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Maryland has an average of 20.6 inches of snowfall yearly, and Lanham only sees 15 inches. This relatively small amount of snow is still enough to warrant a good set of winter tires. If your tires aren't designed to handle the slippery road surfaces of the colder months, even the smallest amount of snow and ice can cause a skid. Let's look at five ways snow tires can help keep you safer on the roads this winter. Does Your Ford Need Winter Tires for Maryland Weather? Pliable Hydrophilic Rubber The rubber in both summer and all-season tires is primarily designed to maintain a stiff shape. This is ideal for the hotter road surfaces of spring and summer, but when winter comes around, flexibility is key. Snow tires are made from special hydrophilic rubber, which has greater flexibility. This allows it to grip the icy tarmac with more surface area, increasing traction. Even if your all-season tires say "M+S" on the side, indicating suitability for mud and snow, they're rarely made with hydrophilic rubber. more Higher Void-To-Lug Ratio The treads of snow tires have larger gaps between the treads, otherwise known as larger voids between the lugs. This higher void-to-lug ratio means the treads can dig into snow more easily rather than only pressing on top. As the treads dig in, snow scoops into the voids and is thrown out behind the tire. This greatly helps reduce your chance of slipping and skidding on the surface of compacted snow. Sharper Tread Edges Even the shapes of the treads are different in snow tires. There are more edges to them, and the edges are sharper. This also helps the treads dig deep into patches of snow, slush, and ice. Tiny Traction Grooves If you look closely at a snow tire, you'll see thousands of little grooves sliced into the treads. These grooves are called sipes, designed to increase traction further. You can sometimes find sipes on all-season tires and have sipes custom-cut into any kind of tire. But don't count upon sipes alone for your safety. Nothing beats snow tires for maximum winter traction. Ask Your Ford Dealer About Studs Snow tires can also hold little steel studs that break into ice and compact snow. Studs are fantastic for traction, but they can also cause damage to bare road surfaces. For this reason, studs are only legal in five of Maryland's coldest counties: Garrett, Frederick, Washington, Carroll, and Allegheny. And even in these counties, studs are only allowed between November 1 and March 31. As Lanham lies in Prince George's County, local drivers should forgo studs. If you're in doubt about whether or not to get studs, or you have any other queries about snow tires, you can always seek advice at your local Ford dealership. They'll be happy to help. Visit DARCARS Ford of Lanham to prepare your car for winter. We're a well-established dealership providing the region's drivers with excellent cars, tires, and service.

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.

Along with great handling and stylish good looks, a purchase from your Ford dealer will also come with a suite of car safety features. These act as an extra pair of eyes and a helping hand behind the wheel. Here are some ways Ford continues to keep you and your loved ones safe on the road. 5 Car Safety Features To Ask Your Ford Dealer About 1.    Lane-Keeping System Ford's Co-Pilot360 technology is present in many new and used vehicles now on sale and uses scanners to keep tabs on the road as you drive. One function of these scanners is to recognize your position within the lane markings, ensuring that you won't drift into traffic during a moment's inattention. If the system detects that you're too close to the line, an alert will show on the instrument cluster display, and the steering will be gently corrected. And it might prompt you to take a break if it notices that you're repeatedly straying from the center of the lane. more 2.    Auto High-Beam Headlights Driving in the dark takes enough concentration, so it's easy to forget to dim your high beams to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers. But Ford's intelligent headlights can sense the approach of another car and will switch them automatically. It's sensitive to lighting, too, and adjusts the headlights to provide the correct illumination in all conditions. 3.    Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control If your car has adaptive cruise control, speed-sign recognition will adjust your pace automatically, while stop-and-go technology recognizes upcoming traffic and slows the car in preparation. If your Ford has the BlueCruise feature, you'll benefit from hands-free driving on approved parts of the highway called Blue Zones. This means you'll be able to sit back and relax on over 130,000 miles of American roads. 4.    Blind Spot Information System Ford BLIS is designed to protect you from being taken by surprise by any vehicle lurking out of sight in an adjacent lane. The system will alert you if there's a vehicle alongside you and features a cross-traffic alert that activates if someone approaches while you're reversing out of a parking space. The available trailer coverage system will help augment these features to monitor the traffic near your trailer. 5.    Pre-Collision Assist With Automatic Emergency Braking It's impossible to guarantee that the unexpected won't happen while driving, but Ford's automatic emergency braking system will give you extra protection from a crash. The system will alert you if there are vehicles or pedestrians on the road ahead. It can also apply the brakes if you don't have time to react. Ford has been pioneering better safety design since the first national safety forum in 1955, so you couldn't be in better hands behind the wheel. If you'd like to know more about the cutting-edge tech featured in Ford vehicles, visit us at DARCARS Ford of Lanham and let our friendly sales team show you the latest developments, or check out our model research hub and check out the latest features on the latest Ford models!

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!

You love your Ford and want to take good care of it. The best thing you can do for your Escape, Edge, or F-150 is to get regular car maintenance from the qualified technicians at your Ford dealership in Lanham, MD. The following maintenance tips will help keep your Ford in tip-top condition and on the road for thousands of miles. 1.    Rely on Ford Experts for Routine Checks If you want your Ford to run at its best, stick to the Ford service schedule and maintenance intervals. It's crucial to rely on the factory-trained Ford technicians at your dealership, who provide top-quality maintenance services. Ford technicians know your car inside and out, use advanced technology and equipment, and fit quality genuine Ford and Motorcraft parts specifically designed for your vehicle. Check your Ford owner's manual for the factory-recommended maintenance intervals for your model. more 2.    Change the Oil Regularly Change your car's oil at the recommended intervals to keep the engine running smoothly. Oil lubricates the moving parts, reduces friction that causes wear, and prolongs the life of your car's engine. Even if your Ford has an oil life monitoring system (OLMS) that warns you when an oil change is due, it's essential to change the oil at least once a year. 3.    Perform Routine Fluid Checks In order for your Ford to run properly, all the fluids in your car must be at the correct levels. Monitor the oil, coolant, brake, transmission, power steering, and windshield washer fluid levels monthly to ensure they are at the proper levels and top them off when necessary. 4.    Don't Ignore Unfamiliar Smells and Sounds You know what your Ford smells and sounds like, and when you suddenly hear strange sounds or smell unpleasant odors, it's a warning that something is wrong. Smells and noises can be caused by various problems, from bad brakes, failing alternators, and radiator problems to worn belts and transmission issues. Get noises and smells checked out as soon as possible before paying a lot of cash for repairs and replacements. 5.    Keep an Eye on the Dashboard Warning Lights If you notice a dashboard warning light is on, there is likely a problem. Never ignore warning lights. Ask your Ford technician for a diagnostic test and get the problem repaired before it causes more damage. 6.    Wash and Wax Your Car A good wash every week or so always makes a car look great, but it also removes road dirt, dust, and bird droppings that can scratch the paint. Wax your vehicle every six months. Wax causes a protective shield that reduces fading, scratching, and rust. If you take care of your Ford, you will enjoy every mile behind the wheel. Contact DARCARS Ford of Lanham today and schedule a maintenance appointment and ensure your Ford runs at its best.

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.