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A flat tire will always happen at the worst possible time. Without warning, your tire will blow out, which will mean that you’ll have to look for a safe space to pull over. We hope this won't happen when driving in Bowie, MD, but we'd like to tell you how you can easily fix this problem. Easy Steps to Follow If You Get a Flat Tire Find a Safe Place The most important first step is ensuring you and your car are in a safe place. When you change a tire, all your focus is on the task. Make sure that your car is as far from moving vehicles as possible. more Gather Your Tools Changing a tire requires your tire iron or lug wrench, jack, and spare tire. In addition, if you have cones or road flares, you can place them a safe distance behind your car to warn other drivers. It's advisable to check the condition of your spare regularly to ensure it's in good condition if needed. Ensure your transmission is in park mode and your emergency brake is engaged. This helps prevent your car from moving while you work. Loosen the Lugs The lugs hold your tire in place, and they're very tight. It requires brute force to loosen them, and they turn counterclockwise. If the lugs are loose now, removing the tire when the wheel is off the ground is easier. Place the Jack Your Honda has several jacking points on its underside. These points allow you to lift your car without damaging anything. The exact points for your model are listed in your car manual. Place the jack under a jacking point and slowly lift your car until the flat is completely off the ground. Replace the Tire Remove all the lugs from the flat and place them safely to one side so they don't roll away. Once the lugs are removed, remove the flat, and position the spare over the wheel studs. Positioning can be difficult as you must balance the spare and rotate it to match the studs. An easy way to do this is to put your foot under the spare to give you extra balance. Carefully insert the lug nuts into each wheel stud. Once all the lugs are in place, tighten them by hand, then use the tire iron to ensure the lugs are snugly in place. Lower Your Car Carefully lower the jack until your tires are back on the ground. Use the tire iron again to tighten all the lugs until they're securely in place. Finally, pack your tire iron, jack, and flat into the trunk and drive away. Now you know the easy steps to change a flat safely. Visit our service department at DARCARS Honda, and we can fit a new tire or replace your spare.

Ask any Honda dealer, and they'll tell you the repercussions of a faulty ignition coil can be far-reaching, especially if the issue isn't rectified quickly. Engine failure is the worst-case scenario, so knowing the signs of a failing ignition coil is essential. Honda Dealer Reveals the Top 5 Signs of a Faulty Ignition Coil 1.    Check Engine Light Is On If your check engine light is on, it could mean the ECU has detected a misfire or faulty coil in one of the cylinders. But you could also look at a defective spark plug or a broken sensor. Either way, taking your car in for a diagnostic scan when the check engine light comes on is best. A professional-grade scanner can figure out the actual cause of your check engine light. This can help eliminate costly guesswork and can help you avoid unnecessary repairs. more 2.    Stalling or Hesitating Engine If your engine stalls out, it can indicate a bad ignition coil or spark plug malfunction. It's common in older cars with high mileage, but even newer vehicles are susceptible to this problem. This is especially true when dealing with a coil pack system. Neglecting this problem can lead to further damage, so make sure you get your car checked out as soon as possible. 3.    Rough Idling It's normal for your car to idle rough when it’s cold outside. But a bad ignition coil can also result in erratic revving, even on a warm day. If you suspect a bad ignition coil, have your dealership inspect the engine and individual coils. You could look at clogged fuel injectors or a dirty air filter, and the dealer can help solve those issues before installing the new coils. 4.    Reduced Power and Acceleration If your car is losing power, it could be due to a failing ignition coil. This can cause slow acceleration, often accompanied by sputtering or backfiring. You risk serious mechanical issues if this problem isn't addressed in time. We are talking about misfiring that could lead to significant engine damage or even an accident. 5.    Decreased Fuel Economy When your car's fuel economy decreases, it could be a sign that one of the ignition coils is failing. Each misfire uses more fuel than necessary, and the combustion efficiency drops. This issue can lead to poor performance and higher emissions. The best action is to replace the faulty coils with high-quality OEM components. Ignition coils are a critical component of your car's engine, and any sign of malfunction should be taken seriously. If you notice any signs we've discussed in this post, visit DARCARS Honda today and have your car checked out by one of our experienced technicians. We'll help you get back on the road in no time!

At one time, the standard oil change frequency for all vehicles was every 3,000 miles or every three months, whichever came first. However, due to engineering advances, that's no longer the case for every car. Honda owners wonder how often they should get a Honda oil change. The answer is that it depends on what year your vehicle was manufactured. Manufacturer Recommendations If your Honda was manufactured before 2008, you should follow the standard guideline of getting your oil changed every 3,000 miles or every three months, whichever comes first. Vehicles that were manufactured between 2008 and about 2015 can usually drive for about 5,000 miles or six months before getting their oil changed. more Newer cars manufactured after 2015 can often wait for an oil change until there are 7,500 and 10,000 miles on the odometer. Factors That Require More Frequent Changes While it is true that advances in engineering and oil technology have reduced the need for frequent oil changes, some factors can cause the oil in your car to break down faster than it normally would. If your driving habits include one or more of the following conditions, you'll want your oil changed more frequently than recommended. You drive aggressively (accelerating and braking quickly) You find yourself in stop-and-go traffic frequently You live in a cold-weather state You frequently drive short distances How to Tell That It's Time for an Oil Change The Color of the Oil When motor oil is clean, it's a translucent amber color. You can see through it to the metal on your dipstick when you check your oil level. If it needs to be changed because it's dirty, it will be an opaque dark brown or black color. You will not be able to see the dipstick through it during oil level checks. You can also bring your car to a service center to check the color. Your Car Reminds You Most newer vehicles come equipped with maintenance reminders telling you when it's time to change your oil. In your Honda, you'll see a light illuminate on your dashboard when 15% of life is left in your oil. You'll want to schedule your oil change at this time or shortly after that. However, remember that this light is only a guide. Your driving habits are still essential to keep in mind when planning your maintenance frequency. There's a Knocking Sound In Your Engine The main function of motor oil is to keep the parts in your engine lubricated and moving against each other smoothly. If your oil is dirty, or you don't have enough oil in your car, you'll likely hear a knocking or rattling sound from the engine. This sound is coming from the parts hitting each other without the benefit of lubrication. Have your car inspected at the same time as your oil change to ensure no damage was done. The frequency of your oil changes depends heavily on your driving habits. However, at a minimum, follow the manufacturer's recommendations as indicated in your owner's manual. Contact DARCARS Honda to schedule your oil change and maintenance appointment today.

Bowie is home to outdoor parks, great food, a friendly community, and more! With everything this incredible city offers, it's no surprise that more and more people visit there each year. Keep reading to learn more about why Bowie, MD, residents love the place they call home. Find Out Why We Love Living in Bowie, MD 1.    Wonderful Outdoor Destinations Bowie is the perfect place for anyone who loves to spend their time staying active outdoors. Hotspots like Allen Pond Park, for example, offer an excellent variety of both summer and winter outdoor activities. Those who visit this 85-acre recreational park have access to scenic hiking trails, workout stations, ice skating, a picnic area, a variety of sporting courts & fields, and even a giant pond where fishing lovers cast their flies. more 2.    A Day at Six Flags A trip to Six Flags amusement park in Bowie is a fun-filled adventure that's suitable for the entire family. This 500-acre theme park is packed with amazing thrill rides and also rides better suited for young children. During the summer months, be sure to pack a bathing suit and spend the day at Six Flags' water park and enjoy some of the live entertainment there as well. 3.    World-Class Dining Bowie's restaurant scene has taken off in recent years, bringing much pleasure to the palates of locals and visitors alike. Seafood lovers will definitely want to stop into Jerry's Seafood, a staple in the Bowie community that has been serving top-quality seafood dishes for over 35 years. Hungry for some international delicacies? Check out Kenyan-inspired Samosa Supreme or Sakura Japanese Steakhouse. Your taste buds will thank you as both options will satisfy them entirely. 4.    Catch a Ball Game Bowie visitors and residents can enjoy watching America's favorite pastime as the minor league Bowie Baysox take the field at Prince George's Stadium. The Baysox are a Double-A affiliate for the Baltimore Orioles, and many of their players have gone on to play in the major leagues. Also, keep an eye out for other kid-friendly events held at Prince George's Stadium throughout the year! This includes events such as campouts with the family and a Girl Scout slumber party. 5.    Play a Round of Golf Golf enthusiasts can take advantage of the amazing golf courses available at the Crofton and Walden Country Clubs. Each club offers an 18-hole course, and golfers of all skill levels are welcome. Private lessons and tournaments are also held throughout the season for those who want to test their skills against other local golf lovers. 6.    Business Friendly Bowie's local and state governments want to see businesses flourish. To ensure this happens, the Bowie Chamber of Commerce provides aspiring business owners with a wide array of tools to have their businesses hit the ground running. Members of the chamber enjoy assistance in marketing, increased visibility through networking events, and even a discount on advertising rates. We know you'll love visiting Bowie and enjoying all of these great attractions. If you're looking for a fantastic vehicle to take you around, visit DARCARS Honda today to check out our impressive selection of new and pre-owned Honda vehicles.

As car prices continue to rise, auto loans have become essential to car ownership. But it is important to note that some loans are better than others regarding interest rates, flexibility, and other features. So here are some tips to help you get the best car loan in Bowie, MD. Tips for Getting a Quality Car Loan in Bowie 1.    Fix Your Credit Score Your credit score plays a major role in auto loan decisions, so building it will help you get a quality loan. You can do this by ensuring all of your bills are paid on time, paying off any existing debt, and limiting the number of applications for new credit cards. It's also important to check for any inaccuracies in your credit report, as these can negatively affect your score. If you find any, contact the relevant credit bureaus and ask them to correct the issues. more 2.    Determine Your Budget Knowing how much money you can afford for monthly payments will help you narrow your choices and find the right loan. This is how you'll choose between a short-term loan with higher monthly payments or a longer-term loan with lower ones. It's also essential to find out the total cost of the car you're considering, including taxes, insurance, and other fees. This will help you determine if you can afford that particular car. You can also work on getting pre-approved before you arrive at the dealership. 3.    Consider a Co-Signer in Bowie, MD If you have a poor credit score, getting someone to co-sign your loan could help you get the loan at better terms. However, it's important to keep in mind that if you fail to repay the loan on time, the responsibility will fall on your co-signer. The only catch is that your co-signer needs good credit, so make sure you choose someone who can help improve your chances of getting a cheaper loan. 4.    Read the Loan Agreement Carefully Once you have a loan offer, make sure to read the loan agreement and understand all of its terms and conditions. The idea is to fish out any hidden charges or fees buried in the fine print. The most common surprise costs are title fees, registration fees, and dealer add-ons. While these fees are not a deal breaker, they can add up to a significant amount. Research and ensure you know exactly what you're signing up for, even if it means taking a copy of the loan agreement home. Getting a quality auto loan in Maryland doesn't have to be complicated. Contact DARCARS Honda today, and our team of experts will help you get the best loan that suits your needs. We will also help you choose the right car for your budget so you can drive away with peace of mind.

If you're looking for a reliable car with an excellent reputation, you can't go wrong with a Honda. With a variety of makes and models to choose from, when it comes to finding a daily driver that you can rely on, you need to check out the 2023 Honda Civic. Some features on this vehicle are guaranteed to be your favorite. 1.    The High-Quality Interior If you like an interior that is simple yet impressive, you'll appreciate this feature on this vehicle. You'll find clean lines and a honeycomb metal mesh strip around the dash that adds some elegance and sophistication. You'll also notice plenty of room up front for the driver and passenger and in the backseat for kids and adults alike. For the sedan, you'll find that the trunk has plenty of space for your stuff. Should you decide to get the hatchback, you'll get an extra 10 cubic feet of cargo space (compared to the sedan), and you can get even more room if you fold down the back seats. more 2.    The Versatile Technology Nowadays, you expect to be able to connect your smartphone to your vehicle. This ensures you have access to your friends and family and your playlists and favorite podcasts. One feature of the Civic is the ability to connect your phone using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. You can also equip your vehicle with a 9-inch infotainment system to connect your phone wirelessly. You can also add a 12-speaker Bose audio system and Centerpoint technology to take your listening experience to a whole new level. 3.    The Engine Options and Fuel Economy There are two engine options that you can choose from when it comes to this car. You can either get a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque or a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. Depending on the model, if you go with the 2.0-liter engine, you can get up to 37 miles per gallon on the highway and 30 miles per gallon in the city. With the turbocharged engine, you can get up to 42 miles per gallon on the highway and 33 miles per gallon in the city. 4.    The Warranty Another feature that should entice you to check out this vehicle is the 3-year/36,000- mile warranty and the 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. You'll get peace of mind knowing that repairs to your car will be made in certain situations to help get you back out on the road. If you're ready to check out the amazing features of this car for yourself, visit DARCARS Honda today!

Spark plugs are among the busiest of parts in your entire engine. A typical plug fires off 400 times per minute using 12,000 to 25,000 electricity. Inevitably, plugs eventually wear down and start to fail. If one of your plugs falters, your drive around Bowie, MD, will rapidly become less smooth, and your car might undergo serious damage, so here are four key signs of plug trouble to look out for. Does Your Honda Need New Spark Plugs? Falling Fuel Efficiency When a single plug weakens, that cylinder will no longer generate as much power. Fuel is still being injected into the combustion chamber, but the plug is struggling to keep up. As a result, the fuel could be burned more efficiently, and you'll find your car traveling less far between gas stops. Misfiring Engine When the constant combustion process inside a cylinder is interrupted by a faulty plug, it's called misfiring. You'll experience misfiring in various ways. more Most notably, your engine will lose power and acceleration. It might feel hesitant or start to shake when you accelerate. Misfiring can sometimes be due to a cold engine. Give it time to warm up, and if the problem persists, you might have a problematic plug. Stalling Engine As the failing cylinder struggles to keep up with the other cylinders, the engine will idle roughly when you pause at a traffic light. It will jolt and judder strangely. It might even stall. And then you might have trouble starting it up again. Thickening Exhaust When the malfunctioning plug fails to burn up all of the injected fuel, an excess of unburned fuel can build up inside the combustion chamber. This unburned fuel causes all sorts of problems. For one, it usually coats the plug in a sooty residue, further inhibiting the plug's ability to function. Worse than that is when the unburned fuel starts to leak out through the exhaust pipes. You'll see it emerge from behind your car as thick black smoke. On its way out, this fuel can cause much damage to your catalytic converter, which is an expensive part to repair. Have Your Plugs Inspected in Bowie, MD As soon as you suspect a failing plug, have it examined by a qualified technician at your nearest dealership. The technician will clean the area near the plug to avoid contamination. They'll then take the plug out and check it for soot deposits, burned electrodes, cracks, or other damage. They'll also clean the socket and try to diagnose any underlying problem which might have caused the plug to fail. Sometimes plug trouble can be due to a faulty ignition coil, improper torque, bad gapping, improper heat ranges, chemical contamination, poor installation, or another issue altogether. The plug will finally be cleaned or replaced, and any underlying problems will also be repaired. Have your plugs inspected today at DARCARS Honda of Bowie. We're a trusted local dealership with a large inventory of reliable, affordable Honda vehicles. Image by Josch13 from Pixabay

The new car you've always wanted is in your sights, and you're ready to pick it up. But before you drive off the lot in your brand-new ride, you must know how to pay for your purchase. Here are some tips on financing a car purchase in Bowie, MD, so you get the most from your new wheels. 6 Ways to Finance a Car Purchase in Bowie, MD 1.    Get Pre-approved for an Auto Loan If you need to figure out whether you can afford a new car, it may be wise to get pre-approved for an auto loan before shopping. Getting pre-approved will let the dealership know you are serious about the purchase and have the funds available. It will also help narrow down your search for which car is best for you by eliminating models that don't fit within your budget. 2.    Research the Estimate of Your Trade-in Before you decide on your financing plan, you should consider a few things. One of the most important things is the estimate of your trade-in. You can use an online tool like Kelley Blue Book to find out what your trade-in is worth. This information can help you know if you want to trade in your current car or sell it yourself and, if not, how much money you need for the down payment. more 3.    Determine Your Monthly Budget You must determine your monthly budget to calculate how much you can afford. The best way to start is by estimating what you spend on necessities like groceries and gas. These are not only mandatory monthly expenses but also the things that can impact your budget the most. 4.    Get a Loan from a Bank or Credit Union The best way to finance your car purchase is by finding the lowest APR loan from a bank or credit union. APR stands for Annual Percentage Rate. This rate is how much the bank takes each year to finance your car. The lower this number is, the better off you will be because that means less money will have to go toward paying back the loan. 5.    Consider Dealer Financing Dealer financing is the easiest way to finance your car. You tell the dealer how much you want to put down and how much you would like them to finance, and they will work out the rest. Plus, if you need help determining which vehicle is best for you, the dealer will be happy to help you find one that suits your needs. 6.    Use an Online Car Loan Calculator An online car loan calculator will help you find the best interest rate on loan and see your monthly payments. It's also essential to get quotes from multiple lenders because sometimes hidden fees are involved in these loans that might make one more expensive than the other without it being apparent at first glance.   No matter what financing you choose, before making your purchase, be sure to research and get quotes from different lenders. Visit DARCARS Honda if you need help financing your next car.

A car safety inspection at your local Honda dealer can ensure your vehicle is safe to operate on the road. Understanding the requirements regarding vehicle safety inspections in Maryland can help you ensure you do not miss any inspection deadlines. How Do I Obtain a Car Safety Inspection in Maryland? Fortunately, obtaining a safety inspection for your vehicle in Maryland is not difficult. You can obtain an inspection by scheduling an appointment at your local Honda dealer. A safety inspection station, such as your dealer, is authorized to perform inspections on passenger vehicles, SUVs, and light trucks. more What Do I Need to Obtain a Safety Inspection? You will need to show proper registration for your vehicle to obtain a safety inspection. If you purchased a vehicle that did not have a safety inspection, you might be able to obtain a 30-day waiver via the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. This waiver will allow you to legally drive the vehicle to a safety inspection station, such as your local dealer to obtain the inspection. When Are Safety Inspections Required in Maryland? If your vehicle was registered previously in another state, you must obtain a safety inspection in Maryland. It should be kept in mind that you have 60 days after you relocate to Maryland to obtain a new inspection in Maryland. You are allowed 90 days to obtain a vehicle inspection after purchasing a new vehicle in Maryland. What If Your Vehicle Does Not Pass the Inspection? In the event your vehicle does not pass the inspection, you will not be able to receive a safety inspection certificate. In this situation, you will receive a report detailing the safety standards your vehicle did not meet. After fixes have been made to your vehicle, you will need to return it to the same safety inspection station to have it inspected again by the same mechanic.   To address the areas of concern noted on the report, you may choose to make repairs on your own or take your vehicle to another repair facility. Only the areas of concern will need to be re-inspected if you return your vehicle for re-inspection within 30 days of the first inspection, provided that you have not driven your vehicle more than 1,000 miles.   Obtaining a safety inspection is an excellent way to ensure your vehicle can operate safely. Understanding when safety inspections are required in Maryland and what is involved in obtaining a safety inspection will help ensure that you have met legal requirements. Call our team at DARCARS Honda in Bowie, MD, to schedule an appointment for your vehicle safety inspection today.

A car breakdown is always a hassle, but it doesn't have to be the end of the world. In Bowie, MD, excellent emergency services can help you get back on the road or tow your Honda to the next service station. After the issue has been fixed, you can take your car to the dealership to have it inspected. This should help to make sure that you don't experience another breakdown in the future. Driving in Bowie, MD: What Should You Do If Your Car Breaks Down? If your car breaks down, you can call Honda roadside assistance, an emergency service that is available 24/7 to people who have bought a new Honda from the dealership. Keep the number in your car, so you don't have to look for it when you're stuck at the side of the road.   The roadside assistance team can help you with several issues. They can unlock your vehicle if your keys have broken or you've locked them in, deliver fuel, jump-start your car, or replace a flat tire. If an issue can't be addressed onsite, they will tow your car to the nearest service center. more Getting the Car Inspected By a Specialist Sometimes, a breakdown happens for a reason outside your control. For example, there might have been a shard of glass on the ground that punctured your tire. But at other times, the breakdown indicates a bigger problem with your Honda.   If you've had several issues in the last few weeks or haven't seen a dealership mechanic in more than a year, take your car to DARCARS Honda. We can check that nothing is the matter with the vehicle and ensure it is still safe to drive. This should help ensure that you won't break down again in the next few months. Preventing a Future Car Breakdown The best way to prevent a breakdown is to see your mechanic regularly. Most Honda cars need to be serviced at least once a year, but the inspection frequency depends on your vehicle's age, the engine you have, and how much you drive.   The best way to find out more about your car's service needs is to contact us and ask. Since our mechanics have years of experience with Honda models, they will be able to tell you exactly what your model needs. Moreover, they will always fix your car with original Honda parts, so the repairs won't affect your warranty.   Always keep information about emergency services in your car, so you don't have to look for it at the worst possible moment. Once you've resolved your situation, you can take your car to the dealership to ensure no bigger problems. Give us a call at DARCARS Honda to book your appointment with our experienced service team. Photo by Tim Samuel

The occasional bump or scrape with tree branches or other vehicles is an unfortunate part of a driver's life. No one likes having the pristine bodywork of their elegant Honda marred by car scratches or dents. If you notice unsightly scratches or disfiguring car dents on your paintwork one day, you can try the following effective solutions. And you can always visit your local Honda dealer to have a technician fix it. What to Do if Your Honda Is Scratched or Dented in Bowie, MD? Many shallow scratches can be repaired easily enough at home. If the scratch is so deep that it removes the paint's bottom layer, revealing the metal beneath, then you'll probably need a touchup of paintwork. But if only the upper layers of clearcoat and primer have been scratched away, you might want to try the following quick fixes. Use Scratch Remover Cloth You can buy scratch remover cloth at any auto parts shop. These cloths are made of an abrasive material filled with metal powdering. They work wonders on light scratches. Just rub at the scratch until it begins to diminish. Make sure you follow the directions that come with the scratch remover cloth. more Use a Scratch Remover Compound Polish Slightly deeper scratches can often be smoothed away with a suitable compound polish. These products contain polishing agents with wax and clear polymers which fill shallow abrasions. Research which polish would work best for your car's brand and model, and follow the rubbing instructions for that specific polish. Use a Car Scratch Repair Pen These handy little pens resemble highlighter pens with a wide flat nib. Instead of ink, they apply a hardening lacquer to the scratch that fills in the scraped-away clearcoat and primer.   Before using a scratch repair pen, as with any bodywork job, clean the area well. Then, draw slowly over the scratch. Wait a few minutes for the lacquer to dry; your scratch should have disappeared. Deeper scratches might require a few more layers. How to Fix Car Dents Dents can be trickier to fix at home, but it might be worth a try. You need to grip the metal somehow and pull it outward. A suction cup dent removal kit will usually be your best bet.   Before applying the suction cup, heat the metal with a blow dryer. This makes it more amenable to popping out. Then apply the cup and heave outward until the dent pops out. Ask Your Honda Dealer to Demonstrate If you've never fixed a dent before, asking a professional to show you how is a good idea. Someone at your local dealership might be happy to help. Ask them if they’ll demonstrate using your dent removal kit so you can repeat the process in the future.   Have dents or scratches repaired today at DARCARS Honda of Bowie. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff is ready to help with all your vehicle needs. Image by Hans from Pixabay

Donating a car to charity is a great way to help a charity and rid yourself of a car you no longer want. In Maryland, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MMVA) has a set procedure for legally donating a vehicle. We want to tell you more about how you can donate your old car in Bowie, MD. Procedure for Donating a Car to Charity in Bowie, MD Choose a Charity Once you've decided to donate your car, it's time to decide which charity you'd like it to go to. Many people have particular charities that they support on an ongoing basis. If you don't have a specific charity in mind, you could do an internet search to find a charity near you that supports a cause you believe in. There are thousands of charities, and you're guaranteed to find one you'd like to support. Check If They Can Receive a Car Not all charities can receive cars as donations. The reason for this is cars require storage space and administration. When the charity wants to sell the car, they may not be able to organize the necessary paperwork or the people to do it. Many smaller charities can't receive cars, and they usually ask that you sell the car and then donate the money to them instead. more It's also important to check that the charity is registered as a 501(c)(3) corporation with the IRS. If it is, you should be able to deduct the value of your donation from your next year's tax. Complete the Paperwork Once you've decided on a charity and they arrive to collect your car, you must legally transfer it to them. A donation is very similar to selling a car. You'll complete the seller section of the certificate of title, and the charity representative will complete the buyer section. You'll also need to create a bill of sale, which needs to be signed and dated by you and the charity representative.   The sale amount of the car needs to be filled in as "donation" or as "0". You'll also need to complete and sign an odometer disclosure statement, a lien release certificate if you had a lien on the car that you paid off, and a safety certificate. Letter From the Charity The charity will send you a letter within a few days of donating your car. This letter thanks you for the donation and provides the value of the car. A copy of this letter needs to be sent with your next tax forms to receive your tax break.   Once you've donated your car, you're going to need a replacement. Come into DARCARS Honda and choose your next car from our amazing range of new and used vehicles.