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Ford engines are highly reliable, but all engines require regular maintenance. A lack of maintenance can lead to engine problems. Fortunately, if you're in the area of Lanham, MD, your friendly Ford dealer can help fix these problems for you. These are some of the signs that your engine may have a problem. 3 Engine Problems You Should Always Fix at Your Ford Dealer 1.    Overheating Engine Your engine runs at a high temperature, enabling it to operate efficiently. The heat, however, will become a problem if it's allowed to build up. An engine that's running too hot can suffer catastrophic damage. Your Ford is protected against overheating by a state-of-the-art cooling system. The liquid coolant absorbs the heat and transfers it to the radiator for removal. If you see your engine temperature climbing for no apparent reason, your car could be overheating. We advise pulling over ASAP and allowing your engine to cool. Once the engine has cooled, call our service department right away. Our Ford-trained technicians will investigate the cause of the high temperature and attempt to fix it. 2.    Worn Spark Plugs A spark plug is attached to each of your engine's cylinders. The combustion process requires air, fuel, and a spark plug to ignite the mix. Once they're correctly mixed, the mixture is injected into the cylinders. The fuel-air in the cylinders is compressed under pressure and ignited by the spark plugs. The resulting series of explosions move your car. Spark plugs can wear out over time. The failure of other engine components can also damage them. If a spark plug can't spark, the contents of its cylinder won't ignite, and this causes a misfire in the cylinder. Repeated misfiring can damage your cylinders. Our technicians can easily test each spark plug for you and replace any damaged ones. 3.    Damaged Gas Cap The gas cap provides the essential seal that protects your gas tank against water, dirt, and other contaminants. It also helps to remove dangerous fuel vapors from your car. A gas cap is a frequently-used part of your car, as you open and close it each time you fill up. Over time, the seal can become damaged, which reduces the pressure in your fuel system. The lack of pressure will cause performance issues for your engine, as the fuel injectors require a pressurized system to work. You'll also notice problems when your car is idling. We'll check the gas cap and replace the seal or install a new cap for you. If you have an engine issue, you need an expert repair. Call us today at DARCARS Ford of Lanham so we can help you get your engine issues fixed. Image via Pexels Photo by Kaboompics

Many drivers don't think about their transmission. A smoothly running transmission, however, is just as vital to your car as a smoothly working engine. The transmission is highly complex and consists of hundreds of moving parts. Many of these parts depend on friction to work, and friction causes damage. As your Ford dealer, we'd like to tell you about some of the benefits of routine transmission service. 3 Benefits of Getting Routine Transmission Service at Your Ford Dealer 1.    Your Transmission Will Last Longer The transmission is built to last. It does, however, contain numerous parts that can wear or get damaged. Servicing the transmission allows our technicians to check it for unnoticed wear or possible damage. Our Ford-trained technicians are experts, allowing us to anticipate potential issues before they arise. During the service, we replace the transmission filter, drain and replace transmission fluid, and perform all other necessary maintenance work. Clean, new transmission fluid, for example, will improve transmission cooling and increase the hydraulic power for shifting gears. Regular maintenance improves the health and lifespan of your transmission. more 2.    You Save Money Maintenance costs money, but you'll save even more by having a regularly-scheduled service for your transmission. Replacing a component like the transmission pan gasket will help to prevent a transmission fluid leak. Leaking transmission fluid can lead to your transmission overheating as the transmission loses its cooling system with each drop of fluid that drips out. You'll also save money by preventing unnecessary wear and tear on transmission components. Replacing a small damaged component may easily further damage other components. A good, working transmission also reduces strain on your engine. The torque converter links your engine and transmission. This physical link means an inefficient, damaged transmission will also affect your engine. 3.    Your Transmission Will Work More Efficiently Cleaning the transmission, replacing the fluid, and installing new parts allow your transmission to work more effectively. Replacement transmission fluid, for example, removes the older worn fluid and replaces it with fresh, clean fluid. As transmission fluid ages, it becomes less effective at reducing the transmission temperature and providing the necessary hydraulic power for your gears to shift. Transmissions also build up dirt, rust particles, and other debris. This junk can cause blockages in the transmission, leading to reduced transmission performance. Blockages also contribute to raising the temperature. A transmission that gets too hot can start to overheat. A clean transmission is a healthy transmission. Transmissions have a reputation as expensive and time-consuming to repair. Usually, this isn't the case, as a transmission problem that's noticed when it first appears can be easily fixed. If your transmission is due for its scheduled service, call our service department at DARCARS Ford of Lanham.

Electric vehicles are taking the world by storm right now. Coming in various options (including all-electric and hybrid), these cars produce almost no noise as they drive along due to their battery-powered engine. However, it's not just the quietness of these cars that makes them so useful in the modern world; there are tons of reasons you should switch to an electric vehicle, especially if you live in Lanham, MD. 3 Benefits of Getting an Electric Vehicle If You Live in Lanham, MD 1.    Environmental Impact Of course, this is the benefit everyone is talking about now. These last few years have shown just how much impact humanity has on this planet, and people are beginning to understand the importance of reducing carbon emissions. Although the electricity they use is still mainly generated by fossil fuels, EVs on average produce much fewer carbon emissions in their lifetimes than gas-powered cars. more 2.    Tax Incentives To encourage more Americans to switch to an EV, the federal government offers up to $7,500 in tax credits when you purchase a qualifying electric car. The exact amount you receive is based on several factors, including what type of engine powers the car and what capacity it has. On top of that, the state of Maryland will also offer you up to $3,000 extra in tax credits when you purchase an all-electric car or a plug-in hybrid, if the funds are available for the current fiscal year. It doesn't end there, however, as the state will also offer a rebate of up to $700 on your EV charging and any maintenance your car may need, making Maryland one of the most EV-friendly states in the country. For current tax credit information, please visit this website. 3.    Cheaper to Run With the cost of gas rising worldwide, it's not just us Americans who are beginning to feel the squeeze. However, switching to an EV powered by electricity instead of gas will save you considerable money at the pumps. Many charging stations around the country offer their services for free, but even if you are charging at home or in a pay-as-you-go public charging station, it is estimated that you'll be spending less for every mile you drive. This is usually cheaper than it would cost to travel this distance in a gas-powered car. With all these great benefits, it's never been a better time to switch to an EV. Considering the amount of money you save from tax credits and gasoline costs, you could potentially save a lot of money each month. What's more, you'll be doing your part to help the environment. Come on down and visit us at DARCARS Ford of Lanham, and we can help you find an EV to suit you.

The lights on the front of your car are essential to keep you safe as you drive from one place to another. Making sure they are in good working order is imperative. If you're wondering if it's time to get new headlights from your local Ford dealer, there are some signs you need to look for. 5 Signs You Need New Headlights From a Ford Dealer 1.    The Lights Appear Dim When driving at night, if your lights seem dimmer than they used to be, this could indicate that they need to be replaced. It could also be an indication that the covers are dirty. If, after cleaning the covers, the lights still appear dim, it's in your best interest to get new ones installed. 2.    The Lights Flicker A flickering light means that the bulb's filament is damaged or worn, or it could mean that there is a loose connection somewhere in your vehicle. No matter the reason, if you notice your lights flickering, you need to get your car to a professional as soon as possible to discover the issue and get it fixed. more 3.    You Have Issues With Your High Beams Turning on your high beams keeps you safe in the darkest of environments. If you switch to high beams and nothing happens, this is a safety hazard and an indication that you need new lights as soon as possible. 4.    One Light Is Burned Out Once one of your lights has burned out, it won't be long before the other goes as well. Getting both of them replaced simultaneously ensures that you can see while driving at night, and it also saves you a trip to the service center to get the other bulb replaced. 5.    You Keep Blowing Fuses Any issues could cause blown fuses in your vehicle, but if you keep blowing fuses and notice issues with your lights, this could indicate that you need to replace the bulbs. Taking your vehicle to a professional and having them diagnose the issue is in your best interest. Electrical issues can wreak havoc on various components in your car, so getting this taken care of by someone with skills and experience will save you a lot in the long run. Getting your lights replaced as soon as possible is the best idea to stay safe on the road. Not only do you need to be able to see where you're going, but other drivers also need to be able to see you. If you need to get your car serviced or you want to see the latest Ford models, head down to DARCARS Ford of Lanham Service Center today.

A well-stocked car first aid kit in the trunk of your Ford Edge, Escape, or Super Duty is essential for any emergency on the roads in and around Lanham, MD. You only need crucial first aid supplies to respond fast to injuries until help arrives. Lanham, MD, Drivers: 10 Items Maryland Drivers Should Have in a Car First Aid Kit 1.    Emergency First Aid Manual An easy-to-follow emergency first aid manual with step-by-step instructions will guide you through an emergency. You can buy one or download a free copy from various reputable websites. Print one out and keep it in your first aid kit. 2.    Over-the-Counter Medication Your pharmacist can assist you with a range of over-the-counter-medication. Make sure you can treat minor ailments from insect bites and stings to headaches, nausea, and allergies. more 3.    Thermometer You'll need a thermometer to measure body temperature. You don't need to invest in an expensive thermometer. A cheap oral one will work perfectly. 4.    Disposable Gloves Buy a pack of disposable gloves for your first aid kit to protect you from blood and bodily fluids and prevent bacteria from entering a wound you are treating. 5.    A Pair of Medical Scissors You'll need a pair of medical scissors to cut gauze pads, medical tape, bandages, or fabric around a wound. Opt for a pair of medical scissors with blunt tips, as they should be safer. 6.    Medical Tweezers Medical tweezers are made from surgical steel with fine points. They are extremely useful when removing small objects like thorns, splinters, and glass from wounds. 7.    Antiseptic Liquid and Wipes Clean your hands with antiseptic wipes before treating a wound. Use the antiseptic liquid to flush out wounds before you cover the wound with adhesive bandages or sterile medical gauze pads. The wipes are also handy for cleaning the blood and bodily fluids off surfaces. 8.    Adhesive Bandages You probably know them as Band-Aids, vital to your first aid kit. Add a whole lot of different sizes and shapes to treat minor cuts and scrapes. 9.    Sterile Medical Tape and Gauze Pads Sterile medical tape and gauze pads prevent bacteria from entering a wound. Use the sterile gauze pads to stop bleeding and to cover the wound directly. You can then use sterile tape to keep the gauze in place. 10.  Elastic Bandage Elastic bandages are very useful in an emergency. You can use them to hold the gauze in place, reduce swelling when tightly wrapped, and as a tourniquet. Pack all the medical supplies in a waterproof container and keep the kit in the trunk of your car. Regularly check the first aid kit and replace the items you've used and the expired medication. To keep your Ford in excellent running condition and safe on the road, contact DARCARS Ford of Lanham today for a thorough vehicle checkup performed by qualified technicians.

Planning for any big purchase is an increasingly important task whether you live in Lanham or Seabrook, Maryland. If you're budgeting for a vehicle, keep these handy tips in mind. Key Considerations in Budgeting for a Vehicle in Lanham, MD A central component of any budgeting endeavor is a catalog of your expenses. You should consider costs like total price, fees, financing loans, insurance, and future maintenance for an auto purchase. Take a closer look at some of the top auto budgeting elements. Price Several factors impact the starting price of a car, from make and model to year. Comparison-shopping is therefore vital if you have a set price you want to pay. You should also factor in sales taxes for the overall cost. In Maryland, for example, the sales tax is typically six percent. Fees Titling and registration are the most common fees associated with purchasing a new vehicle. In Maryland, the Certificate of Title for a new or used vehicle will cost $100. A two-year registration for passenger cars costs $135 or $187, depending on the vehicle's weight. The state also requires a vehicle emissions inspection on most new cars. This test costs about $14. more Financing Most new car buyers will make their purchases through loans. Your auto loan will be a significant monthly expense, so you must negotiate a good deal. Ideally, your loan will have the lowest possible interest rate attached to it. Other factors that can impact the amount you pay monthly are the down payment you offer and the length of the loan. A larger down payment and longer loan term will reduce your monthly payments. You can also lessen your payments by trading in an older vehicle. A good rule of thumb is to devote 10 percent of your monthly income to your auto purchase or loan. Insurance Drivers naturally want the lowest premiums, but state dictates will influence the coverage you are required to purchase. Maryland drivers must acquire policies that include liability insurance. Specifically, the requirements are bodily injury coverage in the amount of $30,000, $60,000 of coverage for two or more people, and $15,000 worth of property damage coverage. Additional Costs Auto costs do not end once you have your vehicle. You'll want to factor in considerations such as fuel costs, parking fees, and future maintenance. Evaluate your daily routine to help determine fuel and parking expenses. Plan on these factors potentially taking up another 10 percent of your monthly budget. Invest in a vehicle with good fuel efficiency and a strong warranty for the best savings. Put your fuel worries to rest with the zero-emissions Ford Mustang Mach-E. This super-powered auto has a barn-busting fuel economy of 103 miles per gallon. Plus, you'll get a solid five-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty and an ultra-useful eight-year, 80,000-mile emissions defect warranty. Let a trusted team help you balance your budget. Contact the finance department at DARCARS Ford of Lanham and secure a purchase tailored to your needs and circumstances.

The 2022 Ford Edge is the perfect midsize crossover SUV for you and your family. This powerful crossover comes standard with a 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged engine and has an available 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 for those who want a more powerful ride. The 2.7-liter V-6 delivers snappy acceleration, 335 horsepower, and 380 pound-feet of maximum torque for your enjoyment. Meet the 2022 Ford Edge One of the more impressive features inside the cabin of the 2022 Ford Edge is its innovative rotary shift dial. This shifter takes up less space, giving you a cleaner, more organizable cabin. Replacing the traditional shifter with the rotary shift dial enables the Edge to have a larger center bin complete with additional smart storage. This storage is easy to access and has a USB port perfectly placed for the driver. more Touch Screen The 2022 Ford Edge also has one of the largest available multicolor touchscreens in its class, coming in at an incredible 12-inches. Use the Edge's available Sync 4A tech to wirelessly connect your compatible smartphone devices and enjoy Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Additionally, this screen and its Sync 4A technology are intuitive, ensuring that everyone can easily use turn-by-turn directions, make hands-free calls, and much more. Stay Connected A large touchscreen is well and good; however, you can make it better by adding the FordPass Connect 5 to your crossover. With the FordPass Connect 5, you can use the 4G LTE built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. The 2022 Ford Edge, with its hotspot, can simultaneously support up to 10 devices. You can also access this Wi-Fi hotspot up to 50 feet outside your Edge. So you can stay connected, and the kids can stay entertained no matter where you go. AWD AWD is beneficial if you and your family love the outdoors and all that nature offers. The 2022 Ford Edge ensures you can travel through all weather and road conditions using an incredibly intelligent all-wheel-drive system. This intelligent system uses multiple sensors that constantly monitor your vehicle, the weather, and road conditions to balance the torque on your wheels. This intelligent all-wheel-drive system can shift the torque produced by the 2022 Ford Edge between the front and rear wheels. As the vehicle moves the torque to the appropriate wheels, it increases your handling and maximizes the traction for each wheel. Additionally, this system works so quickly that it can often prevent your wheels from slipping before a loss of traction occurs without the driver noticing. Hands-Free Liftgate Another fantastic feature of the 2022 Ford Edge is the available hands-free liftgate. This liftgate opens with just the kick of a foot underneath the middle of the rear bumper, which comes in especially handy when your hands are full. If you are in the market for an impressive midsize crossover SUV, you need to check out the 2022 Ford Edge with its incredible features. Come visit us at DARCARS Ford of Lanham to test drive any of our new, used, or certified pre-owned vehicles today.

Gifting a car to a family member is a great way to get rid of a car that you no longer want and to help a member of your family at the same time. The Maryland Motor Vehicles Administration (MMVA) is responsible for all driving-related issues in Maryland, and they have an established procedure for this gift. When you're thinking of gifting a car in Lanham, MD, these are the rules you'll need to follow. Rules for Gifting a Car to a Family Member in Lanham, MD The Documentation You'll Need Certificate of Title This document is essential as it confirms the legal owner of a vehicle. If you don't have your original title, you can get a copy from the MMVA. You can apply online, by mail, or in person. The fee is $20, and the MMVA will mail the copy to you the next business day. The title has a section on the back called Assignment of Ownership, and both you and your relative will need to complete this section. Odometer Disclosure Statement This form, VR-197, must be completed by you to confirm the odometer reading of the car when you make the gift. Bill of Sale Form VR-181 must be completed by both you and your relative. Although you are making a gift and not selling the car, you fill in the sections of the form as the seller, and your relative will fill in the sections of the form as the buyer. In the purchase price section, you'll write a Gift instead of a price. more Notice of Security Interest Filing This form, VR-217, only applies if you have a lien on your car. A car can’t be sold with a lien attached to it, and this form confirms that any lien has been discharged. Certificate of Inspection This certificate is required for all used cars, and it confirms that the car is fit to drive on the roads in Maryland. If you cannot acquire one before you make the gift, your family member can apply for a 30-day temporary registration. Procedure The procedure for gifting a car is relatively straightforward. As we've seen, you complete the title section as the seller, and your family member completes the section as the buyer. Your family member will need to get insurance for the car, as it's a legal requirement that all cars on Maryland's roads have valid insurance. Once the documents are signed and dated, you give them to your family member. A gift to a family member doesn't attract the 6% excise tax that applies to a gift to a non-family member. Your family member will then take the documents to the local MMVA office and apply for a new title. The MMVA will register the change in title and mail your family member a new title document. Now that you've been gifted a car in Maryland, it might be time to look for a replacement. Come see our wide range of new Ford vehicles and used cars at DARCARS Ford of Lanham.

Every vehicle in Maryland must have a Certificate of Title, which identifies the vehicle's legal owner. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MMVA) is responsible for administering Title changes. If you're in Lanham, MD, and you want to transfer vehicle ownership, these are the procedures. Procedure To Transfer Vehicle Ownership in Lanham, MD Types of Transfer The procedure has slight variants depending on the type of transfer you want to make. These are some of the different varieties you'll come across. Buying a New Vehicle The forms that need to be completed when you buy a new vehicle are the Certificate of Title and the Bill of Sale. When you buy a car from us, for example, a stylish 2022 Ford Explorer, we will complete, sign, and date the seller section of the Title. You will complete, sign, and date the buyer section of the Certificate. more We will complete the Bill of Sale, and you will need to provide proof of insurance. We will send all of this documentation to the MMVA office in Lanham, and they will post your new Title in about eight weeks. Buying a Used Vehicle When you buy a used vehicle from us, for example, the sleek 2021 Ford Mustang EcoBoost, there is additional paperwork. We will fill in the Certificate of Title together, you will need proof of insurance, and we'll provide the Bill of Sale. We'll complete a Certificate of Inspection for the vehicle that attests that it’s fit to drive in Maryland. In addition, we will file a Notice of Security Interest Filing to confirm that there are no outstanding liens on the car. The final paperwork is a Vehicles Emissions Inspection Program (VEIP) test to show that the vehicle complies with Maryland's low emissions requirements. We send this documentation to the MMVA, and they will post your new Title to you. Gifting a Vehicle If you gift a vehicle in Maryland, the procedure is almost the same as buying a used car. You will complete the Certificate section as the seller, and the receiver will complete the section of the Certificate as the buyer. The purchase price must be marked as a "gift." If you are giving the vehicle to a family member, the MMVA allows the receiver to waive the 6% excise tax for the transfer. Donating a Vehicle If you donate a vehicle to a charity in Maryland, the process is similar to gifting a vehicle. The purchase price will be marked as a "donation," and the rest of the paperwork will be completed as if it was a gift. There is no excise tax on a donation. The charity will send you a tax-exempt receipt for the vehicle's value, and you can submit this to the IRS as a tax write-off. Now that you know the procedure required for transferring vehicle ownership, come in and see us at DARCARS Ford of Lanham. We have a fantastic range of new and used vehicles for you to choose from.

The new 2022 Ford Escape is one of the most exciting compact SUVs. With its responsive and agile handling, hybrid and plug-in options, and sleek good looks, we can tell it will be a crowd-pleaser. One of our favorite things about the new Ford Escape is the range of powertrain and trim levels available with it. To help you figure out which trim level is suitable for your needs, we've broken down the Escape's 4 trim levels in this article. Ford Escape S The standard trim level for the new Escape boasts a significant number of tech and safety features, including a backup camera, pre-collision assist (with automatic emergency braking), a lane-keeping system, and Ford's blind spot information system. With its 1.5-liter "EcoBoost" engine, the S-trim lets buyers upgrade to intelligent AWD or stick with the standard FWD model. It's an excellent choice for drivers looking to keep it simple (but effective)! more Ford Escape SE In addition to the Escape S's standard safety features and tech, an upgrade to the SE trim will give drivers an upgraded infotainment system, satellite radio capability, 17-inch aluminum wheels, and an optional moon roof. One of the most exciting features of the 2022 Escape is that starting at the SE trim level, the Escape becomes available in 3 different powertrains. You can buy it in the standard 1.5-liter gas engine, but you can also choose to get your new 2022 Escape in the SE Hybrid model or the SE Plug-In Hybrid model. It's all part of Ford's commitment to making greener, more efficient vehicles. Ford Escape SEL The SEL trim level adds more luxury options to the previous trim levels. These include a heated steering wheel, seats, side mirrors, a power liftgate, roof rack side rails, dual-zone temperature controls, and more! Optional add-ons include a wireless charging pad and crossbars for the roof rack side rails. Like the SE trim level, the SEL comes with the powertrain options of a standard gas engine, a hybrid engine, or a plug-in hybrid option. Ford Escape Titanium The top-of-the-line trim for the 2022 Escape, the Titanium trim level delivers luxury, style, and safety to an unparalleled degree. Perks of the Titanium include an upgrade to a Bang and Olufsen ten-speaker sound system, memory systems for the mirrors and driver's seat, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and adaptive cruise control with lane centering, a voice-activated touchscreen navigation system, and more. If you're sticking with the gas engine, the Titanium trim also comes with a notable upgrade from the standard 1.5-liter engine in all other Escape trims to a more potent 250-horsepower 2.0-liter engine. With so much luxury, technology, and safety features to choose from, including multiple powertrain options, the new Ford Escape is one of the most versatile compact SUVs for drivers looking for a new vehicle. Visit us at DARCARS Ford of Lanham today to learn more about the 2022 Escape or any of our other quality new and used cars!

Aggressive behavior on the roads is on the increase across the country. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, nearly 80 percent of drivers express aggression monthly. Below are tips to avoid road rage behind the wheel in Lanham, MD. 5 Tips for Avoiding Road Rage on the Streets in Lanham, MD 1.      Be Polite and Considerate Stick to the road rules by staying within the speed limit, using your turn signals, and maintaining a safe following distance. Be polite in parking lots and allow other drivers to merge with the traffic. Even thank someone with a smile or a wave when they are considerate towards you on the road. When you are polite and considerate towards other drivers, it will decrease the risk of being confronted by someone with road rage. Polite and kind behavior makes it difficult for another driver to show aggression towards you. more 2.      Stay Calm When an aggressive driver is confronting you, do your best to stay calm. If you also start displaying aggression, it will only make matters worse, and the situation can quickly turn nasty, even dangerous. Ignore aggressive honking, screaming, and swearing, and when another driver shows rude hand signals, look the other way. Don't yell, honk back, or flash your car's lights. Don't get angry and allow the aggressive behavior of another road user to take your focus away from your driving or the road. 3.      Be Tolerant It's crucial to ignore rude behavior from other road users to avoid a potentially aggressive encounter that could quickly escalate and turn dangerous. It's sometimes difficult not to lose your temper when another driver is rude or makes mistakes on the road. Don't allow the person's inappropriate behavior to get the better of you. We know it's easier said than done. Just tell yourself the other driver might be having a bad day. Forget about the incident and concentrate on the traffic and the road ahead of you. 4.      Protect Yourself You have to keep yourself safe when confronted by someone with road rage. The best cause of action is ignoring the aggressive driver, not looking at the person, and keeping your eyes on the road. If someone is tailgating you, maintain your speed and show them, without being aggressive, that they can pass your car. If another driver is angry because you forgot to use your turn signal or cut them off, show that you acknowledge your mistake and continue driving. If another driver has road rage, lock your doors, close the windows, and don't make eye contact if the aggressive person approaches you at an intersection. Don't get out of your car to confront an aggressive driver to prevent the situation from escalating. 5.      Take Avoidance Action If the other driver is severely aggressive and continues to harass you, drive to a public place immediately and not your work or home. If you have to stop at a traffic light, leave enough space between your car and the car ahead of you to pull out fast and safely if you need to get away. Stay calm and find the nearest police station, fire station, or a hospital. Report the driver to the authorities by calling 911 immediately if you feel threatened. To avoid road rage, be considerate and tolerant towards other drivers, stay calm on the road, and don't allow the aggressive behavior of other drivers to make you lose your temper. Visit DARCARS Ford of Lanham today for a range of new and pre-owned vehicles, expert maintenance and repairs, and exceptional customer service.

Bad driving habits can increase your car's gas mileage, cause extensive damage to components, and cost you a pretty penny on extra maintenance and unnecessary repairs. Avoid the following six driving habits on the roads in and around Lanham, MD, and keep your car in good running condition for longer. 1.    Revving a Cold Engine Avoid revving your car's engine when the engine is cold. Revving a cold engine causes wear and tear on engine components that are not yet adequately lubricated. When an engine is cold, it's best to start the car and allow it to idle for a few minutes before driving off. The engine will warm up, and the oil will circulate and lubricate the moving components, reducing friction and wear. 2.    Switching From Reverse To Drive without Stopping Always wait until your car comes to a complete stop before you shift from reverse to drive or from drive to reverse. If you switch your car from reverse to drive or vice versa while your vehicle is still in motion, it will damage your car's transmission system and lead to high repair costs. Your vehicle must be stationary for the transmission to switch from reverse to drive smoothly or the other way around. more 3.    Excessive Brake Use A heavy foot on the brake pedal can do more damage than you think. Slamming on the brakes or leaving your foot on the brake pedal for an extended period will increase brake wear and cause the brakes to overheat and lose their stopping power, something you want to avoid. To prevent wear and damage to your brake system while driving in heavy traffic or down a hill, lighten the pressure on the brake pedal by switching to a lower gear. You also reduce brake wear if you anticipate intersections by taking your foot off the accelerator to slow your car down long before you have to come to a complete stop. 4.    Speeding Over Bumps Hitting a speed bump too fast could damage your car's bumpers or undercarriage components and affect the wheel alignment. If you notice a speed bump, slow down and drive gently over it, especially if your vehicle is low. 5.    Hitting Potholes Thudding through a pothole can cause extensive damage to your vehicle's suspension, alignment, and steering. If you are driving on a road riddled with potholes, keep your eyes peeled and go slower to give yourself enough time to react by switching lanes when you spot a hole. Sometimes you can't avoid hitting the pothole head-on. Brake before you thud through the hole to minimize the impact and damage to your car. 6. Driving on Empty If you drive your car around on fumes, it draws the last drop of gas from the bottom of the tank where the sediments in the gas settle. The dirt in the gas will block the fuel filter and could reach the engine, damaging components. Try to avoid driving around on the last drop of gas by keeping the tank as full as possible. Take a little extra care behind the wheel and save money on gas and unnecessary repairs. Contact DARCARS Ford of Lanham today for an appointment. Our qualified Ford technicians offer expert maintenance and repair services you can rely on.