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Have you noticed any burning smells lately while you drive? Have you seen something strange happening with your headlights, despite having relatively new fuses, wires, and bulbs? Have you noticed your vehicle stalling regularly when you drive? If so, your Toyota may need an alternator repair at your local Toyota dealer. Here is a closer look at some of the most common signs. There Is a Burning Smell One of the most common signs of a failing alternator is the smell of burning rubber or wires. You may smell burning wires when your alternator is dying because your alternator is responsible for regulating power distribution to all of your vehicle's electrical components. If your alternator is operating at over 14.5 volts, it may accidentally send too much power to your headlights or another electrical component. This strains the wires and causes them to burn. If you smell burning rubber, your alternator's drive belt may have started to fray. As it frays, the edges get closer to your extremely hot motor, and they may begin to burn. There Is a Problem With Your Headlights There are several potential causes of headlights acting strangely, including wires, fuses, and bulbs. However, if you notice lots of strange things about your headlights, there is a very good chance that something is wrong with your alternator. A healthy alternator operates at 13 to 14.5 volts. If it runs below 13 volts, your alternator may not always have enough power to distribute to your headlights, primarily if you use other accessories. For instance, if you use your seat warmer, radio, and headlights, your headlights may be too dim. However, you also may notice that your headlights flicker because your alternator is operating at and distributing inconsistent power. Finally, you may notice that your headlights are too bright if your alternator is operating at an abnormally high voltage. There Is a Stalling Problem If your vehicle stalls regularly, there is a slight chance that you need to replace your spark plugs. However, it is far more likely that you have a problem with your alternator if you are also noticing a burning smell or lots of weird things happening to your headlights. If your vehicle often stalls when you drive, there is a chance that your alternator doesn't have enough power to send to your spark plugs to keep your motor running. The case for a failing alternator is a lot stronger if you are noticing battery problems, in addition to having trouble keeping your vehicle running. For instance, a failing alternator may cause your battery warning light to illuminate on your dashboard.   There are numerous signs of a failing alternator, including a burning smell, a problem with your headlights, and a vehicle that stalls regularly despite relatively new spark plugs. If you've noticed any of these signs of a failing alternator, our team of experts here at DARCARS Toyota of Silver Spring are here to help. You can schedule a service appointment online with us at any time to repair your alternator.

If you're doing any after-hours driving in Silver Spring, MD, you must take extra precautions to keep yourself safe. Here are some tips to follow when driving at night to ensure that you maintain safe conditions throughout your travels. Be Especially Cautious of Other Drivers One unfortunate fact of nighttime driving is that you are more likely to encounter impaired drivers at these late hours. That means you have to be even more defensive in your driving habits. Watch for erratic behavior from other drivers as you navigate through the night so that you're prepared for anything. Don't Drive if You're Too Tired or Fatigued You may notice your attention drifting as you become tired during a late-night drive. This can be extremely dangerous, leading to sluggish reaction times or falling asleep at the wheel. We suggest knowing your limits and not driving unless you feel alert and in control. Avoid Routes with Two-Lane Highways The combination of glare, higher speed limits, and often curving roads make two-lane highways the perfect storm of risk factors for nighttime driving. Be especially cautious if you drive on this kind of road at night. If possible, plan an alternative route to avoid such a road instead. Don't Drive on Unfamiliar Roads Another helpful tip for planning your route for a nighttime drive is to avoid any roads you aren't familiar with. Reduced visibility gives you less time to react to something like an unexpected sharp turn. Driving on roads you know from your daytime drives will help you be ready for anything coming up ahead. Use Your Headlights Properly Turning on your headlights to improve your own visibility and let other drivers see you more clearly is an essential step to any nighttime drive. You should also adjust the high beams and low beams according to the current need. Switch to high beams when the road ahead is clear, then reduce to low beams when you see other vehicles to avoid blinding them with intense lights. Wear Any Necessary Eyewear If you've been prescribed any glasses or contacts, it's important to wear them when operating your vehicle at night. Glare caused by oncoming drivers' headlights and other light sources is exacerbated by people with eyesight difficulties. Wearing your glasses can help mitigate the impact of this glare. Increase Separation and Reduce Speed Caution is the best principle to live by when driving in the nighttime hours. Leave an even more significant gap between your vehicle and other drivers so that you have ample time to react if the vehicle ahead of you stops short. You should also reduce your speed to account for your reduced visibility, decreasing the time you have to react to obstacles.   Keeping your vehicle in prime condition is the first step to staying safe when navigating the roads at night, and our service team can help with that! Schedule an auto repair at DARCARS Toyota of Silver Spring, where we can run a safety inspection on your vehicle so you can have confidence and peace of mind in your nightly drives.

You rush back after a quick stop or stroll back after a leisurely outing, and you see it. The dreaded parking ticket can put a dent in an otherwise good day. How can you best steer clear of these hated pieces of paper in Silver Spring, MD? Better Understand Road Signs Paying attention is your most straightforward and best asset in keeping those tickets at bay. In general, be on the lookout for signs adorned in red. This color is the widely recognized indicator for "stop" and "danger" in the driving world for a reason. Parking is no different. Red signs or red-lettered signs posted near a potential parking place typically mean that slot is a no-go. The warning is often spelled out with a clear "No Parking." Green lettering, on the other hand, is usually your parking friend. Even if the space is available, read the entire sign. Parking spots can have restrictions wherein a driver should not use the space before or after an allotted time. Don't Unload at Loading Zones If you come upon an area that looks like a loading or unloading center, it's best to keep away. This advice might apply to a building where trucks bring and retrieve supplies or a bus stop where passengers embark and disembark. For these situations, arrows or signs will often be painted directly onto the street. So, look down for that tell-tale signage as well. App Assistance It happens. We lose track of time, or an unforeseen circumstance unavoidably delays us. If promptly feeding that meter is your Achilles' Heel, you might benefit from a meter payment application installed on your phone. You can top up your time on the meter and make payments directly from the app with many of these options. You don't have to worry about running to the meter and outpacing the traffic cop for an ill-timed race to the finish line. Parking Permits If your situation necessitates extended periods of parking that might violate posted rules, consider applying for a permit. With a permit, you can waive the time limits and meter payments that might otherwise earn you a hefty fine. For example, with a residential parking permit, you can more easily find a parking space at or near your home. This benefit is crucial if you live in a busy area with limited parking. You will, however, need to have proof of residence that you live in a residential parking district. Be a Good Samaritan in Silver Spring, MD Avoiding a ticket often comes down to common sense and consideration for others. Many areas are restricted because parking might pose a risk or hindrance to the people around you. Ambulance bays or the ten to 15 feet surrounding fire hydrants are more prominent examples of spots that are only authorized for emergency use. In addition, you should avoid slots reserved for disabled individuals, pedestrian crosswalks, or parking directly on sidewalks. By being mindful of these things, you'll help your community and save yourself money in the long run.     At DARCARS Toyota of Silver Spring, we love providing the tips & information you need to have the best driving experience in our area! We have you covered with more local automotive tips & tricks too! Our mission is to be your go-to source for all your automotive needs in Silver Spring. Get in contact with us today; we're here to help!

Maryland is a beautiful, scenic state with great towns, cities, and rural landscapes. When you're driving through Silver Spring, MD, or other areas of the state, it's essential to remain safe on the road year-round, including the winter season. A high-quality set of winter tires is necessary to keep you and your passengers safe during the colder months. Improved Traction on Ice and Snow Maryland's roads become icy and slippery during the winter, leading to a higher risk of accidents. When you replace your tires for the winter, you'll benefit from better handling in both snowy and icy conditions. These tires have high-grade rubber that grips to the road effectively, including a deeper tread that supports braking on icy roads and functions well in freezing temperatures. Snow tires also break down ice and make driving safer, unlike all-season tires. Frequent Change in Weather Conditions Winter weather constantly changes in Maryland, which at times can be unpredictable. When you ensure that you have the best quality snow tires during the colder months, you'll be prepared for slick roads mixed with rain and ice, a fresh layer of snow, and other changing conditions. Maryland winters can vary from unseasonably warm temperatures to a sudden freeze, which makes it essential to prepare with the right tires on the road. Maintenance Support for Your Tires When you switch to snow tires for the winter, you'll receive exceptional support from certified technicians at your local DARCARS Toyota service center. They will provide all the advice you need for maximum safety, proper care of your tires, and tips on getting the most out of their performance. Your local Toyota dealer offers all the resources you need to keep your tires in excellent condition, including regular service & parts specials throughout the year! Snow Tires are Efficient Road travel in winter tends to be much slower, especially after a significant snowfall or storm, which can delay your commute to work. These tires offer a more efficient and safer way to arrive on time while remaining secure during your trip. Reliable seasonal tires are essential for emergency responders and medical professionals, to help them avoid unnecessary delays and arrive quickly and safely. Snow tires are also effective for helping you out of a snowstorm or an icy patch.   Whether you wish to shop for your new tires now or contact us for assistance, we have you covered here at DARCARS Toyota of Silver Spring. We look forward to serving you soon!

Toyota is a world leader in hybrid car technology and was the first to launch a mass-produced hybrid in 1997. The Prius set the stage for a revolution in automaking, and today, the Japanese automaker has a lineup of nine fourth-generation hybrids. If you're in the market and want to enjoy the fuel efficiency of hybrid vehicles, here are the standout models to look out for in 2021. Toyota Camry Hybrid The Camry is one of the most popular Toyota models in the country, and the hybrid version delivers an excellent fuel economy of 51 mpg in the city and 53 mpg on the highway. Standout features in the Camry include: The smooth ride Spacious cabin Strong and lively powertrain Intuitive infotainment controls An extensive list of safety features Click here to see images, and learn more. The Camry Hybrid has powerful looks, with sporty accents complementing the sleek and bold contours. Toyota Corolla Hybrid This model is focused on fuel economy and style, a combination that won it the Green Car Journal's 2020 Green Car of the Year. The 2021 Corolla Hybrid features include: EPA-estimated 52 combined mpg Hybrid power mode Intelligent key system 7 in colt TFT multi-information display Click here to see images, and learn more. The low, wide, and aggressive front-end combined with interior comforts make this one of the best hybrid compact sedans. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid This trendy Toyota compact SUV comes in five trim levels (LE, XLE, XLE Premium, XSE, and Limited) and boasts excellent gas mileage of 40 mpg in combined city/highway driving. Impressive features of the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: Panoramic glass roof Heated, ambient lighting option Vented seats Refined performance with 219 net horsepower Powerful powertrain Electronic on-demand AWD, and more! Click here to see images, and learn more. Toyota Highlander Hybrid Are you looking for the perfect balance of power, fuel economy, and refinement in a hybrid SUV? You'll get it all in this spacious hybrid Toyota SUV. Noteworthy Specs of the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: EPA-estimated 35-36 mpg in combined driving 5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a hybrid system 243 horsepower 2021 Top Safety Pick award Towing capacity of 3,500 pounds Click here to see images, and learn more. 2021 Venza Hybrid Toyota has perfectly fused modern design with power without compromising fuel economy. The versatile five-seater all-wheel-drive boasts comfortable, design-focused interiors with soft-touch materials, quality crafted seats and an available heated leather-trimmed steering wheel. The 2021 Toyota Venza includes: 40 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway 5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a Hybrid System II Delivers 219 horsepower overall Hands-free power liftgate Click here to see images, and learn more. Toyota Prius The most famous Toyota hybrid is designed with fuel efficiency in mind. The Prius delivers an EPA estimate of 54 City / 50 Highway. But there's also a definite upgrade in design. The features of the 2021 Toyota Prius include: Sculpted exterior, fog lights/LED accents Functional aerodynamics 7-inch touchscreen display Smart key system Integrated backup camera Click here to see images, and learn more.   After learning about our Toyota Hybrid top picks of 2021, you can schedule a test drive at DARCARS Toyota of Silver Spring! If you have any questions or need help finding the right car for you, don't hesitate to get in touch with us today.