"Because knowing is half the battle." -- G.I. Joe

With a piece of mechanical engineering comprised of over 250,000 independent parts, any VW driver is likely to have at least a few questions about how a component works, what a certain system is for, or what a particular indicator light on the dashboard means.

We want to be more than just your local Volkswagen dealer, we want to be an advocate for the brand and with that, be your resource for information about your VW that helps you get the most out of the driving experience. From understanding automotive jargon, to at-home maintenance tips that can add years and miles to your vehicle's life, the more you know, the greater your love for your Volkswagen.

And here at Mitchell VW, we're in the love business.

GLOSSARY: KNOW YOUR VW TERMINOLOGY

> What is "4MOTION"?

Simply put, this is Volkswagen's patented four-wheel drive system. 4MOTION gives you great grip on the road, come rain, wind or snow. So, however treacherous the road surface, you get a sure-footed car with huge levels of traction.

Our four-wheel drive systems work hard to keep you safe, linking with other active safety systems on your Volkswagen to constantly monitor driving conditions. It reacts to even the slightest wheel slip and automatically sends the right amount of power to the wheels with the most grip. The second it detects a problem, it delivers extra traction where it's needed.

As a driver, you get reassuring stability and optimum control. And the confidence that your Volkswagen can safely tackle the roughest roads and the worst weather conditions. That lets you relax and enjoy your drive, knowing that 4MOTION is always on the alert to keep you safe and help you out of tricky situations. It will take snow and ice, slippery roads and muddy tracks in its stride, and help you get out of places where a normal car would be stuck.

> What does "DSG" mean?

DSG, or Dual-Shift Gearbox, refers to a patented automatic transmission design developed to provide fast, smooth gear changes, lively handling with unbroken acceleration, safer driving with the power to get you out of tricky situations, and improved fuel economy -- even compared to a manual transmission.

Each gear change takes less than four-hundredths of a second. DSG can be used manually, via the Tiptronic gear lever (via the floor shifter) or the optional paddle shifts.

So how does it work? DSG is a groundbreaking 'two-in-one' concept. Available in 6-speed and 7-speed versions, it's totally unlike a conventional automatic transmission. Twin electronically controlled shafts manage gear selection, always anticipating your next shift.
> What is "ESC"?

Volkswagen's Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) detects critical situations at an early stage, and takes action to stop skidding and help bring your car safely back under control. It uses sensors to monitor the progress of your wheels. If they start to slip, ESC takes over by applying the brakes to one or more wheels, and reducing engine power if necessary. 

ESC links to your car's electronic systems, such as the anti-lock brakes (ABS) and engine braking control (EBC). It has sensors on the wheels and steering wheel, plus a yaw movement sensor. The ESC plays a further role, using electronic differential lock and traction control to help correct oversteer, understeer and loss of stability of the car. The result is optimum traction when rounding bends.