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You need a Ford oil change every 7,500-10,000 miles, so visit your Lanham, MD, Ford dealer for this at least once a year. Vehicles made before 2007 need oil changes more often, and you also need more frequent oil changes if you tow regularly, use your vehicle for commercial purposes or go off-roading a lot. Signs That You Need a Ford Oil Change from Your Lanham, MD Dealer ASAP Dark Vehicle Exhaust Fumes These days, vehicles don't have visible exhaust fumes. However, if it looks like smoke is coming out of your tailpipe, you know something is wrong. Dark exhaust fumes are a sign that your oil is no longer high-quality. Dark fumes can also indicate a cracked gasket and various other engine issues, so be sure to get your vehicle checked out by an expert technician. more Rapidly Falling Oil Level You need to check your oil level frequently. This ensures you know how quickly your oil level usually drops, and it lets you know when you need to top off your oil between changes. Checking your oil level regularly also ensures you notice when the level is falling faster than usual. A rapidly falling oil level is a sign you might have a leak in your system, so get to the dealership as soon as you can. Your Engine Is Suddenly Noisy Oil lubricates your engine's parts, which helps keep the noise level minimal. However, if your engine noise has suddenly increased, it may be a problem with your oil. The oil level may be too low, or your oil may be low quality. Either way, it's time to visit your dealer for an oil change. Your Oil Is Irregularly Textured Your oil should be amber in color and have an even texture and a slightly translucent appearance. If you notice that your oil texture is irregular, your oil is gritty, or almost black; you need new oil as soon as possible. Please note that your oil will darken as it cycles through your engine, but it should always remain slightly translucent with an amber hue. Your Vehicle Is Sticking While Starting The oil starts circulating as soon as you switch on your vehicle, but if your oil is textured irregularly, then circulating becomes more difficult. This can lead to a ticking sound when your engine attempts to warm up. The valves that move the oil around are the pieces that make this noise, and hearing the noise indicates that the valves are working overtime because your oil is difficult to circulate. The Vehicle Shakes While Idling Low-quality oil can impact the quality of your ride. One sign that your oil harms your ride quality is if your vehicle starts vibrating while idling. Avoid idling as much as possible until you can get your oil changed. Come by DARCARS Ford of Lanham when you need an oil change. We'll handle all the maintenance that your vehicle requires.

Your Ford's ignition coil is a crucial engine component providing the spark to ignite the fuel/air mixture that powers your ride. If this coil fails, it can cause a range of issues that can significantly impact your vehicle's performance. Here are five common symptoms of a faulty ignition coil, so you can catch the issue at your Ford dealer before it becomes a more significant problem. If You Recognize these 5 Signs Contact Your Ford Dealer Hard Starts A bad or failing ignition coil can cause hard starts in any make of vehicle: not just your Ford. A bad or failing coil results in a weakened spark that cannot fully combust the fuel in your engine's cylinders. This may cause the engine to struggle to turn over, misfire, or stall. If hard starts are your problem, especially if they occur with some of the other symptoms listed here, schedule a service appointment as soon as possible. more Rough Running Is your Ford's engine running rough? It might mean your ignition coil is wonky. When spark plugs don't get enough voltage to ignite the fuel/air mix, a rough idle is likely. This can cause more than just a rough engine: it can lead to reduced fuel efficiency, higher emissions, and excessive vibrations or strange noises. Don't wait for a rough-running engine to rattle your fillings. Have a professional check out the ignition system ASAP. Misfires and Backfires Misfires or backfires are yet another sign of a bad ignition coil. Think of misfires as an internal combustion hiccup when your engine isn't getting enough juice from the coil to fire the spark plugs for complete fuel combustion. A full-fledged burp is a backfire that can produce loud popping or banging sounds from the exhaust system. Both mean it's time to have a qualified mechanic check out your car's ignition system, including the all-important coil. Poor Mileage Is your Ford suffering from a dip in fuel efficiency? When an ignition coil functions improperly, incomplete combustion may occur, resulting in wasted fuel and lower fuel efficiency. Additionally, the engine may run rich, meaning it uses more fuel than necessary. You'll need to fill up more often, busting your budget regarding gas costs. To avoid pain at the pump, have a qualified mechanic inspect your ignition coil if your gas mileage drops. Check Engine Light The bane of every auto owner's existence, the "Check Engine" light can light up for many reasons. While a bad ignition coil is at or near the top of every mechanic's list of possible culprits, it usually requires some technology to diagnose the exact issue. If you are staring at the "Check Engine" light, have a certified Ford technician identify the problem using an OBD-II scanner to retrieve stored trouble codes in the vehicle's computer system. There you have it: five telltale signs, from hard starts to poor gas mileage, that could mean an issue with your car's ignition coil. If you have a problem, head over to DARCARS Ford of Lanham, where a certified mechanic can get you back on the road as soon as possible. Don't wait - schedule an appointment today!

You'd be surprised at the number of drivers in Lanham, MD, who think a chipped windshield is a minor annoyance they can live with, significantly if the damage does not impair vision. But that tiny crack can become a major problem, causing costly repairs and possibly risking people's lives. Why You Should Never Ignore a Chipped Windshield A cracked windshield will eventually weaken the structural integrity of your vehicle and could result in shattering upon slight impact or extreme weather. The repair will also become more expensive as the damage spreads. In some cases, a broken windshield can also impact your vehicle's airbag deployment system, reducing its effectiveness in case of a crash. Your vision could also be impaired, as the chip can cause a glare on the glass that obscures your view of the road. more Leaks Small cracks in the glass will allow water to pass through, leading to rust that can compromise your vehicle's structure. However, not all leaks are obvious, and you'll need an expert to inspect your windshield and tell you if it needs to be repaired or replaced. Most leaks can be stopped with a sealant, which is much cheaper than a full windshield replacement. But it's also worth mentioning that the sealant can only be used on small chips. Legality in Lanham, MD In addition to the safety concerns, it's also possible that your cracked windshield could land you in legal trouble. In MD, a chip or crack over three inches long is considered unsafe and can lead to a ticket from law enforcement. This means that you not only have an unsafe car, but you'll also have to pay a hefty fine. Resale Value Even if you avoid a ticket or additional issues, potential buyers may feel uncomfortable purchasing a vehicle with damaged glass. This is especially true for luxury cars where buyers expect perfection. Selling a car with a cracked windshield is possible, but you won't get the same price as an undamaged vehicle. However, this assumes you have a replaceable windshield. Classic car glass is harder to find and can be expensive. As you can see, ignoring a damaged windshield is a bad idea for multiple reasons. You could end up dealing with an enormous repair bill or put yourself and other drivers in grave danger. Contact DARCARS Ford of Lanham today and take advantage of our comprehensive care of your cracked windshield. Your safety is too important to put at risk, so fix those chips now and drive with peace of mind. Image by Dibyendu Joarda r from Pixabay

As your car piles on the miles, engine leaking becomes a common issue. New and certified pre-owned vehicles won't have this problem, so it's not something that would come up when talking to your Ford dealer about a new ride. However, it can become an issue over time and with enough wear. 5 Common Causes of Engine Leaks According to an Expert Ford Dealer 1.    A Damaged Oil Filter When the engine leaks oil, the first place to look is the oil filter. Check the oil filter if you see a puddle of brown or black oil under the parked car. Other causes of the oil leak could be a cracked gasket, a loose filler cap, a damaged oil pan, or you might have faulty valves. In each one of those cases, you'd need to take the car to the mechanic to have the faulty parts inspected and replaced. more 2.    Radiator Malfunctions Leak Antifreeze Antifreeze is a thin liquid with a sweet smell. It prevents the engine from seizing in frigid temperatures and keeps fluids in the vehicle from freezing. Antifreeze stains are usually found under the front of the car and are either red or green. An antifreeze leak could further damage the engine if not addressed quickly. 3.    Wear and Tear Leads to Transmission Fluid Leaks Transmission fluid is reddish and smells like gasoline. However, unlike gas leaks, transmission fluid puddles are often found under the car's center. The transmission fluid pan could be cracked, or the plugs could be loose or worn out. In any case, you should take the vehicle to the auto repair workshop immediately to have it fixed. 4.    Faulty Engine Components Cause Gas Leaks Different faulty components of the engine could cause gas leaks. Once you identify the leaked fluid as gasoline, get help to find the culprit. It could be the fuel lines, the injectors, the valves, the primer bulb, the tubes, the cap, or a leak in the fuel tank. 5.    Worn-out Seals Leak Power Steering Fluid The power steering system is prone to wear and tear as well. When the seals degrade and the O-rings become less flexible, the fluid leaks from the cracked parts and pools under the front of the car. This makes the power steering less responsive while driving and can lead to an accident. Car engines leak as they age, and their components become damaged or faulty with enough use. You should have the car checked out if you detect leaking auto fluids. Visit us at DARCARS Ford of Lanham to have our service center technicians inspect your vehicle and to see our exclusive Ford service & parts deals.

If you've spent your hard-earned money on a car, you want it to last as long as possible. Engaging in preventative maintenance is important and beneficial because it can increase the lifespan of your vehicle. Not only does the process involve getting your oil and other fluids changed, but it also involves having a professional technician in Lanham, MD inspect any and all parts of your vehicle that could potentially turn into problems in the future. The Importance of Preventative Maintenance in Lanham, MD 1. Find Potential Problems Before They Become Major Issues The last thing anyone wants is to have their car break down on the side of the road. While there are times this can't be prevented, it's possible to reduce the likelihood of it occurring. When you have a professional inspect your car on a frequent basis, they'll be able to find any issues that could cause major problems down the road and get them fixed. more 2. Reduce Emergency Issues From Arising When you take your vehicle in for regular maintenance and have it inspected by a technician, you greatly reduce the chances of emergency issues arising. Not only does this save you from unexpected breakdowns, but it also ensures you don't spend a ton of money getting your vehicle fixed. There are costs associated with maintaining your vehicle, but they are usually more affordable than an emergency. Plus, when you know you have to take your vehicle to a professional, you can budget for that expense to ensure you have the money. 3. Improve Fuel Efficiency The more wear and tear your vehicle experiences, the harder it has to work to get you from one place to another. That means you'll be using more fuel. To save yourself some money at the pump, you need to take care of your vehicle. 4. Prolong the Life of Your Car If you only fix your vehicle after it experiences a breakdown or other major issue, you're exposing it to a lot of wear and tear. This will reduce the life expectancy of your vehicle's components and could lead to more malfunctions and damage. Taking your vehicle to a professional regularly is a great way to ensure your vehicle runs optimally for as long as possible. 5. Give Yourself Peace of Mind Dealing with a breakdown or malfunction can be an incredibly stressful and frustrating experience. If you take your vehicle in for regular maintenance, you'll give yourself peace of mind that your car is in good working order. Working with a professional to maintain your vehicle is important, and having the process done frequently can save you money, time, and stress. Whether you need service or are looking for a new vehicle, visit DARCARS Ford of Lanham today!

Are you considering joining a roadside assistance club but wondering if it's worth it? You may be surprised to learn that being in an auto club can provide many benefits. From 24/7 roadside assistance to discounts on car rentals and car repairs, joining a club is an excellent way to save money and provide yourself with a little extra peace of mind. We'll look at five benefits of joining an automobile club in Lanham, MD. Driving in Lanham, MD: What Are the Benefits of Being in a Motor Club? 1.    Roadside Assistance One of the primary benefits of being in a club is access to roadside assistance. Whether you are stranded with a flat tire, running out of fuel, or have suffered a breakdown, you can call for help and have a mechanic come to your aid. Most auto clubs offer roadside assistance as part of their services, with some even offering 24-hour coverage. Having access to roadside assistance can save you time and money. more 2.    Towing Services Most auto clubs provide 24/7 towing services to their members. If your car breaks down, you don't have to worry about finding a tow truck or paying for the service out of pocket: the club will take care of it for you. You can choose the towing company you want to use, as some auto clubs offer multiple tow truck companies for their members. 3.    Discounts Car clubs offer members a wide range of discounts on services and products related to cars, such as car rentals, car repairs, car parts, and more. Depending on the club you join, you could get access to discounts only available to members. These discounts can add up quickly and make your membership worthwhile. This could help you save a lot of money over the long term, mainly if you frequently use such services. 4.    Access to Exclusive Events One of the many benefits of being a car club member is having access to exclusive events and experiences. Whether you're looking to attend a car show or participate in a road rally, auto clubs often host special events that non-members may need help to attend. Depending on the particular club, these events can range from day trips to multi-day adventures. 5.    A Sense of Community For many, being an auto club member brings a sense of community that can be hard to find elsewhere. Car clubs often organize car shows, social events, and other activities for their members. This allows members to make new friends and network with like-minded individuals. Joining a car club can be a great experience for drivers. The benefits range from roadside assistance, towing services, discounts, access to exclusive events, and a sense of community. Clubs are a great way to get involved for those who love cars and the lifestyle accompanying them. Visit DARCARS Ford of Lanham for all your Ford needs.

Harsh winter conditions can have a severe impact on your vehicle. Winterize your Ford to ensure your EcoSport, Escape, or Edge is ready for the cold weather in Lanham, MD. 5 Rules for Protecting Your Car in Cold Weather in Lanham, MD 1.    Winterize Your Ford When winter hits, you want to ensure that your car is ready to handle even the worst icy conditions. The last thing you need in the cold is getting stuck on the side of the road. more Get a Preventative Maintenance Service Take your vehicle to your Ford dealer for a preventative maintenance service. The Ford technicians will check the fluids and every system and component, including the engine, battery, and brakes, to ensure that your car is in tip-top running condition. Change the Oil Protect your car's engine in winter by changing the oil. When the temperature drops, it causes all the fluids in your vehicle to run slower and your engine to work harder. When oil is old and dirty, it will put even more stress on the engine. Check the Radiator Radiator fluid that's old and dirty could partially freeze on frosty winter nights. Ask your Ford technician to inspect your radiator, check the belts and hoses, and replace the fluid to protect your radiator against the winter cold. Inspect the Battery In the winter months, your car's battery works harder. To ensure your battery can withstand freezing weather, check the condition of the battery. Ask your Ford technician to inspect the battery and perform a test to avoid getting stranded in the cold. 2.    Mount Winter Tires Mount a set of winter tires when the temperature drops below 45 degrees Fahrenheit to give your car the necessary traction for braking, turning, and accelerating on roads covered in sleet and ice. Regularly Check the Tire Pressure Your car's tire pressure decreases in cold temperatures. Check the pressure regularly and keep your tires inflated to the proper PSI for better handling and fuel efficiency. 3.    Keep the Gas Tank Full Keep your gas tank at least half full to reduce the risk of moisture buildup, frozen gas lines, and other fuel system issues. If your tank is full, you should also be able to avoid running out of gas in the freezing weather. 4.    Protect the Bodywork Wash and wax your car to protect the paint and the bodywork against corrosive salt. If you drive on roads with salt, wash your car every two weeks to eliminate the salt and prevent rust. 5.    Cover Your Car Where possible, keep your car in an enclosed garage. If you leave your vehicle outside, avoid parking under snow-covered trees or eaves and on slopes. Prevent ice buildup by lifting the wipers and using a windshield cover. It's best to use a car cover if you leave your car outside at night to prevent it from getting covered in snow and salt and protect the electrical components. Protect your Ford against the winter cold. Call DARCARS Ford of Lanham today to schedule a preventative maintenance service. The certified Ford technicians will help ensure your vehicle is ready to withstand Maryland's icy weather conditions.

For safe driving, car tires should usually always have between 32 and 36 pounds per square inch (PSI) of pressure when cold. This figure varies from car to car, so it's always wise to check the optimal tire pressure of your vehicle. Most drivers in Lanham, MD, and the rest of the state check tire pressure once or twice per month. It's a relatively simple process that shouldn't take you more than a few minutes once you're used to it. Driving in Lanham, MD: How to Check Your Tire Pressure Prepare Your Tools You'll need a tire pressure gauge to measure the PSI. Digital gauges display the PSI on a screen. Manual gauges give you a reading on a dial. Both work equally well, and you can find either one in your local auto parts store. more If your tire pressure is low, you'll also need access to a tire inflator. If you don't own a portable inflator, you can find plenty of air dispensers at gas stations around Maryland. Only Check Tire Pressure When Cold Before you begin, make sure your tires are completely cold. Heated air from driving increases a tire's PSI and gives you a false reading. Wait a few hours after using your car before taking measurements. Early morning is usually a good time to take tire pressure measurements. Remove the Air Valve Cap In the side of your wheel, you'll find the tire's air valve poking through the wheel's inner rim. Take off the cap and keep it in a safe place nearby. You might need a pair of pliers to remove a stiff cap. Press Your Gauge Against the Valve Apply the gauge to the valve mouth, and you'll have your PSI reading after a second or two. Observe if it's higher or lower than the tire's optimal pressure. Add Air If It's Low If the reading is low, use your inflator to add a little air. Then retake the reading. Keep adding a little air and retaking the reading like this until the PSI is just right. Release Air If It's High If your reading is too high, there's a small dot on the back of most gauges that allows you to release air. Press the dot against the valve, and you'll hear the hiss of air escaping. Let a little out, then retake the pressure reading. Repeat this process until the PSI is just right. Screw the Cap Back On Once your PSI is at the correct level, put the cap back on. Then, move on to the next tire and repeat the process. Inspect Your Tires at the Same Time This periodical tire pressure check is a good opportunity to examine your tires for embedded objects or other signs of damage. Look out for any blistering or deep cracks in the rubber. Also, measure your tread depth, which should always be kept from falling below 2/32 of an inch. Have your tires examined today by qualified technicians at DARCARS Ford of Lanham. We're a well-established dealership serving the area's drivers from Seabrook to New Carrollton.

While driving, your spark plugs are firing an incredible 400 times per second. A single plug can be expected to last 30,000 miles or more. But eventually, all plugs crack, burn out, or become too dirty. The following four signs of plug trouble should prompt you to visit your local Ford dealer for replacements. You See Black Smoke In the Rearview Mirror Working in tandem with ignition coils, your plugs ignite the fuel-air mixture that's pumped continually into the combustion chambers. When a plug begins to struggle and falter, all that fuel being pumped in is no longer burning away as it should. This excess fuel gets expelled from the engine through the exhaust system. As a result, you'll see black smoke rising from your tailpipe behind you. On occasion, you'll even see flames in the smoke as the unburned fuel ignites on its way out. more Your Engine Can't Generate Enough Power After years of driving your Ford, you'll be used to how it sounds and feels while on the road. If you find yourself pressing on the gas, but the engine isn't accelerating properly, you might have a problem with your plugs. This lack of power can be felt very clearly while idling. Instead of the nice smooth rumble of a healthy Ford engine, you'll find it coughing and shaking, struggling to stay alive. If more than one plug has failed, your car might even stall. Your Fuel Economy's Dropping With faltering plugs, your engine is no longer burning fuel as efficiently. You'll therefore find yourself stopping for gas more often. If your gas mileage is falling and you also notice other engine problems, you might have a bad plug or two that need replacing. A few other factors can also cause poor fuel economy. These include a clogged air filter, faulty ignition coils, malfunctioning oxygen sensors, exhaust issues, or problems with your catalytic converter. Your Dashboard Warns You The check engine light on your dashboard will almost always come to life when your plugs fail. You won't know exactly what caused the check engine light to blink. You'll need to ask a technician to diagnose and fix the problem. How a Ford Dealer Checks Your Plugs During an inspection, a technician will remove each plug and examine it for cracks or burned electrodes. In the case of serious damage, the plug will have to be thrown out and replaced. Plugs can occasionally become caked in soot, which is easily cleanable. But this superficial problem usually indicates something else has gone wrong in your engine, causing the combustion chambers to create too much sooty residue. Have your engine and plugs inspected today at DARCARS Ford of Lanham. We're a well-established local dealership dedicated to providing excellent customer service and great vehicles. Image by Josch13 from Pixabay

Your car overheating can cause severe damage to your engine. A car engine is in a naturally hot environment due to combustion. The temperature in the engine, however, must be controlled to prevent damage. As your Ford dealer, we can find and fix any overheating problem. We want to tell you several signs that your engine needs to be checked before it's too late. Is Your Car Overheating? Stop by DARCARS Ford of Lanham Engine Temperature Gauge Your engine temperature should hover around the mid-point of the temperature gauge. This shows that your engine is running normally and that its cooling system is working correctly. Your engine temperature can sometimes climb higher, for example, when accelerating, but it should fall again. If the engine temperature starts to rise, this means there's a problem. more The exact cause isn't clear from the temperature gauge, but it's an excellent indicator that something is wrong. We advise that you pull over as soon as it's safe to do so and allow your engine to cool down. Once your engine is cool, call our service department right away. Our Ford-trained technicians are repair experts, and we'll fix the problem for you ASAP. Blocked Radiator When your engine temperature goes up, coolant is released into your engine. Coolant has the unique ability to absorb heat and trap it. The coolant is pumped into your radiator, where it's cooled by airflow through the radiator grille. Once the coolant temperature has returned to normal, it circulates through your engine again. The coolant also absorbs dirt and other debris in your engine. These minute fragments are carried in the coolant of the radiator, then left there when the coolant is recirculated. As time passes, this debris builds up at the bottom of your radiator and causes a blockage. The debris can also block hoses, pipes, and other radiator parts. A blocked radiator will cause your engine to overheat. Damaged Water Pump The water pump has a crucial role in cooling your engine. This pump is responsible for pumping the coolant through your engine to control the temperature. The cooling system operates at high speed and under high pressure to ensure that the system operates at maximum efficiency. Like any other pump, the water pump can fail due to age or metal fatigue. A failed water pump means the coolant released into the engine won't help. The coolant can't move through your engine without a pump, and the temperature will climb. We can easily check the pump and fit a replacement if needed. An overheated engine is costly to repair and can permanently damage your car. If your car is hotter than it should be, call us at DARCARS Ford of Lanham.

Electrical problems can seem to appear out of nowhere. Any problem in the electrical system will impact other components and lead to further problems. As your Ford dealer, we can repair any of these problems for you. These are a few of the issues that we can fix for you. Electrical Problems? Visit Your Ford Dealer in Lanham Today Failing Alternator The alternator is the center of your car's electrical charging system. It generates electricity, which powers your car's systems and devices. As an alternator gets older, it slows down and produces less electricity. As time passes, electrical production will continue to fall, and eventually, the alternator won't be able to supply all your car's electrical needs. You'll experience random electrical glitches, dim lights, and other signs of electricity starvation when this happens. Your Ford's computer will shift the available electricity from system to system, but this will become more difficult. Our technicians can test your alternator and replace it if it's failing. A new alternator will fix the electrical supply problem. more Damaged Ignition Coil Ignition coils boost the power of the spark plugs. The spark plug's job is to ignite the fuel-air mix in its attached cylinder. A spark plug produces 12 volts of power, which is needed to initiate combustion. The ignition coil attached to the spark plug boosts this power to 30,000 volts. The coil provides enough power to spark combustion easily. Ignition coils will wear out over time. Worn spark plugs or oil leaks can also damage them. The position of the ignition coils means leaking oil can easily spill on them. The oil will damage the coil and prevent it from generating the necessary electrical charge. We will check the coils and replace any damaged ones. Once the coils are working again, your engine performance will improve. Worn Wiring The electricity produced by the alternator is carried to every electrical device and system via a complex wiring system. A car's engine isn't the ideal place for wiring, as it's hot and dirty, and the wiring is subject to movement as you drive. This wiring has tough plastic and rubber insulation, but it can still get damaged. The wiring can break and cut off the electrical supply to a component. A broken wire doesn't conduct electricity, so that the wire will heat up at the break. If the wiring gets hot enough, it can set fire to the insulation. Damaged insulation can also cause a shortage in the electrical system and create further damage. We'll test your wiring and replace any damaged sections. We don’t want your Ford to have any electrical issues. So, make sure you come see us for your routine maintenance. If you suspect there might be an issue with your car’s electrical system, reach out to us. Call our service department today at DARCARS Ford of Lanham.

Staying safe when you're behind the wheel of a car is more than being alert and focused. Having good driving skills is essential, but you also need a vehicle that is reliable and in good working order. Having a safety inspection done at your Ford dealer benefits you and is also good for other drivers on the road, and certain things should always be checked. 5 Things You Should Always Check When Getting a Safety Inspection at a Ford Dealer 1.    The Brakes One of the most fundamental components of a vehicle is the brakes. If you are unable to stop, this is going to cause a lot of issues for you and anyone around you. When it comes to a brake inspection, the technician will check to see how worn the brake pads and rotors are, as well as check for any brake fluid leaks. 2.    The Tires While a professional is examining your brakes, they will probably also take some time to look at your tires. They check to ensure the tread isn't worn down and that your tires aren't suffering from bubbles, dry rot, or other damage. A professional will also inspect your spare tire to ensure it's ready for use should the situation arise where you need it. more 3.    The Lights Having functioning lights is essential when it comes to you being able to see what's on the road and other drivers being able to see you. Not only should the headlights be in good working order, but your taillights, hazards, turn signal, brake lights, and license plate lights should all work the way they are supposed to. 4.    The Windshield Seeing clearly through your windshield could be the difference between getting safely to your destination and not arriving. A windshield inspection will include ensuring that your view isn't obstructed and looking for chips, cracks, or loose seals that could become a significant problem later down the road. In addition to checking the actual windshield, a professional will also inspect your windshield wipers and the defroster. If these components aren't working as they are supposed to, this could impede your ability to see what's in front or behind you, resulting in a dangerous situation. 5.    The Seat Belts The seat belts in your vehicle should auto-lock and retract to stay safe in the event of hard braking or an accident. Seat belts that don't work right could result in serious injuries or death, but an inspection by a professional can reduce the chances of tragedies occurring. An inspection is necessary for your safety, and if a professional finds a problem, they should be able to fix it. Whether you need an assessment or are looking for a new vehicle, visit DARCARS Ford of Lanham today!