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Q: What is the correct tire pressure for my car? –Mr. Jones   A: Mr. Jones, The correct tire pressure will be shown in one of three places – a placard on the driver’s side door jamb, a placard inside the glove box or listen in the owner’s manual. Tire pressure specifications are meant for when the tire is cold; therefor, if the vehicle has been driven or the tire has been sitting in direct sunlight, the tire pressure may read higher than the manufacturer’s specification and should ...

Q: How do I check the oil level in my vehicle? – Katie   A: Katie, You should check the oil every few hundred miles, or every other time you fill up your gas tank. Consult your owner’s manual for the position of the oil dipstick and engine oil filler opening. The best time to check the other is when your engine is warm and on level ground. Turn off the vehicle and wait a few minutes. Then pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean with a rag, and reinsert it. Push it all the way in, and pu...

Q: Why buy winter tires? – Sam   A: Dear Sam, Winter tires, also known as snow tires, are designed for superior traction on ice, slush, and snow. The rubber on winter tires is formulated to retain elasticity and grip in temperatures below 45 degrees. Standard radial tires harden at these temperatures and lose some of their hold on the road. Also, winter treads are designed with special snow patterns. Look for the mountain snowflake imprint for maximum confidence in winter driving. 

Q: My car’s air conditioner just isn’t doing the job anymore. What could be the problem? – Mark   A: Mark, Your car’s air conditioner is a fairly complex system. If it’s not working well, it could be one or more of several reasons such as low or no refrigerant, the compressor or condenser, a loose or worn belt, a fan, leaks in the system, or other issues.

Q: How long do car batteries last? – Mr. Beck   A: Mr. Beck, Most automobile batteries are rated for five or more years of service. Visit Tire Pros of Frederick for more helpful auto repair advice. 

Q: I have a high-mileage car. How can I best take care of my engine? – Mr. McDonald   A: Mr. McDonald, Regular maintenance, including oil changes, is the most cost-effective way to keep an older vehicle on the road. A lubricant such as Valvoline’s MaxLife Motor Oil can also help extend the life of your engine. If you find that you frequently have to add oil to your car or truck, you might be “burning oil.” Visit Tire Pros for a diagnosis. 

Q: Why is it harder to start my car in the winter? – Ms. Maloney   A: Ms. Maloney, It’s chemistry. The electrochemical process that produces battery current slows in cold temperatures. Less amperage is achieved (the rate of flow of the electrical current.) Also, the motor oil in your engine thickens, making it harder to crank the engine. 

Q: I’ve heard that you can tell whether shocks need to be replaced by pushing down on the front and rear bumpers. If the car takes more than a second or two to stop bouncing, you need new shocks. Is this true? – Melissa   A: Dear Melissa, Not really. Take your car to a trained auto technician with proper diagnostic equipment. Modern auto suspensions are engineered and manufactured to close tolerances and are a part of a complex and interrelated system with steering and wheel alignment...

Q: When should I rotate my tires? – David   A: Dear David, The tire should be rotated in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation. If no recommendation is shown in the owner’s manual, tires should be rotated every 5,000 miles. Visit Tire Pros of Frederick for more auto repair advice!

Q: When should I rotate my tires? – David   A: Dear David, The tire should be rotated in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation. If no recommendation is shown in the owner’s manual, tires should be rotated every 5,000 miles. Visit Tire Pros of Frederick for more auto repair advice!