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It’s good for Maryland drivers to know their options when it comes to auto financing. The last thing you want is to get in over your head with a loan that is too expensive or not right for your needs. However, there are things you can do to qualify for a favorable car loan in College Park, MD. 1. Improve Your Credit Score Before you even think about applying for a loan, you should know what your credit score looks like to lenders. This number determines your interest rate on a loan, so you should work on it before applying. The better your credit score, the lower your interest rate. Improve your credit score by paying your bills on time, reducing your credit card debt, and not taking out too many loans. You can also request a copy of your credit report from the three major credit bureaus and make sure all the information is accurate. more 2. Save for a Sizable Down Payment It is also good to put down a substantial down payment when seeking a favorable loan. The result is a lower monthly payment, so there's less risk of bad debt. This might make the lender more willing to offer you a better loan. The general rule is to pay at least 20% of the car's price as a down payment. So if you plan on buying a car that costs $20,000, make sure you have at least $4,000 in savings. 3. Choose a Shorter Loan Term Choosing a shorter loan term will mean higher monthly payments, but you'll end up paying less in interest over the life of the loan. This can help you save money and pay off your loan sooner. For example, if you have a loan for five years, you can save money by switching to a three-year loan. But make sure you can afford the higher monthly payments before making this decision. 4. Consider a Co-Signer in College Park, MD A co-signer with good credit can help you qualify for a better loan. With a favorable loan term, you'll have lower monthly payments, which makes it easier to pay off the loan. Just be aware that if you default, you and your co-signer will be liable. Many people have their parents or other family members co-sign for them. But it's still important that you and your co-signer understand the terms of the loan before signing anything. Getting a low-interest loan in College Park doesn't have to be difficult. Contact DARCARS Nissan of College Park today to secure an auto loan or learn more about your financing options. With our expertise and the tips listed above, you can get a favorable loan that suits your needs.

The 2023 Nissan Altima is a four-door, midsize sedan known for its spacious interior and sleek lines. When you're choosing your Altima, you have six different trim levels available, from the basic Altima S to the luxury Altima SL. There's even a turbo-charged model, the SR-VC Turbo, available in the lineup. With so many choices, we're here to give you the inside scoop on the Altima's trim levels. The 2023 Nissan Altima Trim Level Options Altima S The S trim is perfect for the budget conscious. Its features include comfortable seating for five people and a spacious trunk. This Altima is available in front-wheel drive. It features keyless, selective unlocking, auto on-off LED lights, power side mirrors, and rear parking sensors. Safety-wise, Nissan's Safety Shield 360 includes a comprehensive range of features, including blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warnings, and other vital features. more Altima SV The SV increases wheel size from 16" to 17" and provides an all-wheel drive option. The Infotainment system is upgraded to an 8" touchscreen and includes the SiriusXM satellite radio. The Nissan Intelligent Key lets you lock and unlock the doors by touching a button on the door handle. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also added as standard. Altima SR Another step up, this model upgrades to a sport suspension and adds Active Ride Control and Intelligent Trace Control. The increase in wheel size to 19" alloys add even more traction for your driving pleasure when cornering. The increase in touchscreen from 8" to a 12.3" color screen increases visibility. In addition, all-wheel drive is available as an option. Altima SR-VC Turbo This trim level provides a powerful engine upgrade by installing a 248 hp 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 273 pound-feet of torque. ProPilot Assist is another great feature that allows you to center your car between lane markings. It also allows you to set the following distance from the vehicle ahead. Altima SL The ultimate Altima version takes the SV trim and adds more options and features. A Bose audio system with nine speakers is added to provide crystal-clear surround sound. The front seats are both heated for extra comfort in cold weather. Dual-zone climate control allows the driver and passenger to set their air temperature individually. Finally, the 360 four-camera monitor provides an all-round view of the surrounding area. Now you know more about the various Altima trim levels. There are a host of additional features that can be added to each version. View our 2023 Nissan Altima model guide at DARCARS Nissan of College Park to explore more specs and features about this sedan.

There are two key things to know about one-direction streets. The first is how to tell the difference between a one-way road and an ordinary road. The second is what to do if you or another driver accidentally drives up one of these streets in the wrong direction. How to Always Recognize a One-Direction Street When driving around your hometown, you're probably already aware of any streets that you can only enter from one end. But when you venture into an unfamiliar city, you must pay more attention. If you want to be really prepared, you could study a street map before you reach a new city. Even if you're using a GPS, always verify with your own eyes that you're allowed to enter every street the GPS guides you into. more Look for Warning Signs Streets with only one allowed direction always have signs indicating this. You'll see an arrowed "One Way" sign at the entrance and a warning "Do Not Enter" sign at the exit. You might also see a "No Turn Right" before the exit end of these streets. Observe the Street Lines As you're undoubtedly aware, yellow lines on the road mark the divide between the two sides of an ordinary two-way street. But one-direction streets lack a yellow dividing line of any sort. Instead, you'll only see white lines marking the edge of the street on either side. Look at the Parked Cars Parked cars are reliable indicators of the flow of traffic on any street. If you see many parked cars all facing in the same direction on both sides of the street, there's probably a good reason for it. What To Do If You Enter From the Wrong Direction In moments of distraction, any driver might enter a one-direction street from the wrong end. If you make this mistake, don't panic. Turn on your headlights to alert other drivers and immediately remove your vehicle from the traffic flow. Once you're safely pulled over, wait patiently for a large enough break in the oncoming cars to safely do a U-turn and exit in the right direction. What To Do If Another Driver Is Coming the Wrong Way If you see another driver coming the wrong way, they might not have realized their mistake yet. Immediately slow down and flash your headlights to warn the other driver. Also, honk your horn if necessary. Always put your safety first. If they don't slow down, get out of their way to allow them to pass. It's never worth risking an accident to prove that you're in the right. The Reason for One-Direction Streets in College Park, MD Even relatively small towns like College Park, MD have one-direction streets. These streets are designed to help improve the flow of traffic in denser urban areas, eliminating the need for left turns across oncoming traffic. They may seem a pain at first, but when you get used to one-direction streets, you'll often start to appreciate how much they do to alleviate city-center traffic. Whether you need friendly automotive tips, a trusted Nissan dealership, or to find local things to discover, we have you taken care of at DARCARS Nissan of College Park. Browse our new car specials today or navigate to our blog page to keep learning more!   Image by Pixabay

The arrival of the Z-car's seventh generation is well worth the long wait! The iconic sports coupé is back with an even more powerful twin-turbocharged V-6 engine and refined handling. It also features updated technology and a stylishly redesigned interior. This is your introduction to the all-new 2023 Nissan Z! Power The Sport, Performance, and Proto Spec models all share the same water-intercooled, 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6, which produces a robust 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. Buyers can choose to equip their Z with either a 6-speed manual transmission and its available SynchroRev Match or a 9-speed automatic with manual shifting mode. Both options promise plenty of low-end torque and can help propel the car from 0 to 60 in well under five seconds. more To help you get the perfect launch, both the Performance and Proto Spec come standard with launch control. Handling While the Z is very fast in a straight line, it's even more impressive when hitting the twisties. Incredible stability during hard cornering is provided by the car's perfectly tuned multi-link rear suspension and double-wishbone front suspension. The aluminum alloy used in the suspension's construction is both lightweight and ensures excellent rigidity. Speed-sensitive power steering means that the car remains easy to turn at any speed. In addition to brake assist and electronic brake force distribution, the Z offers high-performance Akebono 4-piston front brakes and 2-piston rear brakes. Monotube shock absorbers provide a smooth ride as you cruise the roads. Interior Your driving experience will be enhanced ergonomic performance seats made from non-slip material, perfectly placed controls, and driver-oriented gauges. The highly detailed digital instrument panel was designed with the help of Super GT racer Tsugio Matsuda, and can be customized to emphasize information like engine revs or g-forces. Deep side bolstering and padded knee bolsters keep you in position during heavy cornering. High-quality cloth or premium leather upholstery is nicely complemented by available heating, power adjustability, and lumbar support. Standard automatic climate control with a microfilter keeps the air fresh. A parcel box behind the passenger seat and a rear shelf provide convenient storage for smaller items. Infotainment System A standard 8-inch NissanConnect touchscreen display gives you access to a variety of useful technology and apps, such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Performance and Proto Spec trims come with a 9-inch display that adds Nissan Door-to-Door Navigation, SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link, and mobile Wi-Fi hotspot capability. Standard USB-A and USB-C ports let you make use of wired connections and charging for your devices. An available Bose premium audio system includes eight speakers and dual subwoofers. The legendary Z's newest iteration delivers the thrills while remaining an affordable option for sports car enthusiasts. Get directions to DARCARS Nissan of College Park today for a test drive!

The alternator is one of the most important parts of your vehicle, responsible for generating electrical power to keep your battery charged up and your electrical systems functioning correctly. If it breaks down, the consequences can be very problematic, which is why it's so important to seek out alternator repair if you notice that something might be wrong. Here are some of the most common warning signs to watch out for as a driver in College Park, MD. Warning Light Warning lights make it clear when something isn't quite right with your vehicle, and there's a specific light that should show up if the alternator is failing in any way. Look out for a light that reads 'ALT' (this stands for alternator) or 'GEN' (this stands for generator) or appears in the form of a battery. more Frequent Stalling Your car needs a steady supply of electricity to run smoothly, and if the alternator isn't working correctly, you may notice your vehicle stalling from time to time for no obvious reason. Unreliable Starting Your vehicle needs sufficient electricity to start up, too. The alternator plays a key role in this, helping to power the spark plugs that get your engine running. When the alternator starts to break down, your car can be a lot harder to start. Weak Headlights The alternator plays a vital role in keeping your headlights powered up to help you see clearly while driving in dark and dimly-lit areas. When the alternator isn't working at full capacity, the headlights may not have enough power to function correctly. This can result in headlight beams that seem weaker than usual or randomly flicker while switched on, and it can be very dangerous to drive with unreliable headlights. Failing Features The headlights aren't the only part of your car that relies on electricity. You might also have power windows, locks, a car radio, air conditioning, or other electrical features that can start to struggle, fail, or behave strangely when the alternator needs repairing. Strange Smells If you smell something strange in your vehicle, there are many different components that could be to blame. The alternator is one of them, as broken alternators sometimes give off a smell like burning rubber. Odd Noises As well as strange smells, you should also listen out for odd noises in your vehicle. A broken alternator can sometimes cause a rattling sound around the engine area. Dead Battery The alternator is what helps to keep your car's battery powered up. Batteries will wear out eventually, and the alternator might not always be to blame, but if your battery has died unusually quickly, this could be a sign of alternator issues.   As we can see, there are a lot of possible issues that can arise when an alternator begins to break down. If you notice any of them, getting your car repaired as quickly as possible is vital to avoid further complications. You can easily schedule a service at DARCARS Nissan of College Park where our expert technicians will handle any alternator repair for you.

In the last few years, countless people have switched from a traditional car to an electric vehicle in College Park, MD. EVs have many advantages for drivers and communities. Not only are they better for the climate, but they are also very quiet and tend to be easy to maintain. What's more, you'll never have to pay emissions charges, since your car doesn't pollute the environment. Everyone Will Benefit from a Cleaner and Quieter Environment The main reason why electric cars are so desirable is that they don't create greenhouse gases. As a result, they are much better for the environment. By getting an EV, you can reduce emissions in your neighborhood, which makes the air healthier. If the place where you charge your car runs on renewable energy, you will also reduce your carbon footprint. more It's also worth noting how much quieter electric cars are. Because EVs don't have internal combustion engines, they make far less noise, especially when driving at low speeds. This is great for everyone because lower noise levels can lead to better health and less stress. You'll Never Pay an Emissions Charge In an effort to reduce pollution, many cities and counties are implementing emissions charges. This means that you have to pay a fee whenever you drive to a busy area in a car that emits a lot of greenhouse gases. Even if your city doesn't have an emissions charge yet, it's likely that one might be implemented in the next five to ten years.   When you buy an EV, you no longer have to worry about this because your car doesn't emit any carbon dioxide and other chemicals. As a result, you can drive anywhere you want without having to pay extra. High-Quality Electric Cars Tend to be Cheaper to Run Although energy costs have risen recently, many electric cars are still cheaper to run. What's more, some people are installing solar panels to further reduce the cost of running their homes and vehicle.   It's also important to consider that internal combustion engines have many moving parts, while EVs are simpler and less prone to breaking. Therefore, you're less likely to have expensive maintenance costs when you buy an electric car. Many EV batteries come with an 8-year or 100,000-mile warranty, while traditional powertrain warranties tend to only last for five years.   More and more people are getting electric cars because they are better for the environment, quieter, and cheaper to run. Contact us at DARCARS Nissan of College Park to ask us any questions you may have, or click here to browse the electric cars we currently sell.

Motor oil keeps all the moving parts of your engine properly lubricated. Without adequate oil, an engine will rapidly overheat and might even seize up altogether. Keep an eye out for the following six signs of a leak. If you ever notice your engine leaking oil, visit your nearest Nissan dealer to have it repaired right away. Oil Is Puddling Under Your Car The most obvious sign of an oil leak is when you see oil pooling under your car while parked. Motor oil is a golden yellow color when fresh. This fades to caramel, then tan, then dark brown as it ages. more Any fluid pooling under your car is a sign of trouble. But if that fluid is yellow or brown and near the front of your vehicle, then it might well be a motor oil leak. Use Cardboard to Check If you have a dedicated parking space, it's easy to notice any leaks coming from your car. But drivers who change parking locations from day to day don't necessarily find it so easy. If you ever suspect a leak, you can leave a piece of cardboard under your car and check it for fluid stains when you return. Low Reading on Your Oil Pressure Gauge The oil pressure gauge on your dashboard will also let you know if your engine's leaking oil. Healthy oil pressure for most Nissan cars is between 25 and 65 pounds per square inch (PSI) while the engine's warm. If this pressure drops below 25 PSI, it’s possible that you might have a leak. Ticking or Knocking Sounds From Your Engine An engine that loses lubrication will start to emit strange ticking and knocking sounds. You'll notice these sounds most clearly while resting in idle. Ticking or knocking means the valves and valve lifters are beginning to struggle. If you hear it, have a trusted technician take a look as soon as you can. Smoke Rising From Your Engine When motor oil starts to leak, it sometimes drips onto extremely hot parts of the engine or the exhaust manifold. It will then burn up very quickly, creating smoke. Needless to say, never ignore any smoke seeping from under your hood. You Can Smell Burning Oil When leaking oil starts to burn, you'll often smell it. Burning oil smells unpleasant and very different from your usual car smells. When oil burns in this way, you might also hear an accompanying sizzling sound as it cooks on the hot metal parts of your car. Oil Level Consistently Low When suspecting a leak, you can always pop the hood and use a dipstick to measure your motor oil level. Motor oil tends to diminish gradually over time, even without a leak. But if your oil level is persistently lower than you think it should be, you may well have a leak. First Places a Nissan Dealer Checks for Leaks Here's how a technician at your local dealership will check your vehicle for engine leaks. You can try it yourself before you take your car in.   They'll first check the oil pan seals under your engine, which is where the majority of leaks originate. They'll also check the valve cover gaskets, the timing cover seal, and the oil pan drain plug. More often than not, one of these is the culprit. Get directions to DARCARS Nissan of College Park now, or schedule a service with us today to have your motor oil checked and topped up. We take pride in providing excellent vehicles and customer service.

Are you thinking about buying a new car? Looking for something both spacious and fun to drive? The 2023 Nissan Rogue has everything you need. There are lots of great reasons to head to your Nissan dealer and check out this crossover. This is everything you should know about the new Rogue. The Essentials It's going to be hard not to fall in love with the Rogue. This crossover SUV handles beautifully on the road, and the feeling of driving it feels just as good as the car looks. more With its sporty and rugged styling, the Rogue will make sure that you stand out and it will offer you some truly impressive features too. New for 2023 2023 Rogue models come with a couple of changes to make this already beautiful and reliable car even better. There's a new Midnight Edition package that's available for the SV trim. On the Platinum trim level, the Amazon Alexa voice feature is now standard. Trim Levels There are four trim levels available for the 2023 Rogue, offering drivers plenty of choices. Want just the car's basics? You'll want to take a look at the S trim. For a few more features, go ahead and take a look at the SV model.   Of course, Nissan is happy to offer drivers a couple of more luxurious trim levels if the basics aren't enough for you. The SL will offer you some features that you're going to love, and the Platinum is perfect for drivers who want the best of the best. Performance The 2023 Rogue's engine setup is sure to take your breath away. There's only one engine option, but since it's so reliable and fun to drive, the car doesn't need any additional powertrain options.   When you purchase the 2023 Rogue, you'll get a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engine that makes an impressive 201 horsepower. This engine comes with a continuously variable automatic transmission as well as front-wheel drive as standard. There is also an all-wheel drive option. Interior Once you get inside the 2023 Rogue, you'll have a difficult time wanting to get back out. There's lots of space, meaning you can easily fit as many passengers or pieces of luggage as you need.   Cloth is the standard upholstery, but you have the option of going with faux-leather upholstery on higher trim levels as well as genuine leather on this highest trim. The car's technology is easy to use and intuitive.   Anyone looking for a quality crossover should consider the Rogue. The 2023 Rogue models will be more than happy to offer you a ride you'll never forget. Ready to learn more? Visit us today at DARCARS Nissan of College Park to speak with us in person or begin browsing our inventory to select the Nissan Rogue that's right for you.

Apart from powering the wheels of your car, the engine also powers many accessory parts, such as the alternator, the coolant pump, and more. The power is transferred to these accessories using a car belt, otherwise known as a serpentine belt. As durable as these belts are, over time they can begin to crack, fray, slip, and even snap. Here are six signs that you might need to visit your trusted Nissan dealer in College Park, MD for a new serpentine belt. Malfunctioning Accessories Since the only purpose of your serpentine belt is to power five essential accessories, if any or all of these accessories break down, you can guess the cause of the problem: more Alternator Your alternator uses the engine's power to recharge your battery. So if you have problems with your electronics, and your battery isn't recharging properly, check your serpentine belt. Coolant Pump This pump pushes coolant from the radiator through your engine and back into the radiator. If the pump loses power because of a slipped belt, your engine will begin to overheat. So it's important to fix it promptly. Power Steering Pump Power steering allows you to turn your car's wheels with relatively little pressure applied to the steering wheel. If steering suddenly becomes more difficult, then your power steering pump might have lost power. Make sure to check your serpentine belt. Supercharger The supercharger increases the pressure of air going into the fuel-air mixture of your engine's combustion chambers. If the supercharger begins to fail, you'll notice your engine's power dropping. Air Conditioning Compressor This compressor is essential to the functioning of your air conditioning. So if you start to get a little too hot, your serpentine belt might be at fault. Squealing Noises A slipping belt often creates squealing sounds as it struggles with the force of the crankshaft and pulleys. As soon as you hear this sound, pull over and pop your hood. You should be able to see if the belt has slipped, and you might even be able to push it back into place. Otherwise, have a technician do it for you. Frayed or Cracked Belt When examining your belt, pay attention to the rubber at its edges. If you see that the rubber is cracked or frayed, then the belt is structurally weakened. You'll need to replace a cracked or frayed belt before it snaps. Worn Grooves Rows of V-grooves on the inner side of a serpentine belt act as notches, allowing it to grip matching grooves on the crankshaft and pulleys. When these grooves begin to wear down, it can soon lead to slippage. If you suspect your belt's grooves are a little worn down, you can either measure them with a specialist tool called a belt wear gauge, or you can have a technician do it for you.   To have an experienced professional examine, repair, or replace your serpentine belt, visit or schedule a service at DARCARS Nissan of College Park, where our technicians are the best for the job. Ready to learn more? We have many auto-related blogs ready to be explored today!

We all know the scenario. You're heading to work and making good time until you get stuck behind a slow driver. Being forced to crawl behind their car while grinding your teeth in frustration makes for a bad start to the day, but it's important to handle the situation well so that you feel in control and stay safe. Here are our tips for handling slow drivers in College Park, MD. Stay Calm Whenever you have to deal with frustrating situations on the road, it helps to remember that someone else's poor decisions don't have to be your drama. If you find your anger rising, create an environment where it's easier to stay calm, perhaps by turning up the air conditioning so that you literally feel cooler, or by switching off the radio so that you don't have to deal with the extra stimulation. more Breathe deeply and consciously relax your body. Taking steps to keep your cool lets you stay in control of the situation and make rational decisions. Avoid Aggression It's tempting to express your annoyance at the driver in front, perhaps by tailgating them or leaning on the horn. However, if the driver is slow because they're distracted, anxious, unsure, or dealing with a problem, this will likely only make the situation worse. If flustered, they're unlikely to speed up, but they're more likely to make mistakes and increase the hazard.   While it isn't sensible to upset, distract, or threaten a slow driver, it's perfectly acceptable to use signals to make them aware of you. Flashing your lights or indicating will let the other driver know that you'd like to get past. If they're accommodating, a friendly smile or wave should help diffuse tension and has the added bonus of helping you to feel calmer, as well. Overtake Safely If you're in a rush, you might dash to overtake a slow car at the first opportunity, but don't lose your focus on road safety. Be sure to watch for a suitable space, check for hazards, indicate, and maneuver safely. Never use the right lane to go past a slow-moving vehicle, and leave plenty of space as you pull in front of them. Reflect Afterwards It's unlawful to "impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic" in Maryland, so the driver holding you up could be acting illegally. If you believe that the driver's speed was deliberate or a result of their negligence, perhaps because they were texting or driving an unsafe vehicle, then you have the option of reporting them to the local authorities when you reach your destination. As irritating as it is when an inconsiderate driver ruins your time behind the wheel, it's still better than an accident, so aim to be the responsible, disciplined person in the scenario. And for a more positive motoring experience, remember that you can always visit us at DARCARS Nissan of College Park, where our friendly, speedy service and great deals will help put a smile back on your face.   Image by Pixababy

Winter is on its way, and that means it's time to start thinking about how to protect your car from the cold weather. If you live in Maryland, you know that our winters can be brutal, so it's important to take the necessary steps to make sure your car is ready for the snow and ice. Here are recommendations from us here in College Park, MD that should help to get your car ready for winter weather. Check Your Tires Make sure your tires have plenty of tread and are inflated to the proper pressure. This will help you avoid flat tires and blowouts when driving in winter weather. If you're not sure about the appropriate pressure, consult your car's owner's manual or read our blog " How to Check The Tire Pressure On Your Car " today! more Go a step further and get yourself some winter tires. Winter tires are designed for increased traction in snow and ice, so they can really come in handy when the roads are slippery. Keep it Clean Salt and other chemicals used to de-ice the roads can take a toll on your car's paint job and undercarriage. Be sure to wash your car often during the winter months to remove any build-up of salt and other debris. Visit Us in College Park, MD Schedule a winter service package from your Nissan dealership here in Maryland. We'll set you straight with an oil change, antifreeze flush, and tire rotation.   Changing your engine oil more frequently during winter can help to prevent engine sludge caused by the weather. We'll switch you out to an oil optimal for winter weather conditions. Get a Kit Keep an emergency kit in your car. This should include things like a blanket, snacks, water, a first-aid kit, and a flashlight. It's also a good idea to keep a bag of sand or kitty litter in the trunk in case you get stuck in the snow. Check Your Windshield Wipers Make sure your windshield wipers are in good condition and ready to work properly. You don't want to be caught in a rain or snowstorm with wipers that can't handle the job. Make sure you have an ice scraper on hand, too, so you can clear your windshield of any frost or ice.   A good car cover can also help to protect your car from the elements. If you don't have a garage, consider investing in a cover to keep your car clean and dry during the winter months.   These are just a few of the things you can do to help prepare your car for winter weather here in Maryland. By taking these steps now, you should be able to avoid costly repairs and breakdowns when the temperatures start to drop. Schedule your service appointment with DARCARS Nissan of College Park today. We'll make sure your car is ready to take on anything the winter weather throws your way.   Image by Pixabay

There are many components and processes that go into producing the great performance and driving experience you've come to expect from a Nissan, and your vehicle's ignition system is one of the most important. Faulty ignition coils are one of the more common ignition problems drivers end up dealing with, so we here at your local Nissan dealer thought you should know what to look for when identifying potential ignition coil problems. What Does an Ignition Coil Do? Your vehicle's ignition coils are an integral part of its ignition system. They essentially function by converting the (relatively low) current produced by your vehicle's battery into an electrical current that has enough of a charge to ignite the fuel in your ignition system and start the engine. Ignition coils are located in your vehicle's engine just above (or very close to) its spark plugs, and the converted electrical charge is what causes those spark plugs to spark. more Without properly functioning ignition coils, your vehicle may not have the electrical charge required to cause those spark plugs to spark and ignite, leading to a host of potential mechanical and performance problems in your engine. How Can You Tell If Your Ignition Coils Are Failing? Because of the ignition coils' key function in your vehicle's engine, there are a number of warning signs to look out for that mean you should get your vehicle looked at. One of the main symptoms is a sudden loss of power in your vehicle, resulting in a sluggish response to the gas pedal. Similarly, if your engine is misfiring when you accelerate, this can be another sure sign that you should get your ignition coils looked at. Other common symptoms include a hard-starting or sputtering vehicle or even one that stalls unexpectedly when attempting to accelerate from a stop. With faulty electrical charges making their way to the spark plugs at the wrong time, if at all, your engine may also be jerking and vibrating roughly when you accelerate. Many drivers with ignition coil troubles also report a significant and sudden reduction in their vehicle's fuel economy. What Should You Do About a Failing Ignition Coil? If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, you should get your vehicle checked out by a qualified mechanic. Failing ignition coils, if left untreated, can lead to more significant damage being done to your emissions system, including your catalytic converter, turning a relatively straightforward fix into something a little more complicated (and expensive). If you've noticed any of the symptoms of a failing ignition coil happening if your vehicle, or if you're looking for a quick tune-up, visit us at DARCARS Nissan of College Park today! If you prefer to have an appointment, you may conveniently schedule a service online now as well!