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. Read the rest of this entry »
Does Your Ford Need Winter Tires?
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. Read the rest of this entry »
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. Read the rest of this entry »
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. Read the rest of this entry »
Driving in MD: How to Check Your Tire Pressure
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. Read the rest of this entry »
4 Signs Your Ford Needs New Spark Plugs
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. Read the rest of this entry »
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. Read the rest of this entry »
Is Your Ford Having Electrical Problems?
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. Read the rest of this entry »
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. Read the rest of this entry »
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. Read the rest of this entry »
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