A defensive driver is a far safer driver. Most drivers on the roads of Silver Spring, MD, are courteous and careful. But unfortunately, some drivers aren't as good as they think they are, and others are downright aggressive, creating unnecessary risk for themselves and for you. But if you follow these five defensive driving tips, you're dramatically less likely to have an accident. Stay Focused on the Road No matter how experienced a driver you are, never assume you can safely take your attention away from the road. Accidents come out of nowhere and happen in an instant, often with overconfident drivers. Try to stay focused on the road at all times. Focus on your speed, road signs, road conditions, and the other vehicles in front, behind, and around you. more It's best to cut out possible distractions while driving. Don't be tempted to eat or drink. Don't talk on your phone and never remove your eyes from the road to glance at a screen. Expect Other Drivers in Silver Spring, MD To Make Mistakes When it comes to considering other drivers, it's better to be safe than sorry. Never assume a driver is going to allow you to merge or clear out of your way. Instead, watch them carefully and see what they're doing. While on the road, don't trust the skills of anyone except yourself. That way, you won't be taken by surprise when someone does something dangerous, and you should be able to respond quickly and safely. For example, always assume someone is going to do something foolish, like run a red light and T-bone you, unless you've confirmed the way is clear or seen the other driver clearly coming to a stop. Follow the Three-Second Rule Always keep a suitable distance between you and the car in front. If they suddenly stop, you need enough time to slam on the brakes and avoid a collision. The three-second rule means always leaving three seconds or more of distance between you and the vehicle ahead. During winter, when roads are slippery, you can extend this to eight or even ten seconds. Don't Drive Unnecessarily Fast When deciding how quickly to drive, always remember the parable of the tortoise and the hare: slow and steady wins the day. There's rarely a need to rush. And building a habit of un-rushed, careful driving should help save you from accidents over a lifetime of driving. Maximize Safety Features Apart from always buckling up and having suitable airbags, many other extremely effective safety features are available in modern vehicles. These include early collision warnings, automatic emergency braking, antilock brakes, blind spot cameras, stability control, tire pressure monitors, park assist features, and more. Some of these features come automatically with your car upon purchase. Others are optional. It's always best to optimize your safety using as many safety features as possible. Ask at your local dealership about options for your make and model. We hope these tips help you stay safe out on the roads of Silver Spring. Visit our DARCARS Toyota of Silver Spring blog today for more helpful blogs! Discover new cars, local favorites, and automotive tips and tricks!
Running a vehicle can be expensive at times. And one of the main costs that rack up for regular drivers is fuel. Fuel costs can really get on top of all kinds of drivers, especially those who commute in heavy traffic. Luckily, taking a few simple steps can help drivers in the Silver Spring, MD area get better gas mileage. Plan Your Route It's easy to get complacent when planning out a route, especially if you're making a routine journey like a work commute or a school run. But taking the shortest route from A to B isn't always the best one to take. more If you're likely to hit heavy traffic or low-speed areas, you'll almost certainly use up more fuel than taking a clearer but longer route. Remember, most vehicles consume less fuel when driving at high speeds without stopping and starting too much. Free online resources like Google Maps can help you to plan the most fuel-efficient route. Turn off the AC We all like to ride in comfort. On a hot day, it might be tempting to put that fancy air conditioning to good use and crank it up to full blast. But running the AC for long periods of time can use a lot of extra fuel. Consider running the AC for shorter periods of time or on a lower setting. Many folks get into the habit of turning it on as soon as they get inside their vehicle, so next time you reach for the on switch try to think about whether you really need it on. Close the Windows So, you've turned off the AC, and now you're going to open the windows to cool off. Be careful! Driving with fully open windows can have a big impact on the aerodynamics of your vehicle. Although it might be pleasant to drive on a summer's day with the window cranked down and your elbow on the door, it can be costly when it comes to fuel. That said, opening the window a little is a great alternative to running the AC full blast. Be sure to look out for other elements of your vehicle that can cause drag and reduce fuel efficiency. Flapping wing mirrors, a loose trunk, or a large roof rack can all cause air drag and reduce overall fuel efficiency. Use Premium Fuel Another good investment that should help you improve fuel efficiency is investing in premium gas. High-quality fuel burns more efficiently, helping you get better mileage as you drive. Not only will it save you money on fuel, but it should also keep your vehicle in better condition overall, leading to fewer breakdowns and maintenance issues. Although the initial cost might be more, you'll save more in the long run. However you like to save on fuel, you'll need a safe and reliable vehicle to get around. Please view our new cars for sale at DARCARS Toyota of Silver Spring now or jump to the most fuel-efficient option and browse our Toyota hybrid models today! Image by Pixabay
There are plenty of challenges drivers in Silver Spring, MD face on the road, but there are few that cause quite as much stress and anxiety as parallel parking does. The good news is that this maneuver doesn't need to be a hassle; follow these tips to take the stress out of your parking experience. Find the Right Spot Parking becomes a lot easier when you choose the right parking space. You'll want ample room to fit your vehicle, with a little extra wiggle room if possible, especially while you're still getting used to this maneuver. You should also make sure there are no restrictions on parking in the space you choose. more Use Your Turn Signals One often-overlooked step in parking on the side of the road is showing other drivers your intent by using your turn signals. Signal towards the side of the road you're parking on before you begin parking. This will let other drivers know what you're doing so that they can react accordingly. Check Your Surroundings Just like any other driving maneuver, situational awareness is critical when you're parking. Make sure your rear-view and side mirrors are properly positioned to give you a good view of the area behind your vehicle. You'll need them to watch for oncoming traffic as well as judge the distance between your vehicle and the vehicles you're parking near. Start from the Correct Position Beginning from the right position will set you up for successful parking. Adjust your vehicle so that your steering wheel is lined up with the car in front’s steering wheel. This will allow you a clear view of the space behind you and give you a good starting position to guide your vehicle into the space from. Cut in Towards the Curb Once you've positioned yourself correctly, start reversing into the spot. When the middle of your vehicle lines up with the rear bumper of the vehicle in front of your parking space, cut the wheel sharply towards the curb. Straighten the wheel out once you're in towards the curb to align your vehicle properly. Straighten Up and Adjust Now that you're in the parking space, you'll want to put the finishing touches on your work. Start by straightening your wheels so that you can be as level with the side of the road as possible. You should also adjust your position relative to the cars in front and behind you, leaving some space if possible, to make it easy for everyone to get out of their space. We hope these tips help you the next time you're parallel parking! We suggest checking out the 2022 Toyota Highlander if you're interested in buying a car with the latest technology to provide the best driving experience possible.
