Blog

When it comes to car safety, your tires are where the rubber meets the road. Each year, thousands of Americans are injured in accidents because of tires that should have been replaced earlier. If you notice any of the following six signs of tire trouble, head to your local Toyota dealer for a set of new tires right away. Deep Cracks in the Treads Toyota drivers are recommended to check their tire pressure at least once a month. While doing so, take a few extra minutes to examine each tire for cracks in-between the treads. Over the years, it's natural for a few small cracks to appear. But if you see any cracks over an inch in length or deep enough to see the inner tubing beneath the rubber, then that tire is at risk of blowing out while you're driving. You'll need to have it replaced. more Deep Cracks in the Sidewalls Tire rubber becomes dried out and damaged by the UV rays of strong sunlight, dramatic changes in temperature, and even persistent rainwater. As the chemicals in the rubber wear away, the sidewalls of your tires will begin to visibly thin and develop hairline cracks. Once again, tiny cracks are harmless enough. But if you see any extremely deep cracks emerge, or cracks over an inch in length, it's best to have that tire changed out. Bulges and Blisters Knocks over potholes or impacts with curbs can sometimes rupture the inner layers of a tire, causing air to release. This air becomes trapped under the upper rubber layer, creating a bulge or blister. Any such visible bubbling means the tire is compromised and might blow out on the road. Possible Punctures Not all punctures are obvious. If you ever notice steady, persistent air loss in a tire, you might have a hidden puncture. This is dangerous, and that tire will have to go. Embedded objects such as nails or bits of metal might also be concealing a hidden puncture. Remove any such objects and see if the tire pressure diminishes, which would indicate a puncture. Insufficient Tread Depth The tread depth of your tires shouldn't be allowed to fall below 5/32 of an inch during winter and 2/32 of an inch during the warmer months. Once treads become thinner than this, you're at risk of skidding or hydroplaning. Your Toyota Dealer Advises Replacements While inspecting your vehicle during regular service visits, a technician will often notice any tire problems that you missed. That's why it's so important to have regular checks of your wheels and brakes. If a trusted technician draws your attention to tire trouble, it's wise to pay attention and have those tires repaired or replaced. When you need your tires inspected, rotated, or changed out in Rockville, MD, we have you covered. Visit our tire service page to learn more about the services we offer or schedule an appointment at DARCARS 355 Toyota of Rockville now!

Maryland's cold weather can be brutal on your car if you're not prepared for it. Even with regular maintenance, the freezing temperatures and snow can wreak havoc on your vehicle. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to help protect your car during the winter months. We'll cover the most important tips for protecting your car during winter in Rockville, MD. Inspect Your Wipers One of the most important things you can do to protect your car is to inspect your wipers. Cold and snow can take a toll on your wipers, reducing their effectiveness and leaving you unable to drive safely in bad weather. Before winter arrives, check your wiper blades for any signs of wear or tear. If your blades are cracked, torn, or worn down, replace them as soon as possible. It would be best if you also topped off your windshield washer fluid to clear away snow, dirt, and debris that builds up on your windshield. You can ensure a safe driving experience in all conditions with properly functioning wipers. more Invest in a Car Cover A car cover will help keep your car protected from the elements, such as snow, hail, and frost. It can also help keep debris and dust out of your vehicle's interior. When shopping for a car cover, it's crucial to find one that fits your specific make and model of car. This will ensure that your vehicle is adequately protected and that there is no risk of damage to the paint job or other exterior components. It would help if you also looked for a car cover that is waterproof and breathable, as this will provide optimal protection for your vehicle. Use a Block Heater A block heater is a device used to preheat a car's engine in cold weather conditions. This can help reduce the strain on your car's engine and provide extra protection against damage from freezing temperatures. The block heater is usually installed on the lower part of the engine, where it can directly heat the coolant and engine oil to warm them up before starting the engine. To use a block heater, you need to plug the cord from the heater into an electrical outlet at least four hours before you plan to start your vehicle. This allows for sufficient time to preheat the engine. Once the engine is warm enough, you can start your car normally. Taking care of your car in the colder months is essential. By inspecting your wipers, investing in a cover, and using a block heater, you will protect your car and ensure it runs efficiently. Trust us at DARCARS 355 Toyota of Rockville today to get your car, truck or SUV ready for winter.   Image by Pixabay

Healthy tires are vital for your driving safety. One of the easier ways to maintain the health of your tires is to ensure that they are always at the correct pressure. Incorrectly inflated tires can lead to problems like additional wear or a blowout. We want you to enjoy your time on the roads here in Rockville, MD, so we'd like to tell you how to check tire pressure. What Do You Need? Checking your tires only requires a tire pressure gauge. This gauge doesn't require special knowledge or understanding and is easy for anyone to use. There are two types of gauges: digital and manual. Either of these gauges will give you an accurate reading of your tire pressure. You can check your tire pressure at a gas station, but their gauges aren't always calibrated regularly. more Advice Before Checking Tire Pressure It's important not to check your tire pressure after you've been driving. When you drive, your tires heat up. This heat is transferred to the air in your tires. As the air in the tires heats up, its pressure increases. If you check your tires too soon after driving, you'll likely get a false reading. It's advisable to allow at least three hours before checking your tires. Find Your Tire Pressure Readings The correct pressure for your tires is listed in your car's manual and on a sticker or plate in the inside door jamb of the front driver side door. When you look at the tire pressure, your front and rear tires may have different readings. If your car is an FWD, the rear tires will have a higher pressure, and the front tires on an RWD car will have a higher pressure. The tires that carry the most weight will always have a higher pressure. Each tire has a tire pressure marked on it. This pressure is not the correct pressure for your car, it's the maximum allowable pressure for the tire. Check Your Tires Remove the cap from the tire nozzle and attach the tire pressure gauge. Write down the reading for the tire, then replace the cap and repeat this process with the other three tires. Once you have all the readings, compare the actual readings to the correct readings for your car. You now know which tires need to have their pressure corrected. Low tire pressure will increase wear and damage to a tire, and high pressure could result in a blowout. Now you know how to check your tires, so you can help keep them in good condition for longer. If you'd like to know more about tire care, contact us at DARCARS 355 Toyota of Rockville or visit our tire information page to learn more!

When you buy a new Toyota, you automatically become a part of the ToyotaCare Advantage family. This program helps you maintain your vehicle for the first two years, so you can be used to the general maintenance that keeps your vehicle running at its best. Here's what's included in this fantastic program. Easy and Convenient The minute you purchase or lease a new Toyota at a dealership, you are enrolled in the program, which provides a maintenance plan for the first two years of ownership or until you reach 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. You also receive a two-year roadside service plan that includes unlimited miles, so you can be sure that if your car breaks down or you get a flat tire, you won't be stranded. This is all included with your purchase. It's easy and convenient to take advantage of this program. You call your Toyota dealership and make an appointment for service. They'll ask for the mileage of your vehicle, so they know which services you need, and you bring your car in. You can either wait in the lobby for your service to finish, or the dealership's courtesy shuttle can take you where you need to go. When your service is done, you pick up your car. That's it! more Maintenance Plan The maintenance services you receive under this program will be based on the manufacturer's specifications for your vehicle. At 5,000 miles, you'll receive a tire rotation, a fluid inspection and fill, and a multi-point vehicle inspection. At 10,000 miles, you'll receive a tire rotation, an oil and filter change, a fluid inspection and fill, and a multi-point inspection. When you hit 15,000 miles, you'll receive the same services as you did at 5,000 miles (tires, fluids, multi-point inspection). When your car reaches 20,000 miles, it will be time for another oil change, which you will receive along with a tire rotation, fluid inspection and fill, and a multi-point vehicle inspection. Your last service appointment at 25,000 miles will again be for a tire rotation, fluid check and fill, and a multi-point vehicle inspection. The benefit of getting your maintenance done at your local Toyota dealership is that you'll receive genuine Toyota parts from a factory-trained technician. Roadside Assistance As mentioned above, you'll also receive a two-year roadside assistance package for free in this program. Services you can obtain from this package include a battery jump start, emergency fuel delivery, a tire change (a damaged tire will be replaced with your spare), towing to the nearest Toyota dealership, lockout protection, and winching (if you're stuck in a ditch, mud, sand, or snow). All you have to do is call the toll-free number, and help will be on the way! You can only take advantage of this roadside assistance program in the U.S., and besides emergency fuel, fluids and parts are not included. So, if your car breaks down because you need a part, the tow to the dealership's service center will be covered at no charge. Toyota wants to make sure you're in good hands when you buy a new car from one of its dealerships. This program is just one of many benefits you'll get as a new Toyota owner. Let us help you find the perfect car, truck, or SUV for you at DARCARS 355 Toyota of Rockville. Get started by browsing our inventory online today! We look forward to seeing you soon.   Image by Pixabay

Regular maintenance will make your car last longer, perform better every season, and increase the resale value. Here are a few Toyota service tips & tricks to help you take proper care of your vehicle here in Rockville, MD. What Are Helpful Toyota Maintenance Tips? Keep Your Car Covered Keep your car under a car cover, carport, or in a garage away from the natural elements, and it will last longer. It will protect the paint job from fading and rusting, and away from dust that can get into all the little difficult-to-clean nooks and crannies. more Have a Good Look at Your Car Take a few minutes to walk around your car daily. Look at the paint job and search for nicks, dents, and chips and have it repaired before rust sets in. Inspect the windshield for chips before they become nasty cracks. Check your tires for cracks and bubbles and look at the tread for wear. If your tires look worn, have them replaced immediately. Drive Nicely You can prevent how often you have to visit a service center by not hitting the brakes hard, driving over potholes or bumps, or swerving unnecessarily. All this increases the wear and tear and causes parts to break. If you drive your car carefully and treat it well, you will not have as many repairs, in return saving you money. Keep Your Car Clean This might sound strange as a maintenance tip, but it's true. Washing your car often will protect the paint. You will wash away chemicals and road dirt that get stuck to the paint. Some chemicals will eat away at the wax, and eventually, the paint will wear and cause rust to set in. You will want to prevent the buildup of dust and grime under the hood to protect your engine as well. Simply wipe down the surface of your engine every few months. Keep the Fluids at the Correct Levels Always make sure there are enough fluids in your car to keep all the parts well lubricated. Check the oil level at least once a month. This will prevent costly repairs. Check the Tire Pressure The correct tire pressure will improve fuel efficiency, prevent your tires from wearing out too quickly, and keep you safe on the road. If your car doesn't have a tire pressure sensor, buy a tire gauge, and check your tires and the spare at least once a week. Understand What the Warning Lights Mean If a warning light stays on, get a qualified technician to service your car as soon as possible. If you don't know what each warning symbol means, look in your owner's manual for information on the warning lights. Stick to the Maintenance Schedule Look in the owner's manual to see when your car needs to go for the recommended maintenance services. You can't skip these services if you want your vehicle to remain in excellent condition. Schedule a service appointment, then take your vehicle for the prescribed services at a Toyota dealership. This will let a qualified technician ensure your car stays healthy. If you find yourself needing an auto repair, visit our service center at DARCARS 355 Toyota of Rockville. We're here to help you keep your Toyota in perfect running condition.