faq

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Where is Darling’s Volkswagen located?

Darling’s Volkswagen is located at 403 Hogan Road in Bangor, Maine.

Is Darling’s Volkswagen hiring?

If you’re looking for a company with strong roots, an eye for the future, great benefits, and a focus on employee and customer satisfaction, you should work with us! You can see our current job listings here.

We are proud to have been named one of the Best Places to Work in Maine for the past 8 years!

Does Volkswagen have EV (Electric Vehicle) models?

Yes, the Volkswagen ID.4 EV is available now. The ID. Buzz and ID. 7 are also slated to arrive at dealerships in 2024.

Does Volkswagen have hybrid vehicles?

No, Volkswagen does not offer a hybrid vehicle at this time.

Does Volkswagen have a three row SUV?

Yes, the Volkswagen Atlas offers three rows of seating with seats for up to seven passengers.

What is the most popular Volkswagen model?

The Tiguan is Volkswagen’s top selling vehicle in recent history.

What is the most fuel efficient Volkswagen model?

The Jetta sedan is most fuel efficient vehicle in the Volkswagen lineup. EPA estimates show that the Jetta is rated for 29 city/42 highway MPG (2024 Jetta 1.5L, 6-speed manual transmission). Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors including your driving habits and vehicle condition.

Do you sell pre-owned Volkswagen and/or other makes?

Yes, Darling’s sells used and certified pre-owned Volkswagens. At our Darling’s Volkswagen dealership, we also sell Audi and Ford vehicles. In total Darling’s sells 14 new vehicle brands as well as used vehicles and has eight dealerships in Maine.

How can I reset my Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light?

To reset your Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light, first make sure that all four tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The specific tire pressures for your vehicle can be found in the driver’s side door jam or in your owner’s manual. Once the tire pressures have been set you should check your owner’s manual for the proper reset procedure, as it varies from model to model. Here are some general directions for resetting your Audi’s TPMS:

1)           Turn the vehicle ignition on.

2)           Choose the “vehicle” option in the MMI control panel

3)           Select the “Service and Checks” option

4)           Scroll until you reach the “Tire Pressure Monitoring” option

5)           Once you’ve confirmed your tire pressures, choose the “Store Current Tire Pressure” option.

Once then confirmation message has appeared, your TPMS indicator should have been reset.

Why is my vehicle vibrating after driving in a snow storm?

You may be thinking twice about driving to Hermon for a day of skiing if your car is shaking during the winter. It’s understandable to be a bit nervous if this happens but it’s likely a minor issue.

During the winter months in Maine, snow, slush, ice, and dirt can stick to your wheels and wheel wells. This accumulation can throw off the balance of your wheels and tires creating a shaking or jarring sensation.  

This issue can be easily remedied by removing the frozen mush from the wheels and wheel wells. Be sure to grab some old gloves to protect your hands and keep them warm. Another method is to clean it out by taking your car to a hot car wash. You could also wait for it to warm up and melt. If you’ve done all you can and still have a vibration, you may be dealing with a different, more serious issue. Contact our service department for guidance.

How can I lift my wipers to clean my windshield or clear snow?

The procedure can vary from model to model so check your owner’s manual to verify the proper procedure for your vehicle. Make sure the wipers are not frozen to the windshield and they are clear of ice and snow to prevent damaging the wiper motor.

Here are the most common procedures to put Volkswagen wipers into service mode in order to clean the windshield or replace the wipers.

Turn the vehicle engine off and then hold the windshield wiper stock down for one or two seconds.

Or

5)           Turn the vehicle ignition on.

6)           Choose the “vehicle” option in the MMI control panel

7)           Select the “Service and Checks” option

8)           Scroll until you reach the “Wiper change position” and toggle it to on

How often should I change my oil?

Service intervals can vary depending on your vehicle’s model, year, oil type, and your driving habits. You should always refer to your owner’s manual for the proper manufacturer recommendation for your vehicle.

For vehicles that run conventional oil, oil and filter changes are usually recommended between 3,000 and 5,000 miles or every six months, whichever comes first. For vehicles that run synthetic oil, oil and filter changes are recommended between 7,000 and 10,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first.

Our service team can help you determine if your oil should be changed and schedule an appointment for you.

How often should I change my engine air filter?

It is usually recommended that cabin air filters should be checked every 10,000 miles and changed between 15,000 and 30,000 miles depending on your average driving conditions. The service interval can vary based on year, model, and driving conditions, so check your owner’s manual to verify the proper procedure for your vehicle.

Our service advisors can also help determine if your air filter should be checked or replaced and schedule an appointment for you.

Should I put winter/snow tires on my Volkswagen?

Winter/snow tires will always outperform all-season tires under winter conditions and provide greater cornering, control, and stopping ability. They have unique tread patterns and wider grooves to provide enhanced traction on snow and ice and an enhanced ability to expel water and slush.  Winter/snow tires are also composed of a soft rubber compound that keeps its flexibility as temperatures drop.

When should I purchase new tires?

There are a few conditions you can check to determine if you need new tires.

Possibly one of the most important is to check the tread depth of the tire. This can be easily done with a penny. Place the penny into a tread groove with the top of Lincoln’s head pointed to the bottom of the groove. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, then the tread is at the end of it life and should be changed. Be sure to check all four tires.

Look for uneven tread wear. If you notice a tire is wearing unevenly it may be a sign that the tire is under or over inflated, a wheel is misaligned or imbalanced, or there is a mechanical issue. If you notice uneven wear you should have it checked by a vehicle service professional. 

The age of your tires is another factor for tire replacement. Tires decay naturally over time becoming harder, brittle, weak, and unsafe to drive on. If your tires are more than six years old, it’s time for them to be replaced despite the tread life or mileage.

Damage from hitting a pothole, running over a nail, or curbing a tire may compromise the integrity of a tire. It is always a good idea to have a professional check the tire soon after an incident happens. Often the tire can be repaired or it may need to be replaced.