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With its privileged location in the northeastern corner of the state, the city of Jacksonville, FL is not only a great destination by itself, but also an excellent base to explore nearby nature reserves, state parks, and national forests. If you like birdwatching or other outdoor activities and are looking for places to visit, these are some beautiful spots you can reach in less than two hours from the Jacksonville downtown area. more 3 Favorite Spots for Birdwatching Near Jacksonville, FL 1. Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge Established in 1937, Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is one of the largest and most beautiful nature reserves in the region, spanning over 400,000 acres of territory across the states of Georgia and Florida. Welcoming almost half a million visitors each year, this wildlife refuge offers plenty of opportunities for birding, wildlife watching, hiking, fishing, canoeing, and boating. This nature reserve is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and can be visited year-round between 7:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. The visitor center and the main entrance of Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge are located about 60 miles northwest of downtown Jacksonville, a distance that can be covered in a little over an hour by car along routes GA-121 and GA-23. Known for its abundance of animal and plant species, this beautiful refuge is home to large populations of red-cockaded woodpeckers, egrets, herons, wood storks, brown creepers, and European starlings. 2. Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve Covering over 46,000 acres of wetlands along the northeastern coast of Florida, Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve receives a little under one and a half million visitors each year, making it one of the most popular nature reserves in the entire state. This beautiful spot is home to a vast array of different bird species, including ospreys, bald eagles, northern harriers, reddish egrets, gray kingbirds, ovenbirds, blue-headed vireos, and worm-eating warblers. Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve is located just 13 miles east of downtown Jacksonville, making it possible to reach it in as little as 20 minutes by car under regular traffic conditions. Besides birding and wildlife watching, this expansive nature reserve is an excellent spot for other activities including kayaking, boating, hiking, and picnicking. This place can be visited free of charge and is open between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. 3. Osceola National Forest Established in the early 1930s and covering an area of about 200,000 acres, Osceola National Forest is another popular spot for birding and wildlife watching in the Jacksonville Area. Home to large populations of sandhill cranes, red-cockaded woodpeckers, prothonotary warblers, and snowy egrets, this national forest is a great day trip destination for solo travelers, families, and groups of friends. Getting here from downtown Jacksonville takes about 50 minutes by car, driving west along route I-10. If you are looking for a new vehicle to visit the best nature reserves in the area, stop by Tom Bush Volkswagen. Check out our different models of new and used cars, learn more about our attractive financing plans, and find the vehicle that best suits your needs.

An engine diagnostic will pinpoint your car's problems accurately. The qualified Volkswagen technicians at your VW dealer utilize advanced diagnostic equipment to precisely determine the cause of vehicle issues and perform expert maintenance and repair services. more 7 Signs Your VW Needs an Engine Diagnostic From Your VW Dealer 1. The Check Engine Light Is On When your car's check engine light is on or flickering, it's a warning that something is not correctly working. To avoid further damage and expensive repairs, you should not ignore dashboard warning lights. Your qualified Volkswagen technician will perform a diagnostic test with advanced diagnostic equipment to find and repair the problem fast and effectively. 2. Poor Gas Mileage Various issues can cause your vehicle to consume more gas. A diagnostic test is handy to pinpoint precisely what is causing your vehicle's high fuel consumption. When your Volkswagen is guzzling gas, ask your Volkswagen technician to perform a diagnostic test to determine why you need to fill up more often. The technician will fix the issue fast, and you will immediately reap the benefit of saving money on fuel. 3. A Loss of Power A car loses power due to an improper air-fuel mix. When your vehicle is suddenly slow and sluggish, and you can feel a loss of power when you step on the accelerator, ask your Volkswagen technician to perform a diagnostic test. The test is a quick and accurate way to find the problem so the necessary repairs can be performed. 4. Rough Idling An array of vehicle issues can cause your car to idle roughly, from bad spark plugs and dirty air filters to a failing fuel pump. Ask your Volkswagen technician to perform a diagnostic test as soon as possible. The test will accurately pinpoint what is causing your car to idle roughly, and the technician will do the necessary repairs to ensure that your vehicle runs smoothly. 5. Strange Noises When you hear new, unfamiliar sounds, especially from under your car's hood, a diagnostic test will quickly determine the cause before more damage occurs. The longer you wait to attend to the problem and repair it, the more damage will occur, leading to higher repair costs and even replacements. 6. Unfamiliar Odors and Exhaust Fumes Smelling unfamiliar odors is a concern, especially if you get a whiff of your car's emissions inside the cabin. Exhaust fumes are a sure sign that there's a problem with the exhaust system, and smelling the fumes inside your vehicle is also not good for your health. Ask your Volkswagen technician to perform a diagnostic test as soon as possible. 7. Smoke From the Tailpipe Contact your dealership for service if you see smoke in your rearview mirror. Many car issues will cause smoke to pour out of your car's tailpipe, and with a diagnostic test, the cause of the problem will be found and dealt with fast. Get rid of the guesswork and get your car problems repaired quickly and accurately with a diagnostic test from a qualified Volkswagen technician at your dealership. Visit Tom Bush Volkswagen today for a diagnostic test and make your vehicle issues a thing of the past.

Whether you are searching for a dessert joint for your next romantic date night or you want to find a family-friendly sweets shop for the kids, Jacksonville, FL has something for everyone. This sunny coastal Florida city boasts endless options of sweets and treats for all. more 5 Sweet Spots for Dessert in and Around Jacksonville, FL 1. Kilwins The moment you walk into this famous Jacksonville chocolatier shop, you can smell the wafting sweet aroma of all kinds of candies and chocolates. Kilwin's is the jack of all trades when it comes to high-end sweet selections. They have every type of gourmet treat from pralines to cookies to caramel apples and fudge. They even have a full-service ice cream shop with endless flavors available to choose from. 2. Rita's Ice Drive over to Jacksonville Beach and hit the shorelines for some tasty treats in the sun at Rita's Ice. It is located directly across from the beach, a short walk, and serves delectable ices outdoor to a picnic-tabled patio. This shop is a staple of the area, becoming a favorite among local families for light and fluffy soft serve and creative new Italian ice flavors. You can even mix in fun toppings like cookies and candies. While visiting Rita's Ice, be sure to ask for their world-famous gelati or try some of the Italian ice made fresh daily with real fruit. There are endless flavors and combinations to choose from. Use the app online to earn points toward free desserts each time you come. 3. The Cheesecake Factory at St John's Town Center This restaurant is located conveniently among unique shops and galleries. Peruse the gorgeous outdoor St John's Town Center mall and then sit down to a cute date night at The Cheesecake Factory. Try gourmet selections of cheesecake among picturesque settings at this dine-in restaurant, and have an unforgettable night in the town. 4. Icecapade Frozen Treats Not every treat has to be coated in sugar and cream. Some can be healthy recipes that satisfy your sweet tooth with natural ingredients, like the products included on the menu at Icecapade Frozen Treats. This gourmet shop serves artisanal popsicles, mouthwateringly concocted using fresh ingredients like vegetables, herbs, and fruits. This healthy treat shop offers a full menu that includes everything from smoothies to juices, and even food like salad. 5. Sweet Theory Baking Sweet Theory has the home-baked goods that let you truly indulge your sweet tooth. Baked fresh daily, Sweet Theory's doughnuts, cupcakes, cookies, and cinnamon rolls don't disappoint, which is why the place has become such a local favorite. Residents also enjoy that they include plenty of gluten-free options, making the bakery a place for everybody. Are you a chocoholic or do you prefer healthy, fruit-filled sweets? No matter your taste or pallet, Jacksonville has endless options for sweets and treats so that you can find your favorites in town. While you're in town, visit Tom Bush Volkswagen today to purchase your dream vehicle to take you around the Jacksonville area.

Jacksonville, FL, popularly known as "The River City" or "Jax," is internationally recognized for its beaches and riverfront, drawing thousands of visitors annually. Although mild weather and well-maintained coastal landscapes are among the reasons visitors flock to Jacksonville, shopping is the top reason they choose to visit. Jacksonville is experiencing a boom in outdoor markets and town centers. Here is a list of where you can shop for holiday gifts. more 3 Favorite Holiday Shopping Spots Near Jacksonville, FL St. Johns Town Center You should set out towards the St. Johns Town Center if you want the ultimate purchasing experience in Jax. Located a few minutes from the beach, the center attracts shoppers from all over the metropolitan area. With over 175 stores and restaurants, it's no wonder this is one of the most popular destinations to shop in the area. In addition to Jacksonville residents, Amelia Island, South Georgia, and St. Augustine also flock to the center to shop and dine. When you consider the availability of luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton and Tiffany's, the migration of shoppers from outlying areas makes sense. Furthermore, the Center offers a great dining experience as well, with national names like Cantina Laredo and Maggiano's joining local favorites to keep your appetites sated. Sawgrass Village The Sawgrass Village, located in Ponte Vedra Beach near the southern entrance to the Players Club off A1A, serves as the primary market center of the Sawgrass Community. A major remodeling of Sawgrass Village was completed in late 2015, adding new retailers to the village that dates back to 1984. In addition to boutique shops, several restaurants are located in the development. A Publix supermarket as well as CVS Pharmacy anchor the center. Directly across the street from Sawgrass Village is the Marriott Sawgrass Golf Resort and Spa, a popular destination for sun-seekers and golfers alike. There is also access to delectable dining options throughout the center, including Caffe Andiamo and Aqua Grill, which are favorites of residents and visitors. The Avenues This multilevel center is just off Interstate 95 on the south side of Jacksonville and features top brand names and a family-friendly ambiance. You can shop for all your favorite brands such as Coach, Original Piece, Victoria's Secret, and Mac in this 1.1 million square foot complex. Rain or shine, The Avenues is a perfect place to shop due to its highly regarded retailers and indoor location. Many luxury retailers, including Dillards, Forever 21, Belk, Sears, and JCPenney's, offering everything from teenage fashion to home goods, anchors the Avenues Mall. You can find Sbarro and Chik-fil-A in the food court and other dining options to sate your appetite. You'll find plenty of parking, but if you want covered parking, you can park in the two-story garage on the north side of the mall. Our goal is to help you find the perfect spot to shop near Jacksonville, so please take the time to explore these options. After you buy supplies for the holidays, stop by Tom Bush Volkswagen to check out our new and used car selection or schedule a service appointment.

Looking for a large SUV that has enough room to comfortably bring everybody along for the ride? With spacious seating for up to seven and a range of features for everybody on board to enjoy, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas has everything that you're looking for. Find out about all of the best features Volkswagen are offering in this year's Atlas by checking out the preview we've got for you. more Introducing the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Make a Sophisticated Entrance While other vehicles may have you show up inconspicuously at your destination, the Atlas will make a statement wherever you show up with its classy, head-turning style. The strong stance and athletic proportions that this SUV shows off sets it miles apart from what the competition offers you. Get an even bolder style by adding the available 21-inch alloy wheels further enhance your looks so that all eyes are on you everywhere that you go. Premium Comfort Waiting Inside Modern interior styling and spacious proportions make the cabin waiting for you inside the Atlas the ideal place to enjoy all of the travels you have ahead of you. V-Tex leatherette seating along with the available Climatronic three-zone automatic climate control system will let you reach new heights of comfort. The available panoramic sunroof provides plenty of natural lighting and great views for all three rows of seating, making for a more pleasant ride. Innovative Tech on Display The Atlas has the technology needed to keep your life moving, providing you with an array of experience-enhancing, convenient features that you'll have right at your fingertips. With a sleek glass display, the available touchscreen navigation system provides you with an intuitive interface to help you get where you're going. And with a three-month SiriusXM Platinum Plan trial included with your vehicle, you'll also have plenty of entertainment options for the road ahead. Smarter Safety Features The IQ.DRIVE system included in every new Atlas will give you a greater degree of safety and security on the road than you ever thought possible. Your mind will be put at ease when you feel the helping hand that the travel assist feature gives you. Providing steering support as well as managing your throttle to slow you down or speed you up, this feature helps to make driving simpler with semi-autonomous capabilities on compatible roads. Packed with Powerful Performance Just because you're showing off a sophisticated look doesn't mean you can't enjoy exhilarating power under the hood. The Atlas gives you both, packing an available 3.6-liter V6 engine that puts 276 horsepower at your command into the stylish design it shows off.  The available 4Motion all-wheel drive system features four distinct drive modes that add more road-gripping traction and stability to the high-class experience that you'll get from the Atlas. Driving the Atlas gives you an experience that no other competitor can provide for you. Get that experience for yourself when you take this impressive SUV out for a ride at our dealership. Come test drive the Atlas at Tom Bush Volkswagen today!

Are you looking for ways to stay fit? There are many exciting ways to work off the pounds and tone up. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced exerciser, there's a fitness plan for everyone in our town. Check out these ideas for getting in shape in Jacksonville, FL. more Fitness in Jacksonville, FL: 5 Great Ways to Stay in Shape 1. Take a Pilates Class Pilates is a mind-body discipline that can benefit everyone, from the inactive to experienced athletes. Pilates focuses on building strength by targeting specific muscles groups like your core abdominal area. It's low impact and perfect for beginners, so you can do it with just a few pieces of equipment. Pilates principles include focusing on the breath, centering, coordination and strength. The Body Balance Institute is well-known in the Jax and offers pilates classes with custom workouts and wellness plans. Their instructors are certified and offer one-on-one instruction and group classes. Fans of the studio talk about the strength and flexibility they've gained. 2. Get a Gym Membership Our city has plenty of gyms to choose from, and most of them offer a wide variety of options, from machines and free weights to group classes. Plus, most gyms have month-to-month contracts, so you can always cancel if you find it's not the right fit for you. 3. Boot Camps Boot camps are another great way to get an intense workout. Jacksonville has numerous boot camps that offer a variety of programs and philosophies. Whether you're a novice or a pro, there are many options in the city. The Camp Transformation Center is a gym that offers workout and nutrition plans combined with a series of weight loss programs and challenges. Their 20-pound weight loss challenge is designed to kick off a weight loss plan of 20 pounds over six weeks. Their classes are boot camp style and use interval training and optional meal plans. They also offer hard body challenges and sports nutrition programs. 4. Join a Running Club Running is a great way to get in shape, and there are plenty of running clubs around that will help you stay on track. Most running clubs meet once or twice a week, and they offer runners of all levels the opportunity to train together and socialize. The PRS Running Club is an active community where you can run any day of the week from various points throughout the city. PRS is unique because it has its own coach who provides guidance, one-on-one training, and personalized running plans. 5. Yoga We have several studios nearby that offer training for all skill levels, from gentle Hatha flow to vinyasa power poses. Yoga is a great way to build strength, flexibility, and mindfulness. Hot Spot Power Yoga, with three locations in the Jax, focuses on the Baptiste practice and its high-intensity power yoga routines. The studio offers strength training programs, weight loss, and a beginner series. If you want something less intense, they also have detox flow classes that improve flexibility and relieve stress. Switch up your routine with one of the fantastic ways to stay fit. With so many ways to get in shape, you're sure never to get bored. Stop by Tom Bush Volkswagen and check out our exciting new cars. We'll be happy to schedule a test drive!

Your Volkswagen is a safe, reliable vehicle that will last you a long time if you take proper care of it. However, some parts will wear out that will likely need replacing while you own your vehicle. Your headlights are one of these parts, and since they are crucial for driving your car safely you must know what to look for that tell you it's time to visit your VW dealer for new headlights. more Time for New Headlights? Visit Your Jacksonville VW Dealer Today 1. Your Headlights Haven't Been Replaced in a While Like any other kind of light, headlights won't last forever, especially if you have them on a lot. The average lifespan of headlights is roughly five years or 1000 hours of use. If it's been about this long since you last replaced your headlights, it's likely time to get new ones. 2. One or Both Headlights Are Burned Out If one or both of your headlights is burned out, then it is definitely time to replace your headlights! For safety and legal reasons, you need to replace any burned-out headlights as soon as possible. Even if you only have one headlight burned out it's wise to replace them both since they are often changed in pairs so your other one is likely to burn out soon. 3. You Notice Your Headlights Aren't as Bright as They Were Bright headlights are what get you noticed on the road, and help you see the road and what's in front of you. As headlights age, they do naturally dim a bit, but if you've noticed a major difference in the brightness, it's probably time to change them. Headlights can also dim because of a buildup of dirt and grime, which should be cleaned off occasionally using a special headlight cleaner. 4. Your Headlights Are Hazy If your headlights are looking hazy rather than dim it's likely because they have a buildup of grime. Salt from winter roadways, UV light, and general use can cause your headlights to take on a hazy look. A special headlight cleaner can help to restore them, but if they're still looking hazy it's best to get new ones for safety reasons. 5. You Notice Your Headlights Have Been Flickering Like other lights, headlights can flicker or flash a bit when they're starting to wear out. This means you should replace your headlights before they wear out completely. Please do note that occasionally flickering headlights can mean there is a malfunction in the wiring system, so mention this to your mechanic so they can double-check the wiring before they replace the headlights. At Tom Bush Volkswagen we love to help residents in and around Jacksonville, Florida find their ideal vehicle! We'll not only help you with selecting a vehicle, but we'll also assist with financing, show you all the features of your new car, and help you maintain it. Please contact Tom Bush Volkswagen today to schedule a test drive, ask any questions, or book your next maintenance appointment.

If you're planning to finance your next vehicle, one of the first steps will be deciding where to borrow the money from. Banks and credit unions are an option, but many consumers opt for car financing through their local dealership. There are many reasons why financing through your VW dealer is a smart approach. more 7 Reasons to Consider Car Financing at Your VW Dealer 1. Competitive Interest Rates A dealer will work on your behalf to find the best financing offers from across the country. Many dealerships have entire departments that are dedicated to the financing process and to developing relationships with lenders. When you work with a dealer, you can rest assured that you'll be offered competitive interest rates. 2. Promotional Rates Dealers run promotions throughout the year, some of which involve discounted financing. Some of these offers even come with zero percent financing, which is a deal that's hard to beat. 3. Speed and Convenience Financing your vehicle through the dealership is usually the fastest and most convenient option. You pick out your next vehicle, finance it on the spot, and drive it home, all in one day. If you finance through a bank or credit union, you'll need to make an initial trip to that financial institution for pre-approval, and a follow-up trip to seal the deal. For buyers who are in a hurry, dealership financing is the most expedient. 4. Help for Buyers With Poor Credit Some dealerships specialize in working with buyers with poor or no credit. If you're in this category, you might find more financing options by working with your local dealer. 5. Flexibility Some buyers find that dealers can be more flexible than traditional lending institutions when it comes to offering financing. If you'd like to be able to negotiate some of the terms of the financing package, working with a dealership may be the better option. Some dealerships even offer creative ways of lowering your interest rate, such as by deducting your payments directly from your paycheck. 6. It Doesn't Matter Who You Are When you work with a dealership on financing, it doesn't matter who you are or whether you've purchased vehicles there before. A dealership can work with just about any customer to arrange financing. That's different from a bank, where it helps if you're either an existing customer or you've done business with that institution before. 7. It's Good for Your Credit Arranging to finance a vehicle, and then successfully paying your car or truck off without missing any payments, can help you establish a positive credit history and a good credit score. It can also help you develop financial discipline. When handled properly, vehicle financing can contribute to your financial well-being. Deciding how and where to finance a vehicle isn't difficult, once you understand the benefits of working with the friendly professionals at your local dealer. Don't put off your purchase any longer. Head on over to Tom Bush Volkswagen and pick out your next car or truck today!

Jacksonville, FL, with its warm temperatures, countless beaches, breathtaking natural areas, and one of the largest urban park systems in the country, has unlimited kid-friendly activities for families to enjoy together. Take the kids to learn more about history at the various museums and historical sites, explore the outdoors, and encounter local and exotic animals at the zoo and animal wildlife sanctuaries. more 4 Great Kid-Friendly Activities for Families in Jacksonville, FL 1. Discover Nature with Your Family Jacksonville certainly has no shortage of outdoor recreational areas, with more than 400 national, state and city parks spreading out over 80,000 acres of hardwood forests, salt marshes, and coastal wetlands. The Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve covers 46,000 acres of wetlands and waterways filled with wildlife to explore. Visit Fort George Island Cultural State Park and Yellow Bluff Fort Historic State Park to learn more about history. Explore the outdoors at Big Talbot Island, Little Talbot Island, and Pumpkin Hill State Parks for a day of hiking, biking, boating, paddling, and fishing. You can also take the kids to one of the city parks on the St. Johns River or spend the day on the beach at Kathryn Abbey Hanna and Huguenot Parks. 2. Go on a Kayaking Adventure Take the kids on a kayaking adventure and paddle down the unique waterways around the city. Many kayak rental companies in Jacksonville offer self-guided and guided kayak tours if you don't have kayaks. Kayak Amelia provides kayak rentals in the Talbot Islands State Parks and offers tours of the wetlands and marshes. See manatees and turtles with All Wet Sports and paddle the ocean and intercoastal waters with Beach Life Rentals. Adventure Kayak Florida in Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park rents kayaks to paddle on the park's scenic freshwater lake. Black Creek Outfitters offers fantastic guided paddling tours on various picturesque waterways if you want to see wildlife. 3. Encounter Local and Exotic Animals The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens boasts a collection of over 2,000 exotic animals. Take the kids to The African Forest exhibit to see the apes and watch them hand-feed the giraffes at the Giraffe Overlook. The Museum of Science and History (MOSH) offers exciting interactive animal encounters at the Florida Naturalist's Center filled with local wildlife. You and your kids can go on a nature walk and a guided trail tour to see wildlife right in the heart of the city at The Tree Hill Nature Center and meet tigers, cougars, leopards, and lions at Catty Shack Ranch, a wildlife sanctuary for rescued endangered big cats. The kids will love the nighttime feeding tour when these nocturnal animals are awake. 4. Visit the Museums Jacksonville has a wide range of museums with interactive displays that will keep your kids entertained for hours on end. The Hands-On Children's Museum offers an engaging, interactive environment where families learn through creativity, problem-solving, and role-playing. The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) displays an astounding collection of more than 1,000 contemporary and modern paintings, sculptures, installations, photographs, and prints. The Museum of Science and History (MOSH) boasts fascinating interactive ecological and cultural exhibits spanning thousands of years. Experience the life of a Jacksonville family at the turn of the century at the James Merril Museum and visit Kingsley Plantation within the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve to find out more about the history of plantation life. Explore the outdoors and discover history on unforgettable family adventures and make memories with your kids that will last a lifetime. Visit Tom Bush Volkswagen today, and our qualified Volkswagen technician will ensure that your vehicle is in excellent condition for an exciting family outing.

In order to stay safe on the roads of Jacksonville, FL, it is essential that you keep your brakes in the best condition and address any problems that you may have with a visit to a specialized expert. We've compiled a list of the most frequent signs that you need a brake repair so that you can check your vehicle and contact your Volkswagen dealer if you notice a problem. Read on to protect the health of your brakes. more 5 Big Signs Your VW Needs a Brake Repair 1. Brake Light Activation The clearest sign that something is wrong with your brakes will be visible on your dashboard. Keep your eyes out for a red, orange, or yellow light that pops up on your dashboard, and drive as little as possible before visiting a dealer. Don't delay, because you can prevent excess costs and damage to your vehicle by addressing brake problems sooner instead of later, 2. Vibrating Brake Pedal If your brake pedal begins to vibrate while you're driving or when you apply pressure to it, you may have an issue with the brake rotors. The brake pads latch on to the brake rotors in order to create enough friction needed to slow your vehicle down. If the brake rotors are warped, the brake pads will not have a smooth surface to press against and your braking ability will be greatly reduced. 3. Wobbling Steering Wheel A problem with your brakes can affect other areas and cause issues for parts of your vehicle beyond the brakes. This problem is frequently caused by warped brake rotors, broken brake rotors, and an uneven thickness of your brake rotors. Visit a verified dealer to get the brake rotor smoothed out and solve this issue before it gets worse. 4. Leaking Brake Fluid Peek underneath your vehicle for any signs of leakage, and be sure to check your brake fluids level every so often to make sure that you have a suitable amount. Brake fluid is essential because it provides hydraulic pressure exerted against the brake caliper. If you don't have enough brake fluid, you will not be able to stop with enough force and you could potentially endanger yourself on the road. 5. Pulling While Braking Your vehicle should continue to travel and stop in a straight line no matter how forcefully you brake. If your vehicle begins to turn to one side while you brake, this may be caused by an issue with the brake hose or the brake caliper. Additionally, possible problems could stem from uneven wear of the brake pads, impurities of the brake fluid, or a stuck brake cylinder. Now that you know the top signs that something is wrong with the braking capabilities of your vehicle, it is time to take action. Make note of any problems you have experienced and visit a reliable Volkswagen dealer today to address all of your braking issues as soon as possible. Head over to Tom Bush Volkswagen to keep your brakes working for years to come!

Driving a vehicle comes with certain responsibilities, and among the most important is routine brake service. Find out the benefits you'll get by taking your vehicle to your local Jacksonville, FL VW dealer when it's time to have this essential service performed. more 6 Benefits of Getting Routine Brake Service at Your Jacksonville, FL VW Dealer 1. Save You the Hassle While it's possible to learn how to perform maintenance on your own vehicle, the fact of the matter is that most people are too busy to learn every aspect of their car themselves. Trust the experts at your local dealership and you'll know the job is getting done correctly every time. 2. Get Quality Work Your vehicle is an important part of your life. Just like you wouldn't trust your health to a doctor you weren't certain was qualified, you shouldn't trust your vehicle to anybody unless you know they'll provide the highest standard of work. That's exactly what you'll be getting when you get your vehicle serviced by trained VW techs, who all have proven expertise with your specific vehicle. 3. Optimize Performance Better performance from your brakes helps you get the most out of your overall driving experience. You'll be able to take on twisting, turning roads and sharp curves with relative ease thanks to the increased responsiveness of your brakes. Optimized brakes will also help to reduce wasted energy, improving your vehicle's fuel economy. 4. Prevent Dangerous Situations Out of all the systems at work in your vehicle, the brakes are one of the most essential when it comes to preventing dangerous situations on the road. Having routine brake maintenance performed will ensure that your brakes are responsive when you need them. That means that if any sudden hazards occur on the road, you'll have the quick-acting stopping power you need to react to danger and keep you and your precious cargo safe. 5. Get Authentic VW Parts If you replace parts of your vehicle's brakes with components bought by other mechanics, you never know what you're going to get in terms of quality. The parts might work fine, but when it comes to brakes, you don't want to take any chances. You'll get peace of mind knowing that the parts used for service at your dealership are of the same quality that your vehicle was initially manufactured with. 6. Save Money in the Long Run Like with so many things, being proactive and maintaining brakes rather than waiting for a problem to occur can save you expenses over time. Stay ahead of the problem with low-cost routine maintenance so you don't end up fixing major problems. Diligent vehicle ownership practices like that will end up benefiting your finances in no time. Our professional service team is standing by to help you out with brake maintenance and any other service needs you have for your vehicle. You can trust us to get the job done right and to provide you with courteous, friendly service. Stop by Tom Bush Volkswagen today!

Your car's alternator is one of the most important components of your car's engine. It's what keeps your batteries charged, so if it's not working properly, your engine might not be able to start. This could leave you stranded! Therefore, it's really important to keep it in top condition, so if you notice any of the signs below, then it's time to pay a visit to your local Volkswagen dealer for an alternator repair. more 5 Signs You Need an Alternator Repair From Your Local Volkswagen Dealer 1. Your Dashboard Lights Come On Some cars make it easy to know if your alternator is having trouble. You'll often see a light in the shape of a battery appearing to let you know something's wrong. On some cars, you might see the letters ALT or GEN appearing instead. Even if you haven't noticed anything else wrong, don't' ignore it and hope it goes away! You could be in for worse trouble if you leave it too long, so take it to us for a diagnostic immediately! 2. New Battery Problems If you've just replaced your battery, or your car is still fairly new, you should expect it to be reliable. But what if replacing your battery hasn't solved your power problems? It could be that your battery is working correctly, but your alternator isn't charging it properly. A bad alternator might not be able to recharge the battery, which can look a lot like it's the battery itself that's the problem. 3. Dim or Flickering Headlights It's the alternator that's responsible for charging up your headlights, so if they don't seem to be working properly, then it could be the alternator that's at fault. Some of the most common symptoms are headlights that seem to be dimmer than normal or seem to be flickering. Again, it might be tempting to chalk this up to an issue with the headlights themselves, but always be aware that it could be the alternator at fault. 4. Strange Engine Noises Yes, this might sound a bit vague. After all, there are lots of reason's why your engine might be making strange noises, but it's important to be aware that it could be the alternator that's causing them. A failing alternator can in turn damage some of the engine bearings, which will manifest as an odd rattle. While it might not be enough on its own to pinpoint the alternator, when combined with some of the other symptoms on this list, it can be an important sign. 5. Your Car Stalls or Fails to Start Your car doesn't only need gas to run correctly, it also needs electricity. Power is used to ignite the fuel by way of the spark or glow plugs, which draw their power from, you've guessed it, the alternator. If it's not working correctly, you could find your engine stalling suddenly, or refusing to start entirely. If you've noticed one or more of the symptoms on this list, then your alternator might well need some attention. Give us a call at Tom Bush Volkswagen today, and one of our technicians will be more than happy to take a look.