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Did you know that 68% of cars have at least one thing wrong with them? It's essential to always ensure your car air filter is spick and span. After all, dirty and worn-out filters will trigger poor engine performance and diminished acceleration. That's the last thing you need. Although the rule of thumb is to replace the filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, here are 5 signs that a replacement is due now. 1.    Your Air Filter Looks Grimy and Dark A clean air filter should be off-white or pure white. With the accumulation of dirt and dust after a while, it'll become darker, at which point you'll need to switch it with a new one. At times, the inner layers will have grime that can be difficult to spot, though. Rope in a mechanic to check if that's the case. 2.    Your Car Seems to Have Less Power A clean air filter will usher in the optimum performance of your engine. It can elevate acceleration by up to 11% on newer car models. On older models, it can boost mileage by 14%. Other signs the filter is impacting the performance of your car is a jerking motion upon acceleration or failure to respond as well as it should. more 3.    Your Check Engine Light Goes On The light can go on for a boatload of reasons that could be a sign of a bigger problem or as minor as a loose gas cap. For instance, it might stem from insufficient airflow to the engine, causing carbon deposits to form and triggering the light on your dashboard. When you take your car to a mechanic, they can perform a quick scan to discover the root cause and inform you if it's an air filter problem. 4.    Your Car Emits Strange Noises With inadequate airflow, the engine may make sputtering and coughing noises or vibrate excessively when you flip it. That's a tell-tale sign that it's in desperate need of a new air filter. If you notice bizarre sounds, mainly when your car is idle, that's known as a 'rough idle.' 5.    A Burst of Flames or Smoke When You Start Your Car If you notice black smoke emanating from your exhaust pipe when you fire up the engine, it's a clear indication that a filter replacement is due. Additionally, you may notice a popping sound or a flame at the end of the pipe.   That occurs when there's inadequate air supply in the engine, which means the fuel doesn't entirely burn in the combustion cycle and makes its way through the exhaust. Concurrently, it ignites the fuel in the tailpipe, causing a flame. We recommend taking the car to your mechanic upon noticing this as it can be hazardous.   Replacing the air filter is part of an overall tune-up service that will usher in improved performance and mileage. Additionally, it's a foolproof way to resolve minor issues and prevent them from spiraling out of control. If you're looking to service your car and replace the filter or any other services that keep your vehicle safe and running smoothly at an affordable cost, visit us at DARCARS Used Car & Service Center of Frederick today.

The one-way streets in Frederick, MD, improve vehicle flow in one direction, mostly in areas where there is heavy traffic. Although one-way streets reduce congestion, many drivers are annoyed and find them nothing but a nuisance. Here are a few tips to help you with those one-way streets, so you can navigate them like a pro. 1.    Watch Out for the Signs A rectangular sign with a black background and a white arrow, or a white background and a black arrow, indicate that the road only allows traffic in one direction. You can only drive in the direction the arrow is pointing. These signs display the words "One Way" in big letters on the sign. The road signs are usually displayed at intersections or T-intersections to force traffic to move in the same direction. 2.    Know How To Identify a One-Way If you've missed seeing the one-way sign, a "Do Not Enter" sign will be displayed on the opposite side of the street. Another way to see if the street is one-way is by noticing the color of the lanes. One-way streets always have white lane markings. There are no yellow road markings on a one-way street. You can also check in what direction the cars are parked along the road. All the parked cars will be facing in the same direction. more 3.    Exit the Right Way While driving down a one-way, stay within the speed limit and keep your eyes peeled for signs indicating turns into another one-way or a two-way street. Turning Right If you are already in a one-way and want to turn right into another street that is also one-way, use the far right lane and indicate that you want to turn right. Sometimes you will see an arrow that allows vehicles to turn from another lane into a one-way. Check to see that the road ahead is clear and that no pedestrians cross the street before you turn right. Turning Left If you want to turn left into another one-way street, make sure that you are in the far-left lane, indicate, and turn left if the road ahead is clear. Always look out for pedestrians and other road users on your left before you turn. 4.    If You Enter Incorrectly, Don't Panic If you missed the sign and turned down a one-way facing the wrong direction, do not reverse. Pull over and turn your hazard lights on immediately. Wait for a safe gap and then turn your vehicle around, so it’s facing in the correct direction. Now you can merge with the traffic safely. 5.    If You Suddenly Face Oncoming Traffic, Alert the Driver If you see a vehicle heading the wrong way down a one-way, slow down, flash your lights, and honk to get the driver's attention. The best plan of action is to pull over and let the vehicle pass.   In downtown areas where traffic is a nightmare, one-way streets effectively increase traffic flow. All you need to do is stay alert, follow the road signs, and navigate your way safely through the traffic. Visit Darcars Used Car and Service Center of Frederick today to schedule a service appointment to ensure that your vehicle is always in excellent running condition. Or check out our collection of dependable and economical cars if it's time for an upgrade.

Chevrolet has a reputation for manufacturing high-quality, reliable vehicles. And when it comes to finding a quality used vehicle for sale, a used Chevy is where it's at. Let's go over some of the most popular Chevrolet models to purchase secondhand. 1.    The Chevy Tahoe This three-row SUV is one of Chevrolets bigger SUV models. The gasoline-powered engine version of the Chevy Tahoe has excellent fuel efficiency for its size. The electric-gas variant is one of the most economically sound cars on the market regarding fuel efficiency. It's a beauty, too, with a beefy, rugged exterior that has stayed consistently attractive throughout model changes. 2.    The Chevy Volt If you're after a hybrid vehicle, take a look at the Chevrolet Volt. Sleek and sporty, you can snag a 2011-2015 Volt for a steal, allowing you the convenience of a hybrid car at a lower price point. While the battery power has been increased in the newer version (the Bolt) a used Volt is still a financially savvy purchase. more 3.    The Chevy Camaro There's no way we could leave the Chevrolet Camaro off our list. The 2010 Camaro brings a solid 3.6-liter V6 base engine and handles like an absolute dream. We love the 2010 model as a secondhand purchase, as it was ahead of its time during its heyday and includes modern features such as power-reclining seats, keyless entry, and cruise control. 4.    The Chevy Cruze If you need a four-door sedan and your budget is tight, consider the Chevy Cruze. The Cruze isn't the flashiest of the Chevrolet sedans, but the 2014-current models have proven reliable and safe, two things that most people want in a vehicle. There aren't many frills, but the exterior aesthetic is clean and classy, and the interior has everything need for a comfortable ride. 5.    The Chevy Traverse The Traverse rolled into dealerships in 2009, born to replace the beloved Trailblazer. The first generation of the Traverse was considered a full-sized SUV, but in 2018 it was reclassified as a mid-sized SUV. The second-generation Traverse brought a luxurious trim addition and increased passenger leg-room in the second and third rows. Depending on how fancy you want to go will determine whether the first-generation or second-generation is your dream SUV. 6.    The Chevy Avalanche For those who can't decide whether an SUV or a truck would suit their lifestyle best, the Avalanche rolls to the rescue! Blending all the practical aspects of an SUV with a short bed pickup, you are prepared for anything when you drive an Avalanche. As they were only manufactured from 2001 to 2013, you can purchase one for a reasonable price today.   You don't have to go beyond your budget with all the available options of used Chevrolet vehicles on the market. Stop by DARCARS Used Car & Service Center of Frederick, and let's chat about what you need from your next vehicle. Our knowledgeable staff can't wait to help you find the perfect ride at your ideal price.

There are plenty of spots to pick up a pizza in Frederick, MD, and just about everyone has a favorite. It was tough to choose, but we put together our list of the local joints in the area serving up the best pizza. Have a look below and let us know if we forgot one of your local favorites. 1.     Belisario's Pizza A locally-owned joint serving the area since 2000, Belisario's has some delicious grub. One exciting menu item here is their pizza bagels. They can prepare any of your favorite pies on a bagel for a smaller meal for one. As far as specialty pizzas go, give their chicken bacon ranch pie a try; it won't let you down. And if you've got a sweet tooth, take home an order of their fried dough balls with cinnamon sugar. 2.     Il Forno Pizzeria Voted the best pizzeria by Frederick Magazine and The Frederick Post, Il Forno is a local favorite. Their pizza is baked to perfection in a wood-burning oven imported right from Italy. And what makes a better pairing with pizza than a plate of wings? They've got almost a dozen flavors for you to taste, so you'll be coming back to try them all. For our vote, there's no beating the tangy kick of the Caribbean Jerk wings. more 3.     Pistarro's You know you were getting an authentic taste when the oven at Pistarro's was hand-crafted over in Naples, Italy, before being shipped over to fire up your pies. They've got an interesting selection of specialty pizzas. If you like a Hawaiian-style pie, you'll love Pistarro's take on the classic with their Ananas pizza. It comes with tomato sauce, pineapple, pork belly, jalapeno, and mozzarella. 4.     Pasquale's Pizza and Restorante This family-friendly eatery serves up food in the New Market Commons Shopping Center. They've got a delectable selection of starting dishes, from breaded mushrooms to spicy buffalo wings. Pasquale's cooks up a delicious New York-style pizza with an authentic taste. If you're looking for something different, try getting your favorite toppings in a stuffed pizza instead. Or give one of Pasquale's tasty subs a try. We sure weren't disappointed by the chicken cheesesteak. 5.     Pretzel and Pizza Creations One of the best things about pizza is that it goes with just about anything. Here's a combo we hadn't tried before, but we loved: pizza and fresh, soft-baked pretzels! You've probably never had a pretzel calzone before if you haven't been to Pretzel and Pizza Creations. Do yourself a favor and stop by to try one. The crunchy pretzel shell filled with sauce, cheese, and all your favorite toppings is a taste like no other.   Now you know where to go to get a tasty pie without having to go far from home. And for where to go to browse a great selection of used vehicles or schedule an appointment with a top-notch service team, check us out at DARCARS Used Car & Service Center of Frederick!

If you're in Frederick, MD, looking for a used car, one of your most essential concerns is probably reliability. You don't want to buy a car only to have it fail right away or need immediate repairs. The six vehicles listed here are among the most reliable used vehicles since 2010, so with one of these, you can rest easy knowing they'll be dependable daily drivers. Toyota 4Runner This truck-SUV hybrid is the number-one most reliable car made since 2010. It has received the highest ratings for reliability for 13 years in a row, which is a feat unmatched by any other make and model. It has not undergone a design change since 2010, so you can be sure that any model from 2010 to 2019 will treat you right. Even high mileage vehicles will still have a lot of life left in them. Toyota Prius Coming in with just a slightly lower high-reliability rating than the 4Runner, the Prius is an amazingly dependable car. You no longer have to worry about how long its hybrid battery will last, as this issue was solved well before 2010. With superior gas mileage, decent cabin room, and excellent reliability ratings, you can't go wrong with any model between 2010 and 2019 of this eco-friendly vehicle. more Toyota Camry Toyota has clearly focused on reliability in its vehicle designs over the last decade, as it takes another spot as a top reliable used car. This one is probably not a surprise as the Camry has dominated the midsize sedan market since 1993. While its 2018 model left some people wondering if the Camry had lost its reliable touch, any other model year between 2010 and 2019 will be a great choice if you're looking for a slightly larger vehicle. Lexus ES The first non-Toyota entry on this list is the elegant Lexus ES, which has earned top reliability ratings for its engine, electrical system, transmission, and fuel system for over 11 years running. You won't be shocked to learn that this car is modeled after the Toyota Camry, which could explain its superior durability, but if you're looking for a luxury midsize used car, this make and model wins hands down. Toyota RAV4 It didn't take long for another Toyota to appear on the list. The RAV4 has been the top compact SUV crossover in terms of reliability over the last decade. Even though it underwent a design change in 2013 and 2016, owners of this vehicle have been delighted with its dependability. You might pay more for this model, though, as small SUVs are in high demand in many parts of the country, and a reliable one, even more so. Lexus IS The second luxury vehicle on this list is the Lexus IS, a slightly bigger model than the ES before it. Only the 2014 model should be avoided from the last decade, as owners reported infotainment issues from that model year. Still, you won't find any significant problems in the past 10 years regarding the actual vehicle.   Toyota and Lexus models dominate the top 10 reliable cars over the past decade. The first six on the list are clear winners if you're looking for a vehicle that won't let you down. Contact DARCARS Used Car & Service Center of Frederick to get our inventory and schedule a test drive.

Starting your day off with a good meal can make a difference in how the rest of your day will be. Everything on our list of best breakfast places will give you the energy you need for the rest of the day by serving you some tasty food. You can find them all in the Frederick, MD, area, so stop in to get your morning started the right way. Any of them make the perfect addition to your morning routine. 1.    Beans and Bagels For us, it's hard to beat a good bagel when it comes to the first meal of the day. Beans and Bagels do bagels right, and you won't find many better-tasting bites no matter where you look. They've got a wide variety of toppings and flavors for their bagels, but if you can't decide on just one, go for an everything bagel smeared with cream cheese. The mix of tastes blends together beautifully. 2.    Glory Doughnuts Maybe you want something a little sweeter to kickstart your morning? Try a doughnut from Glory Doughnuts! Baked fresh daily. You'll love the crispy outer shell surrounding a doughy delight inside. They've also got plenty of more savory breakfast offerings, from huevos rancheros to the tofu fried egg sandwich. The entire menu at Glory Doughnuts features plant-based food, making it the perfect breakfast destination for anyone with a vegetarian or vegan diet. more 3.    Café Nola This local favorite serves up excellent breakfast fare prepared from organic ingredients. They've got all the breakfast staples available, but our recommendation has to go to the French toast. Café Nola doesn't give away its secret recipe, but whatever they prepare the French toast with gives it a sweet taste you won't forget. For something with a savory flavor, go for the lox benedict, served with a helping of crispy breakfast potatoes. 4.    Frederick Coffee Co. and Café Open seven days a week; this cozy café can be a stop every day in your morning schedule. They've got lots of fun breakfast snacks like the Oinkin' Rooster Bagel, scrambled eggs and sausage with swiss cheese and honey mustard served on an everything bagel. Of course, the coffee gives this place its name, and it doesn't disappoint. Each of their selection of roasts gives you full and hearty flavors with each sip. 5.    Hootch & Banter Serving the area since 2015, Hootch & Banter has established itself in the local community with its outstanding service and scrumptious food. Stop in for the Montreal Breakfast, with breakfast fries, corned beef, gruyere cheese, cheddar curds, gravy, and a pair of eggs served sunny-side up. The French toast also puts a unique twist on the breakfast classic stuffed with strawberry cream.   Each of the picks above serves up meals that will give you the energy you need to get through whatever's on your agenda. Now get out there and seize the day! If there are any automotive needs on your to-do list, stop in and see us. Our friendly team is ready to help with whatever you need to take care of. Visit DARCARS Used Car & Service Center of Frederick today!

You can never go wrong choosing a Toyota for a used car, but if you're looking for one on the newer side, any of our 2020 Toyota cars, trucks, or SUVs would be almost like getting a brand new car. Try one of these 2020 models for your next used car purchase. 1.     2020 Camry TRD This top mid-size sedan is among the 10 best-selling vehicles in the United States. The TRD model is a much sleeker version of previous Camry models, which means this is no longer a boring commuter option. You're looking at a car that appears to be more race cars and less mom-mobile, which is appealing to younger commuters. The performance isn't bad either, with its sporty 3.5L V-6 engine. 2.     2020 Avalon If you need a larger sedan that offers both comfort and style, the 2020 Avalon is the vehicle for you. Additionally, the standard safety features packed onto this Toyota are awe-inspiring, including a forward-collision warning system, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and active lane control, among others. The engine is the same one as in the Camry TRD, so you're not gaining any power, but the comfort upgrades are definitely worth the extra cost. more 3.     2020 Highlander Even though the Highlander is considered a mid-size SUV, it has enough room to carry eight passengers (including the driver), bordering what the larger SUVs can hold. The exterior underwent a makeover in 2020, making the Highlander much more stylish than in previous years. For a little more cash, you can upgrade to a hybrid model, which will allow you to get better gas mileage both in the city and on the highway. 4.     2020 Tacoma Toyota's mid-size truck offering received a redesign in 2020, giving drivers power seats, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an eight-inch touchscreen display, a new grill, upgraded wheels, and remodeled taillights and headlights. An upgraded version offers a Panoramic View Monitor to go along with a rearview camera. The engine remains the same, but the 3.5L V-6 engine provides more than enough power to tow and haul whatever you need. 5.     2020 RAV4 Toyota's RAV4 is the best-selling compact crossover SUV in the United States and has outsold all other vehicles except for full-size trucks since 2018. Its popularity clearly shows it's one of the best used vehicles you can buy. It's rugged-looking and comes with standard safety gear such as adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and automatic emergency braking. Available both in gas and hybrid models, this is an excellent option for most families. 6.     2020 Corolla This is the best-selling car in history, so you knew it was going to make the list of best 2020 models to buy used. Its reliability and durability are unrivaled in its compact car class, and now with all the standard safety features, this car is no longer just a vehicle for commuters. Its sportier design makes it an excellent option for anyone who wants a smaller car at a fantastic price. A hybrid model is also available.   Toyota has a reputation of making vehicles that last forever, so if you purchase a 2020 model, you're going to have a reliable car for a long, long time. Check out our inventory at DARCARS Used Car & Service Center of Frederick, and let's get you started on the car buying process. Our finance managers are ready to find the right auto financing plan for you.