Time for a New Car Air Filter? Visit Your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM Dealer 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!

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.