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Connecticut can be hot and humid in summer, which ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​makes the cold air from your AC even more welcoming. If you have an AC not working, your Lexus dealer is here to help. We can complete AC repairs and get that cold air billowing through your cabin again. These are examples of some of the issues that can happen with your car’s air conditioning system. AC Speed Won't Change or Cool Down When you crank up the AC to the max, you expect the speed of cold air flowing into your cabin to increase significantly. If changing the speed doesn't result in any noticeable change in airflow, something might be wrong with your AC. Debris coming from the AC compressor can impact the refrigerant flow and make cooling your vehicle down difficult. You also want to check the cabin air filter. If this is clogged or dirty, it can impact how cold your AC gets in your car. more Wet Carpet Have you noticed wet carpet in your car? The heater core may need to get repaired. You may also experience clogged drains in the air-conditioning evaporator. A blocked drain prevents water from draining correctly. If drains get too clogged, you can find water in your carpet from it overflowing. Refrigerant Leaking One of the more common issues that many encounter when they need air conditioning repairs for their vehicles is refrigerant leaking from the car. Is refrigerant low in your vehicle? Checking on the AC compressor is a great first step and seeing if there are any leaks from the seals on the AC compressor. You will also want to check out the AC condenser, as this component can also leak. If you have an old AC evaporator, this part can also leak from excessive wear. AC Not Working? Visit Your Lexus Dealer in Greenwich, CT Today Have you noticed any of these signs that your vehicle’s air conditioning system may need repairs? A failing AC doesn't have to spoil your summer. You can visit our Lexus service center to get expert AC service and repairs. Contact us today at DARCARS Lexus of Greenwich.

Getting a regular oil change is one of the most important parts of caring for your car. However, what exactly is this oil doing for your car when you stop by the Lexus dealer to change the oil? It does a lot of things, from boosting fuel economy to making your engine last as long as possible, so let's learn a little more. Oil Changes and Vehicle Performance The oil in your car can impact your vehicle's performance greatly. With oil that's approximately less than six months old, your car will run smoothly and shouldn't have any issues. The oil can properly break down particles and help keep them out of your engine, and it's still high-quality enough to keep your engine lubricated and working as it should. When all of your car systems are intact and you get your oil replaced on time, your car will perform at its best. more Skipping changing the oil has the opposite effect. Instead of your car performing at its best, its performance can gradually worsen. You can have reduced gas mileage, and your exhaust fumes can get dark. It's also not uncommon for an engine to stall when your oil level is low or when the oil in your car is old. Low engine oil can also impact your transmission, leading to trouble with your gears. What Exactly Does Engine Oil Do? Motor oil has two main jobs: lubricating your engine and breaking down foreign matter. It can't do either of these jobs well when it gets old, which is why you'll have performance issues if you skip changing your oil. The oil makes sure all the parts of your engine are lubricated enough to move with minimal friction. If there's a lot of friction between the moving parts of your engine, then there's lots of heat generated, meaning your engine could overheat. Plus, all the friction leads to the parts wearing down. Your engine parts can also get clogged with debris if your oil is too low-quality to break down those unwanted particles that get into your engine over time. What Happens If You Don't Visit Your Lexus Dealer in Greenwich, CT and Replace Your Oil? Your car's performance can get impacted if you don't change your oil regularly. The dirt can build up in your engine and can significantly decrease your engine's lifespan. Your engine can also get too hot as it runs, which causes various parts to wear out a lot faster than they should. Overall, not changing the oil when you should can unfortunately reduce how long your engine lasts. Is it time for your Lexus to get a fill of fresh motor oil? Come get it at DARCARS Lexus of Greenwich.

When you invest in a Lexus, you're buying a luxury vehicle that delivers high-quality performance. Whether you own an RX, LS, LC, or GX, you should adhere to the Lexus maintenance schedule to help ensure your vehicle continues running smoothly. As your local Lexus dealer, we're here to explain what scheduled maintenance entails. From Your Local Lexus Dealer: Recommended Lexus Maintenance Schedule When should you come in for Lexus maintenance? Check your owner's manual for your specific model's schedule. If you've purchased a brand-new car, Lexus helps you stick to the schedule by including complimentary maintenance for the first two services, i.e. those at six months and 12 months. It is recommended that you follow out your scheduled maintenance at a Lexus ​certified service center with a Lexus certified technician. more What Happens During a Service During each service, our Lexus-certified technicians inspect your vehicle, ensuring components operate correctly and work together as they should. Some common services that can get completed include: Rotating the tires Adjusting tire pressures A road-test Adjustment of engine oil and other fluid levels Visual inspection of brake pads, rotors, and calipers Inspection of driver's floor mat Reset the maintenance reminder light In addition to checking and adjusting the levels of all essential fluids, your technician will replace both the engine filter and engine oil at the recommended interval as well.  As time goes on, an expanded service may get carried out on your Lexus. In addition to the usual inspections, the battery in the smart key is replaced, the air conditioner filter is cleaned, and inspections are made of the following parts: Bodywork Engine coolant Brake lines and hoses Exhaust pipes and mounting Steering assembly As more time accumulates, there are other unique services that can get completed. Some service may be: Brake rotor thickness Fuel lines Fuel tank band and vapor vent hoses Fuel tank cap gasket Transmission fluid Need to Schedule Lexus Maintenance in Greenwich, CT? Lexus is all about luxury, comfort, and performance, but you need to look after your vehicle to help keep it in optimum condition. If you've reached a milestone in the maintenance schedule, it's time to book an appointment with our certified Lexus service center. Contact DARCARS Lexus of Greenwich in Greenwich, CT today, and let us make all the necessary checks and ensure your Lexus runs like new.

Ever been driving and suddenly, out of nowhere, a little warning light pops up on your dashboard about your tire pressure? That's your car's TPMS letting you know that there is something going on with the air in your tires. But how does a car tire pressure monitoring system work? Understanding a Car Tire Pressure Monitoring System The TPMS is your car's way of keeping tabs on how much air is in your tires. There are two main aspects of monitoring systems: direct and indirect. Each has its own way of making sure you're in the loop about your tire pressure. more Direct TPMS Direct TPMS is all about getting the details straight from the source. It's got sensors in each tire that keep an eye on how much air you've got and may even check out the temperature since that can affect the pressure too. If any tire gets too low for comfort, based on what the car manufacturer thinks is best, your dashboard lights up with an alert. This could be a little icon of a flat tire or an exclamation mark inside a tire, depending on your ride. Indirect TPMS Now, indirect TPMS, instead of checking the pressure directly, looks into your car's wheel speed sensors to figure out how fast each wheel is turning. A tire with less air is smaller and has to work overtime by spinning faster to keep up. When the system notices one wheel pulling a fast one, it tells you it's time to check your pressure. No extra sensors are needed in your tires for this method. Why Maintain Proper Tire Pressure? Safety Riding on underinflated tires can change the handling of your car, not to mention it can affect your stopping distance. Happy Tires Underinflated tires can wear out faster, meaning you'll have to replace them early. Don't Ignore Your Tires Even if you have an automatic tire monitoring system in your car, you will still want to keep an eye on your tires. You should check your tire pressure with a gauge from time to time. And if the tire pressure light does come on, take it seriously. Top off your air or swing by a professional if you're not sure what to do. Need Your Tire Pressure Checked in Greenwich, CT? Is your car’s tire pressure light on? Call or schedule an appointment with DARCARS Lexus of Greenwich in Greenwich, CT, if you need any help with your tire pressure, or if you need to get new tires.

Owning a Lexus is exciting. To keep things running as smoothly as they did on day one, though, you want to routinely service your Lexus and check the fluid levels. Fluids help keep everything working just right in your car, so they need to be filled to the proper level. Engine Oil Engine oil helps keep all those moving parts in your engine from wearing each other out. It also helps keep everything cool under the hood. It's important that your oil be not only filled to the correct level but also clean and fresh. A quick monthly check with the dipstick is a great idea to make sure your car's engine oil is good, and that it looks clean. If your oil is dark and gritty, it's time to change it. more Coolant Coolant, or antifreeze, is what helps stop your engine from getting too hot or too cold, depending on the weather. It's a major player in preventing overheating, too. Giving it a glance every three to six months should help keep you in the clear. Just remember, only peek at it when your engine is cool to help avoid any steamy surprises. Transmission Fluid This is the stuff that makes sure your gears shift smoothly, whether you're cruising in an automatic or a manual. For many newer cars with sealed systems, however, you might never need to check your transmission fluid at all. If your car does have a dipstick to check the level of your transmission fluid, check it according to your owner's manual. Brake Fluid Brake fluid helps make sure everything stops like it should when you hit the brakes. Since stopping is crucial, you'll want to check this every three or four months. Dropping levels of brake fluid could mean a leak, which is something you'd want to sort out sooner rather than later. Power Steering Fluid If you've ever driven a car without power steering, you know why you don't want to run out. It helps keep your steering light and responsive. A quick check at least a few times a year to make sure it's at the right level can help save you from a workout every time you need to make a turn. Windshield Washer Fluid All right, windshield washer fluid might not affect the performance of your Lexus directly, but it sure makes it easier to see where you're going. Keeping this topped off is easy to do and checking it every couple of months should do the trick. Schedule an Appointment to Get Your Lexus Serviced in Greenwich, CT Staying on top of your fluid levels means you're giving your Lexus the maintenance it needs. Call DARCARS Lexus of Greenwich in Greenwich, CT to schedule your next service checkup today.

The Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system is a critical part of your Lexus's safety features. It's designed to help maintain control of your vehicle in poor driving conditions. If the Lexus VSC light comes on, you might wonder what it means and what you should do about it. What Is Vehicle Stability Control? Vehicle Stability Control technology helps prevent skidding and loss of control by automatically applying brake pressure to individual wheels. It will also adjust engine power if necessary when it detects that the vehicle's path doesn't match the direction in which the steering wheel is turned. This system is especially useful on slippery roads or during sudden swerves. more What Does the Lexus VSC Light Mean? The VSC light on your Lexus dashboard is a warning indicator that can flash or remain steady, depending on the situation. A briefly flashing light means the Vehicle Stability Control system is actively working to stabilize your vehicle. It should stop flashing once your car regains traction. If the light stays on, it either means the VSC system has been turned off, or that there's a problem with the system itself. Do You Need to Reset the VSC Light? Your vehicle's VSC and Traction Control (TRAC) systems work together to help prevent the drive wheels from spinning on slick surfaces. There are situations, such as being stuck in mud or snow, where you might need to manually turn these systems off to allow the wheels to spin freely and help the vehicle become unstuck. The VSC button is usually found either on the dashboard or by the gear shifter. Resetting Your VSC Light Once you're back on stable ground, you'll need to reactivate your VSC and TRAC systems. Typically, the VSC and TRAC systems will automatically reactivate the next time you start the engine. However, if both systems were manually turned off, there is a chance they won't re-enable just by restarting the car. If the systems do not turn back on as expected, you need to have your Lexus checked out by a professional to help make sure everything is working correctly. Is the VSC Light On in Your Lexus in Greenwich, CT? Are you hearing noises coming from the engine compartment, particularly when starting the engine, moving the vehicle, or pressing the brake pedal repeatedly? These sounds can be normal, but if they persist or worsen, you should have your vehicle checked. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to any warning lights or unusual sounds can help you keep your car's VSC system in top working order. Call to schedule service at DARCARS Lexus of Greenwich in Greenwich, CT, today.

Maintaining your Lexus is a crucial part of car ownership to keep your vehicle performing at its best. One of the most important maintenance tasks you can do is come in for regular oil changes at your Lexus dealer. How Often Should You Change Your Oil? For newer Lexus models, the general recommendation is to change your oil every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. However, it's important to check your car's manual or consult with your dealer to get a specific recommendation for your model. more How Can You Tell If You Need to Change Your Oil? If your car's performance is starting to feel a bit sluggish, or if it's running louder than usual, these could be warning signs from your engine. Oil is responsible for lubricating all the moving parts in your engine, and over time, it gets dirty and less effective. This can lead to increased friction and, consequently, a reduction in performance. Dashboard Lights Another red flag? The oil or check engine light illuminating on your dashboard. Your car is smart and knows when something's not performing correctly. If you see those lights, your car is trying to give you a heads-up, so it's time to schedule an appointment with your dealer. Dark, Gritty Oil If you decide to check the oil level and quality yourself, oil that's dark and gritty is a telltale sign that it's been too long since your last change. Fresh oil should be amber in color and smooth in texture. What if I Decide to Wait to Change My Oil? Old, dirty oil can lead to a build-up of sludge in your engine, and that can lead to issues with your vehicle. This sludge can block oil passages, reducing the flow of oil and leading to increased wear and tear. In the worst-case scenario, it could even lead to engine failure. Running on old oil can also reduce your fuel efficiency. Your engine has to work harder when it's not properly lubricated, leading to decreased miles per gallon. Head to the Lexus Dealer in Greenwich, CT for an Oil Change Don't forget to follow a routine for changing your car's oil. Your Lexus deserves the best, and regularly changing the oil is a small investment in the overall health and longevity of your vehicle. No one knows your car as well as the experts at the dealership. We can get you in, out, and back on the road in no time! If it's been a while since you last changed your car's oil, don't hesitate to take it in for service. Your car will thank you for it. Call DARCARS Lexus of Greenwich and schedule your service today!

As the temperature drops and the snow starts to fall, your car should be equipped with certain essentials to help you navigate the cold months safely and comfortably. By performing winter car care at the Lexus dealer early and preparing yourself for emergencies, you can drive confidently, no matter the conditions. Ice Scraper and Snow Brush An ice scraper and snow brush are your first line of defense on frosty mornings. These tools help you remove snow and ice from your windshield and windows, ensuring clear visibility for safer driving in winter conditions. more De-Icing Windshield Fluid Regular windshield fluid may not cut it in the colder months. A windshield fluid with a de-icing component is crucial for helping to prevent the liquid from freezing. It also helps in quickly melting away any ice or snow that might obstruct your view when driving. Emergency Blanket and Warm Clothing Keeping an emergency blanket, extra gloves, hats, and even a warm coat in your car can be a lifesaver in extremely cold temperatures, protecting against cold-related conditions. Roadside Emergency Kit A well-stocked roadside emergency kit is invaluable if you encounter problems. This kit should include essentials like a flashlight, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, and basic tools. In winter, add items like a whistle, tow rope, and jumper cables, as cold weather can be tough on your car's battery. Kitty Litter, Sand, or Traction Mats Getting stuck in the snow is a common winter problem, and these items can be placed under your tires to provide extra traction in this frustrating situation. Kitty litter and sand are inexpensive and easy to find, while traction mats are a more professional solution. Portable Charger and Cables In our connected world, keeping your phone charged is more important than ever, especially in emergencies. With your phone powered up, you can make emergency calls, use GPS, or access helpful apps. Don't forget to include cables compatible with your device. Snacks and Water You never know how long you might be stuck in your car. Keeping non-perishable snacks like granola bars, nuts, and water in your car helps to ensure you stay hydrated and energized during unexpected stops or long traffic delays. Perform Winter Car Care at Your Lexus Dealer Now that you've packed the inside of your vehicle with all the essentials, make sure that your car is ready too. A trip to the dealership for some winterizing and preventive maintenance will leave both you and your vehicle prepared. Winter Car Prep in Greenwich, CT at Our Lexus Service Center With these essentials in your car, you'll be better equipped to handle the challenges that come with winter driving. Remember, it's always better to be over-prepared than under-prepared when it comes to winter road safety. Visit DARCARS Lexus of Greenwich for all your winter car maintenance needs!

Whether you've been in a small accident or a major collision, you will need to find a reliable body shop to restore your vehicle. A Lexus body shop is an ideal place to go since this repair center will have genuine paint and other parts to help repair your vehicle, even if you have extensive damage. A Quality Auto Body Shop Near You: Schedule Today If you're looking for a body shop that specializes in Lexus repair, you should visit your local dealership. Your Lexus dealership is equipped with the tools to handle any vehicle repair, from small dents to windshield repairs to major restorations. Plus, your dealership's body shop will offer guarantees on the repair services for as long as you own the vehicle. Your dealership's body shop can even help you with a rental vehicle, pick up and deliver your vehicle, and liaise with your insurance company. After body repairs are completed, your dealership service center will also inspect your vehicle for mechanical issues before it is returned. Ultimately, getting repairs done at your dealership's body shop is much more convenient. more Common Body Shop Repairs After an accident, one or more parts of your vehicle may be damaged. Common restorations include straightening the frame of your vehicle, popping out dents, replacing panels, replacing bumpers, and paintless dent removal. The side mirrors, windows, and windshield of your vehicle can be replaced. New paint can be applied to your entire vehicle. As part of your body service, your vehicle can also be detailed with wax, interior shampoo, and compounding. Why Paint Restoration Is Important Fixing any scratches, buffs, scrapes, or other paint damage as soon as possible can help ensure your car isn't damaged by rust or corrosion in the future. When paint damage is deep enough, it can scrape away the layers of protective coating that shield the panels of your vehicle from the environment. If water bypasses the protective coating of paint, then it can reach the metal underneath and cause serious damage over time. How Paintless Dent Removal Works While larger dents may include some paint damage, shallow dents typically do not. Your car repair expert may opt to do paintless dent removal to correct small dings. With this method, instead of using suction to correct a dent, the dent is corrected from the inside of the vehicle. Essentially, the damaged part of the vehicle is removed, and the dent is pushed out from the back of the panel. This method helps reduce the chance of damaging the paint and can cut down on your repair costs. Schedule an Appointment with Our Lexus Body Shop in Greenwich, CT If your vehicle needs body repair, then you can visit your dealership for repair service. Your dealership can repair damage from major accidents, smaller fender benders, or minor paint scratches. Contact DARCARS Lexus of Greenwich to schedule a body shop service appointment today.

Do you have a Lexus part that needs replacement? You may be tempted to purchase aftermarket or generic parts. However, you should consider OEM parts for your Lexus. Aftermarket parts are made by third-party producers and often do not last, meaning you'll need to replace them more frequently. Here are reasons why you should get OEM parts from a trusted Lexus dealer. 5 Benefits of Getting OEM Parts for Your Lexus from a Lexus Dealer 1. Reliable Performance You deserve the best performance from your Lexus. OEM products are carefully designed and rigorously tested to meet the manufacturer's standards, so you won't have to worry about them affecting your vehicle's performance and efficiency. more 2. Quality There's nothing worse than purchasing a spare part only to later discover that it's made with substandard materials. Original Equipment Manufacturer parts are made by the company that created your car. They're like the same parts that initially came with your car, meaning they guarantee the same quality you're used to. With generic parts, you won't know exactly how well the part you buy will work with your car or how it will impact its performance. 3. Compatibility Another advantage of using OEM products is that they're guaranteed to be an exact match for your car. The parts are made with your specific vehicle in mind, and the dimensions are the same. Highly skilled engineers spend a lot of time creating every part to ensure it works effectively in the larger design. Aftermarket replacement parts, by their nature, are created to work with numerous models. 4. Warranty Coverage When you shop for OEM auto parts and accessories, you receive a manufacturer's warranty that helps give you added assurance and peace of mind. Lexus offers a warranty and comprehensive support for its products. If a part malfunctions, the warranty covers the replacement cost. If you decide to purchase a product from a shady supplier, there's no guarantee that you'll get support when something unexpected happens. 5. Durability You want the spare part you buy to work for as long as the part you intend to replace. Lexus Genuine Parts boast a longer lifespan with less wear and tear when compared to other parts. They don't just guarantee the longevity of the part itself, but also the entire car. Need to Order Parts for Lexus Cars or SUVs in Greenwich, CT? OEM auto parts will not only ensure consistent peak performance from your car but also save you from costly repairs in the future. Contact DARCARS Lexus of Greenwich today.

Do you want to ensure that you protect the paint on your Lexus? What is the best way to protect the paint on your car? There are various ways that you can protect your car’s paint, ranging from regular washes to avoiding certain parking spots. See how you can protect the paint and keep your Lexus looking like new in this tips and tricks blog at our Greenwich, CT Lexus dealership. Ways to Keep the Paint on Your Lexus Protected 1) Keep an Eye on Where You Park While it can be unavoidable sometimes that a scratch occurs on your vehicle, you want to make sure that when possible, you stay out of parking spots that can potentially cause scratches on your car. You will want to make sure that you have plenty of space between you and another vehicle so that you put your vehicle at less of a risk of getting scratched. You also want to make sure that you try and park in a shaded area. When parking in the shade, it can minimize how much your Lexus’s exterior paint gets exposed to harmful UV rays. Being exposed to sun can oftentimes lead to paint fading. more 2) Routinely Get Your Lexus Washed Another great way to preserve the paint on your Lexus is regular washes and getting the vehicle waxed, too. You can easily remove the dirt and any other debris that is on your car to keep your vehicle clean and remove debris that can impact the vehicle’s paint. When you get your Lexus waxed, this can be a great way to help protect the exterior of your car. When you get a car waxed, it can help keep debris and sun from fading or causing damage to the paint. 3) Remember to Use a Vehicle Cover If you are parking your car in a garage, a cover isn’t necessary but if you are parking without a cover over the vehicle, remember to use a car cover to help protect the paint. From dust and dirt to sun, car covers offer many benefits for the exterior of your vehicle. Whether you’re looking for ways to protect car paint from the sun, or you want to keep the exterior of your vehicle clean, these tips can help. 4) Check Out Coating Options Another way to keep the paint protected is applying a ceramic coating as an added layer of paint protection to your car. Not only will your vehicle have a great shine when adding on coating, but this synthetic coating can help protect against sun fading and dirt and debris from staining or scratching the exterior. Find Out More Lexus Maintenance Tips at Our Lexus Dealership Want to learn about other ways that you can maintain your Lexus in Greenwich, CT? Schedule a service visit for routine maintenance today.

When it comes to car engines, the ignition coil is what makes the sparks fly. Sitting behind each spark plug, the ignition coil generates and delivers a surge of electrical voltage so the plug can ignite the fuel inside the combustion chamber. When an ignition coil malfunctions, you'll rapidly notice the following engine and exhaust problems. A technician at your nearest Lexus dealer can quickly fix a faulty ignition coil and get your car back on the road once more. Sluggish Acceleration Spark plugs need to fire hundreds of times every minute to keep the engine powering along. If one of your spark plugs is suddenly starved of electricity by a bad ignition coil, it won't fire as much and that cylinder will lose power. As a result, you'll find it harder to accelerate, especially when driving uphill. more Worsening Gas Mileage Sometimes, when an ignition coil fails, the engine tries to compensate by injecting even more fuel into the combustion chamber. This causes gas mileage to plummet, and you'll find yourself stopping for gas more often. Misfiring While Idling When a spark plug fails to spark properly because of a malfunctioning ignition coil, the cylinder misfires. Misfiring causes the engine to cough, sputter, and vibrate awkwardly. Misfiring is usually most noticeable when you drive slowly or pause in idle at traffic lights. Repeatedly Stalling Engine When misfiring gets really bad, your engine power might suddenly cut out entirely. Once stalled because of a bad coil, you might also have trouble starting the engine up again. Exhaust System Problems Misfiring causes an excess of fuel to build up inside the combustion chamber. This fuel can start to leak back into the exhaust system or explode just as the cylinder is opening, causing loud backfiring. Sometimes, the leaking fuel ignites inside the catalytic converter, which can destroy the converter. Thick Exhaust Smoke When unburned fuel makes its way back into the exhaust system, it often partially ignites in the heat of the exhaust and pours out of the tailpipe in the form of black smoke. If you notice your exhaust fumes thickening with smoke, your engine is probably misfiring, and an ignition coil might be to blame. Your Lexus Dealer in Greenwich, CT, Can Repair or Replace a Bad Coil Faulty coils can sometimes be repaired and restored with proper cleaning. It depends on how badly damaged the coil has become. A little corrosion from moisture or carbon residue from the fuel can often be cleaned away, but a burned-out electrode or some other serious damage will likely mean the coil has to be replaced. Visit DARCARS Lexus of Greenwich today to have your ignition coil problem solved by experienced technicians. We provide luxurious and personalized customer service as befits discerning Lexus car drivers.