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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.

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!

Make sure you wish the 2023 Toyota 4Runner a happy birthday, as the off-roading icon has been in our hearts and on the market for four decades this year. For the party, Toyota has dressed it up with all the most desirable features that still allow it to stay true to (and embrace) its origins. With the roomy cabin of an SUV and a truck-frame construction, the 4Runner promises to get you there safely, on time, and in style. Power and Drive The 4Runner's four-liter V-6 engine with 270 horsepower is responsible for its balanced on-road and off-road capabilities. The body-on-frame construction that's usually typical of trucks delivers extra agility off-road but often sacrifices smooth handling on the road. To combat this, Toyota cleverly paired this construction with a softer suspension that can absorb the impact of bumps on uneven terrain. This gives the 4Runner a truly best-of-both-worlds feel to it. more New and Unique 4Runner Features The increased ground clearance of the 4Runner boasts its off-road readiness as well. A decent off-roader becomes an excellent one with four-wheel drive, and that's why the 4Runner is available with either a part-time four-wheel drivetrain or a full-time one. Special Edition For the 4Runner's 40th birthday, Toyota is celebrating by releasing the special edition, of which there are only 4,040 manufactured models. This edition comes with a striking paint job we are very excited about. The body features a tri-colored badge stripe along the sides and on the front face.   The wheels are a specialized bronze that matches the stitching of the leatherette interior. You'll find artistic 40th-anniversary logos on the headrests and floor mats. We feel privileged to have this unique model available at our dealership! Safety Toyota equipped the 4Runner with terrain-management systems to further improve its off-road reliability. Integrated software like Electronic Stability Control and A-TRAC Driveline Traction Control will be sure to increase your confidence on rocky terrain or in inclement weather. Your Blind Spot Monitor, Lane Alert, and Collision Mitigation systems will keep you aware of your surroundings and assist you in making smart, sound decisions. Toyota Safety Sense This suite of safety features is the result of Toyota's careful examination of the most common types of accidents: lane drifting, frontal collisions, and nighttime accidents. With this in mind, Toyota opted to implement the Lane Departure Alert that prevents you from drifting. They also included the Pre-Collision System that can foresee possible accidents ahead of you and prevent them.   Ready to get started shopping for your 4Runner in Silver Spring, MD? Visit us at DARCARS Toyota of Silver Spring, or begin browsing our inventory online now! You can view all of our cars for sale and choose the trim that's perfect for your needs.

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!

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. more 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. 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

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!

Transferring ownership is slightly different depending on whether you're selling, gifting, or donating a car. Regardless of the type of transfer, there are several documents you have to complete to transfer vehicle ownership. We'd like to tell you more about how you transfer a vehicle in Silver Spring, MD. Selling a Car The documents you need to sell a car are determined by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MMVA). If you're selling a car, you'll need your certificate of title and a bill of sale. In addition, if your car was subject to a lien, you'll need to complete a lien release form. You'll also need an odometer statement. The certificate of title is the most important document for your car as it proves car ownership. more To complete the transfer, you'll fill in and sign the certificate as the seller, and the other party will complete and sign the form as the buyer. Once this form is complete, it needs to be sent to the MMVA together with the other documentation. The MMVA will update its systems and issue an updated certificate of title to the new owner. Gifting a Car Gifting a car involves transferring ownership of your car to a family member or friend. The procedure is very similar. You'll need the same forms used for selling a car. The difference is you need to fill in "Gift" under the purchase price. The MMVA has strict requirements for defining who is a family member.   A close family member can receive your car as a gift and not be liable for the 6% excise tax. It's advisable to go to the local MMVA office with your family member and the completed documentation. This should allow for a smoother and quicker transfer of ownership. Donating a Car Donating a car is almost identical to gifting a car, except you're transferring ownership to a charity. When you choose a charity, it's important to check that they can receive a car as a donation. If they can, the next step is to check that the charity is registered with the IRS as a 501 (3) (c) institution. Your chosen charity will send a representative to complete the paperwork with you.   You'll complete the form as the seller, and the charity representative will complete the form as the buyer. In the purchase price section, you'll write "Donation". If your chosen charity is registered, you should be able to claim the value of your car as a donation with the IRS.   If you'd like to know more about these processes or to choose a replacement from our wide selection of cars, begin browsing our inventory now or click here for more helpful automotive tips & tricks today!   Image By Pixabay

While you can't foresee an accident, it's important to know what to do if one occurs. If your car is damaged, your Toyota dealer in Silver Spring, MD, can provide you with a high-quality collision repair. As a dealer, our technicians are experts at all levels of repairs. We can renovate a damaged car to showroom standard at our state-of-the-art repair facility. We'd like to tell you more about how we accomplish this. Arrival As soon as your Toyota arrives at our repair center, one of our Toyota-trained technicians will be assigned to assess the level of damage. The technician performs a visual inspection of your car to build a comprehensive picture of the extent of the damage. Due to their training, our technicians understand the structure beneath the surface panels. more Once the inspection is complete, the technician will prepare a written and video report of the extent of the damages. This report will form the basis of the repair plan. Our team will prepare an estimate for the repairs and time for completion and then send it to you or your insurance company. Approval If you're arranging the repairs, we'll wait for confirmation from you to proceed. Our technicians will answer any questions you may have and provide any other assistance for your decision. If your insurance is arranging the repair, we'll work with them to speed up the approval process. We're very experienced in liaising with insurance companies, so we understand their requirements for a repair.   Your insurance company may send one of their assessors to examine your car. They may also request a teardown, where we remove all of the damaged sections for their inspection. Once we receive a confirmation to proceed from you or your insurance company, we'll move forward to the repair phase. Repairs and Painting A high-quality repair requires high-quality parts. We only use genuine Toyota parts in all our repairs. These parts meet the necessary safety, structural, and cosmetic requirements for a flawless repair. They are also the only parts guaranteed to fit your car and work correctly. All Toyota body panels are prepared for painting, ensuring they'll blend seamlessly onto your car.   We may use one or more teams on a repair, depending on the damage. Each repair is slightly different, and our repair plan is tailored to your car. Once the repairs are complete, your car will be quality assessed. We re-check each repair to ensure that it meets the high standards required by Toyota. Once the final checks are complete, your car will be ready for collection.   A perfect repair requires experts who understand your car. Visit us at DARCARS Toyota of Silver Spring, or schedule your collision service online now!   Image by Pixabay

One-way streets can be tricky to navigate, especially for new drivers. Here's some advice for how to safely navigate this type of road in the Silver Spring, MD area. Check Your Navigation System Modern technology makes many aspects of traveling the roads easy, and that includes handling one-way roads. You can check the route you have planned on the GPS system or app that you use. In most cases, the information displayed should be up-to-date to inform you of any one-way roads on your route. more There should be markings that clearly denote when a road can only be traveled down in one direction. Look for signs indicating where you can or cannot turn when you pull up to an intersection. You should also keep an eye out for 'wrong way' or 'do not enter' signs, as these are often used to mark roads that can't be traveled down in the direction that the sign is showing. Pay Attention to Parked Cars If there's parking on the street in the area you're driving in, that can be another clue to help you navigate one-way thoroughfares. Generally speaking, vehicles are required to park facing the direction that the road can be traveled down. If you see that all the vehicles are parked facing you, there's a good chance you're moving in the wrong direction. Keep Your Speed Under Control Whenever you're behind the wheel, you want to keep your speed manageable and within the restrictions that speed limits in the area put on you. In case you do end up moving down a road in the wrong direction, keeping your speed under control will help you react as necessary to stay safe through this potentially dangerous incident. Stay Alert and Avoid Distractions While this advice applies to any situation on the road, it's even more important to stay fully alert and aware when dealing with one-way roads. Don't let common distractions such as loud music or your cell phone take your focus off the road. This could cause you to miss signs indicating a one-way road. Know How to Safely Make a U-Turn In the event that you end up going the wrong way down a one-way road, you need to know how to recover. Look for the nearest place where you have some room to maneuver and pull over to the side of the road. Then, back off towards the shoulder to reposition your vehicle and take a wide turn to start moving in the correct direction.   So whether you're a new driver looking for more tips to help you on the roads or a new resident of Maryland seeking more information about your new state, these tips from us at DARCARS Toyota of Silver Spring are sure to help! We're your trusted source for all things automotive, so if you wish to continue learning, be sure to use the links above to get started!   Image by Pixabay

Toyota's GR86 is a true track star that offers heart-pumping performance and sleek styling. For the 2022 model year, the sports car has been totally redesigned and boasts improved power and new technology. Here are a few features that you'll want to know about the 2022 Toyota GR86! New Powertrain Fans of the GR86 will be glad to know that the car is even quicker than previous models thanks to its new 2.4-liter flat-four engine. Like its predecessor, the motor is naturally aspirated for maximum responsiveness, but its size has increased and its performance has been improved, peaking at 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. more The engine can be paired with either a six-speed short-throw manual transmission or a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters. Combined with the car's low gross weight of under 3,800 pounds, the powertrain is capable of propelling the car from 0 to 60 in under six seconds. Refined Chassis Not only is the GR86 quicker in a straight line, but it also features sharper handling than ever before. Both the base and Premium models come standard with a Torsen limited-slip differential that improves traction during hard cornering.   The suspension has also been tuned by Gazoo Racing, Toyota's high-performance division, to deliver incredible agility as you navigate through the most technical track sections. The steering is precise and well-balanced while the brakes deliver impressive stopping power. Redesigned Interior Step into the GR86's cockpit and you'll be greeted with a stylish interior design and easy-to-use controls. You'll love unique touches like the turbine-style air vents, available aluminum sport pedals, and a digital instrument panel that dramatically transforms as you shift from normal to track mode.   Deeply bolstered front sport seats provide plenty of support when you're carving up the twisties and are available with two-stage heating and leather upholstery. Other welcome amenities include dual-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and leather trimming on key touchpoints. Upgraded Technology The GR86 now comes standard with a larger 8-inch infotainment touchscreen that offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration and SiriusXM satellite radio. For added convenience, multimedia options can be accessed through steering wheel-mounted controls and available voice recognition. An enhanced listening experience comes from the car's available 8-speaker audio system.   There's also Toyota's available Connected Services subscription, which lets you remotely check vehicle status reports, provides live traffic updates, and automatically alerts emergency services after an accident.   Having achieved icon status in the world of sports cars, the GR86 returns to provide drivers with even bigger thrills and a slew of convenient features. Even better, it's still available for a great price! Contact us at DARCARS Toyota of Silver Spring to order your GR86 today!

Toyota models are known for being some of the toughest, longest-running vehicles on the road, but even they can have occasional engine problems. While most mechanics are great at their jobs, there are some issues you'll want a certified Toyota technician to inspect for you because they know the vehicles inside and out. Water Pump Issues Toyota water pumps can leak or overheat, leading to an engine overheating if not addressed soon enough. In the 5.7-liter V-8 engine, Toyota designed the water pump with a safety feature that helps prevent severe damage to the entire pump once the issue starts. You'll notice coolant dripping underneath the vehicle, consistent low coolant, and white smoke from the tailpipe or under the hood. more A damaged water pump can quickly lead to engine failure if your engine overheats, so it's essential to make an appointment soon! Oil Build-Up in the Engine An oil build-up in your engine is a long-term issue that accrues slowly over time. It's easily preventable by keeping up on your oil changes, monitoring what kind of oil you use, and occasionally checking the oil dipstick yourself. However, if you're noticing your Toyota struggling to accelerate or shift gears, bring it into the dealership for a tune-up. This issue typically affects Toyota models manufactured between 1997 and 2005. Excessive Oil Usage Extra oil usage is bad for your wallet and the environment. While it's normal for your oil levels to dip slightly between oil changes, it's not normal to lose enough oil to require a 'refill.' This issue typically depends on how many miles are on the engine. Many car owners choose not to fix the problem, but it can become costly if not addressed.   If your Toyota is getting up there in miles, you may want to switch to high-quality synthetic oil or heavy oil. Ask your dealership the next time you take the car in for an oil change. Cam Tower Leaks A cam tower leak is the most serious issue on this list of engine issues and typically occurs after 50,000-100,000 miles of driving. You can identify this issue by looking for white smoke from the engine bay or finding an oil leak under the car. The tower leak is most frequently found on the 5.7-liter V-8 engine because the engine uses RTV silicon instead of gaskets.   Because this leak can quickly damage your vehicle, bringing your Toyota into the shop as soon as possible is essential. Even trained mechanics can struggle with this engine fix, so you'll want someone (like the dealership) to handle it.   If you begin noticing engine issues, click here for directions to DARCARS Toyota of Silver Spring today! Our service team will ensure your engine is running correctly. We're passionate about helping you take great care of your car, so if you want to learn more about maintaining your Toyota, we have you covered!