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.
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!
You've earned your learner's permit, and you're now halfway to becoming a licensed driver. It's a very exciting time, but this excitement can be tinged with worry. Every student worries. We know this, and we'd like to share some of our top tips with all our student drivers in Silver Spring, MD. These tips will help you as you're working through the months before you can take your driver's test. Practice When you've earned your learner's permit, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) requires a gap before you can apply for your driver's test. While many students want to rush straight to their driver's test, this imposed delay is both helpful and important. To apply for your driver's test, you have to show that you've completed a driver's education course and have sixty hours of practical driving experience. The 18-month restriction allows you plenty of time to complete these necessary steps and to gain even more hours of driving practice. Driving is a learned skill, and with any skill, the more you practice, the better you will get at it. You have to practice with a licensed driver over 21 years old, but we're sure that your family and friends will be very eager to help you. more Don't Stress Stress is a part of life. Any time someone is faced with a problem, or something they don't fully understand, stress is a natural reaction. It's important, however, not to let stress become a problem. You've learned and already proven that you understand the rules that govern driving by gaining your learner's permit. This shows that you know what you're doing. When you understand something, stress is no longer an issue. Stress can cloud your judgment, reduce your reaction times, and make it difficult to enjoy your time behind the wheel. If you focus on the positive, the knowledge and understanding you already have, your stress level will reduce. Try to relax and enjoy the feeling that each day you'll learn something new about driving. You'll also be another day closer to your driving test. Always Ask Questions One of the quickest and easiest ways to learn is to ask questions. If there's something about driving you don't understand, always ask someone. When you're learning, there's no such thing as a wrong or stupid question. If you ask family, friends, or your driving instructor about driving, they'll be happy to help you. At one point, every driver was in the same position you are. Your family, friends, and instructors all want to help you. If you don't ask questions, you could make errors. These errors could even result in failing your driver's test. No one wants that to happen, so ask, learn, and make your driver's test a great success. We’re Your Go-to Car Dealership in Silver Spring, MD These are a few tips that we know will help you. When you start looking for a new car in MD, head to DARCARS Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Silver Spring to explore new Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Wagoneer, and RAM vehicles.
