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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.

If you're looking for an SUV made for your busy lifestyle, check out the 2022 Ford Explorer. Built to help you handle the hectic pace of life, the Explorer is designed to get you where you need to go in comfort and with ease. Check out the impressive features of the 2022 Explorer. Overview The 2022 Explorer is a high-performance SUV that's flexible with great design. This spacious midsize crossover is a three-row SUV that seats seven, and the third-row power seats fold down to accommodate all of your gear. The Explorer added a sporty ST-Line trim for 2022, featuring black exterior accents and 20-inch wheels. The ST-Line has second-row captain's seats, unique ebony doors, and ActiveX material on the seats with vibrant red stitching. more Outstanding Performance The 2022 Explorer offers four available engines, but the 3.0-liter EcoBoost engine, available for ST trim levels and higher, really boosts the Explorer's power and performance. The base trim engine is 2.3-liter 300 horsepower, but the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 engine increases the horsepower to 400. Rear-wheel drive is standard, which provides more power and better acceleration, handling, and towing. The Explorer is equipped to handle any weather condition. The Terrain Management System provides several driving modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, Snow, and Slippery. These selectable modes can be combined with intelligent AWD, giving you enhanced traction off-road or during bad weather. Additionally, if you are towing, the Explorer's built-in towing and trailer sway control adjusts the engine's power and the car's brakes to help secure your trailer. Timberline Edition The Explorer Timberline edition is designed to exceed expectations for off-roading. The rugged body, steel skid plate, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance are designed to improve vehicle safety and performance while off-road. The steel plates are located underbody and on the front and rear of the vehicle. For extra protection off-road, you can add the available off-road kit. This light performance kit, installed by the dealer, allows for auxiliary lighting capable of lighting nighttime trails. The kit includes two 10-inch high beam headlamps, specifically for off-road use only. Advanced Technology You'll find plenty of high-tech features in the Explorer. The Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless charger help you stay connected and powered up for all of your trips. And if you use FordPass Connect, you'll be able to unlock, lock, and start your vehicle via the FordPass app. FordPass Connect also connects your phone to the Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing you to track your data usage and connect up to 10 devices. Ford's Sync 3 system provides the latest hands-free technology so you can use your smartphone with Bluetooth to stay connected. The voice activation feature of Sync 3 allows you to make hands-free calls, stream music, and access your favorite apps. Safety Features There's no shortage of safety features on the 2022 Explorer. The standard suite includes driver assistance features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, and automated emergency braking. If you want an outstanding, family-friendly SUV with best-in-class handling, safety and comfort, check out the popular Ford Explorer. Stop by DARCARS Ford of Lanham for a test drive today!

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!

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!

Switching your vehicle's tires to different positions promotes even wear, safety, and longevity. For maximum tire life, rotate your car's tires every 5,000 miles or when you take your vehicle for an oil change. Regular tire rotations at your Ford Service Center in Lanham, MD, will ensure that your tires last longer and help you save money. 1.    Your Tires Will Last Longer To make your tires last longer, ask your Ford technician to rotate your tires every time you take your car for an oil change. The technician will take your tires off and swap all four tires on your vehicle to different positions. By repositioning the tires, they will wear down at an equal rate and last longer. You will find the rotation intervals for your model and year in your owner's manual or speak to your Ford technician for assistance. 2.    The Tread Will Wear Evenly The tread on your tires wears down differently, so regular rotations are crucial. If you drive a front-wheel-drive car, the front tires are used for steering, turning, and braking and they will wear faster than the rear tires. The rear tires are crossed to the front, and the front tires are rotated to the rear on front-wheel-drive vehicles. more Regular rotations will ensure that your tires wear down evenly and last longer. Check your owner's manual for the correct rotation patterns for your specific model, or ask your Ford technician for information. 3.    Rotations Will Limit Vibrations When the tire tread wears unevenly, it causes vibrations that can be felt through the steering wheel. Over time the vibrations will affect your vehicle's wheel alignment and balancing and even cause damage to your car's components. When tires are rotated regularly, they reduce uneven tread wear and limit vibrations. 4.    Increases Your Safety Regularly repositioning your car's tires ensures that the tread depth on all the tires is the same. Equal tread depth will improve handling and your car's performance on the road. Regular rotations will give you more traction to safely brake, accelerate, and corner, especially on wet, snowy, and icy roads. 5.    Your Tires Will Be in Good Condition When you rotate your tires at your dealership, the Ford technician will inspect each tire thoroughly. This is a great benefit because you will have the peace of mind that your tires are in excellent condition to keep you safe on the road. The technician will inspect each tire for damage such as bulges and cracks and check the tread depth. Your car's tires will also be inflated to the correct pressure levels to ensure they wear evenly and last longer. 6.     You Will Save Money Routinely swapping your tires and having qualified Ford technicians perform tire inspections will ensure that they wear down evenly. Your tires will last for longer, and you will not have to buy a new set of tires as often. It's also more expensive to replace and install just one tire at a time than to return the entire collection of tires. Asking your Ford technician to rotate your car's tires regularly comes with many benefits. Best of all, regular rotations will save you money. Visit DARCARS Ford of Lanham today and ask one of our certified technicians to rotate your vehicle's tires to promote even wear that will make your tires last longer.

When it comes to full-size pickup trucks, the F-150 is a legendary pioneer that has become known for its reliability and innovative features. The 2022 edition continues this legacy by delivering stunning engine performance, off-road versatility, and state-of-the-art technology you'd expect from a modern Ford vehicle. Without a doubt, the 2022 Ford F-150 has become quite a hit with drivers. Just glance at any of the features below to see why this stunning truck is so popular with consumers! 1.    Engines Ready for a Challenge Whether you opt for a V-6 or V-8, the 3.5-liter hybrid option, or the Raptor's off-road-ready 3.5-liter High Output V-6, you won't be limited in choice with the 2022 F-150's six available engine choices available. Combine this with the Selectable Drive Modes feature, which allows you to adjust the vehicle's performance to match the terrain, and there are few places you can't go with this truck. Continuously Controlled Damping and the Dynamic Hitch Assist are two available features that make towing smoother and easier. One provides better responsiveness from the vehicle's shocks, while the other simplifies connecting a trailer to the rear hitch. more 2.    Stunning Inside and Out Inside the cabin, available seating options include multi-adjustable, power front seats that can fully recline for napping. For ultimate comfort, seats in both the front and rear of the vehicle offer heating functionality, and there's also an adjustable massage option for the front driver and passenger seats. The vehicle's exterior has a modern and imposing design with wheel size choices ranging between 17 and 22 inches. Weighing cargo or materials in this pickup's bed is a breeze with the available onboard scale. The available power-operated tailgate can quickly double as a flat surface for working. 3.    Awe-Inspiring Tech Features The 2022 F-150 also offers many cutting-edge tech features to keep you connected and your devices charged. SYNC 4 is the vehicle's premium infotainment system, allowing access to apps, music, hands-free calls, and navigational maps. The wireless charging pad keeps your Android or iPhone charged without cables, while a 12V outlet allows your passengers to stay busy on their laptops during long drives. Then there's the Pro Power Onboard system, a premium charging hub for powering up your larger work and play gear. 4.    Safety with Tech-Integration Not only is this F-150 impressively durable, thanks to its high-strength steel frame and military-grade aluminum-alloy body, but it also offers a wide range of tech-integrated safety features. This includes Pre-Collision Assist, which can warn you if you're advancing too quickly towards another vehicle, and Active Braking, which responds when you don't by slowing or stopping your car when necessary. Other impressive features include BLIS, a system that keeps an eye out for other vehicles in your blind spot areas, and Active Park Assist 2.0, an automated parking system for squeezing safely in or out of tight spots. When looking at trucks out on the road today, it's evident that the 2022 F-150 has created its own lane with its many attractive features that others simply can't compete with. Stop by DARCARS Ford of Lanham today to get behind the wheel of this remarkable Ford pickup, and see everything else it offers.

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.

The tires on your car play a crucial role in your vehicle's handling and braking performance. Always ensuring that your tires are in good condition will drastically increase your safety on the road. When it's time to get new tires for your car, trust your Ford dealer for the best high-quality tires and expert installations performed in a flash by qualified Ford technicians. Below are ways to determine if it's time to replace your old tires with a brand-new set. Old Tires Most tire manufacturers suggest replacing your old tires with a new set every six years. This is because structural changes occur over time due to road conditions and extreme temperatures. Old tires will affect handling and braking performance and severely reduce your safety on the road, especially in inclement weather conditions. If you are unsure of the age of your tires, visit your dealership and ask a Ford technician to check your car's tires to determine if it's time for new ones. more Falling Air Pressure If you notice that your tires constantly lose pressure, and you frequently have to inflate them, you should replace the tires. Loss of air pressure could indicate a small leak in the tire. The leak could be patched. But it might be better to ask your Ford technician to inspect the tire to make sure that the tire is still safe enough to use. Worn Tread When you notice that the tread on the tires is low, it's time to start thinking of replacing the tires. The easiest way to determine if you need new rubber is to perform the old penny test. You have to stick a penny with Lincoln's head pointing down in the grooves. If you can see the top of the head, the tread is worn, and you need to replace the tires. A tread depth gauge is a handy gadget that will give you a tread depth reading. If the reading is lower than 2.32 inches, you need to get a new set of tires at your dealership as soon as you can. Visible Wear Indicator Bars The wear indicator bars show when your tires are worn. The wear indicator bars are raised rubber bars that are barely visible when the tires are new. As the tread of your tires wears down, the wear indicator bars become more visible. When you can see the bars, it's an indication that it's time for a new set of tires. Uneven Tread Wear Tires wear down at different rates due to either improper inflation or misalignment. Some parts on your tires might look good, and others could appear worn down. That is why the proper tire pressure and regular tire rotations are vital. It ensures even wear, but your tires will also last longer. You will find the information on the correct tire pressure and rotation intervals in your owner's manual, or you can ask your Ford technician for assistance. Bubbles and Cracks If you notice that your tires are damaged and see cracks or bubbles on the tire's sidewall, you will have to replace your car's tires. Bubbles develop when there is a weak spot in the rubber and air gets into the internal layers of the tire. Cracks form when the tires are old. The rubber dries out, becomes brittle, and cracks start to form. Driving around with damaged tires is dangerous. It could cause blowouts that can lead to you losing control of your car and causing an accident. Ensure your tires are in good condition with plenty of tread left to ensure excellent handling and braking performance. For a range of quality brand tires, visit DARCARS Ford today. We take your safety and the safety of your passengers seriously.

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!

Driving during the winter season can be challenging when there are unexpected changes in the weather and road conditions. When you invest in high-quality snow tires, you'll enjoy greater protection on the road and greater navigational control when you drive. There are a few items to keep in mind when looking for the best winter tires in Lanham, MD. Choose the Correct Tire Size When shopping for snow tires, it's crucial to select the correct size. Your vehicle's manual offers details on the size and dimensions of your tires so you can easily find the standard size for your car. If you're looking for a sporty or different style of tires, an experienced technician can provide assistance based on your current tires' size. You can also find details on the sidewall of the tires. Recommendations for Your Certified Technician Your certified technician can recommend which snow tires are best for your car. When you consult with your local auto dealership, you'll have access to discounts, coupons, and packages that may include maintenance, other services, and tires. You'll have access to expert advice on which tires are best for your vehicle to navigate well on slippery, icy surfaces on the road and in parking lots. more Choose Between Ice Tires and Snow Tires If you choose between snow and ice tires, it's essential to consider where you intend to drive and how much time you spend on the road. While snow tires offer excellent traction and grip on icy surfaces, ice tires are often recommended for dry surfaces, busy streets, and highways. Your local technician can provide further details on which tires work best for your vehicle. Consider the Impact on Braking and Handling It's essential to learn about your car's handling and braking systems, as your choice of snow tires impacts their performance. Choosing the right winter season tires for your vehicle will ensure that your brakes and handling system work together to maintain traction on snow and ice. You'll enjoy greater safety on the road when you choose better tires with effective braking and control. Inspect the Tires Before You Buy You'll want to take time to inspect tires visually to compare the quality of tires available. It's essential to note their grooves, size, flexibility, and other characteristics to determine how they will perform on the road. Tires with large grooves offer better traction when driving on snow-covered surfaces and icy roads. You'll also want to check with various manufacturers to determine which tires are built to last. You'll find great advice on choosing the right winter season tires for your car when you consult with a technician at your local dealership. See us at DARCARS Ford of Lanham to get the advice you need on which winter tires are best for your vehicle!