Travel Tips for Young Children From Clearwater Audi
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.
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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.
Drivers in search of a vehicle they can drive in all weather and even head off road every now and again should take a look at the redesigned 2013 Audi Allroad. The vehicle stands out from other off-roading vehicles, thanks to its luxurious and upscale interior features and modern design. The Audi Allroad is a cross between a Wagon and a Crossover SUV. Visit your Clearwater Audi dealer to take the 2013 Audi Allroad for a test drive to see if it meets your needs for an all-around vehicle:
Changes to the 2013 Audi Allroad
In the past, the Audi Allroad wagon didn’t get much attention from buyers. The newly redesigned Allroad is situated to attract a larger number of buyers. The vehicle sits 2.5 inches higher off the ground, giving it better ground clearance and making it possible to go off road sometimes without damaging the undercarriage.
The interior of the Audi has gotten a number of redesigned features with higher end materials and overall improved appearance.
Trim Options and Features
The 5 passenger Audi Allroad is offered with three trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. More features are added as standard offerings at each trim level.
Premium Trim Level
The standard features for this trim level of the 2013 Audi Allroad include:
· Leather seating
· 8-way power front seats
· Power lumbar in front seats
· Split-folding rear seats
· 18 inch wheels
· Cruise control
· Automatic climate control
· CD Player, Satellite Radio, 10 Speaker sound system
You can upgrade to the convenience package with the Premium Trim level which will provide an iPod interface, Bluetooth connectivity and an enhanced trip computer.
You can also upgrade to a Lighting package with the Premium Trim and get LED running lights and bi-xenon headlights.
Premium Plus Trim
The Premium Plus trim level includes everything from the Premium trim in addition to the following features:
· Heated exterior mirrors
· Heated front seats
· Memory functions for driver
· Power liftgate
· Auto-dimming mirrors
· 3-Zone automatic climate control
An optional MMI Navigation package upgrades the car with a real-time traffic navigation system, rear parking sensors and a rearview camera, HD radio and the ability to control certain aspects with voice commands.
Prestige Trim Level
The standard features on the Prestige trim include:
- 14 speaker premium sound system from Bang & Olufsen
- Navigation package
- Blind spot warning system
- Adaptive headlights
- Keyless entry and keyless ignition
Additional options you can purchase include rear sunshades, adaptive cruise control and adjustable settings for steering and transmission.
What Do You Look For in a Car Entertainment System from a Pinellas Park area Audi Dealer?
Modern cars have entertainment systems that rival those found in our homes! At our Florida Audi dealership, we know that the entertainment options of a vehicle are just as important as the performance, power, fuel economy and style when it comes to choosing a new car. Here are some things to consider when thinking about a car entertainment system for your next Pinellas Park area Audi purchase:
Entertainment Features You May Not Find Anymore
As new technology is developed, you may find that some entertainment features you’ve come to expect in cars will no longer be available. There are many features found in older cars that are quickly becoming outdated, so if you’re considering entertainment features in your next car, you may want to avoid technology that may be gone tomorrow, including:
- DVD systems- having cars with built-in DVD players used to be one of the most desired entertainment options, but passengers aren’t looking to watch DVDs in the car, anymore. Most passengers, including children, are now traveling with small handheld devices like iPads, Kindle readers, video games, or laptops. Instead of DVD players, vehicles are coming with USB ports and charging outlets so people can charge their portable electronics.
- Knobs– Twist knobs are rarely used in new cars anymore, now that touchscreens have become more common. A touchscreen allows the driver to control all of the aspects of the car from heat to air conditioning to navigation to the radio.
- CD players– since most people have moved on to mp3 players, very few cars come equipped with cd players, anymore. Most are now including iPod or auxiliary jacks so you can plug in your mp3 players.
Entertainment System Considerations
Before you go car shopping, spend some time thinking about what you want in your entertainment system. It may help you narrow down your choices if there are multiple vehicles you like that have different entertainment systems included. Ask yourself the following questions to help you determine which options and features are important to you and which are not as important:
- Are you satisfied with the standard audio speakers or do you prefer upgraded sound quality?
- Do you want a touchscreen to operate all of the car’s entertainment features and controls?
- Do you need a GPS/Navigation system as part of the car or can you use your phone or portable navigational device?
- Can you connect your phone for hands free use or voice activated controls through the radio of your car?
- Are there USB ports for your electronics and are they located in convenient places?
- Does the radio include Satellite radio?
If you have leather seats in your Audi, there is a good chance that they are among the favorite parts of your car! There is nothing quite as comfortable or soft as leather seats in the car, but if you don’t take care of the leather, you could find yourself with color faded or stained leather that just doesn’t look or feel as nice as it should. Here are some tips for taking care of the leather in your Audi from a Clearwater Audi dealer in Florida:
Common Problems that Damage Leather Seats
There are many situations which can damage or affect the appearance of your leather seats, including, but not limited to:
- Child car seats
- Sun rays
- Water, coffee, soda, or other spilled beverages
- Food
- Sharp and/or pointed objects
- Dirt, dust and grime
How to Keep Leather Seats Clean
If you want to maintain the leather seats in your vehicle you need to create and follow a leather maintenance schedule – much like you maintain the engine and tires of your car. If you take steps to prevent damage to your seats, you won’t have to worry about restoring damaged leather. It’s much easier to prevent problems than it is to fix them after they happen!
Use a microfiber towel – wipe your seats down regularly with a soft, microfiber towel to remove dirt, dust and debris.
Vacuum weekly – vacuum the car interior weekly, including the seats, floors and trunk.
Avoid food and drinks – if at all possible, keep food and beverages away from your leather seats to prevent problems but if you must eat or drink in the car and you have a spill – clean it up immediately to avoid stains.
Protect and Condition Your Leather Seats
You will get the best results if you protect and condition your leather seats once a week. It’s a bit of a time commitment, but it will pay off when your seats maintain their appearance and softness!
Leather cleaner – use a product specifically designed for leather to clean your seats. Don’t use cleaning products designed for other surfaces as they can cause more damage or staining.
Leather conditioner – purchase a leather seat conditioner product to rub into the leather to help prevent fading and keep the seats feeling soft.
Ongoing protection – if you have children, consider seat covers until they are old enough to protect the seats. If you are using car seats, cover the leather with a towel or mat first to prevent rips or puncture wounds from the car seat.
One of the fastest cars on the market, the 2013 Audi S8 is a four door, five passenger sedan that will leave just about all other cars on the road in a cloud of dust! It will only take you 3.5 seconds to go from zero to 60 miles per hour – which is faster even than a Camaro Zl1 and Shelby GT500. The Audi S8 is kind of what you get when you cross an executive sedan with a Lamborghini! Want to learn more? Visit your Pinellas Park area Audi dealer and take the 2013 Audi S8 for a test drive to feel the power for yourself.
2013 Audi S8 Performance and Engine
How does the Audi S8 go so fast? It’s got a 4.0 liter twin turbo V8 engine that delivers 520 horsepower and 481 lb-ft of torque. It also has an 8-speed automatic transmission with torque converter that shifts quickly with no detection of the power interruption. The car has all-wheel-drive which means it handles just as well at faster speeds as it does at more normal, driving speeds.
Traveling at a speed of 60 miles per hour, it will take you 107 feet to come to a stop using the 15.7 inch front brake rotors which you can choose from cast iron or carbon-ceramic.
As the driver of a 2013 Audi S8, you have some options using Audi Drive Select. You get to pick your ideal steering weight, throttle sensitivity, suspension settings and behavior of the transmission.
Fuel Economy
The 2013 Audi S8 is designed for speed and handling rather than improved fuel economy. That being said, the car does get 26 miles per gallon on the highway and 15 miles per gallon in the city.
2013 Audi S8 Technology and Interior Features
You’re not trapped into the standard one-size-fits all features when you buy a 2013 Audi S8. You have options for what color leather seats your car has and the look and style of your trim options. The speedometer is sharp looking, with a gray dial and white needle, while the push button engine start is in a bright red color.
For technology, the Audi S8 is loaded with driver assistance systems, including the exterior camera with 360 degree viewing to help you see all angles around your car for parking and changing lanes. You can upgrade to a 1400 watt Bang & Olufsen audio system if you want.
Are you the type of driver who needs to feel the power of your car every time you pull away from a stop sign or traffic light? If so, you might want to check out the 2013 Audi Q5. It’s a five passenger, four door SUV designed to please the power-seekers. You’ll hit 60 miles per hour from a stopped position in 5.5 seconds, and yes, you will feel the power! Your Clearwater Audi Dealer has the 2013 Audi Q5 in our showroom and we invite all interested drivers to take it for a test drive and see how it feels.
2013 Audi Q5 Power and Performance
The engine is a 3.0 liter, supercharged V6 with 272 horsepower and 296 lb-ft of torque. The vehicle is all-wheel-drive and has an 8-speed automatic transmission. You can flip a switch on the transmission and enter Sport mode to get the most speed and take-off power. You won’t find too many cars quicker than the 2013 Audi Q5.
2013 Audi Q5 Fuel Economy
The Q5 gets 18 miles per gallon on city streets and 26 miles per gallon on the highway with a stop-start system designed to conserve fuel. The previous Q5 model got 18 miles per gallon city but only 23 miles per gallon on the highway, so this is an improvement with the redesign.
Infotainment System
The Audi Q5 offers a voice activated, screen display infotainment system which lets you manage all of your entertainment and car controls without lifting your eyes from the road or your hands from the steering wheel. The car technology also includes streaming Bluetooth audio.
Other Options
If you’re not in need of so much power or take-off ability with your car, you might be interested in the Q5 with a 2.0 liter turbo four cylinder, or the hybrid version which has an electric motor and four cylinder gas engine combination – both vehicles which are also available in 2013. By fall of 2013, be on the lookout for an Audi Q5 with an oil-burning diesel engine.
Test Driving the 2013 Audi Q5
Don’t ever take a reviewers word for it – you should visit your local Clearwater Audi dealership and take the 2013 Audi Q5 for a test drive to see how it feels when you drive it yourself.
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