 Wards 10 Best User Experiences. Drivers and reviewers can't get enough of this VW electric car. It has a future forward design, an amazing feature package, and plenty of space and cargo room for those big trips you want to take this summer. However, this begs one very important question all folks have when discussing an electric vehicle: "How far can the ID.4 actually go?” The VW ID.4 Pro Edition can drive up to 280 miles on a single charge, which should be more than enough mileage to get you through the work week. The other great thing about having an EV these days is that DC fast charging stations (provides 70 miles in about 10 minutes) are located all over Lee’s Summit and the greater Kansas City area. In fact, you should have no issue planning your next EV road trip because these chargers are located all over the country. To show you how easy road-tripping in the VW ID.4 can be, we’ll provide a few examples of trips you can take that start out in Lee’s Summit. For the sake of keeping your charging stops short, we’ll recommend places that have DC fast charging stations. #1 – Denver, COM You know how summer weather can be in the KC area. Those hot and humid days can be so oppressive you don’t want to go outside. Denver, on the other hand, has incredibly mild summer weather that makes being outdoors fun for you and the family. If you’re looking for cooler climates and mountain views, Denver lies approximately 618 miles due west from Lee’s Summit. Since you’ll be taking I-70 most of the way, you can find DC fast chargers in Topeka, Salina, Hays, Colby, Goodland, and Flagler just to give you a few options. If you leave with a fully charged battery, you should only need to hit a couple charging stations along the way to make the entire trip. #2 – St. Louis, MO Perhaps you’d like to check out what’s going on in Missouri’s other major city on the opposite side of the state. You can finally see if St. Louis BBQ and pizza really live up to the hype. Clocking in at approximately 244 miles, you could conceivably make this trip on a single charge if you leave with a full battery and aren’t carrying a lot of cargo. However, Columbia is a great place to stop if you need to hook up to a DC fast charger. #3 – Lake of the Ozarks There’s nothing better than a summer trip out to the lake, and you should easily be able to make this trip in your VW electric car on a single charge. The Lake of the Ozarks is a mere 129 miles away from Lee’s Summit. There are no DC fast chargers on the way to the Ozarks; however, there are two of them in Osage Beach. If you’re in a pinch, you should be able to find level 2 chargers all along your route. It's Time You Stepped into a VW Electric Car at Volkswagen Lee’s Summit Now that you know more about the Volkswagen ID.4 for sale and what to expect on road trips, the next step is for you to test drive one for yourself so you can see how it handles. As the winner of the World Car of the Year Award, you should expect an amazing driving experience. To test drive the VW ID.4, swing by the VW Lee’s Summit dealership at 2225 NE Independence Ave. You can also contact us at (816) 841-7252 or email us using the contact form on our website to make an appointment. Once you drive this gorgeous electric vehicle, you’ll want one for yourself. Custom-building and reserving an ID.4 EV is easier than ever. Simply visit our website and click Build and Reserve your ID.4. Once your car is ready, Volkswagen Lee’s Summit will contact you to complete the final paperwork. If you’re not ready to go electric yet, we have plenty of new cars and SUVs that run on traditional gasoline. We are also one of the few used car dealerships near you in the Lee’s Summit area that carries both used and certified pre-owned VW vehicles that have undergone a 100+ inspection. No matter what your budget or family dynamic is, the team at VW Lee’s Summit will find the perfect Volkswagen for you!

VW Vehicles that Scored Big and How to Test Drive Them at Your Local Volkswagen Dealer It’s a great feeling knowing that your vehicles are winning over the hearts and minds of drivers and reviewers. As your trusted local Volkswagen dealer here in Lee’s Summit, we always strive to show every customer the VW vehicle that’s the perfect fit for their budget, driving style, and family dynamic. However, nothing is a bigger draw than a VW vehicle that’s been deemed a top performer by a major publication. We love good press, and it turns out that no less than six VW vehicles made the Car and Driver Editors’ Choice List for 2022. The next time you’re searching for a Volkswagen near you, keep a look-out for any of the following vehicles. #1 – The Volkswagen Golf R (Sport Compact Car category) The praise from critics: They loved how the VW Golf R handles and remarked on its snappy performance. They also liked the overall practicality and understated look, calling it the “hot hatch for mature driving enthusiasts.” A note from your Volkswagen dealer: No doubt about it, the VW Golf R is an incredibly zippy car that hits all the right notes from a performance standpoint. The 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission with R-performance torque vectoring 4MOTION all-wheel-drive promises an exhilarating driving experience. Golf R drivers will have 295 lb-ft. of torque and 315 horsepower at their beck and call. #2 – Volkswagen Golf GTI (Sport Compact Car category) The praise from critics: Reviewers were impressed at how this newest iteration (the Mk8) of the Golf GTI somehow managed to improve on the previous one. It’s quicker and lighter than the Mk7 and yet somehow manages to remain practical. A note from your Volkswagen dealer: It’s easy to get the Golf R and the Golf GTI confused. After all, they’re both speedy hatchbacks. The Golf R provides more by way of performance, but the Golf GTI is no slouch in that department with its 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft. of torque. People also love the fact they can get this speedy whip for a starting MSRP of under $30k. #3 – Volkswagen Jetta GLI (Sport Compact Car category) The praise from critics: Reviewers loved the upscale feature package included with the Jetta GLI and remarked on its unexpected practicality and fun driving style. Additionally, they said it would be difficult to find a sedan that’s more fun to drive. A note from your Volkswagen dealer: We totally agree with the reviewers on this one. The Jetta GLI is super fun to drive. Trust us – we’ve been around the block in it a time or two. The 2.0L Turbo engine and 228 horsepower with 258 lb-ft. of torque provides a race car experience in the body of a sedan. With a starting MSRP of $31,295, this vehicle is a steal. #4 – Volkswagen ID.4 (Electric SUV category) The praise from critics: They loved how the ID.4 packs plenty of storage and space despite it being a subcompact SUV. They also praised its smooth driving, ease of use, and fantastic single charge driving range. A note from your Volkswagen dealer: We mention this often, but we’ll mention it again – we don’t think our first foray in the EV market could have gone any better. Once the VW ID.4 won the 2021 World Car of the Year Award, we knew it would be a certified hit. It’s the perfect vehicle for any family that has been thinking about switching over to electric but hasn’t pulled the trigger yet. The Pro Edition provides 280 miles on a single charge, so you can count on it to get you to where you need to go throughout the workweek. #5 – Volkswagen Tiguan (Compact SUV category) The praise from critics: No surprises here. The reviewers loved the massive amount of cabin space, which is nearly 74 cubic ft. with the rear seats folded down. They also praised the sporty handling, slick design, and refined driving experience this SUV offers. A note from your Volkswagen dealer: People love the Tiguan because it offers all the classic hallmarks of a high-performance SUV with plenty of upscale features and design elements that only VW can offer. It’s the perfect vehicle for those with a large family dynamic who need tons of space for weekend getaways and road trips. #6 – Volkswagen Taos (Subcompact SUV category) The praise from critics: Although the Taos is the smallest of the VW SUV lineup, it made a big impression with reviewers. They remarked on the huge backseat and ample cargo room the Taos gives drivers. The fuel economy the Taos offers (28 city/36 highway) was also a huge plus. A note from your Volkswagen dealer: The cool thing about the Taos is that it’s the SUV for the person that doesn’t need all the bulk and curb weight. Granted, it’s got an SUV body, but its scaled-down size allows it to handle with a fair amount of agility on the road like a sedan. Another big perk is the cost of ownership. The Taos has a starting MSRP of just $23,495, making this our least expensive SUV of the pack. Visit Your Local Volkswagen Dealer in Lee’s Summit Today! Now that you know which VW vehicles are scoring big with reviewers, the next step is for you to test drive some of these for yourself. No need to Google “Volkswagen near me.” You can come down to VW Lee’s Summit straightaway at 2225 NE Independence Ave. Not yet in the market for a new car? No problem! VW Lee’s Summit is the leading used car dealership near you that carries a wide variety of used cars and certified pre-owned vehicles that have undergone a 100+ point inspection. We also run plenty of great deals on VW products and services in our specials section. Contact us at (816) 841-7252 or email us using the contact form on our website to get in touch with our team. If you’re a current VW owner in need of routine maintenance or service, you can contact the Volkswagen service center to make an appointment.

All the Highlights You Need to Know About This Sporty Hatchback at Your Local Volkswagen Dealer For the Volkswagen stable of vehicles, 2022 has been a stellar year so far. We're not even halfway through yet, and Volkswagen vehicles are appearing on several editors’ choice and “best-of” lists. In fact, the all-electric SUV the VW ID.4 was named the 2021 winner of the World Car of the Year Award, besting every electric and non-electric vehicle on the market. So, it’s with great pleasure that we get to chalk up another win for one of our exciting hatchbacks – the 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI. It was recently named one of Autotrader’s Best New Cars for 2022. Here’s a rundown of why drivers and reviewers alike are loving this newest iteration of the VW Golf GTI. Volkswagen Golf GTI – As Speedy and Slick as Ever In the automotive industry, there are few designations that are more iconic than the letters “ GTI.” If you’re not familiar with that bit of nomenclature, it stands for grand touring injection, which means the vehicle in question uses a direct fuel injection system. So, what’s that mean in layman’s terms? It means that you’re getting more power under the hood, greater ability to accelerate, and amazing top speed capability. Quite simply, GTI means you’re going to go fast. Really fast. The long line of VW Golf GTI cars has always had the street cred of being exceptional, and this newest iteration – the Mk8 – more than lives up to its predecessors. It comes equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection TSI® engine – the most powerful of any Golf GTI yet – that yields 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. It can either be paired with a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG dual clutch automatic transmission. Either way, you’re getting a ton of power under the hood. The 2022 VW Golf GTI comes in three amazing trim levels, starting with the baseline trim at a super affordable starting MSRP of $29,880. For those wanting a little more out of their GTI, you can go with the mid-level SE trim for $36,630. But why not just go all out with the ultimate experience? For the MSRP of $38,330, you can drive the most elevated and advanced version of the VW Golf GTI in the Autobahn trim. The Most Features Ever Packed into a VW Golf GTI So, you already know that the Volkswagen Golf GTI is one of the speediest and most powerful VW vehicles that we've ever offered, but how does it do in the features department? Are you and your riders going to be entertained? More importantly, are you going to feel safe and secure? Not only does this latest iteration of the Golf GTI pack plenty in the infotainment department, but VW engineers went the extra mile when it came to outfitting it with every modern safety feature imaginable. The Autobahn trim comes with an expansive Discover Pro touchscreen navigation system with 10" display, heads-up display, Digital Cockpit Pro, and one of the most kickin’ sound systems ever installed in a VW. This is a vehicle that was built to thrill. Additionally, the VW Golf GTI comes with DCC® adaptive chassis control with Driving Mode Selection. You’re going to feel more nimble and agile than ever before, no matter what hairpin turn or sharp curve gets thrown in front of you. And although it’s not here yet, the dog days of summer aren’t that far off here in Lee’s Summit. However, the VW Golf GTI is more than ready with Climatronic® three-zone automatic climate control with Air Care and ventilated front seats (perfect for those 90-degree days). This is the perfect thing to have if you’ve been in the hot sun all day at a Royals game this summer. Intelligent Driving and Remote Command Features on the 2022 VW Golf GTI Drivers of the 2022 VW Golf GTI can look forward to the IQ.DRIVE system. Think of IQ.DRIVE as your extra set of eyes out there on the road watching your perimeter for potential hazards. The IQ.DRIVE feature package includes: Travel Assist Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Active Blind Spot Monitor Rear Traffic Alert Front Assist Emergency Assist (automatic transmission only) Lane Assist Coming in hot with a little extra convenience is myVW, which allows drivers to issue remote commands and check service messages on their VW Golf GTI with the touch of a button. This new offering replaces the former Car-Net app. Top features included with myVW include: Routine maintenance and service reminders Request for roadside assistance Remote locking and unlocking Vehicle alerts Last parked location (great for stadiums, theme parks, and big parking lots) Standard On All Trims of the 2022 VW Golf GTI – Carefree Coverage The purchase of any late model VW (2021 or 2022 model years) means that your vehicle will be protected under Carefree Coverage. This warranty covers many of the routine maintenance services that your vehicle requires at no additional charge. The coverage breaks down as follows: 2 yrs. Service - Scheduled Carefree Maintenance (2 years or 20,000 miles) 3 yrs. Help - Roadside Assistance (3 years or 36,000 miles) 4 yrs. Coverage - New Vehicle Limited Warranty (4 years or 50,000 miles) 5 yrs. Access - myVW Remote Access When you visit the Volkswagen service center, Carefree Coverage will appear in your records, making the process of getting service simple and easy. The Volkswagen Golf GTI is Here and Ready to Test Drive at VW Lee’s Summit The speed, raw power, advanced feature package, and slick design are just a few of the reasons why the Volkswagen Golf GTI is riding high on so many editors’ choice lists. However, there’s only one surefire way to know for sure if it lives up to the hype: taking a test drive for yourself. Fortunately, you won't have to look far to find a Volkswagen dealer near you that carries the brand-new VW Golf GTI. We have them right here on the lot at VW Lee’s Summit, conveniently located at 2225 NE Independence Ave in Lee’s Summit. Contact us directly by phone at (816) 841-7252 or email us using the contact form on our website to schedule an appointment. Looking to spend a little less on a Volkswagen? As one of the leading used car dealerships near you in the Lee’s Summit area, we carry a variety of used cars and certified pre-owned vehicles that have undergone a 100+ point inspection. Additionally, we are always running great deals on VW products and services in our specials section and in our VW service center.

How to Find and Compare VW SUVs at Your Volkswagen Dealer in Lee’s Summit You know what the problem is with this SUV shopping these days? There's almost too much choice. When you consider how every major automobile brand offers at least five or six SUVs in their lineup, you can see how weighing your options can become a time-consuming affair. The issues of fuel economy, storage, power, and safety and convenience features can make SUV shopping feel like a research project. But at VW Lee’s Summit, we like to keep things nice and simple. That's why our Volkswagen dealer has taken the time to put together a brief overview of each SUV in our lineup. The next time you look for a Volkswagen near you, you'll have a much better idea of what's going to be a good fit for you and your family. 2021 VW ID.4 – The Game-Changing All-Electric SUV You probably weren't expecting us to lead off our list of top VW SUVs with an electric offering, but trust us when we say that the Volkswagen ID.4 has earned the top spot. It was the 2021 winner of the World Car of the Year Award and has been wowing reviewers and drivers alike since its release. The VW ID.4 gets up to 280 miles on a single charge, features a future-forward design aesthetic, and has one of the best starting MSRPs of any electric SUV in its class. As expected, the Volkswagen ID.4 has been one of our top sellers. The best way to arrange a test drive is by building and reserving one with your local Volkswagen dealer. Going through this process ensures you get to test drive the ID.4 in the specific trim level that you want. 2021 VW ID.4 at-a-glance specs Starting MSRP: $41,230 (as low as $33,260 after potential federal tax credit) Engine/Powertrain: All-electric powertrain featuring 82-kWh battery pack Horsepower: 201 Torque: 229 lb-ft. Driving range: Up to 280 miles on a single charge Max towing capacity: up to 2,700 lbs. Seating capacity: 5 Max cargo space: 64.2 cubic ft. 2022 VW Tiguan – The Mid-Size Sporty SUV Some SUVs are too big, and some SUVs are too compact. However, the VW Tiguan has a bit of a Goldilocks effect with many drivers out there. The midsize build, great fuel economy, and moderate sticker price feels just right to those trying to get an SUV on a budget. Although it may not have the power and storage of some of our other SUV offerings, the Tiguan has long been viewed as “the happy medium” by many satisfied VW customers. Visit our Lee’s Summit Volkswagen dealership to test drive a new Tiguan. 2022 VW Tiguan at-a-glance specs Starting MSRP: $26,490 Engine/Powertrain: 2.0L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder Horsepower: 184 Torque: 221 lb-ft. Fuel economy: 23 city/30 highway Max towing capacity: 1,500 lbs. Seating capacity: 5 or 7 Max cargo space: 73.4 cubic ft. 2022 VW Taos – The Most Affordable VW SUV For the price-conscious SUV-buyer out there, look no further than the Volkswagen Taos. This relative newcomer to our lineup is small but has been making big waves ever since its release. Reviewers have been raving about its spacious interior (for a compact SUV), amazing fuel economy, nimble handling, and low sticker price. Test drive the VW Taos in Lee’s Summit today. 2022 VW Taos at-a-glance specs Starting MSRP: $23,495 Engine/Powertrain: 1.5L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder Horsepower: 158 Torque: 184 lb-ft. Fuel economy: 28 city/36 highway Max towing capacity: not yet announced Seating capacity: 5 Max cargo space: 65.9 cubic ft. 2022 VW Atlas – The Biggest VW SUV of the Bunch You want to go big, right? Then the Volkswagen Atlas has you covered on all fronts. With a maximum cargo space of nearly 97 cubic feet, it provides more than enough room to pack in all your groceries, luggage, camping equipment, golf clubs, and then some. It also can seat up to seven people, which makes this the perfect SUV for larger families or a pack of pets. Carrying all that weight means you’re going to need more power under the hood, which is why the VW Atlas comes with a 2.0L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder or 3.6L V6 engine. Test drive an Atlas at our Lee’s Summit Volkswagen dealership. 2022 VW Atlas at-a-glance-specs Starting MSRP: $34,335 Engine/Powertrain: 2.0L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder or 3.6L V6 Horsepower: up to 276 Torque: up to 266 ft-lb. Fuel economy: 21 city/25 highway Max towing capacity: up to 5,000 lbs. Seating capacity: 7 Max cargo space: 96.8 cubic ft. 2022 VW Atlas Cross Sport – The Atlas, But Smaller and Sportier Some people who test drive the VW Atlas feel like it's a little bit too much SUV for their needs, which is exactly why we're excited to be able to offer a slightly scaled down version in the VW Atlas Cross Sport. The crossover version offers less in cargo space and comes at a lower sticker price. However, the torque and horsepower metrics are the exact same as the standard Atlas. All that power with less curb weight makes for a more exciting driving experience. Schedule a test drive at our Volkswagen dealership near you. 2022 VW Atlas Cross Sport at-a-glance-specs Starting MSRP: $33,635 Engine/Powertrain: 2.0L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder or 3.6L V6 Horsepower: up to 276 Torque: up to 266 ft-lb. Fuel economy: 21 city/25 highway Max towing capacity: up to 5,000 lbs. Seating capacity: 5 Max cargo space: 77.8 cubic ft. Ready to Test Drive a VW SUV? Visit Your Local Volkswagen Dealer at VW Lee’s Summit! Now that you know more about the VW ID.4, the VW Atlas, and our other offerings in the SUV category – now comes the fun part – test driving. To get behind the wheel of any of these VW SUVs, all you need to do is pay a visit to your local Volkswagen dealer at VW Lee’s Summit. We're conveniently located at 2225 NE Independence Ave in Lee’s Summit. Contact us directly by phone at (816) 841-7252, or email us using the contact form on our website to schedule an appointment. We’re happy to answer your questions about these amazing SUVs. Not in the market for a brand-new car? VW Lee’s Summit has you covered there, too! As one of the leading used car dealerships near you in the Lee’s Summit area, we carry a variety of used cars and certified pre-owned vehicles that have undergone a 100+ point inspection. And we’re always running great specials on VW products and services in our specials section. Are you a current VW owner in need of routine maintenance or service? Check in with the VW service center to make an appointment. VW Lee’s Summit has everything you need in one convenient location.

How to Kill the Clock When Charging Your VW Electric Car To even consider switching over to a VW electric car is a huge step in the right direction. If you haven’t already heard, the Volkswagen ID.4 for sale was the winner of the 2021 World Car of the Year Award. Drivers and reviewers alike love its future-forward design, comprehensive feature package, and its power and handling. Getting a VW electric car shouldn’t mean compromising the driving experience. In fact, it should elevate it. One of the big things that drivers love about the VW ID.4 is never having to pay for gas ever again. Considering that gasoline costs over $4 per gallon in certain parts of the country, there's never been a better time to go electric. All that money you've been spending at the pump can go right back into your budget. However, there is one challenge for consumers when it comes to switching over to an electric vehicle. We're talking, of course, about charging. Since you will no longer be able to gas up at the pump, that means you’ll have to make a slight adjustment in your routine to maintain good battery health. Before we delve into that, let's talk a little bit more about the battery of the VW ID.4 and the different charging station types. VW Electric Car Battery Info and Charging Station Types Just like anything that runs on a battery, the Volkswagen electric car for sale will need to be recharged from time to time. The VW ID.4 uses an all-electric powertrain featuring 82-kWh battery pack, which makes it one of the more powerful batteries in the EV market. You will be able to drive up to 260 miles on a single charge. If all you’re doing is commuting and running errands in the Lee’s Summit area, you should have more than enough battery life to get you through the work week. However, you’ll need to charge up eventually, so it’s best to get familiar with your charging station options now. With a 9.6kW charger, you’ll be able to get about 10 – 15 miles after a 30-minute charge. The more powerful 25kW charger will provide 30 – 50 miles after a 30-minute charge. Finally, with a DC Fast Charger, you’ll get about 180 miles after a 30-minute charge. As you can see, no matter which charging station type that you select it will require some waiting on your part. But why wait when you can multitask? The following are the top ways that you can kill the clock while you wait for your VW electric car to charge. #1 – Watch an Episode of TV Chances are you have at least one streaming service subscription. If you happen to be at a charging station with not much to do around you, fire up your Netflix account and take in a show. By the time the credits roll, you should have more than enough battery to get back on the road. #2 – Go to an Appointment We've all got appointments that we need to attend every now and again. Maybe you need to get a dental cleaning or get your yearly eye exam at the optometrist. Whatever the case may be, try to use it as an excuse to recharge your battery. Many offices and strip malls feature at least a couple charging stations on their lot. #3 – Charge Up While Getting Fit If you're following your doctor's orders, then you're getting at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day. That could be going on a jog, attending a spin class, or doing some weightlifting. If you happen to have a gym membership, then you may have noticed that they have charging stations in their parking lot. Use your workout as an excuse to replenish your VW electric car’s battery health. #4 – Grocery Shopping Every family needs groceries, and grocery stores happen to be one of the most popular locations to install charging stations (see also: Target and Walmart). The next time that you hit the store to stock up on food, hook up your VW ID.4 to the charging station. There's nothing better than knowing you have a full fridge and a full battery. #5 – Get Some R & R Enjoying some “me” time is critical in a high stress world. The next time that you get a massage, do some shopping at the mall, or enjoy a coffee and a good book at a café, take it as an opportunity to charge up your battery. Need help finding a charging station near you? Check out the PlugInAmerica.org site for a real-time map of charging station locations. Ready to Test Drive Our Award-Winning VW Electric Car? Visit VW Lee’s Summit! Now that you know how to manage the clock when charging your VW electric car, the next step is for you to test drive one for yourself. Our Volkswagen electric car for sale has been consistently wowing reviewers and drivers ever since it hit the market, so there's never been a better time to switch over to an EV. Stop by VW Lee’s Summit to test drive the Volkswagen ID.4 EV, or custom-build and order your very own ID.4 right from our website.We’re conveniently located at 2225 NE Independence Ave. Plenty of Vehicles Beyond EV If you’re looking for a new car that runs on gas, VW Lee’s Summit carries a wide variety of sedans, compacts, and SUVs. Additionally, if you're looking for a used car dealership near you, we carry a large selection of used cars along with certified pre-owned vehicles that have undergone a 100+ point inspection. Don't forget to check out our specials for more great deals on VW products and services. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have or to schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping you find the perfect VW for you.

And How to Find the Best Vehicles at Your Local Volkswagen Dealer So, you're planning out your first big road trip of the year. The great thing about being centrally located here in Lee's Summit is that you can travel in virtually any direction and find excitement and adventure. You could travel down to the Florida panhandle for some family time at the beach or head to the Pacific Northwest for some of the most amazing mountain views in the entire country. A cross-country road trip is just as much about the journey as it is about the destination. However, a long journey requires some big-time preparation. When you are hundreds of miles away from home, the last thing you want is to realize that you’ve forgotten something important. To ensure that your journey is as pleasant as possible, here is a checklist of essential road trip items broken down by category. The Absolute Must-Haves (For Legal Reasons) Going on a road trip means that you're going to be driving through a lot of different states and their highway patrol officers. The last thing that you want is to get pulled over and not have the proper documentation in order. Dealing with out-of-state tickets is a pain in the neck. Before you hit the road, make sure you have your: Driver’s license Vehicle registration Proof of insurance Handy Things to Have in Case of Car Trouble Experienced road-trippers know that you need to be prepared for anything when it comes to long distance travel. One rogue nail or a faulty car battery can bring your road trip to a screeching halt, so it’s best to think ahead. The following items and services should help you get through any problems you may have with your car. Roadside assistance (included with VW Carefree Coverage) or AAA card Emergency roadside assistance kit Extra car key Car manual Spare tire Jumper cables Tire pressure gauge Flashlight or headlamp Duct tape Ice scraper (for winter traveling) Things to Make the Ride More Comfortable Going on a road trip means you’ll be in the car for hours on end, which can be tough if you have trouble sitting still or don’t like confined spaces. Your passengers – kids especially – will need certain things to make the ride comfortable and enjoyable. Here are some items that make being on the road easier: Travel pillows and blankets Cozy breathable clothing Sunshades for windows Eye mask or sunglasses (for daytime napping) Refillable water bottles Variety of snacks and drinks Baby wipes to keep hands clean A great soundtrack or audiobook Any applicable travel toiletries or medications Key Stops Along the Way Although you’re going to be in the car most of the time, there will be some key stops along the way that you'll need to make. Your family will still need to eat, sleep, take bathroom breaks, and do things that get your legs moving. Here is a list of key stops to think about as you plan your route: Restaurants/eateries Hotels/AirBnBs Rest stops Local parks and sightseeing (great for walking and breaking up travel) Additionally, if you drive an electric vehicle, you will need to stop from time to time to charge up your battery. You can see a real-time map of all the charging stations in the country by visiting PlugInAmerica.org Looking for a Volkswagen Near You to Test Drive? Visit Your Local Volkswagen Dealer! If you are looking for the perfect road trip vehicle, VW Lee’s Summit has plenty of options that will fit any family dynamic, storage capacity needs, and driving style. We carry a wide variety of sedans, compacts, and SUVs that are packed with the most advanced safety and convenience features. Looking for an SUV with plenty of storage, seating, and power? The VW Atlas can set up to seven people and offers nearly 97 cubic ft. of storage. What about a car that offers fantastic fuel economy? The VW Jetta gets 31 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway. The great thing about shopping for vehicles with VW Lee’s Summit is we find out what’s important to you and then use that info to find the perfect VW that suits your lifestyle. Finding a Used Volkswagen Near You There are plenty of used car dealerships near you in the Lee’s Summit area, but only VW Lee’s Summit can offer the great deals we have on used VW vehicles as well as a large selection of certified pre-owned vehicles that have undergone a 100+ point inspection. Additionally, we’re always running amazing deals on VW products and services in our specials section. To get behind the wheel of a Volkswagen, simply visit VW Lee’s Summit which is conveniently located at 2225 NE Independence Ave. You can request a test drive, estimate payments, get pre-approved, or get an instant cash offer for your trade! To reach us via email you can use the contact form on our website. For routine maintenance and repairs, you may contact the Volkswagen service center which is located at our dealership.

How Our Volkswagen Service Center Keeps Your VW Running Now that snow is no longer in the forecast and we're consistently getting warmer days, it's safe to say that the worst of winter is officially behind us. With spring well underway, we can officially put those heavy coats and jackets in storage until the holiday season later this year. We can also look forward to another season of Royals baseball and more outdoor gatherings. Warmer weather also means taking care of some spring housekeeping items, with both your home and your vehicle. The same way that you winterize your car, you also need to prepare it for the spring and summer. The following are the top items that you should get taken care of at your local Volkswagen service center. Tire Maintenance As you probably already know, large drops in temperature cause the PSI levels in your tires to drop. Most people end up paying at least a couple visits to the local air machine just to keep their tires in check. Now that spring is here, it's a great time to give those tires a fresh look to ensure that they will make it through the spring and summer. Not only should you check to make sure that the air pressure levels are good in each tire, but you should also check the tread as well. Of course, you can use the old Lincoln’s head on the penny trick to give you a general idea of how much tread you have left. However, our recommendation is that you bring in your vehicle to the Volkswagen service center to get your tires inspected by a professional. If it's been a while since you've had them rotated, we recommend getting that service done as well. A Spring Deep Clean Winter weather here in Lee's Summit means that there's more sand, salt, and slush on the ground than normal. Since these elements are destructive to the car, it's critical that you keep the exterior clean to decrease the chances of erosion. Additionally, you'll want to make sure that you're keeping up with interior maintenance as well. Salt and dirty snow can do nasty things to your car's interior. Our recommendation? Get your VW vehicle professionally detailed. This will remove the salt and grime that you encountered over the winter and give your vehicle a showroom finish. Detailing is also a great service for those who have messy kids who tend to spill food and drinks. A/C Check If you haven't done it yet, chances are that you're going to be turning on your air conditioning sooner rather than later. Spring is the perfect time to get your A/C checked out to make sure that everything is in good working order and get your freon levels topped off. Trust us, you don't want to wait until one of those 90-degree high humidity days only to find out that your air conditioning unit can't keep up. Check Your Battery Nothing is harder on a car's battery than winter. When the temperatures drop to freezing levels, that means that your battery is having to work extra hard to ensure that your vehicle can perform normally. Now that warmer weather is back, it's a good time to get your car battery checked out to verify it’s in good condition. If your battery is faulty or reaching the end of its lifespan, you can always get a new one installed at the Volkswagen service center. Do You Have a New VW? Don’t Forget, You Have Carefree Coverage! Just a friendly reminder, if you own a 2021 or 2022 VW vehicle, then that means you are under the Carefree Coverage warranty plan. It covers many of the routine maintenance services that your vehicle requires at no additional charge. The coverage breaks down as follows: 2 yrs. Service - Scheduled Carefree Maintenance (2 years or 20,000 miles) 3 yrs. Help - Roadside Assistance (3 years or 36,000 miles) 4 yrs. Coverage - New Vehicle Limited Warranty (4 years or 50,000 miles) 5 yrs. Access - Car-Net Remote Access When you visit the VW service center, your Carefree Coverage will appear in our records making the process simple and easy. Schedule Your Spring Maintenance Service Today at VW Lee’s Summit Scheduling service for your VW vehicle is easy. Simply visit the schedule service section of our website and provide a few key pieces of information to book your appointment. The Volkswagen service center is conveniently located at the VW Lee’s Summit dealership at 2225 NE Independence Ave. Not Yet a VW Owner? We Have Plenty of New and Used VW Vehicles to Show You! If you've been looking for a Volkswagen near you, then look no further than the VW Lee’s Summit dealership. We carry plenty of late model SUVs and sedans that are sure to fit any family dynamic and budget. In case we don’t have the vehicle you want in stock, we offer an easy pre-order process so you can put your name on the car of your dreams before anybody else even sees it! If you're not in the market for a new car, perhaps we can interest you in a used car instead. As one of the leading used car dealerships near you, we carry a wide variety of used cars in addition to several certified pre-owned vehicles that have undergone a 100+ point inspection. Additionally, we’re always running great deals on VW products and services in our specials section. Feel free to use our contact form to set up an appointment for a test drive or vehicle consultation.

What to Expect With the Brand-New Volkswagen ID.4 for Sale Here’s the deal with electric cars…they not only need to be good, they need to be so good that it convinces consumers they are the superior option to gas-powered vehicles. EV isn’t just a change in vehicle, it’s a change in automobile culture. With our brand-new Volkswagen ID.4 for sale, we didn’t just want to release a run-of-the-mill VW electric car simply to get into the space. We wanted to provide people with the best option possible, a true game-changer that would warrant them switching. We’re pleased to say that the people have spoken. The VW ID.4 was the winner of the 2021 World Car of the Year Award. Additionally, its pre-order numbers are so high that we can barely keep them on the lot. There are a few reasons for the massive popularity with this VW electric car. The 260-mile single-charge driving range ensures ID.4 owners aren’t inconvenienced by constant charging. Additionally, it’s one of the most powerful SUVs on the market with 285 horsepower. And, of course, it provides plenty of storage for cross country traveling and grocery trips with a max of 64.2 cubic ft. One of the other main things that drivers and reviewers can agree on with the ID.4 is that it has some of the most future-forward features ever installed into an SUV. Let’s get to know a little bit more about them with a top five list. #1 – ID.Light Voice-activated features like Amazon’s Alexa and Siri on the iPhone have totally changed the way that we shop, check the weather, and ask for information. The ID.Light – a standard feature on the VW ID.4 – continues that trend. This voice-activated feature allows you to issue simple commands to the vehicle so you can keep your hands on the wheel. You can ask it to cool down the interior temp, dim down the lights, or even have it tell you a joke. Think of the ID.Light as your personal assistant and trusty co-pilot. #2 – Intuitive Start Technology can now predict what we want based on our behavior, actions, and verbal cues. Intuitive start optimizes and simplifies the way that you interact with your vehicle. It works like this: once you sit down in the driver’s seat of your VW ID.4, the car will recognize the weight in the seat along with your key fob. The car will take that as its cue to turn on all systems so that you can get out on the road. If you hate fumbling with your keys, you’ll love the intuitive start feature. #3 – Mood Lighting There are plenty of ways to customize your vehicle. Trim level and optional features are two of the quickest ways to make the vehicle more in line with your tastes. However, the designers of the VW ID.4 are well aware that even the smallest details matter, which is why mood lighting comes standard on this electric SUV. With virtually every option available to you on the color wheel, you will be able to customize the look of your interior lighting to perfectly fit your mood. #4 – Enhanced Navigation There’s nothing worse than trying to go through turn-by-turn directions on your tiny smartphone screen, especially if you don’t have a mount. Fortunately, the VW ID.4 features Enhanced Navigation. Think of it as an amped-up version of Google maps. You will get the same bird’s eye view you’re familiar with along with 3-D maps and interactive navigation. It’s intuitive, responsive, and nicely displayed on the main console screen of your vehicle. #5 – Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Connecting your smartphone to your vehicle’s stereo via Bluetooth gets the job done, but it doesn’t hold a candle to Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Think of this feature as a way to fully integrate your smartphone. You will have access to your favorite apps, maps, contacts, messaging, and streaming services all through the main console of the VW ID.4. It’s easy to use and totally seamless. Ready to Step into the New VW ID.4? Come Down to Volkswagen Lee’s Summit Now that you know more about this Volkswagen electric car for sale, the next step is for you to come down to the VW Lee’s Summit dealership to test drive one for yourself. Reading about it is one thing but seeing as truly believing. Once you’re able to test out how the VW ID.4 drives along with its future-forward features, you will be convinced that it’s finally time to switch over to a VW electric car. If you’re not ready to go electric yet, that’s no problem. VW Lee’s Summit carries a wide selection of new cars including sedans, compacts, and SUVs. We are also the used car dealership near you that carries both used cars and certified pre-owned vehicles that have undergone a 100+ point inspection. Finally, don’t forget to check out our specials section for more great deals on VW products and services. VW Lee’s Summit is located at 2225 Independence Ave. To arrange a test drive or consultation, you can either come down to the dealership straightaway or use our contact form to set up an appointment.

Getting to Know this Luxurious Midsize Sedan Some say the perfect sedan doesn’t exist. We politely beg to differ. For a sedan to be successful in this competitive market it has to check a few boxes. First of all, it needs to be spacious and luxurious. It also needs to deliver a ton of power and precision handling to go along with it. After all, just because it’s a sedan doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be fun to drive. Finally, it should be packed with all the latest safety and convenience features. Whether you’re going on your ten-minute morning work commute or a full-on cross-country trip, you should have plenty of infotainment options and every driver assistance feature in the book. Fortunately for drivers, the 2022 Volkswagen Arteon delivers on all that and more. It can get you from point A to point B, but it will do so with style, sophistication, and, of course, a ton of speed when you need it. Let’s get to know a little bit more about the brand-new VW Arteon for sale. The Main Specs of the 2022 Volkswagen Arteon What we love about the brand-new VW Arteon for sale is that the designers and engineers focused just as much on fashion as they did function. It’s a gorgeous vehicle that is bound to turn heads in traffic. Look up sleek and stylish in the dictionary and you might as well see a picture of the Arteon. However, Volkswagen designers know that looks aren’t everything. You’ve got to have enough going on under the hood to back them up. Utilizing a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo engine, the Volkswagen Arteon gets 22 city/32 highway in fuel economy, ensuring that you can do all your weekly commuting without being married to a gas pump. It also yields a whopping 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft. of torque. Although the VW Arteon is your daily driver designed for low-octane cruising, it can get up and go when it needs to. You’ll have more than enough power to leave all other drivers in the dust at a moment’s notice. Add 4MOTION® all-wheel drive, DCC® adaptive chassis control, and XDS® Cross Differential System into the mix and you can see why reviewers are calling the 2022 Volkswagen Arteon one of the most fun midsize sedans to drive in the entire VW line-up. Packed With Power and Features The VW Arteon is elegant, powerful, with plenty of room inside the cabin, so it stands to reason that it would also be jam-packed with features. Yet again, the team at Volkswagen went above and beyond in this department. The following are the top features that come with the VW Arteon for sale: Driving mode selection (comfort, normal, sport) IQ.DRIVE Travel Assist Multifunction steering wheel with haptic touch surfaces Ventilated front seats with massage function (SEL Premium R-Line only) Volkswagen Car-Net Safety and driver assistance features MIB3 Infotainment Display Digital Cockpit Pro Climatronic® Touch automatic climate control Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Mirrorlink Multi-phone pairing capability Wireless smartphone charging 8” Discover Media system with built-in navigation Satellite radio ready Harman/Kardon sound system Interior illumination (30 different colors) Carefree Coverage is Included with Your Volkswagen Arteon When you get a new car, you want the security of knowing that your vehicle is going to be covered if something goes wrong. That’s exactly why all late model Volkswagen vehicles come with our industry-leading Carefree Coverage warranty. This is how the coverage breaks down: 2 yrs. Service - Scheduled Carefree Maintenance (2 years or 20,000 miles) 3 yrs. Help - Roadside Assistance (3 years or 36,000 miles) 4 yrs. Coverage - New Vehicle Limited Warranty (4 years or 50,000 miles) 5 yrs. Access - Car-Net Remote Access If you need VW parts or service, you can simply reach out to the Volkswagen service center at our dealership. Your Carefree Coverage will appear in our records, making the process simple and easy. Pre-order Your 2022 Volkswagen Arteon Today! The 2022 VW Arteon for sale has elevated the idea of what a midsize sedan can be. It delivers style, sophistication, speed, along with one of the best feature packages ever installed in a vehicle. As far as Volkswagen cars go, the Arteon is shaping up to be one of our best releases yet in the sedan category. Since the Arteon is yet to arrive from overseas, the best thing to do is to visit the Volkswagen Arteon page on our site. Provide us with some basic contact information and we’ll be in touch when the Arteon is at our dealership and ready to test drive. We’ve Got the Perfect VW For You at Volkswagen Lee’s Summit Looking for a different type of Volkswagen near you? We’ve got you covered. VW Lee’s Summit has plenty of Volkswagen new cars for sale including sedans, compacts, and SUVs. We also carry the all-electric VW ID.4, which was the winner of the World Car Year Award. Or perhaps you’re looking for a used car dealership near you. VW Lee’s Summit has a wide selection of used cars and certified pre-owned vehicles that have undergone a 100+ point inspection. Don’t forget to check out our specials page for more great deals on VW vehicles and services. VW Lee’s Summit is conveniently located at 2225 Independence Ave. Feel free to use our contact form to ask us any questions or to set up an appointment.

A Preview of Things to Come with Our Next VW Electric Car When the engineers and designers over at Volkswagen originally conceived our first VW electric car, they knew it wasn’t going to be a one-time thing. The all-new Volkswagen ID.4 for sale is arguably one of our biggest successes in recent memory. In fact, it was the winner of the 2021 World Car of the Year Award. This car is selling so well that we can barely keep them on the lot before they get snatched up by interested buyers. However, even with all the success of the VW ID.4, the plan was always to keep chipping away at the EV market until Volkswagen proved they do electric cars just as well as traditional ones. Volkswagen doesn’t want to have one electric vehicle option; they want to have several. That brings us to the topic of the VW ID.Buzz, which will be the next iteration of Volkswagen electric vehicles. VW hit it big the first time with an EV SUV. Now they’re going to set their sights on something else entirely. Coming soon to VW Lee’s Summit, the VW ID. Buzz will be the first all-electric van to fly under the Volkswagen banner. Let’s get to know a little bit more about this exciting new vehicle. The VW Electric Car That Isn’t a Car at All For those who are familiar with the VW line of vehicles from decades past, the VW ID.Buzz is going to strike a nostalgic chord with you. Many of the design elements of the ID.Buzz took inspiration from the VW Type 2 Microbus (aka the VW Bus) from the 1970s. When you think of the ID.Buzz, think of family travel and tailgating parties at Arrowhead and Kaufmann. It’s the perfect companion for cross-country trips or for those times when cargo space is king. This isn’t the slow and sluggish van that you may remember from your childhood. The VW ID.Buzz is a spacious technological marvel that values power just as much as it does elegant design and future-forward features. Volkswagen achieved unparalleled greatness with the VW ID.4. The VW ID.Buzz will continue to build on that established reputation by further raising the bar in the EV market. What to Expect From the VW ID.Buzz New vehicles go through certain phases before they’re released to the public. First, everyone gets an initial look via a concept vehicle. Then, the manufacturer goes through several more iterations of that concept vehicle over the next few years as it’s developed. Finally, once everything is set in stone, the manufacturer will make the official debut of that vehicle at an auto show or some equally large public event. It’s a long and arduous process, but hopefully, one that ends with a vehicle that exceeds the expectations of drivers and reviewers. So, what do we know for sure about the VW ID.Buzz now that it’s on the cusp of its official release? Here are three things that you can count on seeing: 1.) Improved driving distance over the VW ID.4: Battery life is what makes or breaks the success of an EV, and VW has done well in that regard. The VW ID.4 gets up to 260 miles on a single charge, which makes it more than capable of handling all your weekly commutes and trips to the store. However, if you’re not improving in this industry then you’re going backwards. That’s why drivers should expect the VW ID.Buzz to go even farther than the VW ID.4 on a single charge. How do we know? It’s essentially been confirmed at this point that the VW ID.Buzz will use a much larger battery pack. 2.) Expect to see the ID.Buzz in two different models: A lot of different specs have been floating around about the VW ID.Buzz for years. What we know for sure is that there will be an American version and a European version. Based on the specs that we’ve seen, the VW ID.Buzz will be offered in two different drivetrains (RWD and AWD). The VW ID.Buzz base model will be rear-wheel drive and offer approximately 200 horsepower; the upgraded version will be all-wheel drive with dual motors, providing drivers with an estimated 300 horsepower. 3.) The official ETA for the ID.Buzz at VW Lee’s Summit is 2023: Now for the moment you’ve all been waiting for – the official release timeframe. According to Herbert Diess, CEO of the Volkswagen Group, the debut of the ID. Buzz will occur on March 9th, 2022. Should everything stay on schedule, the production version will be available to U.S. consumers in 2023. This means you should expect for this Volkswagen electric car for sale to go up on the VW Lee’s Summit website for reservation and pre-order later this year. Ready to Check Out a VW Electric Car? Contact Your Local Dealership in Lee’s Summit The good news is that you won’t have to wait a year to see a VW electric car. VW Lee’s Summit has the Volkswagen id.4 for sale on our lot and ready to test drive. You can also build and reserve a Volkswagen ID.4 of your very own right now through our website. This allows you to pick out your trim level along with any optional features you may want. Not ready to go electric yet? No problem! Your friends at VW Lee’s Summit have a wide selection of new cars including compacts, sedans, and SUVs on the lot and ready to test drive. We’re also the leading used car dealership near you that carries certified pre-owned vehicles that have undergone a 100+ point inspection. Also, don’t forget to check out our specials section for more great deals on VW products and services. VW Lee’s Summit is conveniently located at 2225 Independence Ave. To arrange a test drive or consultation, you can either come down to the dealership straightaway or use our contact form to set up an appointment. We look forward to helping you select the perfect VW vehicle for you!

See How Your Volkswagen Dealer Goes the Extra Mile There’s nothing like getting in the driver’s seat and hitting the road with complete confidence, and that’s exactly what you get when you purchase a Volkswagen car or SUV. You won’t find another lineup of automobiles that have the latest in automotive technology, ultra-comfortable cabins, and incredible safety features. That’s why Volkswagen provides most model-year 2021 and 2022 VWs with elite warranty options that include standard CareFree Coverage. Let’s take a deep dive into how VW takes your driving confidence seriously, and what you can expect when you purchase a Volkswagen near you. CareFree Coverage Is More Than a Warranty - It’s Peace of Mind CareFree coverage takes away the stress of purchasing a premium vehicle. Our warranty gives drivers two years of scheduled maintenance from Volkswagen service centers. This benefit ensures you can get the service you need for 20,000 miles or two years, depending on what happens first. Drivers are also afforded three years of complimentary roadside assistance, so you never have to worry about a flat tire or running out of gas. We’re here all 365 days of the year to ensure you and your Volkswagen are safe on the road. Talk to Your Volkswagen Dealer About Your Volkswagen’s Scheduled Maintenance Your VW CareFree maintenance is scheduled at the 10,000 mile and 20,000 mile marks. Here’s a look at what you can expect when you take your Volkswagen into a service center: 10,000 Miles Your Lee’s Summit Volkswagen service center will meticulously check every inch of your vehicle. Expert technicians inspect your car’s airbag system, engine, headlights, oil filters, rear window, tires, windshield washers, and update your vehicle history report. 20,000 Miles At your 20,000-mile appointment, a service technician combines the services in your 10,000 mile, plus checks on your air filter, brakes, brake pads, fuel filters, and tires. If you want to learn even more about our remarkable scheduled maintenance, request a test drive with your Volkswagen dealer. Wait, What About Oil Changes? Of course free oil changes are included in your CareFree Maintenance schedule! Plus, all your scheduled oil changes are performed on a timeline that top technicians recommend for your particular model. You can count on an oil change every 10-12,000 miles for your entire warranty. Get Roadside Assistance You Can Depend On If you talk to your Lee’s Summit Volkswagen dealer, they’ll say you can always rely on a VW vehicle. However, accidents happen, and sometimes you just need to be rescued. With our CareFree Coverage, you never have to worry about being stranded, because Volkswagen Roadside Assistance will be there if you run out of gas, get a flat tire, have a dead battery, or need to be towed to your nearest Volkswagen service center at no charge. This service lasts for a remarkable three years or 36,000 miles. Even better, Certified Pre-Owned Volkswagen receives additional coverage beginning on the sale date of your pre-owned vehicle. For more information about Certified Pre-Owned VW vehicles, visit the closest used car dealership near you. Don’t forget to ask your Lee’s Summit Volkswagen dealership about the other fantastic benefits that come with purchasing a used VW. Drive Easy - Ask your Volkswagen Dealer About an Extended Protection Plan Did you know Volkswagen offers three protection plans through their Drive Easy Program? All you need to do is choose the plan that suits your driving style, and take your vehicle to be repaired at the specific Volkswagen dealership that purchased your extended protection plan. Here’s a quick guide to the perks of each plan: Powertrain Plan This plan increases your bumper-to-bumper coverage from four years or 50,000 miles to 10 years or 150,000 miles. It offers protection for your engine, transmission, drive axle, and certain repairs on hybrid and electric cars. Gold Plan The Gold Plan combines the features of the Platinum Plan with protection for your HVAC system, shocks, suspension, fuel system, and electrical system. Platinum Plan You get top-to-bottom protection with this comprehensive plan. It covers everything from your engine to your infotainment center. The price of each extended protection plan through the Drive Easy Program depends on what kind of VW vehicle you purchased. In order to get an accurate estimate of how much your plan might cost, contact your Volkswagen dealer. Are You Ready to Test Drive a Volkswagen Near You? Then contact our team at Volkswagen Lee’s Summit! We have the best selection of new and used VWs. Whether you’re looking for a family friendly SUV or something made for tight city streets, VW Lee’s Summit has something for you. We even have fantastic specials on new and Certified Pre-Owned Volkswagens that will blow your mind and save you big money. Get behind the wheel of your dream car today by calling us at (816) 841-7253 or sending us a message online. Ask one of our Volkswagen dealers about how our CareFree coverage also includes Car-Net Remote Access, a mobile-app for owners of most model-year 2021 and 2022 VW vehicles.

Plus, How to Open the Door to Your Dream Car at a Volkswagen Dealer When cars first hit the road in the early 1900s, you could only get your engine going with a hand crank. Even worse, hand cranks are very dangerous to use. That’s because once the spark plugs ignited the fuel to start the engine, the crank would often get thrown backward, crushing the driver’s hand. Thank goodness the car key arrived on the scene to save our strength and our hands. From cranks to keyless entry, look at the history of the car key, and how a Volkswagen near you has taken this simple device to the next level. The First Car Key Didn’t Do Much Early car locks were designed as cylinder locks, which were very similar to locks used on house doors. They only locked the engine, but still required drivers to crank up the engine, which meant many people were still getting injured when they started their car. Another problem with this kind of lock and key was that the shape was very mechanical and had no unique features like pin or wafer tumblers. Tumblers are a set of flat pins or wafers used in a lock to keep it from opening unless you have the right key. Without tumblers, keys were very easy to mass produce, but left vehicles extra vulnerable to thieves. Fast Facts From Your Volkswagen Dealer: When someone tries to steal your vehicle, an Electronic Engine Immobilizer using coding software checks whether the right key is being used to start your car. The transponder in your key sends a special signal to your VW vehicle, so even if someone tries to make a perfect copy of your key, it still won’t work. Push-to-Start - But Make It 1920s Fortunately, a more modern ignition in the 1920s made it much easier to start your car. All you had to do was press a simple button, and your engine sprang to life. This made owning a car a lot easier, but didn’t stop unauthorized users from hopping in the driver’s seat and pushing start. For instance, a child could easily press start and injure themselves in a moving vehicle. It wasn’t until 1949 that starter buttons were replaced by key starter switches, which remained the only way to start your car until 1998, when luxury vehicle manufacturers introduced keyless entry and start. Fast Facts From Your Volkswagen Dealer: Looking for a seamless entry into your vehicle? Then search no further than a new Volkswagen near you! With your key fob nearby, you can unlock the door by simply putting your hand in the driver’s side handle area. If you want to learn more about the incredible tech in our VW vehicles, contact a Volkswagen service center, or schedule a test drive at VW Lee’s Summit! The 1970s Created One Key to Unlock It All The 60s saw little, but important, evolution in the car key. Instead of having pins or wafers on one side of the key, car manufacturers produced keys with them on both sides. That way, you could insert your key into the ignition either way up. However, you still needed two sets of keys- one for your ignition and one to unlock your doors. The 1970s rolled around with a key that could both start your vehicle and unlock the doors. This is the time where drivers saw sidewinder or laser-cut keys, which have a unique winding cut on the metal part. Standard keys, like the one for your house, have the usual straight grooves and jagged cut edge, where a sidewinder key can have smooth edges. Fast Facts From Your Volkswagen Dealer: Did you know keyless entry is available on most used Volkswagens? In fact, you can find this feature on 2017 Beetles, Golfs, Jettas, and Tiguans. Many models also have push-button start. Just look for Certified Pre-Owned Volkswagens at used car dealerships near you. Mainstream Keyless Entry Stole the Show in the 90s The history of remote entry capable of locking and unlocking your car is unclear, but the tech is certainly in every newer vehicle on the road. One of the first appearances of a remote keyless system was in 1980, but it didn’t use modern key fobs. Instead, it used a keypad with five buttons that needed a special code to unlock your door. Eventually, this tech was replaced by the more favorable handheld key fob. By the late 1990s, nearly every new vehicle on the market had a keyless entry system. The exact way your keyless entry works varies by make and model. For example, you may need to manually press a button to unlock your car, or you might have a keyless entry that senses your key is within a certain range and unlocks automatically. Fast Facts From Your Volkswagen Dealer: You can replace a lost key fob or key at your Volkswagen service center. An expert orders a new key using your VIN (vehicle identification number), cuts the key, and manually programs your vehicle’s computer to accept the replacement. What’s New for Car Keys in 2022? Find Out by Asking a Volkswagen Dealer! If you want to see the latest technology in keyless entry, remote start, and infotainment, then schedule a test drive at VW Lee’s Summit. We have the latest Volkswagen models and the best Certified Pre-Owned vehicles at our new and used car dealership near you. Even better, we sell VW accessories and offer incredible specials on our Volkswagens. Call us today at (816) 841-7253 or contact us online to get behind the wheel of a new or used Volkswagen. Don’t forget to talk to our Volkswagen dealers about financing and our College Grad Bonus Program!