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Q: How much difference can an oil change make in my fuel economy? – Tony   A: Dear Tony, Using the correct grade of oil can improve fuel economy by 2%. You would be surprised how many car owners use the wrong oil. Check your owner’s manual or ask the experts at Tire Pros of Frederick. Regular oil changes are also crucial to the life and health of your engine. You can also “Like” us on Facebook and receive a coupon for a $10 oil change. Tire Pros of Frederick are always happy to give...

Q: How do I know when I need new tires? – Mr. Larrimore   A: Mr. Larrimore, When your tread wears down to 4/32 of an inch you start to lose significant traction on wet or snowy roads. A Washington quarter, placed upside down in the tread grooves at several points is a handy gauge. You’re ok if the tread covers part of Washington’s head. To be legal in most states, tires must pass the Lincoln penny test, a minimum tread depth of 2/32 of an inch. Manufacturers also place wear bars in t...

Q: How often do I need to change the timing belt on my vehicle? – Mrs. Miller   A: Mrs. Miller, Depending on the model year of the vehicle, it is typically between 60,000 and 90,000 miles. If your vehicle has a timing chain, instead of a timing belt, replacement of the timing chain is not required. Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance section of the appropriate owner’s manual for specific information.

Q: How do I know the difference in tire patterns – asymmetric, directional and symmetric? – Mr. Johnson   A: Mr. Johnson, Asymmetric – Tire will have “outside” printed on one side of the tire and “inside” printed on the other side of the tire. A properly mounted tire will show the “outside” side when it has been mounted on the vehicle. An asymmetric tire will have differences in tread pattern design between the inside and outside of the tire tread area, which necessitates prope...

Q: When can I expect the brakes on my new vehicle to need servicing? – Rob   A: Rob, Truck and SUV brakes need to be serviced between 20,000 and 30,000 miles. Cars need to be serviced between 25,000 and 45,000 miles. Visit tireprosoffrederick.com for more helpful auto repair tips. 

Q: When can I expect the brakes on my new vehicle to need servicing? – Rob   A: Rob, Truck and SUV brakes need to be serviced between 20,000 and 30,000 miles. Cars need to be serviced between 25,000 and 45,000 miles. Visit tireprosoffrederick.com for more helpful auto repair tips. 

Q: Why do I need shocks? – Mr. Jacobson   A: Mr. Jacobson, A springs-only suspension system would give you an extremely bouncy ride. Without some type of suspension, you would feel every bump in the road. Remember, auto repair advice at Tire Pros of Frederick is always free!

Q: How often should I rotate my tires? – Sandra   A: Dear Sandra, Every 5,000 miles, or every oil change, assuming you change your oil every 5,000 miles. Visit Tire Pros of Frederick for more auto repair advice.

Q. What should I do if my car starts to overheat? - Mr. McConnell A: Dear Mr. McConnell, This is a very serious problem – if your car overheats for too long, you can damage your engine. As soon as possible, find a safe place to pull off the road and shut the engine off! Do not attempt to check the fluid level in the radiator; the hot fluid can cause severe burns. The best thing to do is have your car towed to Tire Pros of Frederick.

Q: Why is engine oil milky brown? - Jessica A: Jessica, Milky brown engine oil is an indication of coolant in the oil. This can be caused by a blown head gasket (or other gasket), a failed transmission cooler, or cracked casings. This condition is very serious and needs to be checked by a professional technician immediately.