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Clearwater Audi wants all drivers to know that they take serious risks when they don't properly secure pets in their cars. No matter what kind of pet you have, some of these tips can help you stay safe. In many cases, it really is a matter of life and death, especially for your furry friend. Tip #1: Never Let Your Pet Roam the Car Under no circumstances should your pet have the ability to walk around the car. Small dogs and cats might want to sit in your lap while you drive. This can cause a few problems.   First, it will distract you. Second, an accident that causes your airbag to deploy could literally crush a small pet. Third, the pet can block your vision of the road by trying to put its front legs on the window or steering wheel.   If you have a big dog, it's even worst. No one can drive properly with a large dog trying to sit in his lap. Tip #2: Get a Crate That Fits Your Pet's Size It's often safest to put your pet in a crate designed just for its size. Large dogs need more room than cats, so make sure you choose a crate or cage that's appropriately sized for your animal.   Hopefully you own a fairly large vehicle if you have a big dog. An SUV, truck, or van should work well for a dog that needs a big crate. You can secure the crate in the back so that it doesn't move around much while you drive through traffic and take sharp turns.   Crates also work well for small animals. Many crates even have slats that let  you attach them to your backseat's safety built. That holds the crate in place so your animal doesn't get tossed around during the drive.   You can make your pet feel more comfortable with treats, toys, blankets, or anything else that will distract her. Tip #3: Get a Safety Harness Safety harnesses work well for dogs and cats that don't like being shut inside a crate. These harnesses wrap securely around the animals chest. You can then connect them to your backseat's safety belt. It holds the dogs in place while still letting them enjoy the rare freedom of a car ride.   Even with a harness, though, you shouldn't put your pet up front. The passenger seat air bag could cause extensive damage to a small animal.

If you are leasing an Audi and you are approaching the end of your lease term, you may be unsure what the next steps are.  You have some choices to make before the lease ends, as far as whether you are ready to buy or lease another vehicle or keep the vehicle you have been leasing.  Here are some tips from Clearwater Audi for what to do when your Audi lease is up: Return Lease and Get a New Audi If you like leasing vehicles and decide you will lease another Audi when your current lease expires, explore your options and pick out your next car.  You can visit our Clearwater Audi dealership to test drive cars that interest you and decide which car will be your next lease.  Once you’ve chosen the car, follow these steps for returning your existing lease: Look at the Audi Wear & Use Guide to review the condition of your leased vehicle.  Knowing whether your car has experienced normal wear and tear or has what is considered excess damages will help you know what to expect when you trade-in your lease. Call and schedule an appointment with Clearwater Audi to have leased vehicle inspected. If your leased vehicle has excess wear, you are billed on a Turn-In Settlement Invoice (or you can choose to have items repaired before you turn the vehicle in).  If you have anything repaired before returning your lease, bring the receipts for repairs to the dealership to ensure the repairs are credited to your account correctly. Once your leased vehicle is returned and any invoices are settled, you can then get your new Audi lease! Buy Your Leased Audi If you decide you don’t want to let go of the vehicle you leased, you can choose to buy it.  Simply contact your Clearwater Audi dealer and let us know you plan to buy the leased vehicle so we can provide you with a payoff quote.   If you do not have cash on hand available to make the payoff, you might request our dealership financing programs, or you can seek financing from your own bank, credit union or chosen third party lender.  When buying your leased Audi, you can choose Audi Vehicle Protection options as well.

If you are thinking about buying a used Audi, you’ll be happy to learn about the exceptional Certified Pre-owned Audi program for buyers.  It offers warranty coverage that rivals a new car purchase and a thorough inspection system that ensures the pre-owned Audi you buy is in great shape.  Here is some information about the Certified Pre-owned Audi program from your Pinellas Park area Audi dealership: Remaining New Car Warranties If the pre-owned Audi you plan to purchase is still under the Audi New Car Limited Warranty when you buy it, then you are covered under the New Car Limited Warranty until it expires (4 years from original in-service date or 50,000 miles).  When the new car warranty expires the Audi Certified Pre-Owned Limited Warranty kicks in. Certified Pre-Owned Limited Warranty Coverage The Audi Certified pre-owned limited warranty will provide coverage for your qualified Audi purchase for two years or 50,000 miles driven – whichever you reach first.  The coverage will not extend beyond 100,000 vehicle miles, so if the used Audi you buy has 53,000 miles, your coverage will expire when you reach 100,000 miles even though you didn’t drive a complete 50,000 miles yourself.   The following repairs are covered under the Certified pre-owned limited warranty, but it is not an inclusive list so you should always ask an Audi service representative if a problem with your Audi Certified pre-owned vehicle is covered under a warranty before you assume it isn’t covered: Transmission problems for automatic and manual transmissions Suspension problems Climate control and cooling system Fuel system Brakes Engine problems Final drive Steering problems Electrical problems What is Not Covered by a Certified Pre-owned Limited Warranty Not all repairs your vehicle may require will be covered under the limited warranty.  Some common maintenance and repair needs that will not be covered may include: Navigation system problems Radio problems Tires Car accident damage Cost of regular maintenance, such as oil changes or fluids Items that experience normal wear and tear Malfunctions or damages caused by lack of maintenance, neglect, misuse or alteration Costs of Repairs Under the Audi Certified Pre-owned Limited Warranty If your Audi requires a covered repair, the cost of the repair will be covered by the warranty.  You will be responsible for paying an $85 deductible per visit to the Audi dealership service center.  If the covered repair requires more than one visit to the dealership you will only pay the deductible once.

If you purchased a used Audi and the previous owner was a smoker; or you’re a smoker and want to improve the resale value of your car, you will want to remove the cigarette smell from your vehicle.  For non-smokers especially, the smell of cigarette smoke inside a vehicle can really reduce the value of the car and can even prevent them from wanting to buy the car.  Here are some tips from your Largo area Audi dealer for removing the smell of cigarettes from your vehicle: Clean or Replace Car Ashtray When a vehicle ashtray has been used, the smell can linger in the car even after it has been dumped out and cleaned.  You will need to use a cleaning product designed to eliminate smoking smells if cleaning the ashtray only, but you will probably have the best results by replacing the used ashtray with one that doesn’t get used for cigarette butts.  Ashtrays make a good change holder for parking and driving toll money! Shelter the Car and Leave Windows Open You can reduce much of the smoke odor in a vehicle by airing it out thoroughly.  Park inside a garage so weather will not cause problems, leave the windows and doors open to eliminate odor, and you’ll return to a car that smells much better than it did previously.  If possible, turn on a fan to help circulate air through the car. Shampoo the Carpet and Upholstery Your seats and floor carpet can hold on to the smell of smoke for years.  It gets trapped inside and a non-smoker will immediately pick up on that scent when in the vehicle.  The longer the smell remains, the worse it seems to get.   Rent a rug shampooer or visit the local car wash and use the shampoo feature on the industrial vacuum.  Use a high quality rug shampoo to help eliminate odors and remove dirt and grime from your carpet and upholstery.  Let the soap sit on the seats and floor for a while to penetrate, scrub with the brush designed for that purpose, and then use the vacuum to pull the soap and hopefully, the smoke odor, out of your seats and floor mats. Schedule a Professional Detailing Appointment If your do-it-yourself options are not giving you the results you need, schedule an appointment with a professional detailer. They know how to get your car looking and smelling as good as new.   Professional detailers know how hard it is to get smoke out of a car. But they also know a few good tricks that will slowly eliminate that nasty smell.

You can improve your car’s fuel efficiency with a few driving changes and by keeping up with car maintenance tasks.  Who wouldn’t want a few extra dollars in your pocket each time you fill your gas tank?  Your St. Petersburg area Audi dealer offers the following easy tips for improving fuel efficiency: Reduce Your Speed The majority of vehicles get the best fuel efficiency when traveling a steady speed of about 50 miles per hour.  As you go faster than that you start to lose fuel efficiency, which has been estimated to cost an extra 25 cents per gallon of gas you buy for every five miles an hour driven over the speed of 50mph. Reduce Idling Time If you start your car before you’re ready to go and leave it idling in the driveway, you’re burning gas.  Idling also sends harmful chemicals into the air which increases pollution and smog and contributes to asthma problems in children and senior citizens.  Help save money and the planet by turning your car off if you are not ready to drive. Reduce Weight Inside Your Vehicle The heavier your car is the more fuel is required to move it.  You can improve fuel efficiency by keeping the weight in your car at a minimum, and removing anything you don’t need from your trunk or backseat.  You can improve fuel efficiency by an estimated 2% for every 100 pounds removed from your car.  Don’t forget the roof rack! Use Cruise Control When the Situation Allows If you are going to travel a long distance on the highway, you should use your cruise control.  This will keep your car at the same steady speed instead of fluctuating between faster and slower speeds, which is what generally happens when drivers are traveling without using cruise control.  When you maintain a steady speed on the highway you burn gasoline more efficiently.   New vehicles have a number of safety features in use with cruise control these days, including sensing cars around you and slowing down when the car in front of you reduces its speed. Take Roof Racks Off Your Vehicle If you put your bike or luggage on the roof, the rack is extremely convenient for adding extra storage space to your vehicle.  If you’re not going to use the roof rack for a long time you should remove it to avoid wasting fuel.  They’re heavy enough and create enough drag on the car that when they are on the vehicle you will burn more gasoline than you do when they are not on the roof.

When you know what your options for car insurance are, you can make more informed choices and find a policy that best meets your needs.  The following insurance guide offers tips from your Tampa Bay area Audi dealer for understanding what insurance providers offer drivers: Choosing Your Insurance Deductible One of the decisions you will make when setting up an insurance policy or making changes to your insurance policy involves your deductible.  The deductible is the amount you are required to pay when placing an insurance claim before your insurance company will pay anything.  If your deductible is $500, you are responsible for paying for the first $500 in repairs before the insurance company will cover the rest.   The higher your insurance deductible, the lower your insurance premiums will be.  If you are someone who can keep enough money in your bank account to cover the deductible when you need it, having a high deductible is a good way to save money on your annual insurance premiums.  On the other hand, if you are someone who tends to run their bank account dry and would struggle to come up with a high deductible – it may be better to pay a little more year round and not have to come up with as much if you are in a car accident. Insurance Rates Based on Risk The other thing to understand about your insurance is that the amount you pay is mostly based on your level of risk.  If you are someone who has had multiple car accidents and insurance claims, you are going to pay higher insurance premiums than someone who has been driving for years without accidents, tickets, or insurance claims.  If you are considered a high-risk driver, make sure you get new quotes after three to five years from your last ticket or accident as you should be able to get a lower premium at that point.   For very high-risk drivers, such as people who have gotten multiple speeding tickets or a DUI, may need to use a state insurance pool to obtain insurance. Understand Possible Insurance Discounts There are multiple options for drivers to find discounts on their insurance policies.  Students with good grades can often get a discount; accident-free drivers generally qualify for insurance discounts; taking defensive driving can qualify you for insurance discounts; or being a member of AAA may result in insurance discounts.   Always compare your insurance options across multiple companies to see which provider offers the coverage you need for the best rates.

Audi has always prided itself in using advanced technology in all Audi vehicles from day one.  Every time the car manufacturer creates a new vehicle, it does so by seeking improved solutions and technology advancements that can be placed in our cars.  If you’d like to experience Audi advanced technologies, stop by our Clearwater Audi dealership and take a few vehicles for a test drive. Automatic Start-Stop Technology Some Audi models have what is called “start-stop” technology in place.  This is technology most commonly found in hybrid vehicles to help reduce the amount of fuel consumed and the CO2 emissions by turning off the engine automatically while waiting at a traffic signal; and restarting almost instantly when you’re ready to drive again.   The automatic start-stop technology in Audi vehicles is quite intelligent, as it can be deactivated with a driver control if you do not wish to use it for any reason, and will not activate when the vehicle is being warmed up or the windshield is being defrosted. Audi FSI Direct Injection Technology The FSI Direct Injection technology reduces heat loss to increase performance output – but at the same time, reduces fuel consumption.  It works by injecting fuel into the combustion chambers and dispensing with the throttle plate.  The Audi FSI Direct Injection technology is exclusive to Audi vehicles. Audi e-Tron Technology With e-Tron, Audi vehicles actually keep track of the climate conditions and the effect they have on driving and the energy performance of the vehicles in US markets.  The information they learn from this monitoring is then used when developing EV technology applications for Audi vehicles in the future.  Engineers in both the United States and Germany study feedback and data for a variety of vehicles, including the electric plug-in vehicle, the Audi A3, and the purely electric drive system concept car. LED Headlight Technology In 2008, Audi brought the first full-LED lights to the headlights on the Audi R8.  The LED technology helps people recognize Audi vehicles – even when it’s dark because it provides the cars with a very unique and distinctive appearance. Audi TDI Technology The Audi TDI offers a clean diesel technology known for offering the cleanest burning diesel in the word.  At the same time, Audi TDI vehicles have amazing performance and improved fuel efficiency compared to diesel vehicles not using Audi TDI technology.

Traveling with young children can be tricky or frustrating.  Before you even leave the driveway you might start hearing how bored they are or the need for a bathroom break – but if you prepare in advance of a trip, you can help make traveling with young children slightly more enjoyable!  Here are several child-friendly travel tips from your Clearwater Audi dealer to help create fun family memories on your next road trip: Check Child Safety Seats and Restraints Before taking off on your adventure, make sure your children’s safety seats or restraint systems are all installed correctly.  For children who buckle themselves into place, double check that they are safely secured before you start driving. Prepare a First Aid and Safety Kit Having a fully stocked first aid kit is a must for all travelers, and like an insurance policy you hope you will never need it.  Make sure you have bandages, burn ointment, any medication that your family members may require, water and a few nonperishable snacks.  You might include pain relievers in case of headaches or other aches, too. Get Your Paperwork in Order It’s always a good idea to keep your insurance information, car ownership information, and road side assistance plans in the car in case you need them.  Give someone else a copy of your intended itinerary so they know where to find you if necessary. Remember to Schedule Frequent Breaks When driving with young children, there is no point attempting to drive extremely long distances without frequent breaks (unless the children happen to be asleep!)  Kids need to get out of the car and stretch and run around a few minutes every two to three hours.  They also need bathroom breaks more frequently than most adults.  Giving them time for this will make the time spent in the car more enjoyable. Healthy Snacks Avoid over-sugary snacks that will make it even harder for your children to sit still and ride quietly.  Keep a variety of healthy snacks available for your kids to munch on. Entertainment Options Think ahead for what your children will do while they ride in the car – especially for long distances.  Don’t expect them to look out the window for hours at a time!  If they have electronics, consider letting them use them during the ride.  Books, coloring books and small toys are all great options for keeping young travelers occupied.

The spring season is a time when many people spend extra time cleaning their homes.  The focus is generally on the areas that do not get as much attention on a regular basis – the blinds, the closets, the garage, the attic, etc.  It’s also a great time to focus on auto maintenance your vehicle may need.  Here are some car maintenance tips for spring from your Largo area Audi dealer to help you get started to enjoy the upcoming summer: Check Your Owner’s Manual Get the car owner’s manual out of the glove box or look it up online if you’ve misplaced it.  It will recommend car maintenance that your car should receive and at what frequency.  You can figure out what maintenance your car is due for by going over their recommended service schedule. Check Air Conditioner In the spring, it may not be hot enough to need your air conditioner so now is a good time to check that it is working before you actually want to use it!  If it isn’t blowing cold air, you might need your AC recharged or tuned up. Thoroughly Inspect Tires Take a close look at the tread on your tires.  Are they worn out?  If the tread is too low, it may be time to replace the tires.  If the tread appears to be wearing more on one side than another, you should rotate your tires and check to make sure everything is balanced so that they wear properly.  Make sure each tire has the correct amount of pressure and add or let out air as necessary.  The best time to check tire pressure is during cooler temperatures and not immediately after driving your car for long distances. Bring Your Car to a Service Technician If you are not a do-it-yourselfer when it comes to car maintenance, schedule an appointment with a service technician for a tune up.  If you know of any problems with starting or idling or stalling, make sure you communicate this information to the technician so they can look into it when doing your vehicle’s tune up. Check Your Lights Make sure all of your lights work, including your headlights, backup lights, turn signals and brake lights.  If any are out, replace the bulb or fuse as necessary to ensure they are working properly. If you need help with any of your spring maintenance tasks, schedule an appointment with your Largo area Audi service center.

Car technology is always increasing, and Audi is leading the pack with its self-driving features to be found on the Audi A6 Avant and the self-parking feature to be discovered on the Audi RS7 Sportback.  You can try out both vehicles by visiting your Tampa Bay area Audi dealer.  Self-driving and self-parking features were debuted at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Vegas this year, and are expected to be installed on the vehicles for consumer purchase within this decade.  Are you most looking forward to a car that can drive itself or park itself? Audi A6 Avant Self Driving Features The self-driving system relies on ultrasonic radar sensors and video cameras to keep a consistent and safe distance away from the vehicle in front of the car.  It will steer the vehicle at speeds up to 37 miles per hour and increase or reduce speed as necessary.  As other vehicles change lanes or try to pass, the self-driving system will react appropriately and is aware of blind spots, highway markings, and crash barriers. Current standard features on the A6 Avant (Prestige Package) include: Ambient interior lighting Heated and auto-dimming exterior mirrors 4-zone climate control Audi advanced key Xenon headlights with LED Adaptive headlights with cornering lamps Audi parking system with rear view camera Power adjustable steering column with driver memory settings Bose Premium surround sound with AudioPilot Front seat ventilation Audi RS7 Sportback Self-Parking Features When you need to park in a tight space while simultaneously dealing with pedestrians all around your car and other cars or obstacles, the Sportback remote control parking with a smartphone app can eliminate all of the stress!  You park next to the space and exit the vehicle with your smartphone in hand.  Press a button or two to connect the phone with your vehicle and tell the car to park.  Like magic, the car will park itself safely in the space!  Even more magical, the Audi RS7 can also be directed to exit the space to make it easier for driver and passengers to get back into the vehicle when you’re ready to leave. Current standard features on the Audi RS7 Sportback: Tire pressure monitoring system Cruise control Audi sound system 3-zone automatic air conditioning Xenon plus headlights Parking system

If you want to drive an exclusive vehicle with limited availability (meaning, there aren’t many on the road), the 2013 Audi TT RS just might be the right vehicle for you.  It’s a little difficult to spot the differences between the RS and the lesser TT’s unless you know what you are looking for – but the 2013 Audi TT RS is the top vehicle as far as price, desirability and performance is concerned.  Stop by your Clearwater Audi dealer and take the Audi TT RS for a test drive. Differences Between Audi TT and Audi TT RS As mentioned, there are not a lot of obvious differences between the two vehicles and you would probably only recognize an RS if you knew exactly what to look for.  The RS offers 19 inch wheels and has a more aggressive front appearance, as well as a larger rear wing and diffuser. The real difference between the TT and RS styles is found in the performance!  The RS adds 149 horsepower with the 360 horsepower, turbocharged 5-cylinder engine.  It also provides firmer suspension for a smoother ride, and adaptive suspension dampers. Trim and Body Style Options for the Audi TT RS There is one trim level and the 2013 Audi TT RS is only available as a coupe.  It offers 19 inch wheels and the following items as standard equipment: Automatic wipers Adaptive suspension dampers Automatic climate control Heated mirrors, auto-dimming rearview mirror Xenon headlights Cruise control Performance summer tires 8-way power front seats Bluetooth connectivity 9-speaker sound system, including CD, Satellite radio, auxiliary audio jack Sport button programming for throttle calibration, exhaust note and suspension settings You can choose from the following optional equipment and features: 12 speaker Bose system, including iPod/USB interface Ambient interior lighting Adaptive exon headlights Navigation system Rear parking sensors Louder exhaust Heated front seats Removal of standard rear wing Performance Expectations The 2013 Audi TT RS is only available with a 6-speed manual transmission.  It has a 2.5 liter turbocharged 5-cylinder engine that creates 360 horsepower and 343 lb-ft of torque.  Testing shows the impressive car can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.3 seconds, which is faster than the Audi R8 4.2.  Many drivers are happy with the “throw your head back” acceleration achieved with the Audi TT RS. Fuel economy for the Audi TT RS is estimated at 25 miles per gallon highway and 18 miles per gallon in the city.

The Audi S5 is an elegant looking car with only slight changes for the 2013 model.  The appearance remains sleek and seductive, and the car offers a powerful engine and good fuel efficiency.  You can get a closer look at the features of the 2013 Audi S5 Coupe or take it for a test drive from your Pinellas Park area Audi dealer. Performance and Power The 2013 Audi S5 has a supercharged 3.0 liter V6 engine that delivers a respectable 333 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque.  The transmission is a 6 speed manual as the standard option, but you can choose a 7 speed automatic transmission if preferred.  The S5 Coupe is all-wheel drive. The fuel efficiency for the 2013 Audi S5 with the manual transmission is 17 miles per gallon in the city and 26 miles per gallon on the highway. Trim Options and Body Styles for the 2013 Audi S5 There are two versions of the 2013 Audi S5: a Coupe and the Cabriolet (soft-top convertible).  With each version, there are two trim levels – the Premium Plus and Prestige. Premium Plus: the following items are standard on this trim level – leather seats, tri-zone automatic climate control,  8 way adjustable front seats, lumbar support in driver’s seat, memory functions for driver’s seat, 10 speaker sound system, ipod integration, CD player and satellite radio, split-folding back seats, multi-media interface in the dash to control electronics, and Bluetooth.  On the outside, you’ll have18 inch wheels, heated mirrors that automatically dim when needed, LED running lights, xenon headlights, sport-tuned suspension and a sunroof. Prestige: Navigation system that works with the dashboard mounted multi-media interface, blind spot monitoring, rearview camera, and front and rear parking sensors.  There are adaptive headlights, an upgraded sound system to Bang & Olufsen, Audi Connect navigation upgrade with web capabilities and a WiFi hotspot, and an HD radio. The Prestige trim offers an optional Driver Assist with offers adjustable settings for the transmission and steering and adaptive cruise control. On either trim level, you have options if you want to upgrade to 19 inch wheels. Safety and the 2013 Audi S5 As with all modern cars and the Audi line, the 2013 Audi S5 offers high safety ratings for drivers and passengers.  Antilock brakes, front, knee, and side airbags, stability and traction control are standard for all trim levels.