News

Q: I have a GMC Acadia and my car is making a buzzing noise that gets worse when I steer the car. What could it be? - John A: Dear John,  It sounds like you have a problem with your power steering system. On many GMC Acadia's there is a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) out that recommends all of the old fluid be removed and replaced with updated fluid. This service will very often cure your condition. Please don't delay, everyday you are doing further damage to the steering system. You run the ...

Q: I have a 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 and all of a sudden I hear a noise while I'm driving. The best I can describe it is that it's a rhythmic whirring noise. Any thoughts about what it could be? - James A: James,  The first question is does it get louder as you go faster or around a corner? My first thought is you have a wheel bearing that's going bad. Don't delay in getting it looked at, it will only get worse. Most often that bearing can get changed as an entire hub assembly. It's a pretty straigh...

Q: I have a 2006 Toyota Tacoma V6 4x4 and I'm having a grumbling noise from my front wheels. I also have an ABS light on. What could be wrong with the vehicle? - Sam A: Sam,  It sounds like the wheel hub bearings are going bad and need to be replaced. The ABS speed sensors are in the hub assemblies, so if your hubs are bad, then the sensors should be changed at the same time. Please bring it in to Tire Pros of Frederick to have it looked at. 

Q: I'm coming in to buy new tires this weekend. My husband works on a construction site and I always worry about him getting nails in my tires. Is there any kind of warranty I can buy for incidents like that? - Nancy A: Hi Nancy,  Yes, here at Tire Pros of Frederick we offer something called Road Hazard Protection. Here is how it works, at the time of the tire sale, let your Service Advisor you would like to purchase it. This is the ONLY point where it can be purchased. It costs 10% of th...

Q: I am coming in tomorrow for a Maryland State Inspection and I am just curious what happens if my car fails? - Marilyn A: Hi Marilyn,  If your cars fails the inspection, we will give you an inspection checklist along with a fair and honest estimate for the repairs. If you choose to have us perform the work to fix it, the inspection sticker will be issued immediately after the repairs are done at no extra charge. If you would like to have the repairs done elsewhere, that is fine too. Ins...

Q: With fall just around the corner I am starting to worry about winter. I have to drive a lot for work so I was wondering what kinds of things I can start doing now to protect my car against winter. Thanks. - Steven A: Hi Steven,  There are several things that you should always do prior to the start of winter. First, check fluids like your antifreeze, and oil. Make sure your antifreeze is not a rust color, and that your motor oil is new. Check your battery. If it is weak it can fail on c...

Q: My friend told me that since my car has 50,000 miles on it I should replace my timing chain. Is that true? - Ashley A: Hi Ashley,  If your car has a rubber timing belt, then yes, they should be replaced around 50,000 miles. If your car has a timing chain; however, your car can be driven considerably farther because the chains are stronger, and lubricated, so they last longer. Keep in mind though, that timing chains can still break, causing a considerable amount of damage to your engine...

Q: Why does my brake pedal vibrate when I'm slowing down from faster speeds? - Shawn A: Hi Shawn,  Most commonly, this is due to rotors warping. Rotors warp when wheels or wheel hubs are not cleaned when new rotors are installed, or when the hub is bad. The rotors won't warp right away, but can take severeal hundred miles for the vibration to start. Bring your car to Tire Pros of Frederick so one of our mechanics can inspect the car to see if the rotors are in fact warped, or if the hubs ...

Q: I just bought my first car and my dad is always telling me to make sure I take care of preventative maintenance. What exactly is preventative maintenance and is that something you can do? - Alex A: Hi Alex,  Preventative maintenance is simply regular maintenance that keeps your car running efficiently, as well as helping to eliminate potentially costly repairs. A car that is properly maintained will be more dependable and safer, and will last longer. This can include things such as rou...

Q: Why is preventative maintenance so important and how do I keep track of it? - Jimmy A: Hi Jimmy,  Preventative maintenance is key in saving money on needless repairs, and keeping your vehicle running well now and in the future. A lot of drivers put off preventative maintenance. Did you know that a recent survey on preventative maintenance found that:  38% of cars had low or dirty oil 54% had incorrect tire pressure 28% had inadequate cooling protection 19% needed new belts 16...