Blog

Parking tickets can be bothersome. Even though we all wish that we didn't have to deal with the hassle, it's better to avoid getting a ticket altogether. Here are five ways that drivers in New Carrollton, MD can avoid getting a ticket. 1. Keep Change on Hand It is important to try and keep a supply of loose change on hand. This way if you find yourself at a meter that only accepts change, you will be prepared. Keep some kind of change holder in your vehicle, and when you get any change back from purchases, put the change in for later use. This way you will always have the change that you need to pay for parking. more 2. Use Mobile Pay if Possible Many modern meters let you pay by phone, and this can be an extremely convenient option. You won't have to use the change you have for situations that require it, and many times these meters will send you helpful reminders. If you are going to stay longer than you originally thought, you can always add more time without going back to your vehicle. This is a great way to ensure that you avoid a ticket. 3. Know the Rules and Follow Them You should understand the parking laws and follow them. Look out for any signs that may indicate that parking will cause a fine. Even if it is inconvenient, it isn't worth the risk of getting a ticket. While you are out, follow all the rules and ensure that you have picked an appropriate place to park your vehicle. This will save you money and ensure that you aren't stressing about getting a ticket. 4. Don't Risk It We've all been there. You are running late, and you just need to run in for a second. You won't be very long. Even though you think it will be fine, it's pretty awful to come out to find that you have a ticket. Remember, we almost always underestimate the time it will take to run in and out. Instead, give yourself plenty of time so that you can conduct your business without stress. 5. Keep Money on Your Mind Failing to avoid parking violation tickets can cost you more money and more time. It can seem very inconvenient, but simple steps now will save you much more in the long run. Ensure that you budget and prepare for parking each month, and you will thank yourself later. You may spend a little more right now, but it will cost you much less than a ticket. Need a New Car? Stop by Our New Carrollton, MD Car Dealership We hope that you can use these tips to avoid parking tickets. If you are looking for a quality vehicle, we would love to help you with that, too. Contact us today at DARCARS Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of New Carrollton, and we can help you with any of your automotive needs. We look forward to working with you soon and getting you behind the wheel of a new Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM, or Wagoneer. For more driving tips, check out ways to get better gas mileage in Maryland.

Do you have some vacation time coming, and you’re thinking about taking a road trip? A Maryland road trip could be the perfect addition to your travel plans. But before you hop in the car, there are a couple of steps you can take to make sure your trip is smooth and enjoyable for all involved. 1. Pack a Snack Bag Packing snacks, and maybe a small cooler with cold drinks, will keep you and your traveling buddies fueled and hydrated. Resist the temptation to load up on sugary snacks, particularly if young travelers are in the car. String cheese, nuts, protein bars, rice cakes, and even hard-boiled eggs for the cooler are all excellent options. more 2. Plan Breaks Depending on the length of your trip, you may want to plan one or more stops that allow you to stretch your legs and use the bathroom. There are also sites all over the state that offer the opportunity for a longer break. A picnic at one of the parks along the Chesapeake Bay or a stop at one of the historic sites around Baltimore will get you out of the car for a few hours and add enrichment to your trip. 3. Make Sure You Know Where You're Headed Many of today's vehicles come equipped with GPS, and most smartphones have that capability as well. But it's a good idea to have a map in the car. That way even if you lose Wi-Fi or your smartphone battery is getting low, you'll still be able to get where you're going. Paper maps also make for a fun geography lesson for kids. 4. Pick Out Some Tunes for Your Travel The perfect playlist will make your trip more fun, and it can also help keep you entertained. Make sure to involve every member of your traveling party as you plan your road trip music. 5. Prepare for Comfort There are a couple of steps that can be taken to ensure the comfort of everyone in the car. First, consider throwing a blanket and a hand-held fan in the cabin of the vehicle. These can be used by passengers who are overly cold or warm. And if you're the one behind the wheel, pay attention to your posture and how you're sitting. Try not to slouch, consider using a small pillow to support your lower back, and use cruise control, which allows your feet to rest squarely on the floor of the vehicle. 6. Develop a Strategy for Staying Alert If you're driving for an extended period of time, look for ways to stay fresh and alert. Keeping the windows cracked open for fresh air, chewing gum, singing along with your music, and conversing with your passengers are all ideal ways to stay focused and alert. Get Your Car Road Trip Ready at Our New Carrollton Service Department When it comes to road-tripping through our marvelous Mid-Atlantic state, the possibilities are almost endless. From the city to the shore to historic sites, there's plenty to explore. Stop by DARCARS Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of New Carrollton to get your vehicle in great shape for your next road trip. Arrange an appointment online today.

Your fuel economy can get affected by the way you drive. Rapidly accelerating from a full stop or driving at high speeds increases your vehicle's gas consumption, whereas maintaining a consistent speed and heeding posted speed limits can yield a more efficient drive that allows you to maximize each tank. In order to get better gas mileage and make fewer stops at gas stations around Maryland, take these tips into account. 1. Take Trip Planning Seriously Before heading out for your errands, road trip, or daily commute, plan the exact route you will take. Minimizing backtracking and unnecessary turnarounds will add up to both time and gas saved. Avoid peak traffic times and shop in stores or locations that take care of more than one of your errands at a time, such as choosing a shopping center with your bank branch attached, or a grocery store that also sells the pet items you need. more 2. Drive Carefully and Conservatively Avoid quick starts, hard braking, and rapid acceleration, all of which can lower your fuel economy on the highway by 15 to 30 percent. Engaging in these behaviors in stop-and-go traffic can decrease your fuel economy by 10 to 40 percent. So, when driving in heavy traffic, it's best to slowly follow the flow of traffic instead of speeding to close every gap that appears. 3. Avoid Idling Excessively Roughly one quarter to one half gallon of fuel per hour is consumed by your car engine while idling. A warm engine only takes about 10 seconds worth of fuel to restart, meaning that shutting off your engine when it's safe to do so is beneficial if you will be stopped for more than a minute. 4. Use Toll Road Passes Where applicable, take advantage of toll road passes. These express lanes save fuel by eliminating the need to slow down at toll booths as well as minimize the use of braking and accelerating since there are typically fewer cars and better-flowing traffic in these lanes. 5. Take Advantage of Cruise Control Driving at constant speeds saves gas. When possible, and safe to do so, utilize the cruise control feature in your vehicle. However, take care not to use cruise control on icy or slippery roads as the potential to lose control of your vehicle is greater in these particular road conditions. 6. Anticipate Road and Weather Conditions Paying attention to the traffic ahead and any fluctuating weather can help you anticipate what you will need your vehicle to do. If you notice many brake lights ahead, take your foot off of the accelerator to give your vehicle the chance to slow down on its own instead of braking hard at the last second. Keep Your Car Performance Great with Routine Service in New Carrollton When you begin applying these mileage-saving suggestions, you'll begin to notice how much money you're really saving, even when fuel prices fluctuate. Come by DARCARS Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of New Carrollton today and see what fuel-efficient vehicles we have available that can help you save even more. Also, remember to schedule routine service for your car to ensure that it stays operating at its best.