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Car engines emit some harmful gases, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and hydrocarbons. It's the job of your catalytic converter to turn these toxic emissions into predominantly harmless gases and vapor, thereby protecting the health of drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. Occasionally, these complex exhaust converters can become damaged or malfunction. Here are five indicators you should visit your local Honda Service Center to have your converter repaired or replaced. Your "Check Engine" Light Comes On The extremely popular Honda Civic, along with most modern Honda models, has hundreds of sophisticated computerized sensors throughout the vehicle, promptly picking up engine problems and warning you with the "check engine" light on your dashboard. A blocked or faulty converter usually creates issues inside the engine, which will trigger this warning light to come on. Ask Your Local Honda Dealer To Diagnose the Problem If you see the "check engine" light, the underlying cause could be many things. It's best to take your car along to a trusted technician at your local dealership. They'll determine the problem, which might be a malfunctioning converter or something else. more You Hear Rattling Your converter rests beneath your car, between the engine and the muffler. It's vulnerable there to impacts from potholes or obstacles on the road. Such impacts can dent or dislodge your converter, causing meshes and other parts inside of it to tear loose. These loosened parts will then start rattling around, and you'll hear this clearly as you drive.   When a converter is damaged in this way, it will no longer function properly. As a result, you'll notice the problems listed below, and your car will be giving off higher emissions than is allowed by law. You See Black Smoke Most converter problems cause the outflow of exhaust and air to become restricted. This backs up the gases inside your engine and slows down the overall airflow, causing the vital fuel-air mixture inside your combustion chambers to become fuel-heavy.   Such an unbalance can cause various engine problems, one of which is a buildup of soot and unburned fuel, which tries to escape in the form of black smoke from your tailpipe. Sometimes you'll even see flames in the smoke as the unburned fuel ignites. If you notice anything like this, have your converter checked right away. Your Engine's Struggling When a malfunctioning converter lessens the engine's airflow, the unburned fuel also begins to cake the spark plugs inside your combustion chambers in a sooty residue. This leads to misfiring, which you'll notice in reduced power when accelerating, and roughness and sputtering while idling. Your fuel will be burning less efficiently, which will have you visit the gas station more often. Your Engine's Overheating In the worst-case scenario, a malfunctioning converter might prevent emissions from escaping. This creates a dangerous buildup of pressure inside your engine and rapid overheating. You'll need to stop driving at once and have your car towed to the nearest auto repair shop.   If you'd like to have your converter examined and repaired today, visit DARCARS Honda or schedule a service appointment. We offer an extensive inventory of outstanding cars and unbeatable customer service, no matter what your vehicle purchasing or servicing needs are.

Whether you are in the market for a new Honda or just recently purchased a new vehicle, it is crucial to understand the warranty coverage that comes with your new car. When navigating the car buying process, it can be easy to overlook the warranty. In this article, we will take a closer look at the new car warranty offered by your Honda dealer. What Comes With a New Car Warranty From Your Honda Dealer Like most car manufacturers, Honda offers two basic warranties with all new car purchases. The New Vehicle Limited Warranty, or bumper-to-bumper warranty, and a powertrain warranty. In addition, Honda offers an anti-perforation warranty, parts and tire coverage, and specific electric vehicle coverage. These warranties help give the buyer of new vehicles peace of mind that their new Honda will provide them with years of worry-free use. The New Vehicle Limited Warranty The Honda New Vehicle Limited Warranty is valid for 3 years or 36,000 miles. This warranty covers all costs of repairing or replacing malfunctioned components due to factory defects or faulty workmanship. This warranty covers most parts of the car, including most electrical components. Keep in mind that the purpose of this warranty is to cover components that should not fail during the warranty period. more The bumper-to-bumper warranty does not cover parts that wear out due to normal usage. This includes parts like tires, spark plugs, oil filters, windshield wiper blades, light bulbs, and other components that need to be replaced from time to time. Honda does offer additional coverages that cover some of these components for some time. Also, this warranty is transferable during the specified period. The Powertrain Warranty The second basic warranty with a new Honda is the powertrain warranty. This warranty is good for 5 years or 60,000 miles, the industry standard. The powertrain warranty covers the specific components of the car that deliver power to the wheels. This includes the engine, transmission, driveshaft or drive belt, transaxle, differential, and other components that propel the vehicle.   The powertrain warranty also does not cover parts that will wear out and need to be replaced due to normal operation. The powertrain warranty is transferable during the covered period, similar to The New Vehicle Limited Warranty. This warranty is intended to give additional coverage for the most expensive components of the car, drivetrain components, for a more extended period after purchase. Additional Coverage In addition to the basic warranties, Honda offers several additional warranties for new vehicles. The anti-perforation warranty covers rust to the metal that occurs inside. This warranty is good for 5 years and unlimited miles. However, rust or corrosion that occurs outside or due to damage and/or improper maintenance is excluded from coverage. Most emissions parts are covered by The Federal Emissions Warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles.   Honda also offers coverage specifically designed for hybrid and electric vehicles. This warranty covers the battery for 8 years or 100,000 miles. However, this warranty does not cover the battery's normal degradation, which is considered normal wear and tear. The dealership can determine if the battery qualifies for replacement under this plan.   When shopping for your next new vehicle, make sure you understand the manufacturer's specific warranty coverage. Once you are ready to find that perfect new Honda, see us at DARCARS Honda.

Most Maryland drivers find parallel parking one of the most stressful car maneuvers, second only to merging onto highways. But no matter how experienced or inexperienced a driver you are, this tricky minor parking operation needn't be a cause of concern. Follow the six tips laid out in this article, and you'll soon be parking in the tightest of spots with ease in Bowie, MD, or anywhere else. Use Honda's Parking Assist Feature These days, the ever-popular Honda CR-V and many other Honda models come with superb manual parking assist features. This takes the pressure off your shoulders regarding any parking situation. How Parking Assist Helps Maryland Drivers While you're slowly backing up, the image from a rear-view camera pops up on your dashboard. Voiced instructions then guide you, inch by inch, through the maneuver, telling you when to turn the wheel left and right, and when to straighten out.   Sensors are also embedded in your front and rear bumpers, letting you know the exact distances between you and the other vehicles. All you need to do is take it slowly and follow instructions, and you'll be parking ideally each and every time. more Start With a Two-Foot Gap Whether you're using parking assist or going it alone, you'll need to start the procedure by bringing your car parallel to the vehicle in front of the parking space. Always begin with a nice, clear two-foot gap between you and the car in front of the intended space. Use "MSMOG" to Guide You Now you need to check your mirrors and begin backing into the gap. To do this safely, learn the acronym "MSMOG," which stands for Mirrors, Signal, Mirrors, Over your shoulder, and finally Go.   So begin by checking all your mirrors to make sure the road is clear. Signal that you're about to back into the space. Check your mirrors once more. Look over your right shoulder. And begin backing up slowly into the space. Swerve, Straight, Swerve As you back up, gently turn your wheel to the right to swerve into the gap. Straighten up when you see that you're reversing directly toward the curb. You can begin to turn the wheel to the left when your front wheel passes the rear bumper of the front parked car. This will help get you gently into the parking spot that’s parallel to the curb. Even Out the Distances The final step is to edge forward so that the distances between the front and rear vehicles even out. If you're not satisfied with your distance from the curb, you can always edge forward and backward until you're close enough. If you have the parking assist feature, use it for these final adjustments.   Practice All Around Bowie, MD As with any new skill, practice makes perfect. You don't need to wait until it's absolutely necessary to begin practicing your parking. Take your Honda out for a spin and do a little parking in tight spots between other cars until you're confidently grinning from ear to ear.   To learn more about Honda's excellent parking assist feature, visit DARCARS Honda or view our online inventory. We're a locally trusted dealership dedicated to providing the region's best customer service to everyone who steps foot through our doors.

Over 300,000 road accidents are caused by brake failure in the US each year. Even the highest-quality brakes can eventually stop working if they're not well maintained. Periodical brake service at your local Honda dealer is essential for proper car maintenance. If you're not already convinced of the importance of having your brakes regularly inspected, here are three reasons to have it done without fail. Find Brake Fluid Leaks Early On the rare occasion when brakes fail, leaking brake fluid is a common cause. All modern brake systems work with a hydraulic system where hydraulic pressure amplifies the force of your foot on the pedal, allowing you to apply enough pressure to stop the car. The primary purpose of brake fluid is to maintain this hydraulic pressure.   Brake fluid is usually colorless, with a consistency similar to vegetable oil. You could have a brake fluid leak if you ever notice a puddle of liquid with a similar consistency under your car. But you might well miss it. During a brake inspection, any leak or potential leak will be found by the technician and fixed before it can cause trouble on the road. more Replace Worn Out Brake Pads Brake pads do most of the work when you stop your car. Your pads clamp onto the rotors, creating enough friction to slow and stop the vehicle. The enormous pressure created each time you press the pedal eventually wears down the upper friction layer of a brake pad. When the friction layer is almost entirely gone, you need to have the brake pad replaced.   When a brake pad is on its last legs, you'll begin to hear high-pitched screeching or grinding sounds. But there's no need to wait for this kind of warning to take you by surprise. Regular brake servicing will ensure you always know the exact state of all your brake pads and when each one will need to be replaced. Resurface Scored Rotors The rotor discs for each wheel can also become damaged by overusing your brakes. If you're driving in heavy stop-and-go traffic or over hilly terrain requiring continuous braking, your rotors might begin to overheat. Overheating can warp rotors or allow them to become scored and damaged by the brake pads.   Any such damage to a rotor can be fixed once or twice by resurfacing. This is where the technician removes some of the metal, recreating a smooth surface. But unless you're highly sensitive to the vibrations that a scored or warped rotor creates, you're unlikely to notice a damaged rotor. It will probably take a complete brake inspection to identify and repair the problem. How a Honda Dealer Services Your Brakes The technician will first check and top up your brake fluid during every brake inspection. They'll inspect all the hoses and connections before raising your car to remove the wheels and brake components, including the rotors, pads, and calipers. Any damaged parts will be repaired or replaced. And finally, everything will be thoroughly tested.   To have certified professionals inspect and service your brakes today, visit DARCARS Honda or schedule your service appointment online. We're a friendly dealership with knowledgeable staff dedicated to providing the region's finest value for money and customer service.

Your car's radiator is essential for the long-term health of your car's engine. It removes the heat from your engine and keeps your vehicle at a safe operating temperature. If your engine is allowed to run too hot for too long, the heat will cause severe damage to components like the cylinder heads and the engine block. These components are costly and time-consuming to replace. DARCARS Honda is here to help when you need a radiator repair quickly. Damaged Thermal Switch Coolant is released into your engine when the engine temperature gets too high. Coolant is pumped through your engine and absorbs the heat. The hot coolant enters the radiator and passes through rows of thin metal tubes. Air blowing through the radiator grille blows over the tubes and cools the liquid. The coolant then leaves the radiator and begins the process again. This system works perfectly when your car moves, but what happens when your vehicle is stationary and idling?   When your car is stationary and the heat rises, coolant is still brought into the radiator. Since there is no airflow, a fan attached to your radiator switches on; this fan blows cool air over the radiator tubes to reduce the heat and expel it from your engine. The thermal switch controls this fan. It's an extremely simple component, but if it fails, your car can quickly damage the switch that prevents the fan from coming on. more Damaged Radiator Cap The radiator cap is attached to the top of your radiator. It keeps the coolant from escaping from the radiator and maintains a high pressure in the cooling system. If the pressure in the cooling system rises too high, the cap will open slightly and bleed off the excess strain. This cap is securely attached, and it has rubber seals for a perfect fit. Over time, however, these seals can dry out and crack, and coolant can escape.   A coolant leak from the radiator cap doesn't spray coolant around as a damaged hose does. The coolant will escape through the damaged seal and leak onto the radiator. The heat of the engine will dry it up very quickly. You can see if there's been a coolant leak by examining the top of the radiator. White streaks around the radiator cap signify that the seal has been damaged. Blocked Radiator Grille Your radiator grille allows cool air to enter your engine, and it provides a vent for removing hot air from the engine. Dust and debris thrown up from the road can also get into the grille. This dirt and debris can block the grille and damage the thin tubes on the radiator behind the grille. The front of a grille is easy to clean, but we would have to replace the radiator if the pipes are damaged.   If your radiator doesn't seem to be working correctly, contact us at DARCARS Honda as soon as possible or schedule an appointment online today!

If you're in the market for a new SUV, you may want to consider a hybrid model. Hybrids offer several benefits over traditional gas-powered SUVs, including better fuel economy, lower emissions, and reduced maintenance costs. Here we'll take a closer look at the 2022 Honda CR-V Hybrid, one of the most popular hybrid SUVs. Overview of the Honda CR-V Hybrid The CR-V is Honda's first SUV introduced to the world in 1996. However, the hybrid model has only been around for a few years. The Hybrid allows drivers to save fuel and emit less pollution into the air while still offering the utility of an SUV. Unique Features The newest model of the CR-V Hybrid carries forward all the same features that made its predecessors so great. Here are our favorite aspects of the CR-V Hybrid that we know you'll love too. more Fantastic Gas Mileage One of the most significant advantages of this hybrid SUV is the increased gas mileage. It achieves 40 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. That's a substantial improvement over the traditional gas-powered CR-V, which only gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. The ECON drive mode helps you get the most out of each tank, while the EV mode enables you to drive using only the electric motor. Spacious Cabin This car offers plenty of legroom and headspace for you and your passengers. The back seats also fold down to create 68.7 cubic feet of space. That means you can easily fit all your gear for a road trip or a weekend at the cabin. Safety Features The CR-V Hybrid comes with the Honda Sensing Suite, which has several advanced safety features that help keep you safe. These include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, the road departure mitigation system, and automated emergency braking. Tons of Amenities Thanks to the dual-zone automatic climate control system, you and your front-seat rider can stay comfortable according to each of your individual preferences. The front seats and steering wheel also have quick-heating technology to help warm you up during drives in chilly weather.   The vehicle also comes equipped with a wireless phone charger and USB charging ports to keep your phone charged up while you're on the go. Last but not least, the hands-free power tailgate lets you open the back just by kicking your foot against the rear bumper, which is ideal when you have your arms full with groceries or gear. Attractive Exterior Options The CR-V Hybrid has you covered if you want to make a statement on the road. It's available in several different exterior colors, and you can opt for several accessories that make the car even more visually appealing. For example, you can opt for sporty accents like the gloss-black grille and tailgate spoiler. You can also fit your CR-V for roof rails and crossbars that come in handy for transporting items like bike racks or extra luggage.   The Honda CR-V Hybrid is a terrific choice for anyone looking for a comfortable and practical SUV. With its excellent gas mileage, spacious cabin, and countless amenities, it has everything you need and more. Do you want to take the CR-V Hybrid for a spin? Contact us at DARCARS Honda, and we'll be happy to set up a test drive for you.

Are you preparing to take your driver's license test in Bowie, MD? You might be feeling pretty nervous, which is entirely normal! These four tips will help you prepare for your test and help you pass it. 1.    Get in Lots of Practice You're not going to be able to pass your driver's test if you aren't practicing. Before you even book your test, you should make sure that you are spending a lot of time behind the wheel and getting to know all the road rules firsthand.   Practicing with someone who knows what they're doing will help you pass your driver's test. Remember to ask the person you're practicing with, to be honest. If you don't know that you're doing something wrong, you won't know to change it, which could cause you to fail your test. 2.    Drive Around the Testing Area When you book your test, you should make sure that you're practicing driving specifically in the test area. Most of the time, your test will take place around the area of the testing site. more The more familiar you are with the area you'll be tested in, the less nervous you'll feel when the time comes to do your test. While you should be practicing everywhere to be ready to drive in the real world, getting used to the area where you'll be tested will help you stay calm for the test itself. 3.    Know Your Car Well You should be learning to drive in the exact vehicle that you will be taking the test with. You want to make sure that you know where all of your car's controls are and that you are comfortable driving it.   Using a vehicle you've never used before for your driver's test might make you more anxious. It may also be harder for you to feel comfortable driving in it, and you might not know where all the controls are, which could be a problem. 4.    Get a Full Night's Sleep The day before your test, you might start feeling pretty nervous. It might be tempting to stay up late and find ways to distract yourself before your upcoming examination. But the last thing you're going to want to be when you head to your testing site is tired.   Exhaustion might make you sloppy, which will certainly not help you pass your test. So the night before you go for your test, make sure that you are getting good sleep. Don't forget to eat healthy before you go for your test so that you're feeling your best.   Getting a driver's license is exciting, but taking the test can be stressful and nerve-wracking. Remember the above tips if you're preparing to take your driver's test. And, once you pass, head down to DARCARS Honda to start shopping for your vehicle!

A car's battery has the vital duty to supply the power to start your engine. When your car is at rest, the battery also provides the power to maintain the alarm, dash lights, and other systems. A battery will eventually reach the point when it can't be recharged. When you need a new car battery in Bowie, MD, your Honda dealer can install a new one. These are some signs that it's time for a new battery. Faulty Alternator One of the functions of the alternator is to recharge your battery. When your engine is running, the crankshaft turns and produces mechanical energy. The alternator is disconnected to the crankshaft via the alternator belt, turning this mechanical energy into electrical energy. The energy is then used to power your car's electrical systems and maintain your battery at full charge.   An alternator is designed to last for many years, but it will eventually start to weaken. The weaker your alternator becomes, the less electricity it will produce. If the alternator is not replaced, it will fail and stop producing electricity. Without a constant supply of electricity, your battery will drain and die. Parasitic Drain As we've seen, your battery maintains several electricity systems when your car is parked. A healthy battery has more than enough power to retain them until you start your car again. A problem occurs if one of the electrical components that should shut down fails to switch off. Several possible culprits can be responsible, including the light in your glove box and the inside light in your trunk. more If one of these components doesn't switch off, it will continue to consume power, known as parasitic drain. When your engine is switched off, your battery has no way to recharge, and it will start to lose power. If your car worked perfectly last night and your battery is dead today, the most likely cause is a parasitic drain. Our technicians have the technology to find the component that drains the battery and replace it. Slow Starting When you turn the key, the battery sends a large electrical charge to the starter solenoid to start your engine. If you try and start your engine, and you merely hear a sad click-click, your battery is probably failing. When your battery ages, it loses some of its recharging capability. A weak battery won't have the power to start your engine immediately, and it will need extra time to build up the required power.   Your battery may not be the problem, and it could also be the fault of a weakening alternator or a damaged starter solenoid. Our expert technicians will examine your car and repair the problem.   A worn-out battery could leave you stranded. To prevent that from happening, contact us at DARCARS Honda. Our technicians will replace your dead battery, and you'll be on your way again in no time.

Compared to its competitors in the mid-size pickup segment, the Ridgeline can boast superior passenger space and comfort. Honda's engineers also ensured that this rugged truck stands out with its incredible handling and smooth ride quality. Read on to learn more about how the 2022 Honda Ridgeline has captured the hearts of its owners. Reasons Why Truck Experts Love the 2022 Honda Ridgeline Exceptional Handling Standard pickup trucks aren't known to be great handlers, but the Honda Ridgeline is anything but. Unlike the dated leaf springs and solid axles of its rivals, the Ridgeline's suspension is comprised of a coil-sprung multi-link rear suspension and MacPherson strut front suspension. The result is handling that feels much more agile and precise.   Thanks to Honda's clever i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system, the truck tears through rough terrain. Its Intelligent Traction System can adapt to better handle a variety of off-road environments by using multiple drive modes for sand, snow, and mud. Since the suspension is independent, you can drive quickly and smoothly over uneven surfaces. more Dependable and Efficient Powertrain Every Ridgeline model is powered by a robust 3.5L V-6 engine that delivers 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The powertrain is complemented with an ultra-responsive 9-speed automatic transmission that features shift-by-wire and paddle shifters for when you feel like taking on more control. It's also more efficient than other trucks in its class, with an EPA-rated 21 mpg combined. Loads of Space for Passengers and Cargo Thanks to its crossover-derived unibody design, the Ridgeline's cabin is at the top of its class for roominess and comfort with up to 109.7 cubic feet of passenger volume. The rear seats feature a 60/40 split for when you need to load large pieces of cargo into the interior. 33.9 cubic feet of cargo space is available in the truck bed, and the in-bed trunk adds 7.3 cubic feet on top of that. Packed with Amenities The cabin is not just spacious; it's also relaxing for passengers. RTL, RTL-E, and Black Edition Ridgeline models all sport heated front seats. A heated steering wheel is also standard for RTL-E and Black Edition and available with other trims. No matter where a passenger is seated, the standard tri-zone climate control ensures comfortable temperatures for everyone.   You can also open the cabin up to the sky with an available one-touch power moonroof and efficiently charge your devices with the available wireless charging station. Features the Latest Technology Like other vehicles in Honda's lineup, the Ridgeline is never outdated regarding technology. The 8-inch infotainment touchscreen comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. You can also connect your device to the truck using the HondaLink app, which remembers your parking spot, displays fuel levels, and schedules vehicle servicing.   With the innovative truck-bed audio system that uses hidden actuators to enhance the sound, you can liven up your next tailgate gathering. As for safety tech, the outstanding Honda Sensing suite features a forward collision monitor with automated braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and available blind-spot monitoring.   The Honda Ridgeline offers a unique combination of adeptness, innovation, and superior comfort for truck enthusiasts who don't want to settle for the average mid-size pickup. Stop by DARCARS Honda today and take it for a test drive!

When you buy a new or pre-owned car in Maryland, getting familiar with the car registration process is essential. Whether you buy a vehicle in Maryland or move from another state, you'll find helpful information from your local dealership and the Maryland Vehicle Administration office to register your vehicle. 1.    Registration Process in Maryland When you purchase a new or pre-owned vehicle in Maryland, you'll have 60 days to register your car. You can complete this process by sending the required documents to your local Maryland Vehicle Administration office or bringing them to a branch office in person. You'll need to provide a completed application for the certificate of title, car insurance information, proof of ownership, lien information, a state safety inspection certificate, and additional documents. 2.    Online Registration Options If registering your vehicle in person or by mail isn't convenient, you may have the option of completing the process online. When you visit the Maryland Vehicle Administration website, you'll find online services, including registration.   When you complete the application on the website, you'll need to provide all supporting documents by mail. You'll also find printable forms online if you prefer to send them by mail and the supporting information. more 3.    Registration Fees There are various registration fees based on the type of vehicle you own, including multi-use and passenger vehicles. These registration fees include $10 if you're filing a registration transfer, $135 in registration fees for multi-use vehicles for passengers under 3,700 pounds, $51 for street rod vehicles, and $187 for passenger vehicles over 3,700 pounds. If you're registering for a temporary license, the fee is $20 and valid for 60 days. 4.    Certificate of Origin and Odometer Disclosure Statement When you complete the registration application process, you'll need to provide a certificate of origin and an odometer disclosure statement. You'll receive the certificate of origin from the vehicle's manufacturer and an essential part of the application.     An odometer disclosure statement provides an official record of the mileage and the ownership transfer. This document provides the odometer reading, which is tested and included in the ownership section of the title. 5.    Certificate of Inspection A safety inspection is required to purchase a truck, car, motorcycle, or another type of vehicle. This inspection must be completed by a licensed state inspection station in Maryland, which you can achieve through your local dealership. When the safety inspection is completed, a certificate is issued by the inspection station within 90 days. It's vital to ensure that the vehicle identification number or VIN matches the certificate.   When you register your vehicle in Maryland, you'll find helpful tips, guides, and a step-by-step process on your local Maryland Vehicle Administration office and your nearest dealership. Contact us at DARCARS Honda and inquire about our fantastic showroom display of new and pre-owned vehicles today. We offer incredible deals and cars for all your driving and lifestyle needs.

The cold months that Bowie, MD, sees pose a unique set of challenges for keeping your vehicle in prime condition. Here are some ways to prepare your car for winter weather to minimize the hassle this season causes you. Make Sure Your Tires Are Ready Keeping your tires rotated and adequately filled is always a good practice, but it becomes even more critical in the winter when changing temperatures can cause pressure to fluctuate. You should also make sure your tires have the proper tread to minimize your risk of losing control on slippery roads. We can help you find the right winter tires in Bowie, MD. Test Out Your Battery A well-functioning car battery can save your life during freezing conditions. Having a battery that you can rely on is even more critical in the winter when your vehicle's heating system is necessary to protect you from temperatures outside. Test your battery's charge and get it replaced if necessary. Winterize Your Windshield Ice and snow on your windshield can obscure your vision and clearing it off manually can be labor-intensive work. Some windshield wiper fluid is designed to break down ice and snow, making this task much more manageable. You can also get windshield wiper blades specially designed for the winter to get even more protection. more Clean Your Car Regularly While cleaning your car seems like a merely cosmetic concern, it's an integral part of protecting your vehicle from the damaging elements that can harm it in the winter. Salt used to melt ice on the roads can cause corrosion on your car if left unchecked. Clean your vehicle regularly to remove rock salt and keep your vehicle looking its best. Be Careful of Where You Park Your vehicle is at risk of damage in the winter even when you aren't behind the wheel. Parking in the street risks damage caused by plows going by or drivers who lose control of their vehicles. You should look for alternatives, such as parking in a garage or a driveway. Prepare the Vehicle's Interior Winter can be messy, with slush, ice, and dirt tracked into your vehicle. You can account for this by getting all-weather rubber floor mats to protect your cabin. These easy-to-install additions will handle all the mess that makes its way inside your vehicle and can easily be removed for cleaning as needed. To get parts and accessories for your vehicle, visit our Parts Department! Keep Up on Regular Maintenance While you should do a few things specifically to prepare for winter, it's also important to get any regular services your vehicle is due for. The last thing you need is to break down on the side of the road when temperatures are plummeting, making for a potentially dangerous situation. Check-in with a skilled mechanic to see what maintenance your vehicle needs.   Our service team has you covered if you're looking for a skilled service technician to get your vehicle winter-ready. We'll make sure your car is running in top-notch shape so it can handle anything the winter has in store. Visit DARCARS Honda today!

Honda cars are remarkably durable. But over time, even a Honda's transmission can run into trouble, especially if it isn't well-maintained. As your transmission is vital to running your car, any problems should be handled quickly at your local Honda dealer or by any trusted technician. Have you noticed the following four signs that your vehicle might require transmission repair? 1.    Slipping Clutch Both manual and automatic gearboxes use a clutch, which naturally begins to wear down over time. When a clutch starts to fail, you'll notice slight problems in moments when your engine comes under more pressure, such as on steep inclines or while passing other vehicles.   A slipping clutch has lost some of its gripping power, causing it to struggle to engage or disengage fully. This makes it challenging to stay in gear, so you might find that your car suddenly slips into another gear. It can also become difficult to change gears smoothly. A slipping clutch will only get worse unless it's sorted out promptly. 2.    Slipping Gears Here's another minor annoyance that can become a significant problem if not attended to quickly. Slipping gears, or transmission slipping, occurs when gears wear down or round out from years of use. You might experience this problem in many ways. more Your vehicle might become slow to respond or even completely unresponsive when you hit the gas. You might also notice strange noises or changes in pitch when you change gears. None of these signs should be ignored. 3.    Low Fluid The majority of transmission problems are fluid problems. Transmission fluid tends to break down over time due to friction and heat. When it gets too low, old, or dirty, it will no longer disperse heat or lubricate the parts correctly. Over time this can lead to costly transmission problems as the mechanical parts start to overheat and break down. You can avoid this by changing your fluid at your local Honda dealer.   If your fluid's running low, you'll notice strange grinding sounds, jumping RPMs when trying to shift gears, and even sudden inexplicable gear shifts. The solution is simple: get your fluid changed. For manual gearboxes, it's generally recommended to change your fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. For automatic transmissions, you should replace them every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. 4.    Leaking Fluid A somewhat more immediate problem is if your fluid is leaking. Heat and debris from the road can sometimes cause cracks in fluid lines, torque pumps, or axle seals, which will create a leak. If you leak, you'll notice small pools of sweet-smelling, red liquid under your car when you stop. Fortunately, transmission fluid leaks are relatively inexpensive to fix.   All of the above problems can be kept minor with early diagnosis and repair. For your peace of mind, head down to DARCARS Honda to have your transmission checked today by certified professionals.