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Q: My car is older (it's a 1999 Dodge Neon,) so it seems to make more noise. How do I know when mufflers go bad? - Rachel A: Hi Rachel,  Your car’s exhaust system is pretty complex. Excess noise could be from cracks or holes in manifolds or gaskets, or it could be on your muffler itself. It can also be from excessive rust on a muffler, or holes in a muffler, which can cause a louder ride. Bad mufflers may also lead to increased pollution and even a rough idle. If you're not sure of what ...

Q: I'm looking to get a set of four tires for my vehicle, as well as my front brakes and rotors changed due to a grinding noise. My problem is that I'm short on money and it's out of my budget at this time. Do you offer any sort of finance options? - Alicia A: Hello Alicia,  We here at Tire Pros offer a great financing option! Our Tire Pros credit card only takes minutes to apply for, and you get 6 months of interest free financing, as well as no annual fees. Stop by today and take a few ...

Q: What should I do if my vehicle pulls to one side? - Monica   A: Hello Monica,  The first thing you should do is check to make sure your tire pressure is correct. If that is correct, you may need to have your car aligned. If you bring your car in to Tire Pros of Frederick, our certified mechanics will check your tire pressure and alignment for free! If you do need an alignment, our alignments only cost $79.95 

Q: I have a 2006 Cadillac SRX and all of a sudden my heat on the passenger side is not working. I had the cabin air filter replaced, and my mechanic verified that the heater coil isn't plugged. What could be the issue? - Max A: Hi Max,  If the car has automatic temperature control, which is where you can set the temperature, you may need to have it scanned to see if it is an actuator. In any case, bring it by Tire Pros of Frederick to have us take a look. It may be as simple as pulling th...

Q: I have a 2004 Mazda Tribute and I took it to the dealership to have recall work done. While I was there the mechanic told me I had an oil leak from my timing chain cover. They wanted $1400.00 to fix it. I don't know how long this leak has been going on, but there is never an oil on the ground under my car. They told me that is because it only does it when I drive. I had them show me the oil level and it was full. I don't have that kind of money to be able to fix this. How serious of an iss...

Q: What do I do when there is a clicking noise coming from my vehicle when making turns? - Greg   A: Dear Greg,   In most cases, a clicking noise is caused by a bad CV joint or axle. A leak from a torn boot is also a sign of a problem. We recommend bringing your car in to Tire Pros of Frederick where our experts can check for fluid leaks near the front axle. 

Q: I just moved to Maryland from New Jersey and need to have my registration switched. I am worried my car will not pass inspection because my check engine light just came on. Do you perform Maryland state inspections and will I fail due to that light alone? - Marcus   A: Dear Marcus,  Here at Tire Pros of Frederick, we are a full service mechanical shop with ASE Certified Maryland State Inspectors on duty. While appointments are strongly encouraged for inspections, we will also take wa...

Q: The last shop I went to told me I should always turn my wiper blades off before I turn off my vehicle. Is this true? - Addison   A: Hello Addison,  Yes, that is true. The reason is because if the blades become frozen to the windshield, they can tear when you start your vehicle. 

Q: How does my car air conditioner work? – Shelly   A: Hi Shelly, Air conditioners take advantage of condensation and evaporation. As the refrigerant in your air conditioner changes state, it removes heat from the air in your car. When you turn on the A/C, you engage a belt that drives the compressor. The compressor pressurizes the refrigerant – a gas at this point – and circulates it to the condenser. Under pressure, the gas becomes hot. When the refrigerant reaches the condenser th...

Q: Why can't I just buy a 20 inch wheel for my vehicle if a 20 inch wheel will fit? - Jorge   A: Jorge,  Not all wheels are the same off-set or bolt pattern. You need to make sure the tires don't rub the fender well and destroy the tires. That can cause body damage. Stop by Tire Pros of Frederick and we can check your wheel measurements and get you the best fitting wheel for your vehicle.