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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!

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 catalytic converter is an essential component that converts harmful emissions from your Toyota vehicle into a harmless gas. Several factors can cause your vehicle's converter to fail, causing a host of issues. If you're not quite sure how well your converter is holding up, the team at DARCARS 355 Toyota of Rockville has put together this list of things you can discuss with your Toyota dealer to determine whether or not you need a new converter. How Old Is Your Catalytic Converter? One of the first things to consider is the age of your vehicle's converter. Over time, converters can suffer from many issues such as overheating, clogs, and damage from impacts. Most converters last for about 10 years before these issues get out of hand, so if you've had the same converter for 10 years or more, there's a high chance that you need to replace the converter. more Is Your Car Performing Poorly? The next thing to take note of when determining if your vehicle needs a new converter is a reduction in your vehicle's performance. Sure, many issues can cause your vehicle to perform poorly, but converter issues usually have a direct impact on your vehicle's engine. Your car's engine depends on complete fuel combustion to perform well. However, a failing converter causes incomplete fuel combustion, which can lead to engine misfires.   In addition, a failing converter causes back pressure that can stress and wear away at your vehicle's engine, eventually causing the engine to stall. If you notice any of these issues or a combination of them, there's a good chance that your car's converter has seen better days. Does Your Car Give Off a Bad Exhaust Smell? Last on our list of things to consider when determining if your Toyota needs a new converter is the smell of your vehicle's exhaust. As we've mentioned, your vehicle's converter is designed to convert harmful gas exhaust into harmless alternatives.   However, if this conversion process fails due to a faulty converter, these harmful gases may find their way into your vehicle's exhaust. When that happens, your vehicle's exhaust may begin to give off a rotten egg or sulfur smell. This smell is a sure sign that your Toyota needs a new converter. How Your Toyota Dealer Can Help Reaching out to your local team of Toyota specialists to help you resolve your converter issues is never a mistake. Whether you're driving a Toyota GR86 or the ever-popular Toyota Camry, these professionals have the knowledge and expertise to pick out the signs associated with a faulty converter. These specialists also offer vehicle service and parts to help you get your Toyota back into tip-top condition.   As you can see, there are plenty of things to look out for to determine whether your converter is working properly or not. To get your converter fixed so that you can get back out on the road, schedule a service appointment at DARCARS 355 Toyota of Rockville. Keep learning more ways to keep your Toyota in great shape by checking out our related blogs today!

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.

Getting a brake repair could help prevent a motor accident. Unfortunately, it's not always easy to tell when something is wrong with your brakes. The signs of faulty brakes present themselves in many ways; odd noises and strange smells are two examples. We'll teach you about the indicators above of brake failure, and we'll add more to that list, too. Your Brake Light Comes On If your brake light is on, you often assume that you can ignore it for a while. You might not think that your brakes are in trouble; after all, your brakes may appear to be functioning perfectly. Unfortunately, there's always an issue if the brake light turns on. The light is a warning sign, and it's telling you that you're going to notice the brake issues very soon. It's our best advice to use this sign to get your brakes repaired sooner rather than later! more Something Smells Like It's Burning The scent of something burning could be coming from anywhere; there are often ambient smells lingering in the air. However, if the burning smell intensifies after using the brake pedal, it’s an indication that something is wrong. When this burning smell occurs, your system may be overheating. It's best to pull over as soon as possible and let your car cool down completely. Once the car is cool, visit a dealer to get your vehicle checked for brake damage. Your Pedal Feels Spongy A spongy, squishy, or otherwise flimsy-feeling brake pedal is a cause for concern. You may eventually need to stomp on that pedal to get it to work at all, and it may even stop working altogether. Get your brakes checked as soon as you notice that something feels different. A Vibrating Steering Wheel If your steering wheel starts vibrating, it's probably a sign of an uneven rotor. Go to a dealership for a brake repair. There are two more steering wheel issues to look out for: Your steering wheel repeatedly pulls to one side The steering wheel wobbles The latter issue may make your vehicle wobble, too. The problems listed above could endanger your life, so it’s best to get your brakes repaired as soon as you can. Unusual Noises Occur Vehicles make lots of noise. Sometimes the noises your car makes are innocent; you may have hit some debris that was large enough to make a sound. Unfortunately, a strange noise in your vehicle could also indicate a brake issue. Listen for the following sounds when you use your brakes: Grinding High-pitched metallic shrieking Squeaking If you notice any of the signs detailed above, don't hesitate to visit us at DARCARS 355 Toyota of Rockville for the best quality auto repair in Rockville, MD. Click here for directions or go ahead and set up your service appointment online now! We look forward to seeing you soon!

Living where the snow falls has undoubtedly given you your fair share of experiences with overconfident drivers who blow right by you on a snowy road, leaving you to wonder if they've ended up in an accident or on the side of the road in a ditch. After years of testing and driving cars in Maryland, we know a thing or two about driving in snow and how to improve your chances of arriving safely at your destination. Read the Maryland Roads Is the surface of the road dull or shiny? Are there bare spots on the pavement mixed with piles of shaded snow? Is the powder uniformly coating the surface? Is the outside temperature rising, creating a slushy mess, or is it still cold enough to keep the snow crunchy and light? You can understand a lot about the available traction ahead just by knowing what to look for, without stopping to get out of your car and assess the ground. In general, shiny roads are indicative of ice or water. Shady spots can be deceptive, giving you a false sense of security when looking at the dry pavement beyond them. Dry snow offers better traction than slush. more Look Far Ahead When Driving in Snow The slipperier the road becomes, the farther down the path you need to look. Anticipating what to do next can mitigate any knee-jerk reactions you might make. Significantly slow down for turns, allow double the lag distance between you and the vehicle ahead when the road is wet, and triple the space on actual snow. When it's icy, drive slow and leave as much room as possible for stopping distance. Driving carefully takes extra concentration, so minimize any distractions. Engage Your Anti-Lock Brakes When you need to stop quickly, and all else has failed, engage the assistance of your car's anti-lock brake system (ABS). Most Toyotas on the road today come with anti-lock brakes. This system uses an onboard computer to maximize braking under extreme circumstances. If you find yourself skidding and cannot recover, push the brake pedal down as hard as possible, and don't let up. The ABS computer will do the rest, braking each wheel aggressively based on the detected traction. You can use your ABS to assess your traction, as well. To check how much grip you have, apply your brakes gently for a few seconds while driving in a straight line. ABS is activated if the brake pedal chatters with no significant deceleration, and the road beneath is slippery. If you can slow down without the ABS activating, then you are on a grippier surface.   Sloppy road conditions from bad weather and winter storms are a factor for nearly half a million crashes a year. Schedule a tune-up at DARCARS 355 Toyota of Rockville today. Don't forget to have our service technicians verify that your tires are equipped to keep you safe.

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.