Parts Hours:
| Monday | 8:00AM - 6:00PM |
| Tuesday | 8:00AM - 6:00PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00AM - 6:00PM |
| Thursday | 8:00AM - 6:00PM |
| Friday | 8:00AM - 6:00PM |
| Saturday | 8:00AM - 4:00PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Toyota Parts Tips & Tricks
From DARCARS Toyota of Silver Spring
The DARCARS Toyota of Silver Spring Service Department is dedicated to keeping your Toyota in peak condition so that you can get the most out of your investment. Whether you're wondering how to check your tread depth or how to remove your car battery on your Toyota, we can help.
Look over our auto parts tips and tricks, and contact us if you have any questions! We want to keep you informed about all things Toyota as your local Silver Spring, MD auto repair source.
We've all experienced driving through the snow in Silver Spring, MD, during the winter months, and friends, family, and mechanics all give us the same advice: "make sure your car is ready for the winter." And the first thing on the to-do list should be checking your tire tread and seeing if you need new tires.
Do you own a tire tread depth gauge?
If so, good on you! It's a great inexpensive tool that helps you take all the guesswork out of checking your tread depth. All you need to do is have it leveled and then plunge into the groove of your tire and let this little tool do the rest. What you are looking for is the recommended tread depth of 6/32 or deeper. If the tread depth is 4/32, you should consider changing your tires with new ones. We also recommend you shop for tires at your trusted Toyota dealer to ensure you're getting top-quality tires.
Now, if you do not own a tire tread depth gauge but still want to check them, then we have you covered.
Checking your Tire Tread Depth with "The Penny Test"
This is an easy way to measure tread depth, and all you need is a penny!
- Step 1: Place an upside-down penny with Lincoln's head in a tire tread groove.
- Step 2: Your tread depth is good if Lincoln's head is covered and no longer visible between the tracks.
- Step 3: If you can see all of Lincoln's face, the tread depth is 2/32 inches or less, and it's time to change the tires.
And that's it! Once you've done either of these tests, you will know if it's time to get new tires or if you need to change them. We still recommend you hit up your local Toyota dealer in Silver Spring, MD, and have one of our expert technicians take a look and make sure. Sometimes all you need is to have your tires rotated versus buying new ones. Whichever it is, we are here to help, so feel free to schedule an appointment today!
Your Toyota battery keeps your engine running day in and day out. Even if you take good care of it, it will deteriorate and will need to be replaced at some point! You might think that removing a car battery is risky, and you are correct. However, understanding how to properly remove a car battery just takes a few minutes. Use our method to get rid of your old battery as soon as possible!
First of all, make sure you wear insulated gloves and some safety goggles and that your car is parked in an open area. Turn off the engine and let it cool before approaching the car battery. Now that you are geared up and have taken safety precautions, you can follow the steps below to remove your car battery.
- Step 1: Make a note of where the negative terminal is. It should be covered in black plastic. A negative (-) sign may also be visible on the terminal or nearby.
- Step 2: Hold the bolt head in place with your pliers or one of your wrenches. Remove the nut with another pair of pliers.
- Step 3: The negative battery cable should be free to be removed. Keep it out of the path of the battery.
- Step 4: Carry out the same procedure with the positive cable. Take care not to let the ends of the positive cable touch as you remove it. Make sure there's no metal-to-metal contact when you secure it.
- Step 5: Is your battery secured by a bracket? Remove the screws and nuts that hold it in place with your wrench.
- Step 6: Remove the battery from the bracket, but keep in mind that it could weigh as much as 40 pounds! Please ensure that you have adequate leverage and a secure location to set it down.
And there you go! You have correctly removed your Toyota battery. However, for the easiest and safest way to remove a car battery, you might want to schedule a service appointment with us at DARCARS Toyota of Silver Spring. We can quickly get you back on the road with a new car battery. If you do decide to undertake the removal process at home, you can pick up a new car battery at your local Toyota parts department! Our knowledgeable technicians will assist you in selecting the best, longest-lasting battery for your car.
DARCARS Toyota of Silver Spring
Schedule Service Service Specials Service Center
Address:
12210 Cherry Hill RdSilver Spring, MD 20904
SALES: 301-622-0300