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Baltimore, MD, has over 600,000 people and over 140,000 others commuting into the city every day. Many of the people in our city will be driving, and this makes it very important to be careful when you're driving. Bad driving habits, with so many drivers and pedestrians around, can easily lead to an accident. To keep you safe, these are some bad habits to avoid when you're driving. Distracted Driving It's very easy to become distracted, especially if you're stuck in slow-moving traffic or you're driving a route you're very familiar with. This familiarity tends to make one's mind wander onto other things. The danger of being distracted means that you're not concentrating on the road ahead. A car ahead, for example, may suddenly slow down, or a pedestrian may step off the sidewalk. If you're distracted, you may not see either of these scenarios in time. As a driver, one of the most important things to be aware of is the area around you as you move. When you're focusing on the vehicles and people around you, you’ll be better able to prevent an accident and keep yourself and your car safe. Tailgating Tailgating is a very dangerous practice, and it involves following the car in front of you as closely as possible. There are many reasons why drivers tailgate, including anger at the slower pace of the vehicle ahead, being in a hurry to get somewhere, or even being distracted and not paying attention to distance. Regardless of the reason, tailgating can very easily cause an accident.   If the vehicle ahead slows down or stops, it's vital to have time to slow down yourself. A collision is likely when there isn't enough distance between your car and the vehicle ahead. If you rear-end a car in front of you, you will likely face three serious problems. Your vehicle will be damaged and need repairs, the driver ahead of you may sue you for damages, and you may receive a ticket for tailgating. Driving With Your High Beams High beams are essential for safe driving in low light conditions when you can't see the road ahead. They can, however, cause an accident if drivers are coming toward you or if people step into the street. Some drivers can forget to switch their high beams to low beams, and other drivers, unfortunately, will deliberately keep their high beams on.   If you're driving toward a vehicle with high beams, you'll notice how difficult it is to see what's coming toward you. You won't be able to judge the size and distance away of the vehicle ahead of you, and this can result in an accident. We advise that your high beams always be turned down if other cars are ahead of you.   It's easy, unfortunately, to slide into bad habits when driving. When you're aware of bad habits, it becomes easy to avoid them. If you're interested in a new Toyota car with the latest safety features, we suggest checking out the 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid today. Or perhaps click here if you'd like to read more helpful driving advice from our Baltimore, MD dealership.

You've passed your driver's test in Baltimore, MD, and the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration has issued you your license to drive. Congratulations! Now you're entitled to drive on your own. This is a very exciting time, and we'd like to offer some tips that all new drivers should find helpful. Don't Speed This is very important. You should always obey the speed limit. Speeding is, unfortunately, common. It’s also a major cause of accidents, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has linked speeding as a factor in 26% of all highway accidents alone. The faster a car is traveling, the longer the distance between hitting the brakes and stopping your car. This can mean the difference between a near accident and an accident. A car is more difficult to control at high speeds, especially for a new driver. It's also important to remember that speeding is illegal. If you're caught, you will receive a ticket. The ticket you receive depends on your speed and varies from $80 for 1 mile over the limit to $500 for 40 miles over the limit. Depending on the situation, your license could be suspended. Don't Use Your Cellphone Cellphones are an amazing invention, and they've changed the way we all live, work, and play. They provide anyone with more information than ever before, and they allow you to communicate with anyone at any time. Cellphones are also extremely distracting. Many people feel unable to go anywhere without their cellphone, and they constantly need to check their phones.   All of this sounds normal, but if you're a driver using your cellphone, you can place yourself and others in danger. Talking on a cellphone without a hands-free car system is illegal, as is texting while you're driving. The reason for this is that both of these practices take your eyes off the road ahead. To be a good driver, you have to be aware of everything around you at all times, and using a cellphone prevents that. Don't Tailgate Tailgating is following the vehicle in front of you too closely. Sometimes drivers do this because they're nervous and want to stay the same speed as the vehicle ahead. At other times, it can be a sign of road rage that an angry driver is trying to force the car ahead to move over or speed up. Regardless of the reason for tailgating, it is a dangerous practice.   The most important rule on distance from the vehicle ahead of you is the 3-second rule. This means that it should take at least 3 seconds for you to reach the position of the vehicle in front of you. If it takes less than three seconds, you're following to close. If the driver in front of you hits the brakes, you'll likely hit him.   These are just a few tips to get you started. If you'd like more tips & tricks, click here. If you're in the market for a car as a new driver in Baltimore, MD, then be sure to check out our deals at DARCARS Toyota of Baltimore today!

The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MMVA) has a procedure for transferring car ownership. This procedure varies slightly in documentation, depending on the type of transfer you would like. The options include buying a new vehicle, buying a pre-owned vehicle, gifting a vehicle, or giving a vehicle to a family member. As your dealership in Baltimore, MD, we'd like to tell you how to transfer vehicle ownership. Transfer When Buying a New Vehicle When you buy a new car from us, for example, a sporty, fuel-efficient Toyota Corolla, we will help you with all the paperwork. We have the Maryland Certificate of Title for your car, and we'll complete, date, and sign the section as the seller. You complete, date, and sign the relevant section as the buyer. You will need insurance, and we'll give you all your new car's details so you can arrange it. We'll provide the Bill of Sale and a completed Odometer Disclosure Statement. If you arrange a finance plan through us, we'll complete a VR-217 Notice of Security Interest Filing form. When you give us the proof of your insurance, we'll add it to the other documents and send the pack to the MMVA. They will post you a new Certificate of Title in about eight weeks. Transfer When Buying a Pre-Owned Car If you buy a pre-owned car, for example, a comfortable, spacious 2020 Toyota RAV4, the paperwork is similar, but there are a few additional documents we'll need to compete together. The Certificate of Title transfer, Odometer Disclosure Statement, Bill of Sale, and Notice of Security Interest Filing will all be completed as above. You will also need to arrange insurance for the vehicle. We'll complete a Certificate of Vehicle Inspection to confirm that your vehicle has been inspected and is fully compliant to drive in Maryland. We'll arrange a Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program test (VEIP) to certify that the vehicle complies with the reduced emissions requirements for our county. Transfer by Gifting Gifting is transferring a vehicle to another non-family party for no charge. If you are receiving the vehicle, all of the documents that are completed for buying a pre-owned car are required, including the VEIP. The present owner will complete the form as the seller, and the sales price will be marked as a "gift". When you take the forms to the MMVA office, you'll be required to pay the 6% excise tax on the car's value. Transfer to a Family Member This procedure is similar to gifting a vehicle, except the transfer is between related members of a family. Due to the inter-family transfer, the MMVA doesn't charge the 6% excise tax on the car's value. You will also be able, in certain instances, to transfer the license plates with the vehicle.   As you see, we can help you with the paperwork for a new or pre-owned vehicle. Come visit us at DARCARS Toyota of Baltimore today! We will have the perfect car waiting for you.

Like many car owners, you might have formed a strong attachment to your ride. After all, you spent a good chunk of money to own it and depend on it to get you where you need to go every day. That's why it's such an awful feeling to return to your parking space only to find it empty. Thousands of vehicles in Baltimore, MD, are stolen every year, but you can help prevent car theft by following these handy tips. Park in a Busy and Well-Lit Area You might like parking far from other vehicles and foot traffic, but thieves will take it as an opportunity to go about their work without being disturbed. Discourage them from stealing your car by parking where others will easily see it. The best spots to park are well-traveled areas close to a building's entrance. At night, it's a good idea to leave your vehicle as close as possible to any street or parking lot lights. Install an Immobilizing Device Many modern automobiles come with a computer chip-equipped ignition system that prevents the car from starting if someone tries to hotwire it or brute force it with a screwdriver. Steering wheel locks and engine immobilizers effectively prevent most types of auto thefts. However, many professional thieves can hook the car up to a tow truck after bypassing these systems. Purchasing a wheel boot or lock can help deter this method of theft. There are easily portable wheel boots and locks that can quickly be installed and removed and are very resistant to tampering. When a thief sees a vehicle with one of these items, they're much more likely to move on to an easier target. Use a Tracking Device Even if your car is stolen, you can at least know where it's going by using a vehicle tracking system. These systems are available from most major automakers for an extra fee and integrate with your smart device for easy use. Feel free to contact your local Toyota dealer for more details. This type of service is typically active 24/7 and helps inform law enforcement, so they can recover the vehicle for you. There are several reputable third-party companies that also offer vehicle tracking. VIN Etching When your vehicle's VIN is engraved on the windshield or its other parts, this reduces its resale value for a thief and makes for easier tracking if it ends up being chopped up. This will make it a less attractive target for thieves. VIN etching can be done professionally or you can do it yourself with special tools. Many insurance companies will even give you a discount when this is done. Never Leave Personal Belongings in the Vehicle Your chances of becoming a victim of auto theft skyrocket when you leave your valuables in the car for others to see. It's a great opportunity for thieves to smash and grab, and they often end up stealing the entire car while they're at it. Always take your valuables with you before you leave. If you can't, make sure to hide them under the seats or in storage compartments.   Automobile theft may be on the rise, but these tips go a long way in reducing the likelihood that it happens to you. Visit us at DARCARS Toyota of Baltimore, and don't forget to ask us about the latest anti-theft systems. For more helpful automotive tips & tricks, our Toyota dealership has you covered!

Driving at night in Baltimore, MD is no less dangerous than daytime driving, despite potentially fewer cars on the road. Night driving has its own unique set of challenges that drivers must overcome to maximize their safety. Here are some tips that will help keep you and your passengers away from harm. Fight Drowsiness When you've been up all day and then continue to drive well into the night, your fatigue increases, which can often cause a loss in the ability to concentrate on the road. You can keep yourself alert and awake by drinking a caffeinated beverage, rolling down the windows to let the wind hit your face, or getting some quick rest after you pull off from the road. Turning up the volume on some energetic music or loudly talking to yourself may also help stave off sleepiness. If you find yourself nodding off at the wheel, it's best to realize it's not worth the risk to continue driving. You can always get some sleep at a nearby motel or rest stop. Keep on the Lookout for Impaired Drivers Unfortunately, as the sun sets, there's a higher chance of impaired drivers on the road. Luckily, there are easy ways to spot someone driving under the influence. The impaired driver will often swerve and brake erratically or drift out of their lane. They also tend to react slowly to traffic lights and signs or even neglect to turn on their headlights. If you spot an impaired driver, then make sure to keep a safe distance behind them and take an alternative route if you can. You can also take note of the driver's license plate and contact law enforcement to handle the matter, but only if you're confident that it's safe to do so. Drive at a Slower Speed Low light means low visibility, which takes away from available time to react in an emergency, especially if you're speeding. If you're feeling tired, your reaction time will also be slower. By slowing down your speed at night, you'll give yourself valuable time to avoid a potential collision. Maintain Good Visibility Ensuring maximum visibility from your driver's seat is a big help when the streets lack sufficient illumination at night. You can do this by checking your headlights to see that they're functioning correctly. Dirty windshields can increase glare and disorient you by scattering light, so keep it clean and clear before heading out. You'll also want to readjust your rear-view mirror to reduce the reflection of harsh light from vehicles behind you. Make Proper Use of Your High Beams By using your high beams to light up incredibly dark roads, you can significantly increase the distance that you're able to see. However, you'll want to avoid becoming a hazard to other drivers by turning them off when following another vehicle or when you're 500 feet or fewer away from an oncoming vehicle. Many modern cars feature an automatic high beam system that will flick on and shut off when appropriate.   At DARCARS Toyota of Baltimore, we're your local source for all things auto safety. Our service technicians are available to run safety inspections to ensure your vehicle is equipped for driving at night. Schedule your service appointment with us now; we look forward to serving you soon!

A car's battery provides the current for the ignitor to start the engine and to power other electrical systems. Through usage, your battery will begin to degrade. The alternator will be less able to recharge the battery, and eventually, you will need a new car battery. If you are in or close to Baltimore, MD, your Toyota service center will be able to replace it for you. We have listed the signs below that you may need a battery replacement. Bad Engine Smells A battery that is damaged or dying can start to leak gas. This sign is easily noticeable, as the escaping gas has a powerful foul smell. If you smell this, be sure to book your car in with our service department, and we will quickly and easily replace your battery. Difficulty in Starting The ignitor depends on the power from the battery to start. If your battery is weak, it will take longer to build up this charge. This extra delay is a clue that either the battery is dying, or your alternator may need to be replaced. Our technicians will investigate and swiftly fix the problem, whether the issue is battery or alternator related. Check Engine Light is On The check engine light covers several different problems in the engine. If it lights up, it is a sign that your machine is not performing as it should and needs to be checked. This light is an excellent early-warning system, and if it comes on we advise bringing your car straight to us. The sooner the cause of the problem is found and rectified, the less chance for further problems to develop. Corrosion on the Battery Connectors If you notice gray or white ash around the positive or negative connectors, this means that your battery is failing and starting to corrode. This corrosion will also make it more difficult to start your car. The battery will need to be replaced. Old Battery A battery has a limited lifespan of approximately 3-5 years. Driving habits, electrical consumption, a previously damaged alternator, and the weather can all play a part in reducing battery life. For safety, it is advised that your battery should be checked at least every three years. With age, your car's battery will become less and less efficient in performing optimally. Damaged Battery Case Extreme temperature and driving conditions can both cause damage to the battery case. If the case is misshapen or appears to have any other damage, contact our service department and we will be very happy to check it for you.   If you suspect that you have a weakening battery or any other problem, schedule a service appointment at DARCARS Toyota of Baltimore today. We have the best diagnostic and repair equipment available and highly qualified technicians capable of fixing any problem. We are here to ensure your vehicle is always in perfect condition.

Navigating wet and icy roads can be tricky and dangerous, so it's always best to avoid doing so whenever possible. Sometimes it can't be avoided, so we're going to look at ways to navigate the inclement weather that often hits Baltimore when staying home is not an option. Slow Down The most important thing you can do to drive safely in wet or icy conditions is slow down. Driving ten to fifteen miles under the speed limit in bad weather and slowing down more than usual when turning, will help keep you safer on your commute. Driving slower will not only help your car's tires keep traction but will also give you more time to react to unexpected events. Avoid Rapid Acceleration and Deceleration When accelerating or decelerating, do so carefully. Rapid changes in speed are more likely to lead to skidding or hydroplaning. Brake slowly, and never slam on your brakes. Stay Further Behind Traffic To account for slower braking, stay further behind the vehicle in front of you than normal. This will also help prevent accidents due to the lead car skidding or braking suddenly. Avoid Climbing Hills If possible, try to avoid hilly routes. If you must drive on a hill, do not try to apply extra gas to climb it. Instead, gather your speed before reaching the hill and use that inertia to climb. Once climbing, don't stop on the hill or you risk rolling back down. Reduce your speed once you reach the top. Descend Hills Slowly If you must travel down a wet or icy hill, do so as slowly as possible. Braking on a decline can lock the wheels, even if you have antilock brakes. Do not apply your brakes until necessary, and never turn while braking or accelerating on a wet or icy hill. If your tires begin to slide, ease off your brakes and steer carefully in the direction you want to turn while gently accelerating. Turn On Your Headlights Always turn on your headlights when it is raining or snowing. Not only will this increase your visibility, but it will also make it easier for other vehicles to see you. Ease Off the Gas If You Hydroplane Don't apply the brakes if you find yourself hydroplaning on a wet road. Instead, ease carefully off the gas and steer gently in the direction you want the front of your car to go. Check your Equipment Always check your car's equipment before you drive in inclement weather. Be sure your headlights, taillights, and windshield wipers are in working order and that your brakes are in good condition. Never drive on bald tires, especially in bad weather, considering you need strong traction on slick roads. Wet and icy conditions make driving hazardous, but taking things slowly and paying close attention to your surroundings will help you stay safe.   If you wish to get your vehicle and tires inspected for safety, we have you covered at DARCARS Toyota of Baltimore. Schedule your automotive service online today!

Toyota has a long history of creating top-of-the-line cars built to last, but all vehicles require routine maintenance and occasional repairs to keep them on the road as long as possible. When you need to replace auto parts, it can seem more accessible and less expensive to order them from an aftermarket seller rather than from the dealership. Here at DARCARS Toyota of Baltimore, we are here to give you six reasons why you should stick to buying genuine Toyota parts. Quality Assurance When you buy directly from Toyota, you know you're getting accurate, genuine, high-quality parts. An aftermarket seller might sell you a part that seems like the real deal, but there's no guarantee that it will last as long or keep your vehicle running as smoothly as the components that are specifically designed to fit your car. Safety Parts made by aftermarket sellers often skimp on safety. Since OEM parts are made for exact Toyota models, you know the part you're buying will work correctly once you get it on the road. Toyota's auto parts also have advanced designs that are optimized to be as safe as possible. Reliability Our parts are guaranteed to do their jobs well and make your vehicle last. Independent manufacturers of car parts are often smaller and newer to the industry than a reputable car brand, so they're more liable to create defective parts or parts that won't be perfectly fitted to your vehicle. A non-genuine component can't ensure that your car runs smoothly and gets you where you need to go. Warranty-Backed Unlike parts from a genuine Toyota manufacturer, aftermarket parts don't always have a warranty. If you buy an aftermarket part and it stops working, you might have just wasted your money and increased the time it will take to get your vehicle back on the road. Ease We keep an extensive supply of replacement parts on hand at DARCARS Toyota of Baltimore. You can order parts online from us directly or contact us and speak to a local expert if you have any questions. We can find exactly what you need without the hassle of going through an aftermarket supplier. Value Installing aftermarket parts that don't come with an official Toyota quality assurance guarantee can bring down the value of your car and make it difficult to resell. If you plan to upgrade to a newer Toyota in the future, it pays to keep your current vehicle in the best condition possible.   Toyota has spent decades perfecting each piece that goes into creating high-quality cars that last a lifetime. If you want a long-lasting, reliable car, it's essential not to settle for second best. Whenever you need a replacement part, genuine Toyota accessories, or if you're interested in making some modifications to your car, truck or SUV, we are just a quick phone call or drive away here in Baltimore, MD. We look forward to serving you soon.

Buying a new car is an exciting process, but it can also be daunting if you have to figure out how to finance it. Fortunately, there are some basics to car financing that will help you get the keys to your new Toyota. Check Your Credit Score The first step you need to take toward financing a car is to check your credit score since this score will determine what kind of loan you can get and how low your interest rate will be. As with financing most things, the better your credit score is, the lower your interest rate will be. If your credit rating is abysmal, you may not qualify for a loan, or if you do, your interest rate will be extremely high. Plan Your Budget First, we recommend going over your budget carefully to determine how much you can afford each month. This is essential to enjoying the ownership of your new vehicle. When you have a car that aligns well with you financially, you will eliminate stress and buyer's remorse. Lastly, don't forget to factor in other auto costs such as maintenance, insurance, and registration when calculating your budget. Will You Buy or Lease? You have two options when getting a new car. You can buy it through monthly payments, or you can lease it for a term before turning it back in later. When you lease, you'll have to be mindful of how much you drive because if you go over the allotted mileage (usually 36,000 or 48,000 miles) before your term expires, you'll be charged a per-mile fee for every extra mile. However, your monthly payments can be lower on a lease. Leases are usually for three-year terms, at which time you'll need to turn the car back into the dealership. At that point, you can lease a different Toyota, convert your lease to purchase or purchase an additional new or used car. Click here to learn more about end-of-lease options at our Toyota dealership in Baltimore. Research Finance Options If you have good credit, your best finance option, at least initially, maybe through the dealership. However, you should also consult your bank or credit union to get rates to compare. If you go through a third party, be sure to get pre-approved for a loan amount so you know how much you can spend, and bring your pre-approval letter to the dealership with you.   Getting financed for a new car is not difficult, but it does take some effort to ensure you're making the right financial decisions for your unique needs. However, at DARCARS Toyota of Baltimore, our finance team is dedicated to cutting out the stresses of financing a new car. Get in contact with us today to learn about all of the ways we can help!

Winters in Maryland can be brutally cold, and if you don't properly warm your car up, your commute can be downright unbearable. Fortunately, if you have a car garage, you can protect your vehicle from the cold weather; and even if you don't, you can use these tips for keeping your car as warm as possible. Park In a Garage This is the easiest way to keep your car warm when it's bitterly cold outside. A garage is usually a few degrees warmer than outside, which is enough to keep your vehicle warmer than it would be out in the elements. Plus, if it snows or it's cold enough to freeze, you won't have to worry about scraping the ice off your windshield and windows if you've kept it in a garage during the storm. Cover the Windshield If you can't park your car in a garage or under cover of some sort, the next best option to keep your car warm is to cover the windshield with material that will prevent ice from building up on the glass. When ice accumulates on the windshield, it makes the car's interior colder. Plus, you'll have to scrape off the ice before you can drive anywhere. Use cardboard or cloth, or buy a windshield cover designed for this purpose. Engine Block Heater Most cars already have a built-in engine block heater, but some older models may not. Fortunately, you can get one installed at your service center, which can then help keep your car warm. This device heats the car's coolant, which then causes the engine to stay warm. The block heater comes with a cord that you can plug into a household outlet when it's predicted to be severely cold outside. This will make your car easy to start, too. Oil Pan Heater Another way to keep your car warm in the winter is to keep the engine oil warm. You can purchase an oil pan heater, which is then placed under the oil pan to warm the oil. When you start your car, this warm oil will flow through your engine, which is essential for making sure all your car's parts are well-lubricated during an icy stretch of weather. Electric Blanket If you don't have an engine block heater and don't want to buy an oil pan heater, you can use an electric blanket to keep your engine warm. You can place the blanket directly on the machine or on the car's hood, but be sure to remove it before you start the car. Plug the blanket into a wall socket and set it on high for a few hours.   If you're looking to winterize your car, get in touch with our service center at DARCARS Toyota of Baltimore, where we will make sure your vehicle runs at peak performance all season long.