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The leaves are changing and there's a chill in the air. Fall is here! And just like your wardrobe needs a little update for the cooler weather, your car needs some special attention too. There are a few tasks of fall car maintenance you should perform so your vehicle is ready to handle whatever autumn throws its way. Check Your Tires Fall often brings rain and sometimes even early snow. Make sure your tires have enough tread to handle slick roads. Don't forget to check your tire pressure, as it tends to drop along with the temperature. more Test Your Battery Car batteries and cold weather aren't the best of friends. Get your battery tested to ensure it's in good shape and replace it if necessary. Also, check the battery terminals for corrosion and clean them if needed. Replace Your Wiper Blades and Refill Your Wiper Fluid If your blades are leaving streaks or making noises, it's time for a new set. While you're at it, top off your windshield washer fluid. You might want to choose a fluid that's rated for lower temperatures to help prevent freezing. Check Your Brakes Your brakes are crucial, especially on wet or icy roads. Listen for any strange noises when you brake, like squeaking or grinding. If you hear anything unusual, or if it's been a while since your last brake check, make an appointment to get them inspected. Change Your Oil and Check Your Fluids Regular oil changes are crucial for keeping your engine running smoothly. If you're due for an oil change, get it done before the colder weather hits. While you're at it, check your other fluids, such as the transmission, brake, and power steering fluids, to make sure they're at the proper levels. Check Your Lights As the days get shorter, you'll be relying on your car's lights more and more. Check all your lights, including headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and interior lights to make sure they're working. Prepare an Emergency Kit If you don't already have a car emergency kit, now is the time to put one together. Include items like jumper cables, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, blankets, water, and non-perishable food items in case you end up idle for some time. Have Fall Car Maintenance Tasks Done at Our Silver Spring, MD Toyota Dealership Take your car in for a fall check-up. A professional can make sure everything is in working order and help catch any potential issues before they become major problems. Taking a little time now to make sure your car is in good condition can help save you from large repairs down the road. For help with your fall car-care checklist, schedule an appointment with DARCARS Toyota of Silver Spring.

Nothing's better than getting behind the wheel and taking to the open road on a summer afternoon. But the heat of summer can take its toll on certain car parts, so it's important to carry out proper summer car maintenance for summer. Here are the main car maintenance services you should have done at your local dealership this year. Check Your Air Conditioner During summer, the most important car part for your driving comfort is the air conditioner. You may not have used your ac since the previous summer, so test it out to make sure it's working well. Sometimes the air conditioner's condenser positioned at the front of the radiator can get damaged over winter. Seals in the system can also dry out while not in use, causing refrigerant leaks that will need to be fixed. more Refresh Your Engine Oil It's a good idea to have your oil changed, and the oil filter cleaned or replaced as well before summer. As the temperature rises, your engine will be at greater risk of overheating, and fresh, clean engine oil is one of the best defenses against overheating, alongside the cooling system. Engine oil can also thin slightly in the heat of summer, which may slightly reduce its proper functioning. This makes it even more important to ensure your oil is fresh, high quality, and fully topped up. Test Your Cooling System Your car's cooling system also needs to be ready to handle the heat this summer. Have a technician pressure test all the components, top up the coolant, and make sure the whole system is working well. Test Your Battery's Strength Most drivers run additional electronic car accessories during summer, with the power windows, sunroof, fans, and air conditioner going at full blast. Handling the extra voltage means your car battery will need to be in good condition. Following the chilly months of winter, you should make sure that your battery hasn't been damaged by the cold. Install a New Air Filter The engine's air filter is about to be challenged by dusty summer air that's also filled with insects. As air filters should generally be changed once a year, the start of summer is usually a good time to get a new one. Check Your Tire Pressure As temperatures rise, so does tire pressure as the air inside each tire expands. For every additional five degrees Fahrenheit, your tires will gain one extra pound per square inch of pressure. This puts your tires at greater risk of being damaged and blowing out. Overinflated tires also put more weight on the central point of tire treads, which wears treads down faster and puts you at risk of skids. Have a technician check your tires carefully to make sure they're structurally sound. Also, check your tire pressure diligently once or twice a month as summer comes on. You may need to let a little air out to compensate for the increasing pressure. Schedule Your Vehicle Summer Maintenance in Silver Spring, MD! Have your car properly prepared for summer at DARCARS Toyota of Silver Spring. We're your local Toyota car dealership with a broad range of top-notch new Toyota vehicles and courteous, highly trained staff.

Drivers in Silver Spring, MD need to get their vehicles serviced regularly to make sure they are still safe and efficient. At the Toyota dealership, we offer a comprehensive car safety inspection that gives you peace of mind and help prevent your car from breaking down prematurely. Let's have a closer look at how often you should come to the service center. Driving in Silver Spring, MD: Car Safety Inspection FAQs Most cars require routine maintenance appointments. If you buy a new vehicle at the dealership, you can get ToyotaCare, a program that provides you with free maintenance and roadside assistance for 24 months or 25,000 miles. You should come in for one service appointment every six months or 5,000 miles. We can rotate your tires, perform a multipoint inspection, and inspect and adjust your fluid levels. more A biannual service schedule works well if you drive approximately 10,000 miles per year. However, people who use their cars a lot or frequently drive off-road might need to come to the dealership more often. If you're not sure which guidelines apply in your situation, give us a call. We have experience with all Toyota models, so we'll be able to give you accurate information. Do I Have to Get a Car Inspection in Maryland? In Maryland, you have to get your vehicle inspected before registering it. There is also a periodic emissions test by the Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program. You must get your car tested once every two years to make sure it is still operating efficiently. Skipping maintenance appointments is risky. If you fail to keep your vehicle in good condition, you could run into problems with your warranty and car insurance. Damage to your vehicle might not be covered if the manufacturers or insurers believe that you neglected your car. Why Choose the Toyota Dealer's Service Center? It's always best to come to the dealership's service center because our technicians are trained to work with Toyota vehicles. When repairs are necessary, we always use genuine spare parts and tools, so you can be sure that your car is as good as new. We also offer service and parts specials that make your appointments more affordable. Get Your Routine Inspection in Silver Spring, MD Scheduled Most cars have to be inspected at least once a year. During the appointment, we check the engine and its components, the fluids, the tires, the brakes, the windshield and windshield wipers, the mirrors, the safety equipment, the suspension, and the steering. Get in touch with us at DARCARS Toyota of Silver Spring to schedule your first car inspection now.

To keep your tires in tip-top condition, it's important to periodically have them rotated. Not only does rotation help your tires last longer, but it also keeps you safer on the road. Whether you live in Silver Spring, MD or anywhere else in the state, look out for the following four warning signs that it's time for a tire rotation right away. Does Your Car Need a Tire Rotation? Individual Tires Wearing Lopsidedly It's important to check tire pressure at least once a month. When you do, also measure the tread depth on all four tires. Over time, treads should wear directly down the center of each tire. You can visually check this and also measure the tread depth on both sides of the tire. If you notice an individual tire's treads wearing down lopsidedly, you might have an underlying problem, like misaligned wheels. You'll need to have the issue fixed and the tires rotated. more Some Tires Wearing Faster Than Others All four tires should ideally wear down uniformly, but you'll often find the front two tires wearing down faster. This is due to uneven weight distribution in the car and other factors, such as the quality of your suspension and where the pressure goes when braking and steering. When you notice that the front two tires have worn down more than the rear tires, it's time for a rotation. Sometimes this can work in reverse, and the rear tires wear down faster. Uneven Air Pressure Loss When a single tire wears down faster for any reason, the other tire takes up the slack and supports more of the car's weight. This extra pressure can sometimes lead to a steady loss of air pressure. If you notice uneven pressure loss, look first for any hidden punctures. Then check for uneven tread wear and consider having them swapped around. Diminished Quality of Handling When tires wear unevenly, the vehicle's handling is usually affected. You're likely to notice a slight reduction in responsiveness and smoothness, especially when cornering. You might even notice odd vibrations or wobbling sensations while moving at slower speeds. Rotate Twice a Year in Silver Spring, MD The optimal interval for rotating tires is every six months for most drivers, which coincides nicely with recommended oil change visits to your local Silver Spring dealership. And if you ever notice any of the above signs of trouble, consider having your tires rotated, even if it's only been a few months since your last rotation. Schedule Your Toyota Tire Rotation in Silver Spring, MD Today Have your tires rotated today by courteous, experienced technicians at DARCARS Toyota of Silver Spring. We're an award-winning local dealership run by a team of Toyota experts who provide consistently friendly, professional service.

A car air filter prevents dirt and dust from getting sucked into your Toyota engine, and when the filter gets clogged with dirt, it will cause all sorts of issues, including causing damage to your Tacoma, Corolla, or RAV4 engine. Below are signs to warn drivers in Silver Spring, MD, when it's time for an air filter replacement to prevent a whole lot of car problems and expensive repairs. 1. Your Car Guzzles Gas Poor gas mileage is one of the first signs of a dirty air filter. When a clogged air filter doesn't allow air to flow freely, the engine will guzzle more gas to compensate for the reduced amount of oxygen. All you have to do to save gas money is to replace the air filter. 2. It's Hard to Start Your Car A dirty air filter will prevent adequate airflow to the engine and cause an increase in unburned fuel. The unburned fuel will turn into soot, fouling the spark plugs. In turn, the dirty spark plugs will prevent a proper spark, causing you to struggle to get your car going. In some instances, your car might even misfire. It's best to get your vehicle to your Toyota technician as soon as possible to avoid damage to your engine. more 3. You Hear Strange Noises When your car idles roughly, shakes, and vibrates, and you hear coughing noises coming from under the hood, the culprit could be a dirty and clogged air filter. The dirty filter prevents enough air from flowing through, hampering engine performance. 4. Your Car Feels Slow and Lazy When a dirty air filter doesn't allow enough air, your engine will not run at its best. Your car will feel slow and lazy, and when you step on the accelerator, your car will respond slowly. 5. You See Black Smoke from Your Tailpipe Black smoke pouring out of your tailpipe is another sign that you need to replace the filter. A dirty and clogged air filter will cause an improper air-fuel mixture, preventing the fuel from burning correctly and causing black smoke to pour out of your car's tailpipe. 6. The Engine Light Is On A dirty air filter could cause deposits to accumulate on the engine, triggering your car's check engine light. If you see smoke, schedule an appointment at your Toyota dealer ASAP to prevent engine damage and avoid higher repair costs. Get a New Car Air Filter in Silver Spring, MD Today To avoid all sorts of vehicle issues, including damage to your engine, stick to your car's maintenance intervals. Your Toyota's owner's manual has all the information you need on your car's recommended intervals and air filter replacements. If your vehicle is showing any of the above signs, call DARCARS Toyota of Silver Spring today to schedule an air filter replacement to ensure your engine is protected and your Toyota runs smoothly.

Ignition coils are vital components inside each of your engine's cylinders. Every time a spark plug fires, it needs a huge 25,000 to 40,000-volt surge of electricity, which is provided by the ignition coil. When one of your coils starts to fail, the corresponding spark plug and cylinder falter too. So if you notice the following signs of a faulty ignition coil while driving around Silver Spring, MD or anywhere else, it's best to have it cleaned or replaced right away. Sputtering, Coughing Sounds When a spark plug no longer has a reliable supply of electricity due to a failing ignition coil, it can't ignite all the fuel being injected into the combustion chamber. This causes the engine to start misfiring. As the engine struggles and misfires, you'll hear it sputtering and coughing. You might also feel it jolting and shuddering while on the road. more Rough Idling Misfiring becomes most noticeable when you slow down and pause in idle, perhaps while stuck in traffic or waiting at traffic lights. Idling is quite strenuous even for a healthy engine to maintain for long. An unhealthy, misfiring engine will clearly be struggling in idle and might even stall. Sluggish Acceleration When one or more of your ignition coils is no longer keeping the cylinders pumping smoothly, your engine will lose power. In particular, you'll lose accelerative force. Watch Out for Intersections in Silver Spring, MD Reduced acceleration becomes dangerous when you need a quick burst of speed, such as when crossing one of Silver Spring's busy downtown intersections. It's also unwise to attempt to overtake another vehicle when your acceleration is diminished. Falling Fuel Economy Without consistently firing spark plugs, your fuel won't be burning as efficiently as it should. This soon leads to a drop in gas mileage and more frequent stops at the gas station. Black Tailpipe Smoke Unburned fuel can build up inside combustion chambers when spark plugs fail to ignite the fuel properly. This unburned fuel eventually begins to seep back into the exhaust system, where it will eventually work its way out of the exhaust in the form of thick black smoke. Backfiring If you hear a sudden bang followed by a burst of smoke from your exhaust, then your car has backfired. This often happens when too much fuel has built up inside a cylinder. The fuel-air mixture in the cylinder is unbalanced, which slows down the combustion process. With the system knocked out of proper timing like this, the exhaust valve can sometimes open while the fuel is still igniting. The explosion thereby spills out of the cylinder, creating a loud bang. Have your ignition coils inspected, cleaned, or replaced today at DARCARS Toyota of Silver Spring, or visit our blog to learn more about maintaining your Toyota! Image by Pixabay

All of your car's systems depend on electricity to function, and any problem with the electrical system affects your car. These problems can damage components and cause additional issues for your car. Fortunately, your Toyota dealer can fix any electrical problems for you. These are samples of some situations that can arise in your car in Silver Spring, MD. Damaged Electrical Connections Your alternator produces electrical power for your car's systems. This power has to be supplied to these systems via cables and wires. Your Toyota contains over a mile of electrical wires and numerous connections. At various points in the installation, this wiring is interspersed with fuses, connections, and switches. Each connection interrupts the supply of electricity before it connects again. Fuses can blow, switches can fail, and connections can break or rust. These seemingly small problems have a serious impact on your car's electrical system. A blown alternator fuse, for example, switches off the alternator. If this happens, your car will lose all its electrical production, and systems will start to shut down. Our technicians are experts at tracing and repairing electrical connections and other issues. We'll have the problem identified and fixed in no time. more Dead Battery When most drivers think about electrical issues, the most common one they imagine is a dead battery. Car batteries have a lifespan of three to five years before they fail. Their lifespan can be reduced by other engine problems, extreme weather, or driving conditions. Since the battery is responsible for supplying the power to start your car, a dead battery is a major problem. Your Toyota has systems available to monitor your battery. In addition, we advise that you have regular battery checkups to monitor your battery's health. Our technicians will hook your battery up to our battery tester. This machine determines the battery's strengths and weaknesses by subjecting it to a battery of tests. A battery should be tested when it's three years old and then annually after that. If your battery shows signs of failure, we can replace it. Short Circuits A short circuit occurs when electricity takes an unexpected path. This situation can overload the electrical system and cause damage to a variety of components. At the very least, a short circuit can cause fuses to blow and temporarily shut down one or more systems in your car. There are many possible causes for short circuits, including damaged wiring, faulty connections, or failed relays. Our technicians will need to investigate your car's electrical system to find and determine the cause of any short circuit. Once we've identified the problem, we will repair it. If your car is showing signs of problems with its electrical system, schedule an appointment with our service department right away at DARCARS Toyota of Silver Spring. Interested in learning more signs to look out for if your car needs a repair or service? Click here to browse more blogs on how to maintain your Toyota today!

Proper car maintenance starts with regular services from a qualified technician and a little effort from yourself to ensure that your Toyota continues to be a pleasure to drive. Follow the maintenance tips below and read similar blogs like this one to enjoy every mile behind the wheel of your Corolla, RAV4, or Highlander on the roads in and around Silver Spring, MD, for years to come. 1. Read Your Owner's Manual and Follow the Service Schedule All your car's information, including the service schedule and maintenance intervals, is in your owner's manual. Following the service schedule and the factory-recommended maintenance intervals will help ensure that your car is reliable, safe, and lasts longer. You will also set yourself up to save money on gas and repairs. more 2. Change the Oil at the Recommended Intervals Regular oil changes at the recommended intervals are essential to keep your engine lubricated and running smoothly. Toyota recommends using genuine Toyota Motor and Mobil 1 Motor Oils to protect your engine, increase performance, and ensure your car lasts longer. Check your owner's manual for the factory-recommended oil change intervals. 3. Keep an Eye on the Dashboard Warning Lights If a dashboard light goes on, it's a warning that something is not working properly. Call your Toyota dealer to schedule an appointment and sort out the problem fast before it causes more damage that could lead to higher repair costs. 4. Insist on Genuine OEM Parts When it's time to replace parts, always insist on genuine Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts specifically manufactured for your vehicle. Genuine Toyota parts are reliable and durable and will help ensure that your car continues to perform at its best. 5. Look After Your Tires Walk around your car at least once a month and inspect your tires. Check the tread depth, look for cracks and bulges, and ensure your tires are inflated to the proper pressure levels. Ask your Toyota technician to rotate your car's tires regularly. A tire rotation will help ensure even tread wear and prolong the life of your tires, saving you money in the long run. 6. Perform Regular Inspections Make a habit of inspecting your car's fluid levels at least once a month and top them off if necessary. Look under your vehicle for puddles and if you see pools on the ground, get it checked out as soon as possible. Check your battery for corrosion and get it tested if it's older than three years to avoid getting stranded on the side of the road. If you hear strange noises or smell unpleasant odors, ask your technician to take a look ASAP. With regular maintenance, you should be able to save money on repairs and at the gas pump, your vehicle will likely last longer and always get you where you want to go. Visit our site at DARCARS Toyota of Silver Spring to schedule a maintenance appointment online today. The team of Toyota-trained technicians will assist you in keeping your car in excellent running condition.

Do you find yourself squinting to see the road at night? It might be time to change your Toyota's headlights. In darkness or foggy weather, bright and healthy headlights can sometimes help save you from an accident. Let's take a look at three indicators that it's time to visit your local Toyota dealer in Silver Spring, MD, for a pair of new headlights. Dimming Light Ahead It can sometimes be difficult to notice when an aging bulb begins to dim. This is because the change happens gradually. But oftentimes, a headlight bulb will dim by 20 percent or more before it finally dies. more If you notice dimming light from your bulbs, clean your headlights before assuming the bulb is finished. Sometimes this will solve the problem. Headlights can become clouded or dirtied by dust from the road or salted snow during winter. Flickering Light A far more obvious sign of headlight trouble is one of your bulbs flickering. This might mean the filament is broken, and so the bulb needs to be replaced.   Flickering could also mean the bulb is loose, so you should check that it's screwed in firmly. There might also be a loose connection in the wiring behind the bulb. When you put in a new bulb, you'll soon see if the issue lies with the wiring. You can also test your bulbs with a multimeter if you have one. A Bulb Stops Working The clearest and most common sign of headlight trouble is one bulb dying. When this happens, it's generally better to replace both headlight bulbs at once. This is because when one of a pair dies, the other is rarely far behind. It can also be difficult to find identical bulbs, and you wouldn't want mismatched lighting. What Type of Bulb Do You Use? The lifespan of your headlights depends a great deal on the type of bulb your vehicle uses. If you know what bulbs you're using, then you can have a rough idea of when they'll need to be replaced.   There are four types of bulbs. The most common are halogen bulbs, which tend to last 500 to 1,000 hours of usage. High-Intensity Discharge bulbs last up to 10,000 hours. Light-Emitting Diode bulbs last up to 30,000 hours. And the newest type of bulb, laser bulbs, last even longer than that. How a Toyota Dealer Tests Your Bulbs A technician will check your bulbs using a multimeter or a continuity tester. They'll also check your fuses and run tests to identify any wiring issues. If you wish to convert your headlights to use a different type of bulb, they can do this for you on most Toyota models. Schedule a service appointment at DARCARS Toyota of Silver Spring today to have your headlights checked and replaced if needed. You may also order any genuine Toyota part from us today!

Here in Silver Spring, MD, we can get some pretty cold days during the winter. Keep your vehicle running reliably by following these tips for protecting your car in the cold weather. Get It Inspected You don't want any surprises once you hit the road. A cold, slushy day is the last day you want your fuel line to start leaking, a brake problem to manifest, or some other preventable issue to become more serious. Head over to your local dealer and get a safety inspection before the season starts. They can also swap out your winter tires. more Keep It Full In the winter, a full fuel tank means a car that is happy. All the gas these days has ethanol in it, and ethanol attracts moisture. Under some conditions, this isn't so bad, but the problem in winter is that the attracted moisture could become too much, especially if you don't drive your car for long periods during the week, and the fuel line could freeze up. Ditch your summer habit of letting the fuel drop down to almost nothing before you fill up, and keep your tank at least half full.   Speaking of full, it's also smart to keep your windshield washer fluid levels, at least half full at all times, too. You need that windshield fluid to help clear the windshield in the mornings, and you should also be getting the special cold-weather windshield fluid for the best results. The regular all-weather stuff just doesn't cut it during these cold days. Stay Covered Your vehicle should perform best and last longest if you keep it covered whenever possible. Use your garage if you have one, and get a cover for your car if you don't. If it's too much to put a cover on your car all the time, at least do so before a snowstorm. Not only will this help protect your vehicle, but it will also make it easier to clear off snow after the storm is over. Wash It Regularly Even if you don't wash your vehicle that often in the summer, you should get in the habit of doing so during the winter. All the muck on the streets gets thrown up under your car, and road salt is deadly for your vehicle's longevity. Salt gets on the middle and causes corrosion, and before you know it, you need parts of the undercarriage replaced or repaired. Wash your car once a week at a car wash that offers an undercarriage wash. Take your car to DARCARS Toyota of Silver Spring for an auto repair to ensure you're ready for whatever winter has to send this year. Be sure to visit our blog to discover more tips if you're looking to learn how to better maintain your car.

Without a working transmission, your car isn't going to go very far. However, your car will tell you it needs a transmission repair long before it quits running. So, pay attention to the signs and get your car in for service as soon as possible. It Turns On Your Check Engine Light When your car's check engine light illuminates, it could be telling you that any number of things are wrong with your car, the transmission being one of them. To know for sure what's going on with your vehicle, you'll need to bring it into the service center and have it diagnosed using an engine diagnostic tool. If your transmission needs a repair, you'll know it right away and be in the perfect place to get it done properly. more It Is Spewing Transmission Fluid Seeing fluids on the ground under your car is never fun, but it is your car's way of telling you it has a fluid leak of some sort. If the fluid is a bright or dark red or brown color, your car is likely leaking transmission fluid. This means you definitely need to have your transmission fixed as quickly as you can. You don't want to run it dry of fluid, which will cause a much worse (and more expensive) problem. It is Making Strange Sounds Your car can't talk to you, but it can make sounds that are different from normal car sounds to tell you that something is wrong. If you hear a loud grinding or buzzing noise as you drive, it could mean that your transmission is about to fail. Worn out bearings, a bad transfer case, and other dozens of parts in a transmission can make odd sounds when they're on their last legs. Have any new sounds checked out right away. It Slips Gears or Won't Shift A car should never act on its own, especially if it's a manual transmission. If you find your car is slipping a gear while you're in traffic, causing stalls or sudden deceleration, you're putting yourself and others into a dangerous situation. Moreover, if you're having trouble shifting gears or it seems like your automatic transmission is taking too long to shift, your transmission is likely to blame and needs to be inspected quickly. It Emits a Bad Odor If you're not listening to your car's sounds or paying attention to the visual signals your car is giving, it may resort to producing a bad smell. An odor that resembles burning rubber can mean that your transmission has a leak. When the fluid drips on hot car parts, it burns off, creating the foul smell. Don't let this problem linger, because if your leak gets worse, it could cause your transmission to fail entirely, leaving you stranded. It Is Sluggish and Slow to Accelerate When your car doesn't feel good, it just wants to rest, and this can be seen with its unwillingness to accelerate as soon as you step on the gas pedal. You might find your car hesitating at stop signs or stop lights before it finally engages and begins shifting into gear. Not only is this annoying, but it's indicative of a transmission problem that needs to be fixed as soon as possible. If your car is giving you any of these signs, it's time to listen to it and get it into a service center sooner rather than later. Schedule a service at DARCARS Toyota of Silver Spring today or visit our Toyota transmission repair page to learn more!

The catalytic converter in your Toyota is designed to convert toxic engine gases into harmless ones. This process reduces engine pollution and allows your engine to run more efficiently. Converters last, on average, for approximately ten years. Eventually, your converter will become blocked or damaged. If this happens, your Toyota dealer can fix the problem for you. These are a few signs that your converter could be in trouble. Your Engine Dies Quickly If you start your engine and it dies in a few seconds, the most likely cause is a blocked converter. As your converter works, carbon and other byproducts can build up in the converter and create a blockage. If the exit to the exhaust is blocked, engine gases won't be able to escape your car. These gases will flow back into your engine. more The newly-arriving gases increase the pressure in your engine. At the same time, the combustion process starts when your engine turns over. This combination of gases and high concentration of fuel vapor will cause your engine to shut down very quickly. Our technicians will clear the blockage from the converter and your engine should start normally again. Weird Noises From the Converter Rattling and other noises from the converter are usually a sign that its internal structure has been damaged. A converter has a honeycomb structure that provides the surface area necessary for converting gases. This structure is very strong, as it must endure temperatures over 1,600 F as part of the conversion process.   The honeycomb can be damaged by other problems, for example, engine misfiring. When a cylinder doesn't ignite, its hot contents are dumped into the converter. This hot fuel can create cracks in the honeycomb, and these cracks can lead to sections breaking off. The broken sections will cause additional damage inside the converter. Our technicians will need to replace the converter, as it can't be repaired. Black Exhaust Smoke Regular exhaust smoke is white and whispy, and it's a sign your converter is doing its job. If you see thick black smoke from the exhaust, your converter has probably failed. This smoke has a strong sulfur stench, and it contains high levels of toxic chemicals. Your converter could have failed due to age or damage. Our technicians will need to investigate.   If your car is producing black smoke, it won't pass an emissions test, and you could receive a citation for the toxic chemicals it's releasing. Once we fix the problem, your exhaust smoke should return to normal.   If you see these or any other problems, don't hesitate to make a service appointment at DARCARS Toyota of Silver Spring right away. Our trusted technicians are trained professionals with crucial knowledge making them the best ones for the job. We hope this blog has helped inform you better about your vehicle's engine. If you wish to learn more about car maintenance, check out these essential auto services you can find in Silver Spring, MD, today!