Driving in MD: How Often Should You Wax a Car?
It doesn’t just give your car that glossy, well-cared-for finish and protects against the pressures and contaminants that will degrade your paintwork over time. But when it comes to timing your use of wax, car maintenance advice varies. Read on for our guide to using it most effectively in Bowie, MD.
How Often Should You Wax a Car in Bowie, MD?
Best Intervals to Wax Car
You might not be able to tell when your car needs waxing by looking at it, so it’s a good idea to schedule waxes alongside your existing maintenance regime and pencil it in with routine checks such as oil changes and tire rotations. The minimum number of waxes your car should receive to protect it from the environment is two a year, so about once every six months.
However, your car will benefit most from four wax applications a year, about once every three months, to give it maximum protection and a year-round deep shine. If you usually keep it in a garage or under cover, it will need waxing less, and new cars need less wax than older ones. Read the rest of this entry »
A First Look at the New 2023 Honda Ridgeline
The 2023 Honda Ridgeline is a modern and versatile midsize pickup truck that boasts a well-crafted exterior, powerful performance, dependable infotainment, and driver-aid technology. To know more about this new truck, keep reading!
A First Look at the New 2023 Honda Ridgeline at DARCARS Honda
1. Exterior
Your all-new Ridgeline presents Sport, RTL, Black Edition, and RTL-E trim configurations. Its length, height, and overall width without mirrors measure 210.2, 70.8, and 78.6 inches, respectively. It also comes in multiple exterior hues for customers to choose from. Besides the basic colors like crystal black pearl, sonic gray metallic, and platinum white pearl, you also get other fun hues like obsidian blue pearl, pacific pewter metallic, and modern steel metallic.
2. Interior
The all-new Ridgeline is a crew cab pickup truck that seats five passengers. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, and even taller occupants have ample stretch-out space. Cloth upholstery and manually adjustable front seats are standard features. Interior comfort features include keyless ignition, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, three-zone climate control, air filtration, overhead console storage, and front seatback storage.
3. Powertrain
Under the hood, every Ridgeline features a 3.5-liter V-6 that pumps out 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. A 9-speed automatic is the default transmission mode, and all-wheel drive is the only drivetrain. Its fuel efficiency rate is 18 miles per gallon in the city and 24 miles per gallon on the highway.
The AWD mode has enough power to take the Ridgeline through deep snow and gravel roads. When adequately equipped, the refreshed Ridgeline can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
4. Infotainment and Connectivity
The newest Honda strives to keep you entertained and connected while on the road. Standard infotainment features include an 8-inch display system that connects with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7-speaker sound system, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Features offered as upgrades are navigation, wireless smartphone charging, in-bed speakers, SiriusXM satellite radio, an 8-speaker stereo, and HD radio.
5. Driver-Assist Features
Honda has generously equipped the new Ridgeline with modern driver-assistance features to ensure you know everything happening around your vehicle. They include a rearview camera, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and forward automated emergency brakes. The adaptive cruise control will adjust your vehicle’s speed to maintain a safe distance from the cars in front.
The forward collision warning warns drivers if they’re almost crashing into a slower-moving or stationary vehicle ahead. Available driver-help features are rear cross-traffic alert, auto high-beam headlights, and blind-spot monitoring.
The all-new Ridgeline is ready for all your challenging road trips. It accelerates smoothly and offers plenty of passing power on the highway. Also, it maintains its composure while maneuvering around turns. Stop by DARCARS Honda today, and we’ll help you choose the best Ridgeline trim to match your budget and lifestyle.
Are you thinking about buying a new car? Wondering whether you should opt for a hybrid or electric vehicle? If you live in Bowie, MD, there are many great reasons to purchase a hybrid or electric car. Here are just a handful of the benefits you can expect.
4 Reasons to Get a Hybrid or Electric Vehicle If You Live in Bowie, MD
1. Lower Fuel Costs
As gas prices increase throughout the country, it’s essential to find ways to save money when you can. One of the biggest benefits of purchasing either a hybrid or electric car is that you’ll likely save money on fuel costs.
While hybrid vehicles can initially be more expensive than gas-powered cars, they should more than make up for them throughout the vehicles’ lifetimes. Read the rest of this entry »
Does Your Honda Have Electrical Problems?
Electrical problems can strike at any time. This fact makes regular auto services important, as they can help to prevent these electrical issues. As your Honda dealer, we’re experts at diagnosing and repairing electrical issues. These are some problems you might encounter with your vehicle.
Electrical Problems? See Your Honda Dealer
Random Glitches
Electrical power can seem very strange at times. One of your car’s devices, for example, the radio, can suddenly fail for no reason. A little while later, it’ll work again as though nothing happened. If this behavior doesn’t repeat itself, it’s just one odd way that electricity can behave. You most likely have an electrical issue if you experience various seemingly random problems.
The main cause of repeated electrical issues is a worn alternator. The alternator is responsible for producing electricity for your engine. When the alternator gets older, it becomes weaker and can’t produce the level of power it once did. The lack of power will manifest itself in random electrical glitches as your car’s computer shifts the limited available power from component to component. Read the rest of this entry »
It’s easy to forget your car’s recommended maintenance, especially when you’re in a rush or have a long list of things to do. But if you don’t take care of your vehicle, it could cost you big time! Here are a few tips from your Honda dealer for staying on top of your car maintenance.
4 Car Maintenance Tips From Your Honda Dealer to Keep Your Honda in Great Shape
1. Oil Changes
Your engine has many moving parts, and regular oil changes are a big part of its overall maintenance. If the oil isn’t changed regularly, dirt and sludge can build up in the engine, which can lead to overheating and unnecessary wear and tear. Driving the car on dirty oil can cause damage to the motor and other parts of your vehicle. So don’t skip the oil change!
2. Check Your Tires
Check your tire pressure once every month or more frequently if you drive a lot. Your tires keep you safe while driving, and if they aren’t inflated properly, you’ll likely have problems with traction and handling. That’s not something any driver wants. Most vehicles have a sticker with recommended tire pressure printed on the inside of their door, or you can consult your owner’s manual or online. Read the rest of this entry »
Whether you’re on the receiving end of someone else’s bad mood or feel your own temperature rising at the behavior of others, at best, road rage is an unpleasant experience. At worst, it can lead to dangerous driving, aggression, and even accidents, so here are our tips to ensure you’re always the person in control on Bowie, MD roads.
5 Tips for Dealing With Road Rage Around Bowie, MD
1. Plan Your Journey 
You’re more likely to feel stressed behind the wheel if you’re running late, unsure of the route, or already upset about other things. Try to plan your drive with plenty of time so that you can take the journey at a leisurely pace and can take a few moments to get into the right mental space if needed.
2. Aim to Drive Strategically
When you know what’s coming, it’s easier to stay calm and react to challenges in good time, and you can avoid becoming flustered or getting into situations that upset you or other drivers. Keep your eyes on the road, observe obstacles and blockages that might be approaching, and watch out for erratic or unpredictable drivers. Read the rest of this entry »
It’s no secret that car safety features have come a long way in the past few years. Honda has always been a market leader in this area, and its latest models come packed with safety features designed to protect car occupants in the event of an accident. If you’re in the market for a new car, visit your nearest certified Honda dealer and take a test drive. You’ll be impressed by how much emphasis Honda places on safety.
4 Top-Notch Car Safety Features To Expect at Your Honda Dealer
1. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Adaptive Cruise Control is a standard safety feature that helps the driver by using different sensors to maintain a safe distance between you and the car in front. The feature uses signals from the vehicle ahead to automatically adjust your speed, so you don’t have to worry about having to suddenly brake to avoid colliding with the car in front of you. If you’re looking for a new vehicle, visit your local dealership, test drive a Honda with ACC, and experience this safety feature.
2. Forwarding Collision Mitigation System
The Forward Collision Mitigation System is a standard safety feature on today’s Honda models. This system uses radar technology to monitor the distance between your car and the vehicle in front of you. If the system detects a possible collision, it will automatically apply brake pressure to help prevent an accident. This feature is helpful in busy traffic situations and can make a big difference in preventing serious injuries. Ask your dealer about this feature on your next car purchase visit. Read the rest of this entry »
Driving in MD: How to Check Your Tire Pressure
Proper tire pressure is crucial to your vehicle’s performance and tires while driving in Bowie, MD, and beyond. Inflating your tires to the correct pressure will help your vehicle handle better, allow for better braking and acceleration, and help extend the tire’s life. Properly inflated tires also contribute to optimal fuel economy. Checking your tire pressure is important, but it doesn’t have to be difficult.
Tips From Your Bowie, MD Honda Dealer: How to Check Your Tire Pressure
How To Use a Standard or Digital Tire Pressure Gauge
To use a standard tire pressure gauge, remove the cap from the valve stem on the tire. Press the gauge firmly over the valve stem. When the gauge is on correctly, you should not hear air escaping (making a hissing sound). A small bar will pop out of the bottom of the gauge. Remove the gauge from the tire and read the measurement etched onto this bar.
A digital gauge is used in the same way as the standard gauge. However, the measurement will simply appear on a screen with this type of gauge. You can pick up either gauge at your local auto parts store and should always keep one on hand. Read the rest of this entry »
Are you in the process of getting your license and ready to hit the road? Check out these essential tips for student drivers in Bowie, MD!
6 Tips for Student Drivers Learning to Drive in Bowie, MD
1. Eyes on the Road
In a world where cell phones and digital devices dominate our daily lives, the one area they have no place is behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. As a driver, you must devote all of your attention to the road. Keep cell phones and tablets out of sight and refrain from checking in between stop lights. These instances also require your full attention even though your vehicle isn’t moving.
2. Don’t Skip Your Maintenance Appointments
A tuned-up vehicle performs better on the road, making all the difference in quick-thinking situations. Ensuring car parts such as your tires, steering belt, brakes, and transmission, among others, are in tip-top shape means you’ll have better control of your vehicle in the event of an emergency stop or quick lane change. It also prolongs your car’s lifespan, saving you money over time. Read the rest of this entry »
3 Reasons Your Car May Be Overheating
Your Honda’s engine generates heat, which is normal. Combustion, friction, and constantly moving parts in the engine increase the temperature. However, heat must be controlled, or our engine can suffer major damage. If your car is overheating, the cause has to be identified and repaired ASAP. As your Honda dealer, we’d like to tell you some of the reasons you have a car overheating.
Advice From Your Honda Dealer: 3 Reasons for a Car Overheating
1. Worn Radiator Cap
The radiator is the center of your car’s cooling system, where engine heat is exchanged for cooler outside air. The radiator cap is situated on top of the radiator and has two main purposes. The cap is designed to control the pressure in the cooling system and prevent coolant from leaking out. The cap is tightly secured and protected by two seals.
In time, the seals can wear, and coolant can leak. The coolant will quickly dry in the heat of the engine and leave behind tell-tale white streaks on the metal. The leaking coolant will, however, decrease the pressure in the cooling system and increase your engine’s temperature. As coolant drains from your engine, your engine will rapidly start to overheat. We’ll repair the damaged cap and seals to fix this problem. Read the rest of this entry »
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