Blog

Your vehicle's air filter is likely not something you think about often, but you should because it has a very important job and must continue to work effectively. The car air filter is responsible for straining out any dirt and particles before they reach your engine and cause damage. The expert maintenance crew at your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM dealer in Silver Spring, MD, will likely inspect it during your regular maintenance appointments, but you should still know the signs it's time to get a new one. 1. Your Vehicle's Air Filter Looks Dirty Your air filter is easy to inspect yourself. Every few months, simply open your hood to carefully pop it out and look at it. Air filters are supposed to be light in color, so if it is dark or you see dirt stuck in the holes you know it's time for a new one. more 2. Your Vehicle Has a Lack of Power When your air filter is clogged it impedes the airflow to the engine, which may cause your vehicle to respond sluggishly. So, if you notice your car is lacking power when you accelerate, your air filter should be checked and replaced as soon as possible. 3. Your Vehicle's Exhaust Smells Since your air filter controls the airflow to your engine, if it's clogged it can put a strain on all the parts of your engine. This can lead to your fuel not being utilized as well as it should. If you notice smelly smoke coming from your exhaust pipe it's typically from unburned fuel so it's important to get your air filter changed before it causes more damage to your engine. 4. Your Vehicle's Exhaust Is Dark When airflow is impeded by a clogged air filter it can interrupt the fuel cycle within the vehicle. This can lead to your exhaust pipe pushing out the improperly burned fuel as dark exhaust. You may also notice noises coming from your exhaust pipe. Changing your air filter should fix any exhaust issues. 5. Your Vehicle Has Given You a Warning Code Once your air filter becomes so clogged that it's not doing its job properly your engine can quickly become affected. Your vehicle is designed to warn you of any issues that come up. If you have a newer model, you may receive an email or alert to your phone indicating trouble and what needs to be done. In every model, you should see your check engine light come on to indicate it's time for maintenance. Get a Car Air Filter Replacement at Our Silver Spring, MD Car Dealership At DARCARS Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Silver Spring, we'll help you choose the perfect vehicle for your family. We're proud of our stellar service professionals and expert maintenance team and know you'll be happy with your choice for many years to come. Stop by or contact our car dealership today with any questions, to get started on your car buying journey, or to book a service appointment today.

It's not always easy to know when you need a new car battery. And when the time comes, it can be costly and inconvenient if you wait too long. So, how do you know when your car needs a new battery at your Chrysler dealer? Here are several symptoms to be on the lookout for: Signs You Need a New Car Battery at Your Chrysler Dealer in Silver Spring, MD Engine Is Slow to Start The components within your battery will wear down with time, becoming less efficient. When this occurs, it takes longer for the battery to build a charge for the starter, and you'll have to wait a few extra seconds for the engine to start up. A sluggish beginning is generally the sign of impending battery failure. If you notice this happening, you should head to your local dealer for a battery replacement. more Dim Lights As your battery weakens, you'll notice that the lights on your Chrysler will become dim. This develops because the electrical system in your vehicle draws less power from the battery than usual and it has to work harder, which can cause the brightness of the headlights and dashboard lights to lower slightly. If you notice that any of your Chrysler's lights are particularly dim, it may be time for a new battery. Foul Smell One particularly noticeable symptom of a damaged or failing battery is the release of gas. If you notice the smell of rotten eggs, especially when you raise the hood, you may have a leaking battery. As soon as you notice this, get your vehicle to your local dealer for a replacement battery. Misshapen Battery Extreme heat and cold weather can cause a battery case to expand and fracture. If your battery isn't in its typical rectangular shape, it's probably broken, and you have to have this replaced as soon as possible at your local dealer. The Connectors Are Corroded Have you noticed a white, ash-like substance on the metal portions of your battery? If so, then it's likely you've got a corrosion problem. Corroded terminal connections (the positive and negative metal connections found at the top of the battery) can cause voltage problems and difficulty starting your car. Battery Is Old Car batteries generally last between two and seven years. If you've been driving on the same car battery for more than five years, it's probably time to replace it. It's good practice to change your vehicle's battery every five years or sooner, as this will help avoid being stranded due to a dead battery in an inconvenient location or at an inopportune time. Clicking Sound The vehicle will often only make a sharp clicking sound if the engine does not turn at all, alerting you to a lack of available power. If your car won't start and all you hear is a clicking noise, chances are your battery is either wholly or almost dead. Get Battery Replacement in Maryland at Our Silver Spring Car Dealership We hope you've learned the importance of having a reliable car battery, and if your Chrysler needs one or more replacement batteries, we want to be there for you. Call DARCARS Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Silver Spring today so that we can help keep your vehicle running smoothly! Schedule an appointment here.

Your alternator is an integral part of your vehicle. The main job of the alternator is to keep the battery of your car charged. If the alternator is faulty, you won't be able to turn the engine over. You also won't be able to access any of the electrical components of your vehicle like the headlights, radio, etc. Here are some indicators that it might be time for an alternator repair in Silver Spring, MD. Your Battery Is Constantly Dying If you're having problems starting your car, the problem may be that your alternator isn't able to do its job of charging the battery. If you notice this happening frequently, it's time to take it to the shop. You don't want to end up stranded in the middle of the highway when the alternator finally conks out. Letting this problem go too long could also cause irreversible damage to the starter and the battery. more Dimmed Lights If you notice that your interior lights, headlights, or dashboard lights appear dimmer than usual, there's a good chance that your alternator is needing to get replaced or repaired. They can appear faded and dull, and sporadic blinking or flickering may occur. This is your alternator telling you that you're going to want to book a service appointment before it's too late. You Smell Burning Rubber This isn't the most common sign, but still one to look out for. When your alternator belt can't move freely on the pulleys, it results in friction. This friction will often produce the smell of burnt rubber because of the heating of the belt. Any type of burning smell should not be ignored whether it relates to your alternator or not. There's a Grinding Sound A grinding sound from your vehicle could be from a number of problems, none of which are good. When it comes to the alternator, it could be because of a dirty or worn bearing. If you hear more of a whining sound, this could be a result of the voltage regulator malfunctioning and telling your alternator to recharge more often than it should. It's also a good idea to check the battery if you hear these noises. Accessories Are Malfunctioning Just like dimming lights, if your vehicle accessories are malfunctioning, the alternator could be to blame. This could mean your automatic windows aren't working properly, or you're having issues with seat warmers or even the speedometer. These are all early signs of an alternator that is on its last legs. Difficulty Starting Your Car If you notice that it keeps getting increasingly difficult to turn your engine over, it could be a signal that you need a new alternator. It might not be finished but could need service due to the brushes not reaching the coils the way they should, causing the alternator to not work properly. Schedule Silver Spring Alternator Repair Today If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, head down to DARCARS Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Silver Spring and have our team of talented service professionals take a look. You can get a service scheduled so that the certified service experts at our car dealership can inspect your vehicle’s alternator. You can visit us for all sorts of other auto repair in Silver Spring, MD as well!