Blog

A Toyota can accrue many miles on the odometer and continue going strong, which speaks to the famed Toyota reliability. In the highly competitive auto industry, reliability has been one of Toyota's greatest strengths and a source of pride for Toyota drivers. Let's explore the top reasons Toyota is so reliable. Toyota Reliability: 6 Reasons Toyota Is So Reliable Excellent Engineering Toyota builds its engines to last the longest time possible, even in extreme stress conditions. Its sharp focus on durability and reliability sets it apart from other car manufacturers that seek to impress customers with systems that deliver only top performances in the short term. Toyota engines are also remarkably easy to service, which contributes to their longevity and high resale value. more Innovative Manufacturing Process Leaning on its many years of experience in the auto industry, Toyota has developed an innovative manufacturing process that underpins the reliability of its vehicles. The company's production process is tuned to help eliminate waste and maximize efficiency. To achieve this, Toyota uses high-quality materials. Great Attention to Detail Toyota routinely shines amongst the competition. That's not luck. It's the result of Toyota's great attention to detail, even in areas that other automakers might overlook. Every component that goes into your Toyota is crafted to high standards to ensure that you get a reliable vehicle. Toyota's attention to detail means that you can drive confidently off of the lot in your new or used Toyota, knowing that your car has been meticulously inspected and designed thoughtfully. Rigorous Product Testing In addition to the stringent quality control in the design and manufacturing processes, Toyota conducts rigorous reliability tests on its products in multiple dimensions before it approves them for the market. When a Toyota car or truck comes to our dealership, you can be sure the manufacturer is satisfied that the vehicle can withstand extreme use conditions. That explains why Toyota backs its vehicles with warranties as well. Continuing Improvements Another reason Toyota is so reliable is its ongoing improvements. Toyota continually innovates to make its new vehicles more capable and reliable than the previous models. Experience Legendary Reliability: Buy a New Toyota in Rockville, MD Today Ready to experience the reliability of Toyota models? Visit us today at DARCARS 355 Toyota of Rockville in Rockville, MD to book a test drive and discover the peace of mind of owning a Toyota.

Each newly purchased or leased Toyota car comes with a complimentary two-year maintenance and roadside assistance plan called ToyotaCare. This coverage provides peace of mind for all new Toyota owners. When your original two-year plan expires, you can sign up for the four-year ToyotaCare Plus plan, which provides ongoing maintenance and roadside assistance at a very affordable price. Is Your ToyotaCare Expiring? When your original two-year expires, many drivers opt for the four-year ToyotaCare Plus plan to keep themselves covered in case of an emergency and also to keep their cars in the best possible condition. However, you will want to confirm eligibility for your vehicle. more Find Out if Your Car Is Still Eligible In order to be eligible for the ToyotaCare Plus plan, your car must still be within 37 months of its original in-service date and have fewer than 31,000 miles on the clock. You can check the eligibility of your vehicle by visiting Toyota's website and inputting your vehicle registration number. Alternatively, you can ask at your nearest Toyota dealership. How Long Does ToyotaCare Plus Last? When you first purchased your Toyota, the routine service coverage included in your original two-year plan will have lasted for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever came first. The 24-hour roadside assistance lasts for the full two years with unlimited miles. After two years, when you sign up for the ToyotaCare Plus plan, your new routine service plan lasts for four years or 45,000 miles, whichever comes first. The 24-hour roadside assistance lasts for the entire four years with unlimited miles. Services Provided by the Four-Year Plus Plan The ToyotaCare Plus plan provides the benefits of ToyotaCare. The routine maintenance services include oil and filter changes, tire rotations, fluid inspections and top-ups, multipoint inspections, and maintenance reminders. These services will follow the recommended service schedule for your Toyota model. The included 24-hour roadside assistance program offers many useful emergency services. This includes delivering fuel in an emergency, jump-starting your car, gaining access to your car if you lock yourself out, and changing a punctured tire with your spare. The roadside assistance providers can also free your car if you become stuck in the snow, mud, or sand, tow you to the nearest Toyota dealership, and provide other emergency assistance services. The Cost of Your New Plus Plan You can obtain the four-year ToyotaCare Plus coverage for a very reasonable fee at a participating Toyota dealership. It’s best to contact your local Toyota dealer to inquire about the plan for your car. Explore Toyota Maintenance Plans in Rockville, Maryland Visit DARCARS 355 Toyota of Rockville today to find out more about Toyota's excellent maintenance plans. At our full-service local dealership, we strive to provide smooth, hassle-free vehicle purchasing and ownership experience.

New Toyota cars come with a generous warranty. When you buy a vehicle at our Toyota Rockville, MD dealership, your vehicle will come with a warranty. But if you want to take advantage of this car warranty, you have to keep your vehicle in good condition and have it serviced regularly. Driving in Rockville, MD: Tips for Avoiding Voiding Your Car Warranty Your warranty is void if you misuse the vehicle. This can be interpreted in different ways, but it typically means tampering with your car or overloading the car. Don't disconnect or alter your odometer because this makes it impossible for your dealer to determine the mileage and is usually considered grounds for a voided warranty. Your warranty is only designed to cover defective parts and issues with the workmanship. It doesn't include damage caused by an accident. If your car is damaged or destroyed in a hailstorm, fire, earthquake, or flood, your warranty often won't cover you. more What About Warranty Claims? It's important to understand the difference between a voided warranty and a denied warranty claim. The former means that your car is no longer covered at all, while the latter means that your current issue isn't covered, but other problems with your car might be. The installation of aftermarket parts is a common reason for a denied warranty claim. It doesn't automatically void your entire warranty, but it can lead to extra costs if a problem with your car is a direct result of the alteration. This is because your warranty claim might be denied, so you have to pay for the repairs yourself. Another common mistake people make is putting the wrong fluids in their cars. The warranty doesn't cover the resulting damage. However, other issues related to the car's function are still covered. Does a Lack of Service Void My Warranty? Although a lack of service doesn't void the entire warranty, it can cause problems with individual claims related to the parts that have been neglected. Get your car serviced at the dealership at least once a year to protect your warranty. Change the oil regularly and check the general performance of your vehicle every few months. Don't ignore warning lights or small issues because they could turn into bigger problems. Ask Us About a New Toyota Warranty at Our Rockville, MD Toyota Dealership To avoid voiding your warranty, don't make alterations to your car. Don't tamper with the odometer or install aftermarket parts. Always protect your vehicle from environmental damage and drive safely to avoid accidents. Get in touch with us at DARCARS 355 Toyota of Rockville to find out more about our vehicles. We'll be happy to explain the full terms and conditions of your new car's warranty.

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!

Drivers local to Rockville, MD, can get their annual car safety inspection at the local Toyota dealership. Unless your car's manual or your service technicians say otherwise, it's best to come in at least once every 12,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first. Read on to find out more about a safety inspection and how you can likely reduce the cost of car maintenance. Overview In Maryland, you'll need to get your car inspected when you first buy it, when you move to the state, and when you sell it. What's more, there is an emissions test that needs to be completed every two years. The purpose of this is to check whether your car is emitting more greenhouse gases than necessary. If so, you might have to get the problem fixed. more Although there is no legal requirement to have an annual safety inspection, it's important to do so anyway. Not only can you keep your car in great condition and safe to drive that way, but you're also saving money. The likelihood of big problems is lower when your vehicle is kept in good shape, and you should be able to sell it for more if you can prove that you've been a responsible car owner. What Gets Inspected? All the most important systems of your car get inspected. This includes everything related to the engine, the brakes, the steering system, the safety equipment like the seatbelts, the lights, and the exhaust. Aside from doing diagnostic tests, your mechanics might also take your car for a test ride to check whether it drives smoothly. If there are any problems, we will let you know and suggest the appropriate repairs. How Can I Maintain My Car Cheaply? Keeping your car in good shape doesn't have to cost a lot. To prevent extensive damage, always attend your annual scheduled inspections and maintenance appointments. That way, issues can get caught early, before they develop into bigger problems that cost a lot to be fixed. Although you might pay slightly more at the dealership than at a general mechanic, it's best to choose the brand-name dealer because the employees are trained to work with Toyota models.   To further reduce the cost of car ownership, you can sign up with ToyotaCare or ToyotaCare Plus. These programs allow you to access free maintenance and emergency services for several years.   Getting your car inspected at least once a year is a good idea because it allows you to drive safely, reduce your overall car maintenance costs, and keep your Toyota in great shape. Visit us at DARCARS 355 Toyota of Rockville anytime or schedule an auto service appointment for your vehicle now. Our experienced technicians in Rockville, MD will be happy to take a look at your car.

Your car's radiator keeps the engine running at the correct temperature and stops it from overheating. When the radiator doesn't work correctly, and you don't get it sorted out swiftly, it can lead to a costly radiator repair. Your Vehicle Will Overheat The primary function of your vehicle's radiator is to keep the engine cool. A good reason to get your car's radiator fixed is when you notice that the temperature gauge is in the red zone and is constantly overheating. This means your vehicle is too hot and will cause steam to billow out from under the hood. A faulty thermostat that doesn't open will likely cause the engine to overheat. more Leaking Coolant Coolant removes heat from the engine to stop your car from overheating. If you need to add coolant more frequently, or your dashboard coolant warning light is on, check for leaks. When you see a bright green, yellow, or red spot under your car, it means that either your radiator or a hose is likely leaking. Coolant runs between your radiator and your car's hot engine to keep the temperature down. This creates pressure. The hoses can come loose or degrade with time, leak, and will ultimately cause overheating. When you see coolant leaking, you need to get your car to a qualified technician to determine where the source of the leak is and to fix it as soon as possible. Impurities in the Coolant When coolant is discolored and has a brownish appearance, it means you have a contaminant build-up that will influence the radiator performance. This is commonly referred to as gunk or sludge. It's a thick jumble of debris that obstructs the flow and prevents the radiator from pumping the correct volume of coolant to the engine.   If there is not enough coolant to lower the heat, the engine will get too hot. The leaking fluid will run out onto the hot parts and leave stains that will rust. Clogged Fins In order to work, radiators need airflow. The fins or tubes need to always be free of road dirt, bugs, and other objects to allow the air through freely when you drive. This is to lower the temperature of the coolant. Debris and hard objects such as stones flying through the air can also bend the fins. It will obstruct the airflow and prevent the coolant from cooling down and likely lead to an overheating engine. Malfunctioning Thermostat or Water Pump The thermostat and the water pump must work well for the coolant system to operate effectively. If the thermostat and the water pump do not work well, the radiator can not do its job. If the thermostat breaks, the system will not let fluid into the radiator. A broken water pump will prevent the system from getting enough pressure to circulate the coolant. Keeping your radiator in good condition is key to the overall performance of your car. Trust DARCARS 355 Toyota of Rockville for all of your auto service needs, including radiator repair. We have skilled technicians and advanced technology to ensure your vehicle's radiator is in excellent condition! Schedule a service or contact our repair center today if you have any questions!

From test driving to that new car smell, it's easy to get lost in the excitement of shopping for your new Toyota and forget about one of the most important steps in the process: car insurance. Did you know that in Rockville, MD, car owners are legally required to get auto insurance before the car is even registered? With so many options available, it can be difficult to navigate what type of insurance you need. Liability Insurance An accident is just that. It's something you don't do intentionally, but accidents happen, and liability insurance helps to pay for damage done to the other person (bodily injury coverage) and their property (property damage coverage). more While each policy is somewhat different, bodily injury coverage helps to pay for things like medical expenses and lost wages for those hurt in an accident. This could include passengers in your car, another car, or even a pedestrian. Property damage coverage pays for the material damage in an accident such as vehicle damage, damage to buildings, and even things like the fence in front of someone's home.   By law, you're required to have a minimum of $30,000 per person per accident and $60,000 total per accident of bodily injury coverage and $15,000 per accident in property damage coverage. Uninsured Motorist Unfortunately, there are folks out there who don't follow the law, including obtaining the right types of insurance. Uninsured motorist coverage helps to pay for property damage and injuries incurred in the event that you're in an accident where the other driver doesn't have the necessary insurance or in the event of a hit and run. This is true whether you were in a vehicle collision or whether you were a pedestrian.   One of the perks of Uninsured Motorist coverage in Maryland is that it also includes underinsured motorist coverage. This is extremely helpful if the person who is at fault has lower insurance limits than your coverage and can help pay for the difference between the damages you incurred and the at-fault driver's liability limits. Drivers are required to have the same minimum of uninsured motorist coverage as liability insurance. Personal Injury Protection This type of insurance helps to pay for lost wages and medical expenses you may face due to an accident. While Maryland requires $2,500 in coverage, there are options and potential waivers you may be able to apply in order to reduce your premiums.   Keep in mind that the type of vehicle you insure has a significant impact on the cost of insurance. Be sure to ask our sales team for more information when you visit us at DARCARS 355 Toyota of Rockville to purchase your new car.

Gifting a car to a relative can be a great way to help a member of your family and get rid of a car you don't want. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MMVA) has a process for gifting a car to ensure the gift is legally compliant. Not all drivers are familiar with this process, so we'd like to tell you about some things you need to know when gifting a car in Rockville, MD. more No Excise Tax When you transfer a car in Maryland, there is a 6% excise tax on the value of the car. If you're giving a car to a family member, however, the 6% excise tax doesn't apply. The MMVA defines a family member as: Parents, including stepparents Children, including natural and stepchildren Spouses Grandparents Grandchildren Siblings, including half-siblings In-laws Aunts and uncles who are 65 or older License Plates When you gift a car, even to a family member, you will usually always have to return the original license plates to the MMVA. Your family member who will receive the car will need to apply for a new set of license plates. There are four exceptions when the original license plates can be retained: The car was owned by one spouse, and both spouses will now own the car in joint ownership The car was jointly owned by both spouses and will now be owned by only one spouse The car was owned by a parent and a child, and the car will now be owned only by the parent or the child The car was owned by a parent or a child, and the parent and child will now jointly own the car You Must Specify It's a Gift The procedure for gifting a car is very similar to buying and selling a car. You and your family member will need to complete most of the same documents. Gifting a car has two specific changes that you need to be aware of. Firstly, the purchase price of the car has to be marked as "Gift" on the Bill of Sale (Form VR-181).   You and the family member you're gifting the car to must both complete Form VR-103, Application for Maryland Gift Certification. This document will be added to the other documents that go to the MMVA to transfer the title to the car. Click here for more information on transferring vehicle ownership.   Now that you have a plan for what to do with your current vehicle, you may now begin shopping for your new Toyota! DARCARS 355 Toyota of Rockville is your trusted dealership. Browse our cars for sale online or stop by and see us in person!

As your Toyota dealer in Rockville, MD, we hope that you'll never experience an accident. It's never a pleasant situation, and even if no one is injured, your car will likely have been damaged. Once everyone involved is safe, the next question is where and how to get the best quality collision repair for your Toyota. We'd like to tell you why our dealership is the best place to repair your car. Expert Technicians All of our technicians are highly trained and are certified by Toyota as experts in repairs and maintenance for all Toyota vehicles. After their extensive training, our technicians are focused daily on repairs, servicing, and maintenance of Toyotas. This extensive practical experience, coupled with a thorough knowledge of all facets of any Toyota, makes them the best choice to repair vehicle damage. more An independent repair shop may have great mechanics, but their knowledge is more generalized. They work daily on a wide variety of repairs on many different makes and models. While they have practical knowledge, they will not be able to reach the specialist levels of our technicians. This lower level of specialization will also show in any repair work. High-Quality Parts All repairs performed by our technicians use only original Toyota parts. These parts are identical to the ones that were used to build your car. Each component was specially designed and engineered to fit and operate perfectly on your car. To return a damaged Toyota to its original state, Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts are the only ones that can meet that standard.   In contrast, repairs by an independent repair shop will usually use generic parts. These are cheaper than genuine ones, but they don't match the quality or longevity of original parts. A cheaper repair bill is often followed by additional future expenses, as the replacement parts themselves need to be replaced sooner than OEM ones would. Best Technology As a dealer, we have access to the best technology, from diagnostic equipment to paint matching to glass replacement. This technology ensures that all repair work on your Toyota will match the high standard demanded for a Toyota repair. Our service department must maintain these high standards to offer the high-quality work you expect, and that your Toyota deserves.   Independent repair shops are unlikely to have access to the same standard of technology, and this will result in a repair that doesn't match the quality you expect. They are not audited by Toyota, nor is their work guaranteed by Toyota. In addition, if a problem arises with the repair, you will have to take your car to the same repair shop to have the problem rectified.   If your Toyota is damaged, you'll want it to be repaired to the highest standard ASAP. If you need any repairs, click here to schedule an appointment at DARCARS 355 Toyota of Rockville. We have the technicians, parts, and technology to perfectly repair any damage to your vehicle.

Are you looking to sell or give your ride to someone else? Or perhaps you're a buyer who wants to ensure the new car is legally yours after the transaction. Find out how to transfer vehicle ownership quickly and conveniently in Rockville, MD. Locate Title The title is the most crucial element for transferring any vehicle from one party to another. This document is your proof of ownership, and it should have been given to the vehicle's current owner when that person took possession. It will usually be labeled as a Certificate of Title and includes information about the vehicle itself, the current owner, and potentially previous owners. Title transfers must occur regardless of whether the transfer is a financial transaction, a gift, a donation, or an inherited item. more Bring Necessary Documentation As mentioned, all transfers require a title signed by both the party who currently owns the car and the prospective new owner. If the original title cannot be found, the person with ownership of the vehicle can request a duplicate title from the MVA. Titles may contain an updated odometer reading. If this information is not present on the document, the current owner will need to provide an odometer disclosure statement.   Other documents might be needed, such as a bill of sale if the car was purchased from a private seller. In addition, sellers should provide buyers with a safety inspection certificate no older than 90 days. For their part, new owners will need to offer proof that they have a valid and updated car insurance policy. Fill Out Relevant Applications If the new owner is purchasing the vehicle, in general, an application for a new title must be submitted. Once the new owner completes this application and hands it over to the MVA, a new title will be mailed to the recipient once approved, which will replace the old title.   In the event the vehicle is gifted, the involved parties may be able to simply transfer the initial title. This process still must go through the MVA, though, with the new owner likely submitting a gift certification application instead of a new title application. Complete Registration Even if ownership of a vehicle is secured, a new owner will not be able to drive it on Maryland's roads unless the auto is also registered. Since many of the same documents are needed for both titling and registration (such as safety inspection and car insurance proof), individuals can typically complete these processes at the same time. If a dealership is not handling this process for the new owner, a registration form can be filled out at the MVA office. Pay Fees Associated costs with transferring car ownership in Maryland include the title fee of $100. A registration fee applies as well, either $135 or $187, depending on the weight of the vehicle.   Let a qualified dealer ease your paperwork load when purchasing a new Toyota. Contact DARCARS 355 Toyota of Rockville to speak with our finance team today! Take advantage of our car deals & specials with an efficient auto-buying process.

Driving at night can be a challenge, especially if you're not used to doing it. Visibility is reduced, making it harder to see obstacles and other drivers. Here are eight tips for safe and stress-free night driving in Rockville, MD. Drive Slower When night driving, you should generally reduce your speed, and by moderating it, you will control your vehicle better and avoid accidents. Maintaining a safe speed means responding effectively to unexpected objects or animals on the road. more Keep a Safe Distance It is more difficult to see obstacles and other cars on the road in low visibility conditions. Keep a comfortable distance from other vehicles, so you have more time to react if something happens in front of you. Use Your Turn Signals Using your turn signals when changing lanes will help other drivers navigate and prevent accidents due to miscommunication on the road. When driving during low light or bad weather, it is also essential to use your turn signals to alert other drivers so they can adjust their driving as needed. Look Away From Oncoming Lights It is essential to be aware that your visibility is reduced at night and take extra precautions. One thing you can do is to look away from oncoming lights, and looking away will help keep your eyes adjusted to the darkness and make it easier to see what is ahead on the road. Take Breaks When Necessary If you feel tired after driving for a long time at night, take a break and rest before hitting the road again. You may also want to consider stopping for the night and getting a good night's sleep before continuing your journey. Clean Your Windshield One of the most important things to improve your visibility while driving is to keep your windshield clean. Cleaning your windshield will help reduce glare and improve your visibility while on the road. Regularly Test Your Lights It is also important to regularly test both your headlights and taillights. Ensure they are all in good working condition and provide the visibility you need to drive safely. Use Your High Beams Don't forget to use your high beams when you need them. However, only use high beams when there is no oncoming traffic. Switch to low beams when it's foggy or when there is oncoming traffic. Test your high and low beams before heading out to ensure they work properly.   Following these tips will help you stay safe while driving once the sun goes down. Additionally, if you need assurance that your car is equipped for the safest night driving, schedule a service appointment at DARCARS 355 Toyota of Rockville, where we will happily inspect your vehicle and repair it accordingly.