Blog

All DARCARS Honda Bowie Honda Dealer Bowie Honda Service DARCARS Honda Service 2022 Honda Models 2023 Honda Civic 2023 Honda Models Bowie Used Cars MD New & Used Cars Bowie MD 2022 Honda CR-V 2022 Honda CR-V Hybrid 2022 Honda Insight 2023 Honda Odyssey 2023 Honda Pilot Honda CR-V Bowie MD Honda Pilot Bowie, MD Things to do near Bowie 2022 Honda Civic 2022 Honda Pilot 2022 Honda Ridgeline 2023 Honda Hybrids 2023 Honda Passport 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid Bowie, MD 2024 Honda Odyssey Bowie, MD Auto Finance Bowie Car First Aid Kit Compact Car history Driving Tips Food in Bowie Honda Accord Bowie, MD Honda Civic Type R Features Honda Lineup Bowie, MD Honda Odyssey Bowie, MD Honda Ridgeline Bowie, MD Honda's Best Vehicles for Off-Roading Impressive Tech Features Trim Level Breakdown
Honda Service Center | Bowie, MD

What Can You Learn From an Engine Diagnostic?

When your Honda car starts to feel like it's not running quite right, the best thing to do is take it in for an engine diagnostic at your local Honda dealer. They will be able to tell you what's wrong with your car and help get it back on the road in no time. Read on to learn some of the things dealers can tell you about your car's engine based on the results of an engine assessment. What Can You Learn From an Engine Diagnostic at Your Local Honda Dealer? Engine Problems When you take your car in for an engine assessment, the mechanic will hook it up to a computer that can tell them what parts of the engine are not functioning properly. Several engine problems can be diagnosed in this way. For example, if the engine is misfiring, it could be because of a problem with the spark plugs or the ignition system.   A leaking head gasket can cause the engine to overheat, and a worn camshaft seal can cause oil to leak into the combustion chamber. These are just some of the common engine problems that can be diagnosed. more Fuel System The fuel system is responsible for supplying the engine with the right mix of fuel and air, and it needs to be in good working order for the engine to run properly. Several problems can occur with the fuel system, and these can often be traced back to issues with the fuel injectors, fuel pump, or fuel lines. Transmission The transmission is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels. Common problems with the transmission include fluid leaks, shifting issues, and grinding noises. These problems can be caused by many issues, including low transmission fluid levels, worn-out parts, or leaks in the seals or gaskets. Sometimes, the problem can be fixed simply by topping off the fluid levels or making a few adjustments. Great Deals on Service and Parts When your engine light comes on, it's time to go for service or repair at your dealer. Many people put this off because they think it will be expensive, but the truth is that you can often snap up great deals on service and parts when you go for a computerized engine assessment. Not only will you get a professional opinion on what is wrong with your car, but you may also be able to get genuine parts that are on sale.   A car engine diagnostic can help you understand what is wrong and how to fix it. Call us today at DARCARS Honda in Bowie, MD, to schedule a time for your car. We always aim to provide competitive prices and excellent customer service.

Car AC | Bowie, MD

Is Your Honda's Car AC Not Working?

When's the last time you serviced your car's air conditioning system? To prevent problems, you should see the mechanics at the Honda dealer at least once every two years. If you notice your car AC not working, you should book an appointment immediately because issues such as a leak could cause further damage. Let's look closely at what could be causing your AC trouble and how you can keep your Honda in great shape. Why Is My Car AC Not Working? You should speak to a professional mechanic to determine why your car's air conditioning system is faulty. They can check whether there are any fluid leaks, which can be dangerous because the coolant combines with water to form an acidic substance that corrodes your car. What's more, your mechanic will check for electrical issues and problems with the various parts of your air conditioning system, such as the condenser, the cooling fans, or the compressor. How Often Do I Need AC Service? Even if your AC is working perfectly, you should have it looked at by a professional regularly. That way, you can prevent breakdowns at inconvenient times. Most Hondas need to have the air conditioner serviced every two years, but you should check your vehicle's manual or speak to a mechanic to find out more. If your car is older, you might benefit from annual service. more Even if it hasn't been two years since your last diagnostic check, you should visit your mechanic if you notice any changes to how the AC works. Some telltale signs of a problem are a warning light on your dashboard, hot air coming out of your AC, and trouble switching your AC on or off. Remember, you don't want to be stuck on a long, hot trip without a cooling system, so it's always better to visit your dealer if in doubt. How Can the Honda Dealer Help? When you arrive at the Honda service center, we will have a look at your car to find out why your air conditioning unit is malfunctioning. Your mechanic will run a series of tests and then tell you the issue. They will also give you a quote, so you know how much the repair will cost. Usually, AC problems can be fixed within a few hours, so you might be able to pick your car up on the same day.   The last thing you want in the summer is a problem with your car's AC. For this reason, you should have the system inspected by a qualified Honda mechanic at least once every two years. If your AC malfunctions, you can contact our Honda service center, schedule an appointment at DARCARS Honda in Bowie, MD, and have your AC repaired by our technicians as soon as possible.

Jumper Cables | Bowie, MD

6 Items Maryland Drivers Should Have in a Car Tool Kit

Whenever you're driving outside of the city limits, it's essential to have a well-stocked car tool kit. You never know when you'll need it, but having the right tools available can save you time and stress. These are some of the items that every driver needs to keep in the car for emergencies. 6 Items To Keep in Your Car Tool Kit in Bowie, MD 1.    Jumper Cables If your car battery suddenly dies, you'll need a jump start. Not every driver carries jumper cables. If you have a set in your car, you're all set when a passing driver stops to assist you. We recommend choosing heavy-duty long cables. They provide the best connection, and long cables are helpful if you are getting a jump start from a car behind you. 2.    Multi-tool A good quality multi-tool can help you in many ways. They have a knife, a selection of screwdrivers, wrenches, and various invaluable tools in a small package. They're light and easy to carry and can provide the perfect tool for many occasions. When choosing a multi-tool, it's essential to choose a strong, high-quality one. more 3.    Fire Extinguisher We hope you won't need a fire extinguisher, but it's always better to be prepared. Numerous fire extinguishers are available for use on electrical and non-electrical fires. When choosing an extinguisher, the best option is a combination extinguisher that will work on both types of fires. Using a foam extinguisher on an electrical fire will permanently damage the electrical component. 4.    Flashlight Not all emergencies happen during the day. A good flashlight is invaluable if you have to pull over on the side of the road at night. There are numerous types of flashlights available. We recommend a heavy-duty flashlight LED that can also bend to hook on surfaces. Depending on the situation, you may need to hook the flashlight on something and have both of your hands free. 5.    Spare Cellphone Charger Cellphone batteries run down, and most drivers don't carry a spare recharging cable in their car. If you add an extra cable to your tool kit, you'll be able to recharge your cellphone from your car. The ability to recharge can be vital if you need to guide someone to where you and your car are. 6.    Water While it's not a tool, water is essential. If your car breaks down in an isolated place, you can easily get thirsty while you're waiting for help to arrive. Sealed water containers are perfect for preventing dehydration. We recommend keeping at least half a gallon of water for emergencies.   If you'd like more information about other tools, you'll need, come in and see us at DARCARS Honda.

Honda Tires | Bowie, MD

5 Signs Your Honda Could Use New Tires

The tires on your Honda Passport, Pilot, or Ridgeline must be in excellent condition to ensure proper handling and control. The signs below will warn you when it's time to visit your Honda dealer for a set of new tires to ensure your safety on the road. 5 Signs Your Honda Could Use New Tires From Your Honda Dealer You Can See the Wear Indicator Bars The flat rubber bars that run perpendicular to the direction of the tread on your tires are called wear indicator bars. When your tires are new, you will barely notice the bars, but the wear indicators become more visible as the tires wear down. If you can see the wear indicator bars, the tread is worn, and the tire must be replaced. The Tread on Your Tires Is Worn When your tires lose the ability to grip the road properly, your safety is at stake. The tread on your tires gives you the traction you need to accelerate, corner, and brake safely. Inspect all four tires thoroughly and use a tire tread depth gauge if you have one handy to measure the grooves.   If the tread depth is lower than 2.32 inches, it's best to replace your tires. You can also stick a penny with Lincoln's head into the grooves. If you can see his head, the grooves are too shallow, and the tires need replacing. more The Tires Are Wearing Down Unevenly Your car's tires don't wear down at the same rate. The front and rear tires wear down differently because of their functions. If you see that the tread on one side of a tire is worn while another section looks fine, it could be caused by misalignment or incorrect inflation. If you regularly get tire rotations, it will also reduce uneven tread wear. If your tires are worn unevenly, ask your Honda technician to inspect the tires to determine if you need a new set. Your Tires Are Damaged Regularly check the sidewalls of your tires for damage. Your tires could start leaking if you see cuts and cracks caused by wear and age. You will see bulges when the outer surface of the tire weakens. Cuts, cracks, or bulges can cause a blowout, and it's best to replace the tire as soon as you notice any damage. Your Tires Are Old Most tire manufacturers recommend getting a new set of tires after six to ten years, even if the tread is still good, to ensure road safety. Over time structural changes occur in the tire's rubber due to extreme temperatures, road conditions, and ultraviolet rays that will affect your car's handling and braking performance. You can check the replacement specifications of the brand of tires on your vehicle or ask your Honda technician for assistance.   Make a habit of checking your tires. If the tread is worn, or you see cuts, cracks, or bulges, it's best to replace the tires as soon as possible. Stop at DARCARS Honda today for a thorough tire inspection, top-quality tire brands, and expert tire installations.

Man Driving Car | Bowie, MD

4 Bad Driving Habits to Avoid if You Live in Maryland

When you’re familiar with the local roadways, it can be easy to slip into bad driving habits. However, for the safety of you, your passengers, your vehicle, and others on the road, you need to avoid making bad decisions while driving. Unfortunately, it can sometimes be hard to identify driving habits that may put you in danger in Bowie, MD. 1.    Parking Illegally You may see people parking illegally and not get parking tickets. You may think parking too close to someone's driveway is okay because you won't be parked for long. You may think you can park close to a fire hydrant or intersection for just a few minutes. However, you must always follow local laws when you park. These laws are in place to keep your vehicle safe.   For instance, if you park too close to a driveway, your vehicle could be struck by someone backing out of their driveway. If you park too close to a fire hydrant, firefighters will break your vehicle's windows to access the hydrant if there is a structure fire. more 2.    Driving Distracted It is also important that you do not drive distracted regardless of how familiar you are with the local roads. For example, it may be easy to daydream about dinner on your way home from work because you've taken the same roads for months or years. However, a motor vehicle collision can occur if you don't pay attention to the road in front of you. Similarly, you should avoid: Eating Texting Changing your music If you change your music often while driving, you could benefit from a vehicle that allows you to pick songs with voice commands. 3.    Tailgating You may be in a hurry to get where you are going, but you should not tailgate. You may be confident in your reaction time if the vehicle in front suddenly hits the brakes. However, tailgating is illegal, and tailgating often leads to motor vehicle collisions. If you want to go faster than you are currently going, make sure changing lanes is safe, and then get around the vehicle slowing you down. 4.    Stopping Suddenly It is easy to find yourself stopping suddenly, but this puts significant undue wear on your brake pads. Pay close attention to the road ahead, anticipating when you may need to stop or slow down significantly. Similarly, don't ride your brakes.   The more familiar you are with roadways, the more likely it is that you’ll slip into poor driving habits. However, if you are aware of the most common poor driving habits, like parking illegally and driving while distracted, you can ensure that you do not engage in them. This will help to keep you, your vehicle, and your passengers safe. If you're in the market for a more technologically advanced car, contact us today at DARCARS Honda on Crain Highway.

Woman view papers in car | Bowie, MD

What Is Your Maryland Car Title, and Why Is It Important?

Residents of Bowie, MD, who own a vehicle need to have a certificate of title that proves their ownership. This document provides a lot of information about the Honda and its owner. Without the car title, you can't register or sell your vehicle. Today, we'll have a closer look at the title, why it is important, and how you can obtain yours. What Is a Car Title? When you buy a car in the United States, you have to make sure you get a title with it because this proves that you are the vehicle owner. If you purchase a car without a title, you won't be able to register it or sell it to someone else. The title contains vital information, including technical details about the car, your name and address, the vehicle identification number, and the license plate number.   If your car has a lien against it because you bought it on finance, the name of the lien holder is also on the title. This helps ensure that the debt is paid before you sell your car to another person. It's also important to note that your title can tell you something about the car's condition. If it's clear, the vehicle is in good shape, but if it's salvage, the Honda is wrecked. Once the car has been fixed, the status will change to reconstructed or rebuilt. more How Can You Get a Title in Bowie, MD? When you buy a new or used vehicle at your DARCARS dealership, you don't have to worry about getting a title because we do all the hard work for you. On the day you drive off with your new Honda, we will hand you your license plate and bill of sale. Later on, your title will be sent to you by mail. However, if you buy from a private party, you must complete an application form and visit the MVA to get your title. What If I No Longer Have My Title? As you can tell, the title is a critical document. So, what happens if you want to sell your vehicle but notice that you no longer have the certificate of title? Fortunately, people who lose their title or get it stolen can get a replacement from the MVA.   Since much of your information is stored electronically, getting a duplicate shouldn't be an issue. Before reaching out to the MVA, you should ensure you have all the information you need to fill out the application form. This includes your car's VIN, make, model, license plate number, and year. You should also provide information about your car loan if you haven't fully paid off the Honda.   The title of your vehicle is essential because it proves that you are the owner and provides vital information about the car. Although the application process is somewhat complex, most people never worry about it because the dealership can handle the paperwork. Contact us at DARCARS Honda to learn more about our new range of cars.

Honda Headlights | Bowie, MD

How to Tell When Your Honda Needs New Headlights

Driving with faulty headlights can be risky, but how will you know when you need new headlights? With the new 2022 Honda CR-V's auto on/off LED headlights, you can drive confidently, knowing your headlights are built to last. However, there are some warning signs that you should look out for. If you notice any problems with your headlights, you shouldn't wait. Your Honda dealer makes it easy to get your headlights replaced when it is time for a change. Why You Shouldn't Wait The last thing you want to do is wait until you are out on the road in the dark and have your headlights go out. Not only does this impact your view of the road and your ability to drive safely, but it also prevents other drivers from seeing you. Driving in bad weather will also be extremely dangerous should your headlights suddenly go out.   Not only this, but driving without functioning headlights can put you at risk of getting a ticket, which is even costlier and more inconvenient than simply managing the issue before it becomes a problem. Don't put yourself at risk of potential legal issues. If you notice any headlight problems, you shouldn't wait to address the issue. more Signs That It May Be Time For New Headlights If your headlights are dim or flickering, it might be time to replace them. You may also notice that they work only at certain times, not at all, and your headlights may even be visibly damaged. All of these issues need to be addressed. Sometimes issues with your headlights can indicate even bigger problems with your vehicle, so it is important to have your car serviced to ensure there is no other reason to be concerned. How Your Local Honda Dealer Can Help If you are experiencing any of these issues, there is no need to be stressed. At DARCARS Honda in Bowie, we will work hard to address any service issues you have so that you don't have to be burdened with anxiety. We understand that our customers are busy. We offer online appointment scheduling, and we try to make things as convenient as possible to work around your schedule.     When you visit our service center, we provide highly-trained technicians and genuine Honda parts, so you know you are getting service that you can trust. Getting your headlights replaced is painless when you choose us as your service center. We also provide our customers with online service records, and when you buy a new vehicle through us, you can benefit from the security of our 24-hour emergency roadside assistance.   We hope that you can use this information to stay safe on the road. If you are looking for a safe and reliable vehicle or quality service, we would be happy to help. Contact us today at DARCARS Honda, and we can help you with any of your automotive needs. We look forward to assisting you!

Man changing tires | Bowie, MD

5 Signs Your Honda Could Use New Tires

The tires on your Honda Passport, Pilot, or Ridgeline must be in excellent condition to ensure proper handling and control. The signs below will warn you when it's time to visit your Honda dealer for a set of new tires to ensure your safety on the road. 5 Signs Your Honda Could Use New Tires from Your Honda Dealer 1.    You Can See the Wear Indicator Bars The flat rubber bars that run perpendicular to the direction of the tread on your tires are called wear indicator bars. When your tires are new, you will barely notice the bars, but the wear indicators become more visible as the tires wear down. If you can see the wear indicator bars, the tread is worn, and the tire must be replaced. 2.    The Treads on Your Tires Are Worn When your tires lose the ability to grip the road properly, your safety is at stake. The treads on your tires give you the traction you need to accelerate, corner, and brake safely. Inspect all four tires thoroughly and use a tire tread depth gauge if you have one handy to measure the grooves. more If the tread depth is lower than 2.32 inches, it's best to replace your tires. You can also stick a penny with Lincoln's head headfirst into the grooves. If you can see his head, the grooves are too shallow, and the tires need replacing. 3.    The Tires Are Wearing Down Unevenly Your car's tires don't wear down at the same rate. The front and rear tires wear down differently because of their functions. If you see that the tread on one side of a tire is worn while another section looks fine, it could be caused by misalignment or incorrect inflation. If you regularly get tire rotations, it will also reduce uneven tread wear. If your tires are worn unevenly, ask your Honda technician to inspect the tires to determine if you need a new set. 4.    Your Tires Are Damaged Regularly check the sidewalls of your tires for damage. Your tires could start leaking if you see cuts and cracks caused by wear and age. You will see bulges when the outer surface of the tire weakens. Cuts, cracks, or bulges can cause a blowout, and it's best to replace the tire as soon as you notice any damage. 5.    Your Tires Are Old Most tire manufacturers recommend getting a new set of tires after six to ten years, even if the tread is still good, to ensure road safety. Over time structural changes occur in the tire's rubber due to extreme temperatures, road conditions, and ultraviolet rays that will affect your car's handling and braking performance. You can check the replacement specifications of the brand of tires on your vehicle or ask your Honda technician for assistance.   Make a habit of checking your tires. If the treads are worn, or you see cuts, cracks, or bulges, it's best to replace the tires as soon as possible. Stop at DARCARS Honda for a thorough tire inspection, top-quality tire brands, and expert tire installations. Also, check out our tire specials and take advantage of our offers.

Man in black long sleeve driving | Bowie, MD

Maryland Car Safety: What to Do If Another Driver Is Driving Too Slow

Did you know that slow driving is almost as dangerous as speeding? Every year, countless accidents are caused by hesitant, slow drivers who confuse and mislead other road users. If someone is driving too slow in Bowie, MD, you should remain calm and composed, then overtake at the next opportunity. Later on, you can decide whether any further action is required. Read on to find out more about road safety. What Should You Do If Another Driver Is Driving Too Slow in Bowie, MD? Being stuck behind someone driving extremely slowly can be frustrating, especially if you've got someplace to be or you're already running late. But even if you feel stressed, you should avoid any unsafe maneuvers that could put you or others at risk. Remain Calm and Composed The most important thing is to keep your cool. The prospect of arriving late at your destination can be stressful, but don't let that affect your behavior. Take a deep breath, relax your body, and then focus on what you can control: staying safe on the road. There might be a reason why the other driver is so slow. They could be brand-new to driving, elderly, or struggling with an issue with their car.   To avoid an accident, you should stay away from them and give them the space they need. Avoid trying to overtake in an unsafe location because this could put you, your passengers, and other road users at risk. Instead, remember that unless the person is going so slowly, they are causing a hazard or are driving slowly because they are incapacitated or carrying an unsecured load, they are not breaking any laws. There is no requirement for a driver to go the speed limit: limits are the top speed allowed, not the required minimum speed. more Overtake at the Next Opportunity If you're driving on a small country road, it's possible that you won't be able to overtake safely for several miles. But this isn't usually the case in the city or the suburbs. In most areas, you won't be stuck behind a slow driver for long, and there will be a suitable opportunity to overtake within a few minutes. Keep a lookout for wider roads, then indicate and carefully overtake as soon as you can. Think About Future Strategies Once the situation has passed, you can reflect on what happened and determine whether you should take further action. If the issue was a one-off, you could dismiss it. However, if you regularly run into problems with the same driver or you suspect the slow driving was due to a problem, you might want to report them to the local authorities.   You should also consider whether you were partly at fault. Was the other driver slow, or were you speeding because you were late for work? If you were stressed out because you were running late, it might be time to change your habits and leave your house earlier.   When someone drives too slowly, it can drive you crazy. But it's important to stay calm and take a deep breath. Because a slow driver might be inexperienced or their car might be compromised, it's best to stay out of their way. Contact us at DARCARS Honda to learn more about safe driving tips and to look at our reliable new and used vehicles.

Car driving in one way street | Bowie, MD

3 Tips for Managing One-Way Streets in Maryland Cities

Driving on one-way streets can be a different experience for many drivers who aren't familiar with them. The rules are slightly different when you drive on a one-way street. We'd like to give you some tips to help you feel more comfortable driving on these streets in Bowie, MD. 3 Tips for Driving on One-Way Streets in Bowie, MD Watch for Oncoming Traffic When you're driving on a one-way, it can be tempting to relax more. After all, you don't have to worry about traffic coming toward you. It's important to remember that not every driver is familiar with this type of street or our street layout. A new driver or a visitor from out of town can make a wrong turn, and you could be faced with a car coming toward you.   If this happens, it's essential to try and get the other drivers' attention. They may not have realized that they're driving the wrong way. Use your horn to get their attention, but also be prepared if you need to pull over to allow them to pass you. When they realize their error, many drivers will try to stop and turn around to drive in the correct direction. more Choose Your Lane Carefully Even though the traffic can only go one way, you still need to be aware and choose your lane. If there are multiple lanes, the center lane is usually the safest with the fewest hazards. You'll reach an intersection at some point on the street, and you'll need to ensure that you're in the correct lane for the direction you want to go. You may need to go to the right or left into another one-way street.   If you're turning left into a one-way street, make sure you're in the left lane. Use your turn signal to show you're turning. Once you're sure it's safe to do so, turn to the left and continue your travels. If you're going to turn right, be sure you're in the far right lane and use your turn signals. Turn to the right as soon as you see it's safe to do so. Watch for Street Signs A one-way road sign has a white arrow on black with the word "One Way" on it. This sign will always point in the direction of travel on that street. The speed limit may also be different from the street you've turned in from, so make sure you're not exceeding the new limit. You will also see a sign before you come to a junction that shows the directions you can go and the lanes to use.   If you want to turn into a side street when driving on a one-way, check for the sign showing which direction you can turn. Some side streets will also be one-way only, and you don't want to drive the wrong way down a one-way street.   We're sure these tips will help you understand the one-way system easier. DARCARS Honda invites you to come in and see our incredible selection of new and used vehicles.

2022-Honda-CR-V | Bowie, MD

3 Keys to Getting a Quality Collision Repair for Your Honda

Even the best drivers can be involved in a collision. If your Honda has been damaged during a car crash, you should get it repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage. At your local Honda dealer, all the technicians have been trained to work with this brand specifically, so they'll identify and fix any issues quickly. Let's look at how you can get excellent collision repair and what you should expect from your mechanics. 1.    Book an Appointment with the Honda Dealer The brand-name dealership is the best place because our mechanics are highly skilled and experienced. You should call and book a repair to get started, then bring your Honda to the technicians at the appointed time. The mechanics will examine the inside and outside of the car and make a detailed note of any problems.     They will then get back to you with their results and recommend a course of action. You can also ask them about the estimated price of the repairs. A good mechanic can always give an accurate estimate, although the price of parts can fluctuate slightly. more 2.    Get a Record of the Damage To ensure the quality of our repairs, we always take before and after photos. Our customers can see what we have done with the car and which elements we have worked on. This is also very helpful when working with insurance companies.     If you're making an insurance claim, you'll have to prove that your car was damaged in a collision. In some cases, an assessor is asked to examine your vehicle before gaining access to your insurance funds. We will always wait until you've sorted out your insurance and confirmed that you're happy for us to carry out the repairs. 3.    Review the Repairs at the End Once you've negotiated with our mechanics and your insurance provider, we will fix your car and replace any damaged parts with original equipment manufacturer components. If the repair is minor, you might be able to wait at the dealership, but you will have to leave your Honda with us overnight if there is a lot of damage.   When you come back to collect the car, we will go through the repairs with you, so you can double-check that we've done everything you've asked for. Because we always use genuine parts, your vehicle will look and drive as good as new. Moreover, all our repair services and spare parts come with a warranty, which means that you won't have to pay twice for the same service.   After a collision, you should book an appointment with us at the service center. We will examine your car closely to find out the problems, record the damage, and complete the necessary repairs. Every stage of the process is transparent, so you will know exactly what is happening to your car. Contact us at DARCARS Honda in Bowie, MD, to speak to an expert about Honda repairs.

2022-Honda-Accord | Bowie, MD

Does Your Honda Need a New Catalytic Converter?

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.

Contact Us

Fill out this form below and we'll contact you shortly
*Required Fields