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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. 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.

Even with the most careful driving and the best maintenance, it's impossible to guarantee that you won't run into difficulties on your journey. Whether you're faced with a breakdown or have the chance to help out someone else in need, it pays to have some key items in your car tool kit at all times. Here's what you need to help you handle difficulties on the road in Silver Spring, MD. Driving in Silver Spring, MD: What to Pack in Your Car Tool Kit 1. Jumper Cables Everyone has experienced that sinking feeling that comes with the realization that the battery is not working. But even if it doesn't hold a charge, heavy-duty jumper cables will allow you to get back on the road and headed for your nearest Toyota dealer. And if you meet someone in a similar fix, you'll be equipped to act as a good Samaritan. 2. Duct Tape If you need a quick fix under the hood or have to reattach a wing mirror after a sideswipe, you can't go wrong with good quality duct tape. It might only offer a temporary solution, but if it helps you to get your car to the mechanic in one piece, then it's well worth the trunk space. Be sure to carry a roll wherever you go. 3. Car Escape Tool If you find yourself trapped in your car, a high-quality escape tool could save your life. Some are designed with Velcro strips to attach to the inside of the door, while others come in the form of a keyring, but you should make sure that one is always within easy reach of the driver's seat. Choose one that has attachments for breaking windows and cutting seatbelts. Hopefully it's an item that you'll never need to use, but that's better than being without one in a time of desperate need. 4. Tow Strap It's important to read your owner's manual about the towing points on your vehicle, as a badly-attached strap could lead to more damage. But if you're stranded in a non-functioning vehicle, a strong tow strap will at least give you the means to get home, or to the nearest repair shop. Stay Prepared with Routine Toyota Maintenance in Silver Spring, MD There's no way to guarantee that you won't run into trouble on the road but being prepared will help you to feel confident and capable as you handle it. And one of the best ways to feel prepared is to book your car in for regular and reliable maintenance. So schedule a service at DARCARS Toyota of Silver Spring, and let our experienced technicians ensure that your car is in the very best shape.

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. 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. 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!

Driving can be a daunting task for young or inexperienced drivers. If you are a student driver in Silver Spring, MD, it is important to make sure you are aware of the rules of the road. With these tips, student drivers can become more confident and informed. 1. Pay Attention to Your Surroundings One of the most important tips for new drivers in Maryland is to pay attention to their surroundings. Being aware of potential hazards and being mindful of other drivers on the road will help keep you and your passengers safe. When driving, keep your eyes on the road at all times and check your mirrors and blind spots regularly. Pay attention to traffic signals and signs to ensure that you always follow the law. 2. Become Familiar with the Rules of the Road For any student driver, understanding the rules of the road is essential, such as how to navigate one way streets. Learning the basic traffic laws, speed limits, and vehicle regulations will help you stay safe while driving. Knowing these laws will also help you make the right decisions while on the road. Familiarize yourself with the speed limits in Maryland and learn the laws relating to turning and changing lanes. 3. Don't Get Distracted Distraction is one of the leading causes of car accidents, and it can be particularly dangerous for new drivers. As a student driver, staying focused on the road and practicing good driving habits are both important. Avoid activities such as texting and eating while driving. If you need to take care of something while behind the wheel, pull over and stop in a safe place before continuing. Don't let friends or family distract you by talking or joking while driving. 4. Practice When it comes to driving, practice makes perfect. Before you head out on the open road, get comfortable with the car you'll be driving. Spend some time studying your state's driver's manual. It's also a good idea to get comfortable with the car in different conditions - if possible, practice in wet or icy weather or with traffic. 5. Be Prepared for Emergencies Make sure that you have an emergency kit in your vehicle at all times. This should include a first aid kit, a flashlight, a spare tire, jumper cables, and other tools that may be useful if you ever find yourself stranded on the side of the road. As a student driver in Maryland, it's important to pay attention to your surroundings, become familiar with the rules of the road, avoid distractions, practice regularly, and be prepared for any emergency. Following these simple tips can help ensure a safe and successful driving experience. Visit the DARCARS Toyota of Silver Spring blog today for more helpful tips if you’re a new driver or soon-to-be car owner!

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. 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. 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. 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.

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. 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!

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. 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!

Have you considered the advantages of purchasing an electric vehicle from your local Maryland dealership? While many new car owners review the initial price of an electric car or vehicle, it’s important to also consider the additional benefits, including reducing the impact on the environment and potential significant cost savings. You'll find great vehicle options and information on electric car options from your local Silver Spring, MD dealership and expert technicians. Savings on Maintenance When you purchase an EV, you'll have fewer moving parts, which makes your car much easier to maintain in comparison to a gas vehicle, which has close to two thousand moving parts. If there is a problem, an EV can be assessed quickly for results, whereas a gas-fueled vehicle may require more trips to the local service center and additional costs associated with these repairs. Reduced Impact on the Environment An EV is beneficial for the environment and reduces your CO2 emissions by nearly four-fifths, which makes an impact on your carbon footprint. This advantage also reduces the negative effects that gas-fueled vehicles have on climate change, health-related problems due to smog, and extreme weather patterns over time. As the cost of EVs decrease over time, the impact of fewer gas vehicles will be advantageous in the future. Significant Fuel Savings When you purchase an electric car instead of a gas vehicle, you’re likely to save a significant amount on fuel costs every year. While the fuel cost varies depending on where you live, in Maryland, you may be able to cut down the price of driving to approximately one-quarter of the cost. You'll find EVs are far more affordable in the long term, especially when gas prices fluctuate unexpectedly, while the cost of maintaining an electric car tends to be more predictable. Battery Technology Continues to Improve Batteries in electric cars are designed to last for ten years or more, and advanced batteries continue to improve with technology, which gives them an extended life, which costs less, and performs better in the long term. Maryland tends to have a moderate climate, which is ideal for electric car batteries, which can last for fifteen years or longer. These batteries also offer extended warranty programs, which means you should be able to save on repairs.   Electric vehicles offer many advantages for the environment and reduce your carbon footprint while providing significant cost savings in repairs and fuel, which is excellent for traveling expenses and long-term driving. Trust DARCARS Toyota of Silver Spring to have the right EV for you! Get to know the all-new 2023 Toyota bZ4X today!

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. 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