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A maintenance plan is usually the most convenient and reliable way to ensure your car stays in great shape. Toyota has three excellent maintenance plans: ToyotaCare, ToyotaCare Plus, and Toyota Service Care, each of which includes 24-hour emergency roadside assistance. The plan you subscribe to will largely depend on how long you've owned your Toyota. Let's take a more detailed look at each one. ToyotaCare One huge benefit of purchasing or leasing a new Toyota is that every new Toyota comes with a complimentary two-year maintenance plan named ToyotaCare. ToyotaCare covers all ordinary factory-scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles after purchase, whichever comes first. The plan's routine services include tire rotations, oil and oil filter changes, multipoint inspections, and fluid level inspections and adjustments. You'll also be sent automatic reminders for your scheduled maintenance. more With ToyotaCare, you also have 24-hour emergency roadside assistance, which lasts for the entire two years irrespective of how many miles you drive. You never know when you might accidentally lock your keys in the car or run out of gas at an inopportune moment. Along with lockout assistance and emergency fuel delivery, the Toyota-trained technicians of roadside assistance can jump-start your battery, help change a tire, winch and tow your car, and help out in other ways. ToyotaCare Plus When your initial two-year ToyotaCare plan expires, you may be able to sign up for ToyotaCare Plus. This four-year plan is only available for Toyota cars within 37 months of the date of first use and with under 31,000 miles on the meter. ToyotaCare Plus offers the same scheduled maintenance as before, but this time it lasts for four years or 45,000 miles, whichever comes first. You also have 24-hour roadside assistance for the full four years with no mileage limit. Toyota Service Care If your car is no longer eligible for ToyotaCare or ToyotaCare Plus, you can still sign up for Toyota Service Care. This plan covers your car for two full years with unlimited miles, providing all the aforementioned routine maintenance and roadside assistance benefits. You can also renew the two-year Toyota Service Care plan as many times as you like, as many drivers do. The price is competitive and will vary depending on your model and other factors. Once again, it's best to speak to someone at your local Toyota dealership to learn more. Explore Toyota Maintenance Plans in Frederick, MD for Your Toyota Visit DARCARS Toyota of Frederick today to find out which plan best suits your vehicle and driving preferences. Our locally trusted full-service dealership puts our customers first and foremost in all that we do.

As we enjoy summer and the sunscreen, swimsuits, and barbecue grills come out, we should all prepare our cars for the heat. Many car components are necessary to keep you and your vehicle protected from hot weather and dusty air. The summer climate can also affect an ill-prepared car in various harmful ways. Here are a few essential summer car maintenance servicing jobs to schedule this summer. What Summer Car Maintenance Should I Schedule? Check Your Radiator and Coolant The greatest threat to any car engine is overheating, and more engines overheat during summer than any other time of year. Your car's cooling system is the primary defense against this risk, so as summer comes on, have a technician check the condition of your cooling system's radiator, thermostat, water pump, hoses, fans, and condenser. more The coolant that flows through your engine will also need to be in tip-top condition. As coolant typically only needs to be completely flushed every three or four years, you may not need a flush this summer, but at least check that your coolant is in good condition, free of leaks and rust, and fully topped up. Replace Your Motor Oil and Filter Motor oil also helps combat overheating by keeping all the engine's components well-lubricated and friction-free. The oil filter helps maintain the condition of the oil and engine by cleaning out contaminants that would otherwise slowly degrade the oil and reduce its ability to function. Always have your oil refreshed and your oil filter cleaned or replaced as summer approaches. Rotate and Check Your Tires Correct tire pressure is essential for safe driving, as even a little over or under-inflation can rapidly lead to overheating and blowouts. As the temperatures rise throughout spring and summer, the air pressure inside your tires will also rise: by one pound per square inch (PSI) for every five-degree Fahrenheit of increase. So, take care to diligently check your tire pressure at least once per month as you move into summer. Also, have a technician check that your tires are in good condition. You may need to swap out winter tires, which are poorly suited to hot summer tarmac. Replace Your Air Filter The air filter keeps fresh oxygen flowing into your engine while also keeping dust, dirt, and other contaminants out. As the dustier, insect-filled months of summer arrive, your air filter will have its work cut out for it, so it needs to be in good condition. Come Book Your Summer Car Maintenance in Frederick, MD Today Have your car fully serviced and prepared for summer at DARCARS Toyota of Frederick. Click here to schedule! We have an impressive range of new Toyota vehicles and used cars to browse and a top-notch auto service center staffed with courteous, well-trained technicians.

Taking care of your car's service needs is easy with a bit of car care from you and the expert maintenance services provided by certified technicians at an authorized dealership. With regular car maintenance, your vehicle will burn less gas, cost less to repair, and should be on the road for years to come. Top 6 Auto Maintenance Tips for Drivers in Frederick, MD 1. Rely on Expert Maintenance Services Good car care is all about regular maintenance. Check your car's owner's manual for the factory-recommended maintenance intervals and rely on expert services from certified technicians. If your vehicle is well-maintained, you won't have to worry about unexpected breakdowns, you will save money on gas when your engine is running smoothly, and it will be much cheaper to repair your vehicle because a certified technician will detect minor issues early before more damage occurs. more 2. Keep an Eye on the Dashboard Warning Lights The lights on your dashboard will warn you when something is wrong with your car. Make sure you know the meaning of each light. Your owner's manual has all the information on the different warning lights. If a warning light goes on, schedule an appointment at an authorized dealership immediately for a diagnostic test. 3. Don't Ignore Unfamiliar Sounds and Smells Screeching, grinding, buzzing, and knocking noises or burning, electric, and rubbery odors are never good. Something is not working right when you hear new sounds, especially from under the hood, or smell unfamiliar odors that weren't there before. Ask a certified technician to inspect your car as soon as possible. 4. Check the Fluids and Change the Oil Regularly Check the oil, coolant, brake, power steering, transmission, and window washer fluid every month. Ensure the fluids are at the correct levels and top them off if necessary. If any fluids appear discolored or contaminated, ask your technician to replace the fluid. Changing your car's oil and filter at the factory-recommended intervals is vital to ensure your engine is well-lubricated and protected. When your engine runs smoothly, your car will burn less fuel and last longer. 5. Keep Your Car's Battery Clean Your car battery starts the engine and runs all those handy accessories. To avoid the battery failing, clean your battery regularly. Make sure the connections are tight and that the terminals are corrosion-free. If you spot a build-up, clean it off with a brush and a mixture of water and baking soda. If your car battery is over three years old, ask your technician to test it to determine if it still holds a charge and if you need to replace it. 6. Insist on OEM Parts When your vehicle needs new parts, don't compromise and always insist on quality Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Parts that fit your vehicle perfectly. OEM parts are durable, reliable, and safe and will increase your vehicle's performance. OEM parts installed at an authorized dealership are warranty covered to give you extra peace of mind. Schedule Your Toyota Maintenance in Frederick, MD Today When you maintain your vehicle regularly, you will save on gas and repairs and should be able to enjoy driving your car longer. Contact DARCARS Toyota of Frederick today to schedule a maintenance appointment to ensure your vehicle is a pleasure to drive.

An optimally-running radiator protects your Toyota's engine from overheating. The coolant also lubricates moving parts to optimize your vehicle's performance and increases the engine life. Any damage to the radiator requires immediate repairs to protect your car's engine. Here's how to tell your car needs radiator repair at your trusted Toyota service center in Frederick, MD. You've Noticed Bright Yellow/Green Fluid Leak Engine coolant is crucial for your vehicle's radiator. Radiator damage because of corrosion or physical damage can cause coolant leakage to the engine compartment or to the ground. If you notice a brightly-colored coolant fluid under the engine, this is a sign your vehicle's radiator requires urgent repairs. Leaking coolant can cause a myriad of engine problems which ruin the overall driving experience. more The Engine Constantly Overheats Normal driving around Frederick, MD won't cause your Toyota to overheat. If you're forced to pull over regularly because of engine overheating, it's time to visit the local dealership for a radiator check. When the radiator works efficiently, the coolant flowing through the engine helps dissipate the heat and keep all parts cool. An overheating engine shows the heat generated in the engine hasn't efficiently escaped the engine compartment. This could point to low levels of coolant because of leaks or contamination of the fluid. The radiator components can also malfunction due to wear and tear. The mechanics at the local dealership carry out diagnostic tests to identify the underlying cause of engine overheating before addressing it. There's Steamy/White Smoke From the Tailpipe White smoke is common when starting your car in the morning and it's a sign of condensation heating up. If you notice thicker white smoke later in the day, it's time to get a radiator check. Puffy white smoke in large quantities signals an internal coolant leak. When leaking engine coolant burns in the engine compartment, it leaves as thick, white smoke through the exhaust system. If you ignore this problem, your engine will overheat, leading to extensive damage to different parts. The auto technicians at the Toyota auto dealership have prerequisite expertise and equipment to check for leaks and repair the damaged section of the radiator. The Fins Are Damaged/Bent Smooth airflow is essential for the optimal performance of your car's radiator. The radiator fins increase the rate of heat transfer to the environment, which promotes engine cooling. Bent or blocked radiator fins impede smooth airflow, leading to engine overheating. Your mechanic assesses the damaged fins and repairs them to restore their function in the engine cooling process. The Radiator Is Discolored/Corroded Proactive vehicle maintenance helps identify emerging problems in your car. A quick look under the hood can reveal damage to different parts of the engine, which allows for quick repairs. If you notice rust or discoloration of the radiator parts, consult your mechanic at the local dealership. The Toyota specialist will evaluate the extent of damage to the radiator and repair it. This optimizes the performance of your vehicle's engine. Have you noticed any of these telltale signs of radiator damage in your Toyota? If so, don't delay any further. Come to DARCARS Toyota of Frederick for exceptional Toyota repair services, genuine auto parts, and many other quality auto services.

Does your car need a new engine belt? Knowing the signs of wear and tear on your engine belt can help prevent more costly repairs. We'll discuss the four most common signs that your car needs a new engine belt. From a squealing noise to a burning smell, understanding the symptoms of a failing car belt can help you know when to take to your trusted Toyota service center in Frederick, MD for repairs! The Engine Belt Squeals When the Car Starts When the engine belt of your car starts to squeal, it is a sign that it needs to be replaced. This is because the belt has become worn out or stretched, which causes it to slip on the pulleys. If the belt slips too much, it will start to make a loud screeching sound. In some cases, the belt may slip off completely, leading to significant engine damage. It is important to check your engine belt regularly to prevent further problems. If you notice a squealing sound coming from your engine when you start it up, it indicates that the belt needs to be replaced as soon as possible. more The Engine Belt Is Loose One of the most obvious signs that your car may need a new engine belt is if the belt is loose. You can check this by simply opening the hood and looking at the belt. A loose belt will have some slack and won't be tight against the pulleys. If the engine belt is too loose, it can cause slippage and lead to more serious problems like overheating. In addition, a loose engine belt can also make the car's performance suffer, as it won't be able to deliver power to the necessary parts of the vehicle. The Engine Belt Is Frayed or Damaged If you notice any fraying or damage on the engine belt, it's time for a replacement. Even if it appears to be still functioning correctly, frayed or damaged belts can lead to costly and extensive damage to other parts of your car, such as the water pump or alternator. When inspecting the engine belt, look for any signs of cracking, tearing, or excessive wear. Also, check for any missing teeth or broken pieces of the belt. The Engine Belt Is Excessively Worn When the engine belt is excessively worn, it loses much of its tension and grip. This can cause the engine belt to slip off the pulleys or on and off during the running of your vehicle. If the engine belt is too loose, it will not properly turn the various components of the engine, resulting in a lack of power and poor performance. If you notice any of the above signs, it's best to take your car to a qualified professional and have them replace the belt as soon as possible. Schedule a service with DARCARS Toyota of Frederick today if you suspect your car needs engine belt replacement. Moreover, when it comes to taking care of your engine, it’s important that it’s done properly and by experienced professionals. Click here to find out 4 engine problems that should be fixed by a certified mechanic.   Image by Pixabay

Frederick, MD is in one of the counties in Maryland that’s known for getting the coldest during winter, and sees an average of 22 inches of snow on the roads each year. The slushy mixture of snow, salt, grit, and sand can do a lot of damage to the bodywork and undercarriage of an unprotected car. And the cold alone can wreak havoc on your vehicle. Let's take a look at how to ensure that your car is fully protected from grit and cold weather this winter. Buy an Insulating Car Cover A good car cover is a worthwhile investment for any driver who doesn't have a garage. If you can't keep your vehicle inside overnight, an insulating car cover will do almost as good a protective job. Car covers prevent the cold from damaging sensitive internal components like wiring, electronics, and the battery. They keep snow, ice, and hail away from the bodywork. Covers also prevent moisture from building up on metallic surfaces, which can lead to rust. more Apply Wax or Sealant Before Winter Even if you have a cover or garage to protect your car overnight, it will still be exposed to the elements during the day. One of the best protections you can give your vehicle is a good thick layer of synthetic wax or paint sealant. This protective layer will reduce the damage caused by grit, salt, and snow. It's best to apply wax or sealant nice and early, in October or November, before the temperature begins to plummet. Use Antifreeze Coolant Another essential winter preparation is to have your coolant flushed and replaced with an appropriate anti-freeze coolant. Otherwise, the water content in summer-time coolant can freeze, destroying your engine cooling system. Buy Proper Winter Tires One rather dramatic danger during winter is the risk of skidding on icy roads. Mitigate this risk with a set of winter tires, which are proven to be far more effective during the colder months. Click here if you’re ready to order new tires from your local Toyota dealer! Tire Stud Rules for Frederick, MD Frederick is one of the five Maryland counties where drivers are allowed to use studs in their winter tires. This is only permitted between November 1 and March 31. Studs help treads break into ice, greatly enhancing traction. Clean Snow From Your Car During winter, never allow snow to build up on any part of your car for long. The moisture and salt contained in that snow are highly corrosive. It's best to clean snow from your car after every day of driving. This includes cleaning snow out from your wheel arches and exhaust. Clean Your Treads Between Drives Grit can collect in the treads of your tires, only to later be thrown up against your undercarriage of lower bodywork. So another good practice is to quickly examine and clean the treads of your tires after each drive. Have your car fully winterized today at one of our two DARCARS service centers in Frederick, MD. We offer friendly, attentive customer service that you can trust no matter the season.

Brake pads perform a vital function in your car. They're responsible for generating the friction that slows and stops your car. These pads slowly wear out and will eventually need replacement. As your Toyota dealer, we can fit new ones for you, and these are some signs that your pads need to be changed. Screeching Noises Loud screeching noises from your brakes are a clear indication that your pads are worn. A pad is 1/2" thick when it's new, but each time you use your brakes, some of the material wears off. The wear is caused by the friction a pad generates against its wheel rotor. When a pad has worn down to 1/4" thick, it’s time for a change. more As a warning, the manufacturers build a pad wear indicator into each pad. This indicator is a small spike, which becomes visible in the pad when it needs to be changed. The spike will scratch against the rotor surface, giving an audible reminder that the pad is wearing out. If only one pad makes a noise, we still advise replacing all the pads, as they are installed in sets of four. Vibrating Pedal Vibrations, when you apply the brakes, are usually another sign that your pads are worn. When you hit the brakes, brake fluid forces the brake calipers against the wheel rotors. The material covering the pads generates friction against the smooth rotor surfaces to bring your car to a halt. The friction will make the pads hotter. As a pad gets older, the heat generated by braking can liquidize some of the adhesives that attach the material covering to the pad. The liquid adhesive will spread unevenly across the rotor surface and dry in minutes. Once the adhesive hardens, it provides an irregular section on the rotor surface. When the calipers grab this surface, you'll feel vibrations through your brake pedal. Brake Warning Light Your Toyota has numerous lights that warn you something is wrong. The brake warning can signal the handbrake is still engaged, the brake fluid is low, or the pads are worn. This light is connected, via your Toyota's computer, to sensors in the braking system. These sensors can detect even minute issues and give you enough time to have the problem checked. If this warning light illuminates, call our service department, and our technicians will investigate the problem. Worn pads can lead to other braking system issues, and prompt replacement can prevent these problems. Worn pads increase your braking distance, and they also slow braking response. For your safety, they should be replaced right away. Our service center at DARCARS Toyota of Frederick can help. Schedule a repair with us online now! We can also help you learn more ways to maintain your Toyota, just click here to discover similar blogs like this one!

Everyone dreads that moment when you turn the key in the ignition and nothing happens. You try again, but your Toyota Tacoma, Highlander, or Camry doesn't make a sound and refuses to start. It's easier than you might think to jump-start a car. All you need is jumper cables and a working vehicle with a good battery. Follow the five easy steps below, and you'll be back on the road and driving around Frederick, MD, in a flash. Find a Car With a Good Battery The first thing is to find someone whose car has a good battery to help you jump-start your car. Park the working car in front of your vehicle or next to it. You need the cars close, without touching, to ensure the jumper cables will reach. Switch both vehicles off. more Attach the Jumper's Red Clamps Get your jumper cables out of the trunk and attach the positive cable with the red clamp to your battery's positive terminal. You will see the letters POS or a plus sign on the positive terminal. Attach the other red clamp to the working car's positive battery terminal. Attach the Jumper's Black Clamps Attach the negative cable's black clamp to the working car's negative battery terminal. Attach the other black clamp to your vehicle on an unpainted metal surface far from the battery and not to your own battery's negative terminal. Start the Working Car Start the working car with the good battery, and then start your vehicle. Allow the engine to run for a while to charge your battery, and remove the cables in reverse order. Start by removing the black clamp from the unpainted metal surface on your car, then the other black clamp from the other vehicle's negative terminal.   Remove the red clamp from the other vehicle's positive terminal and then from your own car's positive terminal. Drive your vehicle for at least twenty minutes to ensure the battery is fully charged before switching off the engine. What To Do if Your Car Doesn't Start If you tried to jump-start your car and are still struggling to get your vehicle going, check the jumper cables. Check that the clips are attached correctly and connected securely. Keep the working vehicle running for another five minutes and try to start your car again. If your car's battery is still good, your car should start. If you struggle to start the engine, you need a new battery.   If you have to jump-start your Toyota more than once over a short period, it's best to replace the battery as soon as possible to avoid getting stranded next to the road. Stop at DARCARS Toyota of Frederick today if you have battery issues or schedule a service online now. Our qualified Toyota technicians perform battery tests, and if you need a replacement, we stock top-quality, dependable, long-lasting batteries.

Your car's battery is one of its most important components. It provides the energy needed to get the engine started, as well as powering up all of the electrical features, from the headlights to the parking assist sensors. But batteries don't last forever, and you'll need to get a new car battery fitted every few years, on average. Here are some signs that your Toyota's battery is on the way out and needs to be replaced. Old Age Car batteries typically last for around three to five years. Some can last longer, while others can wear out even earlier. Either way, if you've had the same battery for a few years, you may want to think about getting it changed. The longer you wait, the more likely it will be for issues to start occurring, and if you wait too long, the battery might simply die entirely. more Warning Lights A really easy-to-spot sign that you need a new battery is the appearance of certain warning lights on your dashboard. If you spot any warning lights that ask you to check the battery, or lights that are shaped like a battery, you should head to your local dealer and get the car checked out. Even the "Check Engine" light can be associated with battery problems, so make sure to not ignore any of these lights when they appear. Slow Starts The battery provides essential electrical energy to ignite the fuel inside your engine and allow your car to start when you turn the key. When the battery is low on power or broken in some way, it can take longer than normal to build up the necessary engine for this process. This means it might take a few extra seconds for your car to start, or you might have to turn the key a couple of extra times each morning. Weak or Unreliable Headlights The headlights are a vital feature in any vehicle, allowing the driver to see in the dark and also making your car visible to others to reduce the risk of night-time accidents. But without sufficient battery power, the headlights won't be able to work correctly. They might start flickering randomly, for example, or be much weaker than usual. This can be very dangerous to deal with, so it's wise to seek urgent repairs if your headlights aren't working. Other Electrical Issues The headlights aren't the only electrical component in your car. There are many other systems and features that need energy from the battery in order to operate, from the heated seats and power windows to the car's radio, GPS, and charging ports. When the battery is nearing the end of its life, you may notice all kinds of issues with these electrical systems, from unresponsive windows to flickering dashboard lights. Visible Damage or Changes It's recommended for car owners to lift the hood and check on their batteries now and then. A simple visual inspection can tell you a lot about your battery's health. Unhealthy batteries can appear swollen or misshapen, for example. They might also show signs of corrosion, with ash-like substances appearing around the connectors.   Continuing to drive with a bad battery isn't a smart idea, as the symptoms will only get worse over time, and you could find yourself in a scary situation if the headlights stop working or the engine refuses to start. Schedule a service at DARCARS Toyota of Frederick today to get battery replacements and other essential auto services. Lastly, if your car does break down, read this helpful blog post today, so you're prepared and ready to handle the situation safely!