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Winter is a time to be extra careful while driving. As snow falls and degrees go down, you will find numerous icy roads. These roads are very dangerous, as it's easier to lose control of your car. This can happen in Lanham, MD, and there are some tips you should always keep in mind when driving in the area during winter. Slow Down The first rule of thumb when driving on frozen roads is to remember to slow down. Some people drive as if it was just a regular day, but regardless of how much of a skilled driver you are, you are more likely to lose control if you're going too fast. more Plus, it is easier to regain control of your vehicle when you slow down than when you go faster. The recommended speed when driving on these roads is about 45 mph. If you feel like you are sliding, you must go even slower. Don't Slam the Brakes on Icy Roads Your first instinct is often to slam the brakes when the roads are icy. However, this can worsen things and drive you right into a slide. Instead of bringing your car to a sudden halt, remember to go slowly. It's more about avoiding acceleration than braking often. Follow the Slide Sometimes, even if you were going slow, you might catch yourself sliding. Once again, it would be best if you went against that intuition that tells you to turn in the opposite direction of the slide. You need to turn towards the side your vehicle is sliding. Try not to overcorrect, though. Turn your steering wheel slowly to ensure you don't do a full spin. If you overcorrect and the car starts sliding in the other direction, follow that orientation with the steering wheel again. Call Lanham, MD Authorities If you see an accident or a stranded vehicle, call 911 or the local authorities. Furthermore, unless it is an accident in which someone's life is in danger, you should not stop your vehicle. This might sound shocking, but there is a reason for this. Pileups commonly occur when the pavement is frozen, and if you brake to aid the people in the accident, you might end up causing yet another crash. Calling the authorities, who are prepared and trained to deal with these issues, is better. Do Not Get on the Road This might sound quite basic, but it is something to consider and remember. When the roads are frozen, it is better if you stay at home unless it's an absolute emergency. Make sure you think about the importance of that errand you are going to do before getting inside your vehicle. If it's something that can be delayed, it's better to stay at home and avoid driving until the roads are safer. You can do different things to ensure you are as safe as possible when driving on frozen roads. If you want to ensure your vehicle is prepared for winter weather, contact DARCARS Ford of Lanham and learn about all the available services.

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.

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.

You've just passed your driver's test. Congratulations! You now have many years to enjoy your time behind the wheel. It's essential to remember everything you studied for your learner permit and the practical test you took for your license. These are a few tips to help all new drivers in Lanham, MD. Always Wear Your Seatbelt Wearing your seatbelt is one of the most critical safety rules you learn while studying to pass your driver’s test. This rule needs to become second nature every time you get into your car. Seatbelts have been mandatory in cars in the US since 1968. It's also been illegal to drive in Maryland without a seat belt since 1986. It's a primary enforcement issue, which means you can be stopped and fined solely for not wearing a seat belt. The purpose of a seat belt is to protect you from harm. It keeps you in precisely the right spot for the airbag's deployment to give you maximum protection. It also saves you from being thrown from your car. Studies have shown that individuals thrown from a vehicle are more than four times more likely to be seriously injured than individuals that remain in the vehicle. more Always Obey Traffic Rules The Maryland Driver's Manual lists and explains all traffic rules and signs that you need to know. Now that you have your license and can drive by yourself, you have more responsibilities. These rules are even more crucial than before, as you no longer have an experienced driver with you to remind you of the rules. It can be easy to forget some of the details, especially with the flush of excitement of being a new driver. To prevent this, pay careful attention when you're driving. All of the rules you learned are important and serve the vital function of keeping you, other drivers, and pedestrians safe. It will be easy to remember the rules, and you will automatically know how to respond to them. Never Drive Under the Influence Never drink or take drugs and drive. Alcohol and drugs impair your faculties and prevent you from being able to think clearly. In the US, 290,000 people are injured by drunk drivers, and drunk drivers kill more than 10,000 people. These are some of the highest numbers caused by all accidents every year. They are also the most avoidable of all accident causes. It doesn't matter if you feel you're competent to drive after taking alcohol or drugs. No driver is ever considered competent or safe to drive if under the influence. Driving under the influence (DUI) isn't a felony in Maryland, but you can still be fined or jailed if convicted, and this will give you a criminal record. We hope these are just a few helpful tips to help you as a new driver. Come into DARCARS Ford of Lanham to learn more, see our excellent range of new and used vehicles, and schedule a test drive with your favorite model!

Many one-way streets are dotted around Maryland in cities and communities like Lanham, MD. If you're a new driver or unfamiliar with these kinds of roads, it can be a little tricky to know how to navigate them and avoid accidents or dangerous situations safely. This guide will look at a few easy tips and tricks you can keep in mind to make driving on one-way roads simpler and safer. Stay Focused One mistake that many people make while driving down a one-way street is to lose focus. It's easy to think that you don't need to concentrate as much, as you don't need to worry about oncoming traffic. However, you need to focus just as much as when you’re on a regular two-way street. Accidents can still happen, even when everything is going the same way, so you should avoid distractions and keep your eyes on the road. Pay Attention to Signs and Markings Street signs and markings on the road itself help inform you about speed limits, lane systems, upcoming intersections, and more. It's imperative to pay close attention to all signs and markings, especially on a one-way street, as they'll help you figure out which lane you need to get into when you need to stop, and what speed you should be driving at. more Choose Your Lane Often, a one-way street may split into multiple lanes. The road may then end in a junction or intersection, and it's vital to ensure that you're in the right lane to make your turn and continue your journey. Again, pay attention to signs and road markings, as they'll help you get into the right lane at the right time, and don't make the mistake of straddling streets or changing lanes randomly, as this could cause problems for yourself and other drivers around you. Use Mirrors and Signals Even on a one-way street, it's vital to use your mirrors and signals smartly and sensibly. You should regularly check your mirrors to look out for vehicles behind you or beside you, especially before changing lanes, and use signals before you change lanes or before turning onto another street. This will help you stay safe and avoid accidents with other cars. Dealing with an Oncoming Vehicle Sometimes, drivers may make a mistake and accidentally go the wrong way down a one-way street. If you see a car coming in the opposite direction, remain calm. Honk your horn and flash your lights to get the other driver's attention and make them stop. If they don't notice or don't slow down, or if you feel like you’re in danger, pull over safely to get out of the way. So, the next time you find yourself on a one-way street in Lanham, MD, keep these tips in mind to stay safe. In addition, another great way to stay safe on the roads is to keep up with your car's service schedule and get any issues fixed promptly by the professional technicians at your local dealer. Visit DARCARS Ford of Lanham for any auto services or repairs you require!

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 17% of all vehicle accidents in the country occur in winter. The wet and icy road surfaces reduce tire traction, making it more challenging to steer and stop safely. It's challenging to drive on roads in and around Lanham, MD, in snowy winter weather. The following tips for driving in snow will expertly help you navigate winter roads. 1. Winterize Your Vehicle Safety on snowy roads starts with car maintenance. Before the snow starts falling, schedule an appointment at your Ford dealership for a thorough vehicle inspection to ensure your car can handle winter driving. Ask the Ford technician to check every system and component, especially your brakes, lights, windshield wipers, defroster, radiator, and tires. To give you the necessary traction to drive on ice and snow, switch your tires to snow tires when the temperature falls below 46 degrees Fahrenheit. 2. Perform Winter Safety Inspections In the winter months, perform weekly vehicle safety inspections. Walk around your car and check all the lights, windshield wipers, and tires. Always ensure that your tires are inflated to the correct pressure levels. The proper PSI for your car's tires is in your owner's manual and on a sticker inside your driver's door. more Keep your car's gas tank at least half full and check your battery regularly. Before you drive off, check that your vehicle's tailpipe is clear of snow and ice, and you should clean and defrost the windows. 3. Drive Slower and Smoothly Driving safely on snowy roads involves driving at slower speeds. It’s also important to smoothly steer, corner, and brake. Reduce your average driving speed to lower or even half the speed limit. Gently press down on your gas pedal until your car smoothly rolls forward to prevent the wheels from spinning. Please don't use cruise control in the snow. The snowy weather affects the sensors, and the slippery road surfaces can cause your vehicle to spin and skid. It is crucial to stay fully alert behind the wheel at all times. 4. Apply the Brakes Gently and Steadily Wet and icy road surfaces dramatically affect braking distance. It’s best to drive more carefully when the roads are slippery. It’s also advised to not slam on the brakes, or jerk the steering wheel to avoid skidding. When you need to stop, apply the brakes gently but steadily, and start slowing down long before you usually do. Anticipate turns and stops and approach intersections slowly. 5. Increase Your Following Distance When you drive on slippery roads, you want to leave as much space between your vehicle and the one ahead of you. Maintaining a safe following distance will give you enough time to react and brake early when you need to without skidding and losing control of your vehicle. Increase your following space from the typical three-car lengths to at least six when it's snowing. The key to safe driving in the snow is reducing your speed. You should also steer and brake gently, increase your following distance, and ensure that your vehicle is in excellent running condition. Visit DARCARS Ford of Lanham today for a thorough vehicle inspection performed by qualified and experienced Ford technicians.

Every year, we experience the season when the leaves turn colors, and there's a chill in the air. The rain starts coming down heavier than usual, making it difficult to see while driving. You may have noticed more puddles on the side of the road too. These are just six tips you should keep in mind when driving in rain or wet weather conditions in Lanham, MD! 6 Tips for Driving in Rain or Wet Weather Conditions in Lanham, MD 1.    Stay Alert It's easy to get distracted when driving in bad weather because it takes your attention away from what is happening on the road ahead of you. Make sure you're always keeping an eye out for cars around corners or at stoplights that might not be able to see you coming until they're right up next to your vehicle. 2.    Keep Your Eyes Up It may be even harder to see out the windshield with all the rain coming down, but you should always keep your eyes on the road. Don't look at your phone or any other distractions that will take away from your alertness while driving in wet conditions. more 3.    Slow Down It's difficult to react in time if someone pulls out in front of you while driving in adverse weather conditions. Make sure to go slower than usual whenever it is raining or there are wet conditions on the roadways. 4.    Don't Stop When visibility is low, drivers sometimes get nervous and feel like they should stop their vehicle at the nearest shoulder. After all, they are driving under challenging conditions. However, it's best to avoid stopping your car if you can help it. When vehicles make abrupt stops on wet roads, they tend to lose control of their vehicles and skid or even tip over. 5.    Look Out for Others Sometimes there may be stopped cars that don't have their hazard lights on or vehicles that have slid slightly off the road. While you should avoid stopping, look out for other drivers who might be in challenging conditions and can't get their vehicle unstuck. Make sure to pass them carefully at a slow speed so they have less of an opportunity to become startled by your car driving past them. 6.    Keep Yourself Safe It may not be easy to see out your vehicle's windows if you are driving in heavy rain or wet conditions. You want to make sure you can safely pull over if visibility is too low for you to drive, but only do so on the shoulder of the road. If it's nighttime, turn your car lights on and off a few times if you feel the visibility is too low to drive. With these guidelines, you can navigate wet roads confidently and make it home safely. If you know someone who may need help with their car, or if you would like assistance yourself, don't hesitate to contact the team at DARCARS Ford of Lanham. Our experts are happy to guide you on maintaining your vehicle during this time of year and can assist with any other automotive needs that arise.