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Are you wondering how old you need to be to get your driver's permit in Rockville, MD? Here's all the information you need to know before you start working on getting your license! The Learner's Permit Before getting your provisional permit, you'll need to start with your learner's permit. You will need to be at least 15 years and 9 months old to get this permit. There are a few additional things you'll need to do as well. more You'll have to take a written test for you to be able to get your learner's permit. You might also want to consider taking a driver's ed course. This isn't necessary to take before you get your learner's permit, but you will have to take it before getting your provisional license, and it can be beneficial for passing your written exam. You can take this course as early as 15 years old. Your Provisional License To get your provisional license, you will need to complete at least 60 hours of driving with your learner's permit, and 10 of these hours will need to be at night. The MVA also recommends spending some time driving in bad weather, though this is not necessary to pass your test. Remember to keep a log tracking your hours spent practicing.   You need to spend nine months practicing driving with your learner's permit. If you get your learner's permit as soon as possible, the absolute earliest you can get your provisional license is at 16 years and six months old. This license allows you to drive unsupervised with some additional rules. Once you turn 18, you will be able to get your full license.   Here at DARCARS Nissan of Rockville, we are passionate about sharing useful tricks for all things automotive. Now that you're prepared with what's covered in this blog, continue discovering more helpful tips to set you up for success as a new driver in Rockville.

Whoever said you can't have it all has never driven the 2022 Nissan Murano before. From the classy style that this SUV was designed with, to the class-leading safety features that protect you on every drive, here are the things that drivers in Rockville, MD love most about the total package that the Murano offers. Style That Never Goes Unnoticed While the style that other vehicles offer is good enough to fit in with the crowd, the distinctive personality that the Murano exudes is great enough to stand out. Sleek and flowing lines make the Murano look attractive from every angle, sporting a daring style that will start conversations everywhere you drive it. Personalize your Murano with unique color options such as Mocha Almond or Magnetic Black. more Balance of Efficiency and Power With an efficient engine that achieves up to 28 miles per gallon on the highway, you'll spend far less time at the gas pump than you're used to when you drive the Murano. But just because this vehicle gets great gas mileage doesn't mean it doesn't know how to have a little fun, too. The 3.5-liter V-6 engine delivers 260 horsepower to give you the engine strength you need to pass, merge, or perform any other maneuver with confidence. Room for Everything You Need The interior that's waiting for you inside the Murano was thoughtfully designed to open up new possibilities for what you can achieve in your travels. 67 cubic feet of cargo space means there is space for anything you need to pack for your next destination. You and all of your passengers are certain to enjoy the journey there, thanks to comfortable amenities like the intelligent climate control system. Safety Features Watching Your Back Experience a new level of peace of mind on the road when you ride with the protection that the safety features built into the Murano provide. Rear automatic braking saves you from fender benders when you're backing out of a tight space, stopping you before you collide with an obstacle. You can also make highway driving more secure and far less tedious with intelligent cruise control managing your speed automatically. Personalized Connectivity When it's implemented correctly, technology should enhance your driving experience, not give you a headache to deal with. The intuitive approach to technology that Nissan took when designing the Murano makes accessing all features at your disposal simple and straightforward. This vehicle is fully Bluetooth compatible, giving you hands-free control over your vehicle with voice commands that let you make calls, send texts, and so much more all with your hands remaining on the wheel.   Interested in learning more about all that Nissan brought to the table with the Murano? Our team will give you the full run-down of all the features this outstanding SUV offers. Just schedule your test drive online to get started. Be sure to check out our new Nissan offers and discounts here at DARCARS Nissan of Rockville before you get here! We look forward to seeing you soon.

If you are considering an electric compact car, the 2021 Nissan LEAF is one to consider. Having been one of the earliest EV manufacturers, Nissan has optimized its technology and hardware to make the LEAF one of the most affordable electric cars one can buy today. Here are all the essential features to expect in the 2021 Nissan LEAF from DARCARS Nissan of Rockville. Extensive Interior Space For an electric compact car, drivers find the LEAF to be highly spacious. Interior room can be further expanded with fold-down rear seating. This versatile use of space gives the LEAF one primary advantage over other electric vehicles such as the Model 3 from Tesla. more Competitive Range With a 62-kWh battery, the 2021 LEAF can travel up to 226 miles per charge. This is close to the mileage that a gas-powered car can travel with a full tank. Being 100% electric, you wouldn't have to pay another visit to the gas station. Easy Charging LEAF owners can simply park and turn off their car either at home or at a charging station. Once connected, you will hear a beep to indicate the car has started charging. The 62-kWh battery requires up to 11.5 hours to return to a full charge, whereas the 40-kWh battery will only need up to eight. DC Quick Charging Compatibility The LEAF is also great for long trips, and this is possible thanks to DC Quick Charging stations. Charge the LEAF and its battery can be fully charged within just an hour. There are tens of thousands of these stations in America ideal for electric cars during travel. Automatic Braking With sensors in both the front and back, the LEAF can detect cars and pedestrians in its vicinity. Whether you are driving forwards or backing out of a parking spot, the car will use brakes on its own if it anticipates a possible collision. Rear Door Alert A signature feature in newer Nissan vehicles, Rear Door Alert notifies the driver to check the back seat before he or she leaves the vehicle. This feature is useful for parents, pet owners, and shoppers who might forget something they stowed in the back row of their LEAF. Heated Seats and Wheel In addition to air conditioning and heating, drivers can also warm the LEAF's seats and steering wheel for added support from colder weather. The driver can adjust heat for the wheel and each individual seat right from the dashboard. Tech & Connectivity The 2021 LEAF can communicate with smartphones, smartwatches, and other devices for remote controls, connecting to the web, playing music, and more. Whether you use Alexa, Siri or the Google voice assistant, the LEAF is compatible with all three and can be easily tailored to your tech.   The 2021 Nissan LEAF is a very capable EV with many features that make it as enjoyable to drive as the top contenders. Drivers looking to buy an electric car in Rockville, MD for the first time certainly won't be disappointed in owning this model. Although, if you aren't ready to switch to EV quite yet, and you want to learn tips for preserving gas and getting the best fuel efficiency, we have you covered!

Over time gas prices continue to rise, and though this can be a burden for most, there are plenty of things Rockville, MD drivers can do to get better gas mileage. Here are six things drivers can do to increase their fuel efficiency. Lighten Up The amount of weight your car carries can negatively impact your gas mileage. Drivers who want the most fuel efficiency should consider removing unnecessary weight in their vehicles. Think about luggage, passengers, and accessories too. If you have anything in your car that you won't be needing on your trip, consider leaving it behind. more Steady Driving Recklessly speeding and braking can be a huge waste of gas. Drivers who want to make the most out of their mileage should use cruise control when traveling on the highway and maintain steady driving habits in the city. Try to avoid aggressive driving. Not only is it a safety concern, but it doesn't help you get better mileage either. Drivers should also use EcoBoost as much as possible to maximize their vehicle's fuel efficiency. Plan Ahead Understanding your route will help you maintain a steady driving pace. This will also help minimize the number of unnecessary detours and plan the most efficient ways. It would help to group up errands in a similar area to reduce the number of unnecessary trips you make. Drivers can also use apps like GasBuddy to find the best price for fuel in their area. A little planning goes a long way. Watch Your Idling Spending large amounts of time idling can drain the gas in your vehicle. This is especially true if you are running the air conditioning. Try to minimize the amount of time you sit with your car running, and ask if your passengers are good to sit with the vehicle off when you must run in without them. Only consider the air conditioning when necessary, and you can get the most out of your gas money. Maintain Your Car If your car is maintained correctly, it will guarantee better fuel efficiency. Regular oil changes, tire services, and other maintenance can help your vehicle run more efficiently and improve the fuel economy of your car. Ensure that you are keeping your vehicle maintained to maximize your efficiency. Consider a More Efficient Vehicle If fuel economy is essential to you, you might want to consider getting a more efficient vehicle like the 2022 Nissan Kicks, which offers an incredible 31 mpg on city roads, and 37 mpg on highways, which is outstanding for an SUV. Or we suggest putting the stress of gas prices behind you for good by switching to an EV like the Nissan LEAF. Whether your car requires maintenance for better fuel efficiency or if you're interested in shopping for a new vehicle that is better suited for modern times, DARCARS Nissan of Rockville has you covered. Visit our dealership in Rockville, MD, today! We look forward to seeing you soon.

This five-seat sedan is comfortable, spacious, safe, and convenient. The 2021 Nissan Versa is a great commuter car for you and your family. Why not check it out? Spacious and Comfortable Interior With comfortable, expansive seating for up to five passengers, the 2021 Versa is ready to take you on your next vacation. There's also plenty of space for all of your luggage, and the Versa's trunk is already big and is low to the ground for easier access. more The second-row seats have a 60/40 split function so that you can optimize seating and space for your cargo simultaneously. There's even smart storage for your smaller items like conveniently placed cup holders and secure areas to keep your phone or wallet. Advanced Temperature Controls The 2021 Versa is built to keep you comfortable in every weather condition. There's the Automatic Temperature Control system, which intelligently monitors the weather conditions outside to match you with the temperature you like. All you have to do is turn on the car and activate the system! There are even available heated front seats so that you and your front passengers can heat up extra quickly on brisk winter days. Available heated side mirrors are there, so you don't have to spend time scraping ice in the morning. Incredible Remote Engine Start Are you tired of being cold for a good portion of your commute as you wait for your car to finally heat up? With your new 2021 Versa, you can always enter your car at the perfect temperature. That's because you can opt for the available Remote Engine Start System. It allows you to press a button on your car keys, and the engine will start automatically. This means the climate settings you left on when you turned off the car will automatically start up again. You can hop in the car and feel the cool air and immediate relief in the summer, and in the winter, you'll feel toasty and cozy as soon as you enter your car. Designed for Your Safety Keep your family safe with the 2021 Versa's incredible safety features. It comes with the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System, which includes ten airbags placed expertly throughout your cabin to protect you and your loved ones in the case of an accident. There are many safety assistance features available to keep you sharp and focused on the road. There's a Lane Departure Warning, which helps you stay in the center of your chosen lane. The available Intelligent Driver Alertness tracks your steering. If it notices something is off, it will let you know that it might be time to take a break. Rear Automatic Braking helps you avoid reversing into stationary objects. High Beam Assist makes sure everyone can see on the road at night by regulating your high beams' on and off switch.   Does this Nissan sound like the perfect sedan for you in Rockville, MD? We would love to show you more! Whether you wish to continue your online research by clicking here to browse photos or if you want to schedule a test drive, we have you covered here at DARCARS Nissan of Rockville.

Over time the belts on your car begin to wear and need to be replaced. It would be best if you never waited until a car belt breaks before you get it into your Nissan repair center. Pay attention to your vehicle and watch for warning signs that tell you you need to replace your drive belt before a disaster occurs. Mileage The serpentine belt in your engine compartment is expected to last somewhere between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. However, some belts will fail before 60,000, and others will manage to last much longer. Your owner's manual will have specific recommendations on the appropriate time for belt replacement for your make and model. It is vital to watch your mileage so you don't overshoot your replacement window and run into problems. more You may not notice anything going inherently wrong with your drive belt. However, getting the vehicle and the belt checked by professionals will ensure that it is replaced when necessary. The trained technicians at your dealership will be able to locate problems with your drive belt and can fix the issue before the belt breaks. In addition, replacing the belt before it breaks can prevent more expensive repairs, like if the belt were to break and cause damage to your vehicle's engine. Visual Wear It would help if you visually inspected your vehicle's engine compartment regularly. This way, if you notice something out of the ordinary, you can set an appointment with your mechanic. If you visually inspect your serpentine belt and detect any signs of wear, get it changed as soon as possible. This belt is incredibly hardy and can even run for a time with pieces missing. The more of the belt that is missing, the more likely your drive belt will fail. Missing chunks is not the only sign of wear you should be watching for. You should also watch for rot, large cracks, or fraying edges. If you notice that the serpentine belt is experiencing uneven wear, a technician may be able to simply re-adjust the belt. Don't ignore signs of wear. They will only continue to get worse. Strange Sounds If you begin to hear strange or unusual noises coming from your engine compartment, get your car into the dealership to have it inspected as soon as possible. For example, the serpentine belt will often make screeching or high-pitched squealing noises when it fails. The belt could be making sounds due to age and wear, water on the belt, or an engine leak. Water and engine leaks can cause damage to your drive belt. If you notice squealing from the engine compartment, don't wait. Instead, get your car into the dealership to have it checked out. Early intervention can save you big when it comes to repairs, damages, and expensive mechanic bills.   If your car is squealing, screeching, or making other unusual sounds, it's time to visit the professionals. Schedule a service appointment with us at DARCARS Nissan of Rockville today!

Working with a highly qualified, dealer-trained Nissan mechanic has many advantages. In addition to the fact that they are better trained than general mechanics, they have more experience with your model of car, will always provide you with genuine spare parts, and can provide a range of services. Let's have a look at some of the advantages you might gain by coming to the dealership for your next service appointment. They Know Your Car Inside Out When it comes to servicing your Nissan, there are many options out there. You could learn to do it yourself or have a friend do it, choose your general neighborhood mechanic, or go to your local Nissan dealership. Almost always, the last option is the best one because the mechanics there have been trained to work specifically with Nissan cars. As a result, they have extensive experience working with your make and model, providing you with the best service possible. Not only can such highly trained technicians fix your car faster, but the quality of service will also be much higher. You won't have to worry about your vehicle breaking down again in the near future. more They Always Provide You with Genuine Spare Parts If you visit a general mechanic, they might offer you aftermarket or salvaged parts that weren't designed for your model of Nissan car. However, you will always receive genuine parts manufactured by Nissan when you work with a dealer-trained mechanic. That way, the new components will fit your vehicle optimally, and your car will run exactly like it did when new. Using off-brand products can also void your warranty. There's no guarantee that Nissan will recognize aftermarket parts, and they may decide that you no longer qualify for the warranty if you've added such items to your vehicle. You can avoid this by always consulting your dealership mechanic and using the parts that they recommend. They Are Very Accessible Whenever you need us, we will be ready to help you, and it's very easy to get in touch with us. Our service center is open from 7am to 7pm on weekdays and from 7am to 4pm on Saturdays, so you're sure to find a suitable time to bring in your vehicle. If you'd prefer to speak to someone first or it's hard for you to come to the dealership, you can reach us by phone or via the contact form on the website. They Offer Everything You Might Need Aside from regular service, your dealer-trained mechanic will be able to offer you all kinds of services related to your Nissan. For example, there is a collision center at the dealership, so you won't have to find a new place if you're ever in an accident. We can also help you with your accessories and electrical systems. No matter what you need or when you'd like to book your service appointment, your dealership mechanic will be around to help you. Check out our service & parts specials at DARCARS Nissan of Rockville today before scheduling your next service appointment with us. We look forward to serving you soon!

Start making more ambitious plans because you'll be ready to take on even the biggest jobs when you drive the 2021 Nissan Frontier. Whether you're gearing up for the workday or going out to have some off-road fun, this truck is ready to go right along with you. There's a lot to check out about this year's Frontier, but to give you a preview of what it can do, we highlighted five of the best features Frontier drivers love. Built for Power The Frontier brings more standard horsepower to the table than any other vehicle in its class, giving you all the strength you need to take on whatever's coming your way. A 9-speed automatic transmission harnesses that strength with perfect efficiency, turning it into a smooth ride that will feel engaging. Advanced 4x4 tech helps to maintain traction and a confident drive in even the most adverse driving conditions imaginable. more Ultimate Towing Machine You'll be ready to bring just about anything along with you with the capability that the Frontier puts at your disposal. With a maximum towing rating of 6,720 pounds and a maximum payload of 1,460 pounds, there isn't much that you won't be able to haul behind your Frontier. A range of official Nissan towing accessories makes hooking up your trailer straightforward, with different mounts to suit the cargo you're trying to move. Versatility Inside Built to handle anything your busy life can challenge it with, the cabin of the Frontier gives you the flexibility you need. Choose between King Cab or Crew Cab seating to find the layout that matches your needs best. There are also several storage compartments throughout the cabin, giving you even more convenient options for your storage. Smarter Tech In our increasingly connected world, you need a truck that can keep up with the most modern technology. With the NissanConnect system included in your Frontier, that's exactly what you'll be getting. Stream audio without even pressing a button using the Bluetooth compatibility, putting your favorite music at your command to set the mood on your next road trip. Keeping You Safe You want a truck that's strong enough to protect you out on the road, and that's exactly what you'll be getting when you drive the Frontier. A well-designed body featuring reinforced, high-strength areas and crumple zones that work together to reduce the impact you or your passengers feel in the event of an accident. There are also six advanced airbags that come standard to protect everyone inside and reduce the chance of an injury. Considering all these benefits and more that the 2022 Nissan Frontier offers, it's easy to see why so many truck drivers have trusted Nissan with their drive. Learn more about what the Frontier can bring to your truck driving experience when you see it at our dealership. See the new and improved Frontier for yourself at DARCARS Nissan of Rockville today!

Are you looking for a spacious, comfortable SUV that isn't lacking in style or performance? You'll want to check out the new 2022 Nissan Pathfinder. Here's a close-up look at everything you need to know. The Basics What's not to love about this three-row SUV? Suppose you're looking for a car that can provide you with all the benefits of a spacious minivan along with the versatility and fun performance of an SUV. In that case, you'll want to consider the Nissan Pathfinder. more While this car has been a great, reliable vehicle since its original inception, you'll love it, even more, this year. 2022 has brought a complete redesign for the car's exterior, which means you'll be getting a bolder, sportier look that denotes precisely how powerful and fun the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder is. Trim Levels and Pricing No matter which trim level you decide to go with, you can count on driving a truly great car. There are four different trim levels available, all of which offer you unique features. If you want the car's basics, go with the S trim for about $33,410. For some additional features, consider the SV model for $36,200. If the first two trim levels aren't providing you with the luxury you're looking for, don't worry. One of the two higher trim levels should suit you. The SL starts at $39,590, while the Platinum starts at about $46,190. Performance and Powertrain All four of the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder's trim levels are powered by the same impressive engine. You'll get a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that makes 284 horsepower when you purchase this vehicle. This engine is matched with a nine-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. If you prefer all-wheel drive, that option is available for you. The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder handles beautifully, and you'll appreciate the vehicle's responsiveness to all of your commands. You'll also love the car's impressive mileage and fuel economy. This car gets EPA ratings of up to 21 mpg driving in the city and 27 mpg while you're on the highway. Interior and Storage You'll love spending time in the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder's beautifully designed interior. Along with its new exterior design, Nissan has revamped the inside of the Pathfinder as well. When you climb inside, you'll get to experience the classy, sophisticated innovation as well as the comfortable, high-quality materials used for it. Available features on higher trims include heated and ventilated front seats, a sunroof, and leather upholstery. Are you planning on taking a trip soon? You can trust the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder to take all the luggage you need with you.   If you've been looking for a new SUV, you won't want to miss out on the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder. With so many great features, it's easy to see why this is already a favorite among critics and drivers. Contact us at DARCARS Nissan of Rockville today to reserve your all-new Pathfinder!

It is vital to check your vehicle's tire pressure regularly to improve handling and your safety on the road. If you ensure that your tires are always inflated to the proper pressure levels, it will save you money on gas and extend the life of your tires. In this article, your Nissan dealer explains how to check the tire pressure on your car and ensure they are inflated to the correct PSI. Perform Tire Pressure Checks on Cold Tires Wait for the tires to cool down before you do a tire pressure check. A tire pressure reading will be affected if the tires are hot. Wait two to three hours for tires to cool down before checking the tire pressure. more Find the Correct PSI You need to know the correct tire pressure level for each tire on your vehicle. You will find the correct PSI for your vehicle's tires on a sticker inside your driver's door. Your vehicle's owner's manual will also have information on the recommended tire pressure levels. If the tire pressure levels between the front and rear tires differ, write down the PSI for each tire on a piece of paper. Use a Tire Pressure Gauge Check the PSI of each tire with an analog or digital tire pressure gauge. An analog dial tire pressure gauge has a dial face with measurements, and an analog pen tire pressure gauge has a stick with numbers or a bar that moves upward to indicate the tire pressure level. The easiest is to use a battery-powered digital tire pressure gauge that gives a digital reading. Measuring the Tire Pressure You can start with any one of the tires on your car. Remove the valve cap and keep it in a safe place. Take your tire pressure gauge and press it against the valve stem until you hear a hissing sound. Hold the tire pressure gauge in place until you get a tire pressure reading. A digital tire pressure gauge will display the reading on a screen. The dial on a standard meter will point to the pressure, or a bar will move upward to show the tire pressure level. Write Down the Reading Write down the reading next to the recommended PSI for that specific tire. Perform a tire pressure reading on the rest of the tires. Remember to write down the reading next to the PSI for each tire. When you measure the tire pressure level of a tire, and it's correct, you can replace the valve cap. If you need to inflate the tire, keep the valve cap in a safe place until after you've increased the level to the correct PSI. Inflate the Tires You now have the tire pressure readings of all four tires. Compare the reading of each tire to the correct tire pressure level that you wrote down on the piece of paper. If the PSI of a tire is lower than the recommended tire pressure level, inflate the tire until it reaches the correct level. It's important not to overinflate the tires as it could cause damage to the tire. If you notice a tire is overinflated, you can push the back of the tire pressure gauge down on the metal pin in the valve stem to release the excess air. Replace the valve cap when the tire is inflated to the correct tire pressure level.     Always keep your tires inflated to the correct tire pressure levels to prevent blowouts, decrease wear, and save you money on gas. We're passionate about offering you all of the most valuable automotive information here at DARCARS Nissan of Rockville. So if you don't want to stop there, check out our tips & tricks blogs to keep learning today!

If you're in the market for a new sedan in Rockville, MD, you should be considering the 2021 Nissan Maxima! This car has quite a kick to it and proves that sedans can be just as fun and sporty as a coupe or muscle car. Style What's not to love about the 2021 Maxima's look? Its exterior provides drivers with a bold, sporty aesthetic that is sure to please drivers of all types. The streamlined and sleek exterior will ensure that all eyes are on you wherever you go. Likewise, once you climb into the car's interior, you might have a hard time convincing yourself to get back out. The upholstery is comfortable, and the seating is incredibly supportive. There's also lots of legroom, which means you can stretch out as much as you need. Everything is laid out in a way that makes sense, and its exterior style follows through into the interior. more Impressive Performance If you thought that driving a sedan was a bland, boring experience, then think again. The 2021 Maxima exhibits a truly incredible performance that's guaranteed to delight. It operates with the help of an incredible 300-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 engine that has some serious oomph to it—the engine pairs with a continuously variable transmission. Acceleration is quick and natural, and handling feels intuitive. Expect great mileage when you drive the 2021 Maxima. Driving on the highway, you'll get 30 miles per gallon, while city driving will earn you 20 miles per gallon. Great Technology The 2021 Maxima has incredible technology that makes driving safer and more convenient. Nissan features like Rear Automatic Braking, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, and Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection will keep you and all others on the road safe from harm. You'll also want to take advantage of the car's great connectivity and entertainment features. The vehicle's 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display is easy to use, and you won't have any problem using it to connect to your phone with either the integrated Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. As soon as you hook your phone up, make sure to test out the car's Bose Premium Audio system and listen to your favorite music. Trim Options The 2021 Maxima has a trim option available for every type of driver. Those who just want the vehicle's basics should go with the SV, which starts at $37,090. You may want to go one step up if you're looking for some additional features with the SR for about $42,250. The 2021 Maxima also provides higher-end options like the Platinum for about $42,320. You also have the 40th Anniversary Edition available, starting at around $44,445.   There's no denying the fact that the 2021 Maxima is an amazing car. Whether your main priority is a fun ride or versatility and functionality, the Maxima provides you with both. Want to see this car's incredible features for yourself? Schedule your test drive at DARCARS Nissan of Rockville online now!

Maryland is no stranger to cold, wet winters and poor road conditions. When moisture gets into cracks and crevices in road surfaces, it can then expand and contract due to rising and falling temperatures. This can cause the pavement to break up and create damaging potholes. Pothole damage can mean costly repairs to auto parts like wheels, rims, struts, and shocks and can even cause a dangerous blown tire situation. Drivers should keep a few strategies in mind to avoid and minimize damage. Look Ahead The sooner a pothole is spotted, the sooner the driver can take steps to avoid it or at least minimize impact. This includes looking for puddles, which can obscure potholes under muddy water. Like driving in any unusual road condition, keeping eyes on the road ahead and avoiding distractions is critical. more Reduce Speed Sometimes it's impossible to avoid hitting a pothole, in which case the best course of action is to slow down to minimize impact. However, in the interest of safety, drivers should always check the rearview mirror before braking suddenly. Avoid Swerving A driver's first instinct may be to simply swerve around the pothole or puddle, but this is a dangerous tactic that should be avoided. Because this state's roads tend to be heavily congested, swerving around a pothole could cause a collision with another vehicle. When the key reason for avoiding the pothole is to minimize damage, getting into a collision would clearly defeat this purpose, causing vehicle damage and possibly injuries to the parties involved. Check Tires One of the best ways to protect a vehicle from not only a pothole, but any road surface impact, is to make sure tires are correctly inflated and have adequate tread. Proper tire pressure levels can be found in the vehicle owner's manual or on a sticker inside the driver's door. Pay Attention After Impact After unavoidable contact with a pothole, drivers should feel and listen for any changes in the car's operation. Wobbling or pulling to the left or right could indicate that the vehicle has been knocked out of alignment or suffered damage to tires, wheels, or suspension. New or unusual noises or vibrations could also indicate problems caused by the impact. A qualified automotive technician should check all of these for safety's sake and to avoid further damage.   It's essential to prevent pothole damage to your car; however, it might not be possible to avoid it indefinitely. Schedule your next auto repair with us at DARCARS Nissan of Rockville and be sure to ask our service technicians to check the overall health of your tires to continue preventing pothole damage.