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When a family member gives you a car, the car title and ownership must legally pass from the family member to you. New Carrollton, MD, is under the jurisdiction of the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), which has a procedure for this when gifting a car to a family member. Here are some tips so that you can get familiar with this procedure. 2 Steps to Gifting a Car to a Family Member in New Carrollton, MD Obtain the Car Title Transfer The car title is an essential document for a car, as it shows who the owner of the car is. When you want to gift a car to a family member, this involves the transfer of the title and possibly the license plates to another family member. Who Is a Family Member? The MVA defines a family member as: more Grandparents Grandchildren Parents, including step-parents Children Siblings Spouses In-laws Aunts and Uncles (only to donate to a niece or nephew, not vice versa) Transfer the Car Title Complete the Assignment of Ownership Section This section can be found on the back of your car's title deed. It needs to be completed for the MVA to transfer ownership of the vehicle from one person to another. The person gifting the vehicle must sign and date the seller section of the form and mark the purchase price as a "gift". The recipient must sign and date the buyer section of the form. The odometer section must be filled in, or you need to complete a separate Odometer Disclosure Statement. Complete a Gifting Certificate Both the giver and the receiver must complete an Application for Maryland Gift Certification (VR-103). This serves to confirm that the intention is to gift the car and that no money is being transferred. Visit the MVA The giver and the receiver should take the completed forms, and proof of their identification and residence to the local office of the MVA. The receiver will also have to take additional documents. These documents are: Proof of insurance for the vehicle A Certificate of Inspection of the vehicle to show it road-worthy A Vehicle's Emission Inspection Program (VEIP) Smog Test Certificate The change of title fee of $100 If all of the documentation is complete, the MVA will confirm the transfer of title from the giver to the receiver. The receiver will become the new owner of the title and can register the vehicle immediately. License Plate Transfer Most gift transfers of a vehicle between family members require that the new owner obtains new licenses plates. The old plates need to be surrendered to the MVA. Need to Service Your Car in New Carrollton? Call us Today! Once the title transfer process is complete, you're the new owner of a car. Call us at DARCARS Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of New Carrollton. We can take care of all your servicing and accessory needs. We can also help when you want to trade in your gifted car for a brand-new vehicle. We carry a variety of new cars, trucks, SUVs, and more.

If you are looking to take your driver's license test in Maryland, it's important to be prepared. Exams can be scary. However, your driver's test doesn't have to be. You can prepare several ways, from online virtual practice to learning your test's requirements. 1. Test Requirements It is essential that you know what you should be studying. Before you begin, learn the requirements for your knowledge test. The written exam typically consists of 25 questions that you need to answer in 20 minutes. Unfortunately, you will not be able to keep your smartphone or other devices with you. They will need to get put away before the test. more To pass the written exam, you will need to have answered at least 88% of the questions correctly. This means that you need to answer 22 of the 25 test questions accurately. If you don't pass on your first attempt, don't stress. You can retake the exam the following day. However, if you fail a second attempt, you will have to wait seven calendar days before scheduling a third retest. 2. Study Guides If you are looking for a study guide, the best material you can use is your state's Driver's Manual. There will be questions on your exam that will ask you what different common highway signs are and what they mean. Other questions will be about safe driving and essential traffic laws in your state. While this may seem like a lot, you can easily access this information in your state driver's manual. This manual can be easily accessed via the internet, where you can look over the Maryland Driver’s Manual so that you can be prepared. Print, read, and study this manual before you schedule your test. Use a highlighter to mark important information and things you need to learn more about. Don't be afraid to take notes. 3. Online Practice There are many helpful websites that you can use online. The MVA website is fantastic and has free online tutorials so that you can practice before you schedule your exam. These tutorials give you topics that will appear on your written test and are a fantastic place to practice. You can use an untimed tutorial to practice or utilize the timed tutorial. The timed practice will help you answer all the questions within the allotted time before you take your test. 4. Study Studying can be tedious and difficult; however, studying with friends can be fun. If you have friends studying for their driver's test, ask them if they would like to learn together. This way, you can create games, quiz each other, discuss questions, and other study methods to help you all pass. Ready to Buy a New Car in Maryland? Visit Our New Carrollton Car Dealership Getting your driver's license is an exciting time in your life. If you or your family are looking for a reliable vehicle to practice and enjoy once you have your license come visit DARCARS Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of New Carrollton today. We can help you pick out a new car, truck, or SUV right for you!

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.

So, you have recently moved to Maryland and are wondering how to go about registering your car. The Maryland car registration process is quite similar to those of most other states. All you have to do is gather all the relevant documents and visit the Maryland Vehicle Administration. Find out some car registration tips below! Register Your Vehicle as a New Maryland Resident If you have just moved to Maryland with your car, you have 60 days to register it under MVA. Delaying your registration interferes with your eligibility for tax credits. The registration process is pretty straightforward. All you have to do is submit your previous car ownership title alongside other relevant documentation. more Register an Out-of-State Vehicle in Maryland Maryland also requires most non-residents with vehicles here for over 60 days to get registered. In this case, the MVA will issue you a non-resident permit. From being a student at an accredited school to a temporary employee working in Maryland, there are many ways to be eligible for this permit. Find out if you will qualify! Re-Register a Salvaged Vehicle in Maryland You can still re-register your car if it survives an accident or even flood damages. As long as it is okay with your insurance company, the repaired car will often be marked as a salvaged vehicle. For salvaged vehicles, the registration process will require you to have a certificate of salvage. The MVA will not register your car unless it undergoes a satisfactory inspection to establish its state. You can get a salvaged vehicle inspection at any authorized car dealer in Maryland. Transfer a Vehicle Between Family Members When transferring your vehicle's ownership to your family member, you will not have to pay any excise tax. However, you may need to prepare the necessary titling funds. All you may need is your signed-over title, insurance papers, a filled-out application for Maryland Gift Certification, and a titling fee. Note that you can register the car afresh to the new owner as soon as you hand in the documents relinquishing your ownership. In this case, you may then follow the proper registration steps by paying the registration and license fees. Although the entire registration process may seem daunting at first, it may shock you to find out how easy it is. If you find it hard to visit the Maryland Vehicle Administration offices physically, you can send in your application through the mail. And if you need any inspection certificates for your car registration, be sure to visit DARCARS Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of New Carrollton. They have all your automotive solutions under one roof! Find Your Car in Maryland at Our Dealership If you are new to Maryland and are looking for a new car for sale in the New Carrollton area, we have what you need! Our inventory is full of the latest Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM and Wagoneer models, that we would be happy to help you explore. You can also visit us for all your service needs for routine maintenance or when you need to get your car ready for a road trip.

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.

The history of New Carrollton, MD begins in the colonial era when it was first called "Terrapin Thicket", named for the myriad of turtles found in the area. When the city was incorporated, the name was changed to reflect one of Maryland's most notable historical figures, Charles Carroll. Throughout its history, the city has remained a beautiful place to live with lots to explore in the area. 1. Annapolis Just 30 minutes away, you will find the charming waterside city of Annapolis. One of the prettiest towns in Maryland, Annapolis will enchant you with cobblestone streets and brightly colored buildings. The capital of Maryland sits in the picturesque Chesapeake Bay. On a warm day, nothing beats getting out onto the water. Annapolis is often called the sailing capital of the world. more What can you enjoy in Annapolis? Enjoy local seafood fresh from the water in one of the many waterfront restaurants. You can step back in time and trace the paths of colonial maritime. Learn about African American history from more than 300 years ago. Visit one of the many historic sites like the Maryland State House or the Banneker-Douglass Museum of African American heritage. 2. Sandy Point State Park A short drive will make you feel like you're in another world. What can you do at Beautiful Sandy Point State Park? Sandy Point State Park has miles of pristine beaches. Walk along the seemingly endless coastline and enjoy the views from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. It’s a great fishing spot, where you can relish the day on the water, enjoying the sun. The park has some excellent hiking if you feel like a more active adventure. 3. St. Michaels Escape to the charming village of St. Michaels. This quaint seaside stop has many different galleries and antique stores to browse as you wander. Called the "Heart and Soul" of Chesapeake Bay, the town has retained the look and feel of a 19th Century seaport. Delve into the history of St. Michaels at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. 4. Washington, DC A short 25-minute drive will have you in the nation's capital. With endless opportunities to explore this great nation's history, you can spend the day walking through national monuments and see the White House first-hand. 5. Antietam National Battlefield Take in some more of this nation's history by visiting the site of one of the most dramatic battles of the Civil War. Today, Antietam is a beautiful piece of countryside. Follow the self-guided tour to see multiple critical points of conflict. 6. Gunpowder Falls State Park Get outside in one of Maryland's largest State Parks, where you will feel like you're further than an hour away when you explore the beautiful wilderness. With more than 100 miles of woodland, you can enjoy: Running Hiking Fishing Canoeing Kayaking Horseback riding Visit Our Dealership While on Your New Carrollton, MD Area Travels There is a lot to see and do around Maryland, including stopping by our facilities if you’re looking for new Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM models, used vehicles, or auto service. Come see the experts at DARCARS Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of New Carrollton to get the right vehicle and service to keep you and your family safe, whatever your destination might be. Click here for directions to our dealership! Image by Pixabay

Great news! We have just the details you need to get all the information on The Washington Auto Show! This show is known to wow audiences with their amazing exhibits, latest model cars and displays of historic vehicles. It offers a great experience for you and your loved ones. Come check it out! more The Washington Auto Show is taking place at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center located at 801 Mount Vernon Place, NW Washington, D.C.,20001. This event is one of the largest public shows in the area. They also have new events being added every week leading to the show so don't forget to check out the schedule of events. Reserve your tickets before the show. The show is January 24- February 2nd from 12pm-6pm EST. Adult tickets ages 13+ will be $12. Child tickets from 6-12 will be $5. Children under 5 will be FREE! image via pixabay

There is nothing like biting down into a big juicy burger. Whether you like it topped with just cheese or something more, you can find one within a short drive from New Carrollton. Burgers have come a long way over the years, and you can now easily find a place that serves an elevated version of this classic, but if you prefer a simple burger that's cooked just right, this is easy to get, too. Check out these top burger joints near New Carrollton. more The Burger Bar by Wegmans The Burger Bar is the place to go if you want a one-of-a-kind burger. This burger place is inside the Wegmans in Woodmore, and it never disappoints when you have a craving for a flavorful, basic burger. You can get a classic cheeseburger and add bacon if you want, or if you don't eat meat, there are veggie and vegan options, too. Some of the other burgers on the menu include Danny's Favorite burger with American cheese, dill relish, ketchup, hometown meat hot sauce, and a toasted bun. There is also the Santa Monica turkey burger with guacamole, arugula, tomato, herb goddess dressing, and a toasted multigrain roll. Z-Burger Get your burger fix at Z-Burger in Greenbelt. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the burgers always taste good. The menu options include hamburgers, cheeseburgers, bacon burgers, and turkey burgers, or you can skip the burger and get a hot dog or cheesesteak. Extra toppings are free, and you can also choose from a variety of sauces, including hot sauce, honey mustard, and chipotle mayo sauce. The fries and onion rings come plain or seasoned, and if you can't decide which one you want, you can get half and half. Five Guys Five Guys offers made-to-order burgers in a fast-casual atmosphere. There are single and double burgers available, and you can add as many toppings as you want for free. The fries are also delicious, and no matter what size you order, you'll receive a generous helping. You can get malt vinegar to dip your fries into, along with ketchup and mustard. Get the Cajun fries if you like lots of spice, or plain fries if you don't. Every Five Guys restaurant has in-shell peanuts for you to snack on while you wait for your food. Copper Canyon Grill Copper Canyon Grill in Glenarden has a delicious Angus beef burger that comes with Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and bread and butter pickles. The veggie burger is also a good choice. It has spiced brown rice, black beans, and hominy grits and comes with melted cheese, tomato, onions, and lettuce on a toasted sesame seed bun. These are some of the best places to get burgers and more in the New Carrollton area. It's also just a short drive to D.C., where there are many more options. image via pixabay

Named the best full-size pickup truck by U.S. News and World Report, the 2019 Dodge Ram 1500 is completely redesigned from the previous years model. Its solid engine options, best-in-class towing and hauling capabilities, and user-friendly infotainment system make it a vehicle you should consider. There are six trims available: Tradesman, Big Horn, Laramie, Rebel, Laramie Longhorn, and Limited. Keep reading to find out what else you can expect from the 2019 Ram 1500. more Cargo Space With the Ram 1500, you have a few bed options depending upon the cab configuration. You can choose between the 6-foot-4-inch or the 5-foot-7-inch bed. There are optional bed storage compartments constructed into the bed's sidewalls so you can securely lock tools and other items. You can also opt for a tailgate step. Engines The base engine found on the Ram 1500 is a 5.7-liter V-6 that produces 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, but you can opt for a 5.7-liter V-8 engine that produces 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. The V-8 engine comes with an eTorque system that is a mild-hybrid option and adds up to 130 pound-feet of torque when used in short bursts. These engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive comes standard, but front-wheel drive is optional. Fuel Economy The gas mileage you receive with the Ram 1500 is on par with others in its class. With the V-6 engine, expect to get an estimated 20 miles per gallon in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. Your mileage decreases with the V-8 engine, as it gets an estimated 15 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. Keep in mind that the V-8 engine requires mid-grade gasoline. Technology When it comes to technology, the Ram 1500 doesn't disappoint, even with standard features. To start the vehicle, use its push-button start. Once inside, enjoy Bluetooth connectivity, three USB ports, and the Uconnect infotainment system along with a 5-inch touch screen display. There are numerous upgrades available including satellite radio, navigation, wireless device charging, and a sunroof. You can also upgrade the infotainment system and display to an 8.4- or 12-inch touch screen display. The vehicle also has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Towing and Hauling Capabilities Compared to the 2018 model year, the 2019 Ram 1500 increased its towing and hauling capabilities by 20%. When properly equipped, the truck can haul up to 2,300 pounds and tow up to 12,750 pounds. These numbers are some of the highest in its class. If you're wanting more power to tow or haul, select the V-8 engine. The 2019 Dodge Ram is a solid choice for your next vehicle thanks to its solid fuel economy, stellar technology, and quality engine options. If you're in the market for a new vehicle, contact the professionals at Darcars Chrysler Jeep Dodge of New Carrollton, and they can help you schedule a test drive of the Ram 1500. They can also answer any questions you might have so that you can drive off in this stunning pickup truck today.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is designed to effortlessly transition from daily driver to weekend adventurer. These are just a few of the top features that you are sure to enjoy on the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee. more Durable Exterior Design The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee might look like your typical Jeep, but it has an abundance of exterior features that make it even more durable and adventure-ready. The front fascia not only demands attention, but also works to keep the engine cool. The deep sloping exterior lines are all a part of the aerodynamic design of the Grand Cherokee, reducing airflow and maximizing efficiency. Equipped with available 20.0-inch aluminum wheels, you can tackle the most difficult of road terrains. The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee is also Trail Rated, which means you can enjoy features like improved traction, water fording, maneuverability, and articulation. Powerful Performance Performance is where the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee excels. Not only is the Grand Cherokee ready to accompany you on your next adventure, but it is also drag-strip ready. Equipped with an available supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine and an advanced torque control system, you can show off your power with an 11.6-second quarter-mile time. The Bilstein adaptive suspension system further improves performance, ensuring you can enjoy a ride that is both capable and comfortable. Test your power capabilities at the track with the standard launch control feature. With the Selec-Trac system, you can easily swap between five drive modes to better accommodate your current road conditions. You can keep track of your performance results with the performance pages feature. Intuitive Technologies The interior of the Jeep Grand Cherokee is designed with intuitive technologies to accommodate you on your longest road trips. The Uconnect 4C driver infotainment system is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capable. You can manage your phone calls, text messages, and navigation, without ever taking your focus off the road. You can use the 7.0-inch driver information digital cluster display to keep track of your vehicle's most important controls. Stream your favorite playlist on the available Harman Kardon premium sound system which comes with 19 speakers. Open the CommandView dual-pane panoramic sunroof for a breath of fresh air, even when you are stuck in traffic. With available heated and ventilated front seats, you may never want to give up your place in the driver's seat. Advanced Safety With over 70 standard and available safety features, the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee is not only powerful, but it is also a safe choice. Available safety features include adaptive cruise control with stop and full-speed forward collision warning with active braking. Tackle the most difficult of parking conditions in your Jeep Grand Cherokee with features like ParkSense rear park assist and the ParkView rear back up camera. With an aerodynamic design, useful technologies, and a performance unlike any other SUV on the road, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is one impressive vehicle. Come by Darcars Chrysler Jeep Dodge of New Carrollton today to check out the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Some rights reserved by KWAllen23

Keeping up with routine maintenance on your car can be one of the simplest things you can do to ensure it is running properly and safely. From oil changes to checking fluids, these tasks aren't hard or time-consuming, but they are necessary. We have compiled a list of reasons to point out the importance of regular maintenance on your 2019 Jeep Compass and help remind you to keep your vehicle in top shape. more Why Routine Maintenance is Important When you are the owner of any vehicle, it is important to get your vehicle into the shop regularly for servicing. Not only does it prolong the life of your vehicle but it keeps it running smoother. Without proper maintenance, your Jeep Compass could be more prone to complications in the future. When you invest your money now in smaller amounts spent on routine maintenance, it helps to save you from increased costs down the road. If you don't maintain your vehicle, you could end up paying for larger repairs and even the possibility of having to replace your vehicle. Risks of Failing to Maintain Your Vehicle When your vehicle is neglected and you fail to maintain it there are many risks that could be involved. For example, if you neglect oil changes there could be internal damage to the engine. These repairs are usually costly to fix as the whole assembly may need to be taken apart. If you fail to maintain your vehicle you risk having a breakdown and being left stranded on the side of the road in addition to increased expenses for repairs.  It is wise to spend the time and money on maintenance to avoid disaster. What are the Most Important Services? While every service is important, there are others that need to be done on a more regular basis. Oil changes are probably the most neglected form of service on a vehicle. Regular oil changes help lube up the interior of your engine and keep it functioning properly. They are easy to have done and relatively inexpensive. Oil changes can often be completed in a manner of minutes.  There are businesses that specialize in drop-in oil changes where you don't even have to get out of your vehicle.  Or you can schedule an appointment with your local mechanic for your convenience. In addition to regular oil changes, you should maintain your air filter, spark plugs, and vehicle fluids including transmission fluid and antifreeze.  Often you can have these checked and changed or topped off during an oil change.  You should also have your tires checked regularly to make sure they have the correct amount of tread on them. You should have them rotated and balanced every 6,000-8,000 miles. Luckily, our service department does this as well as the other things mentioned above. If you have any questions or would like to get your 2019 Jeep Compass in for any maintenance services, then just contact a member of our team at Darcars Chrysler Jeep Dodge of New Carrolton.