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Q: Besides motor oil, what other lubricants and fluids need to be changed to keep my car running in top condition? – Mr. Hatfield   A: Mr. Hatfield, Other essential fluids include coolant, and transmission, power steering and brake fluid. These are crucial to the operation of the various systems in your car, truck or van. Transmission and power steering fluid bathe, lubricate, and protect important gears. Coolant regulates engine temperature. Brake fluid multiplies the force you apply ...

Q: How often should I have my suspension system checked? – Mrs. Carroll   A: Any time you have your vehicle on a lift is an opportunity to inspect your suspension and other under car systems. You should always have your suspension, alignment, and steering inspected before you buy new tires. If problems are not corrected, your tires will wear prematurely. 

Q: What can I do to keep my car air conditioner working at peak efficiency? – Mary   A: Mary, Stay on schedule with your vehicle’s scheduled maintenance, including periodic replacement of the cabin air filter. Dust and debris eventually clog the filter and reduce heating and cooling efficiency. Another place where leaves and other material collect is between the A/C condenser and the radiator. Ask a Tire Pros of Frederick technician to check your cabin air filter and condenser the nex...

Q: How often should I check my brakes? – Mrs. Stewart   A: Mrs. Stewart, At least every 6,000 miles. It’s best to inspect the brakes anytime the wheels are off your car. If you change your oil every 3,000 miles, have your tires rotated and your brakes checked every other oil change. 

Q: What is toeing? – Jake   A: Dear Jake, When you stand at attention, your feet can be “toe in” or “toe out.” That’s not a problem for walking, but for car wheels it’s a big problem. Your wheels actually fight each other to maintain direction, significantly affecting handling and mileage. Toeing causes a saw tooth tread wear pattern. With toe in, the wear points to the inside of the car; the outside with toe out. Visit Tire Pros of Frederick for more auto repair tips. 

Q: How do I find quality replacement tires for my vehicle? – Rebecca   A: Rebecca, Come to the experts at Tire Pros of Frederick. We will recommend the right tire, based on wheel size, vehicle make and model, expected load, how you drive, and other factors. Don’t forget, with every tire purchase at Tire Pros of Frederick you get one year of free roadside assistance, and the lowest price guarantee. Visit us for more auto repair tips. 

Q: At highway speeds, I feel a vibration in the steering wheel. Could this be an alignment problem? – Max   A: Max, Many drivers confuse wheel alignment with wheel balancing. Most steering vibrations are caused by unbalanced wheels. In fact, proper alignment can actually magnify the effect. 

Q: How can I cool my car down faster? – Ms. Williams   A: Ms. Williams, First, open your windows and allow the hot air built up to escape. Close your windows and set your blower to recirculate the air inside the passenger compartment, rather than bring in air from outside. Once you are comfortable, allow fresh air back into your vehicle. Visit Tire Pros of Frederick for more auto repair tips.

Q: Do I need to use the dealer’s service department in order to keep my warranty in effect? – Mr. Jefferson   A: Mr. Jefferson, Any qualified person or service facility can perform the factory scheduled maintenance. Our trained technicians service all makes and models of passenger cars, trucks and vans. For dealer-quality auto maintenance for less, make an appointment at Tire Pros of Frederick today. Our ASE certified technicians can handle the scheduled maintenance at any mileage int...

Q: What are cold cranking amps (CCA)? – Mr. Reed   A: Mr. Reed, The minimum amperage that your car battery will deliver at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. This rating is an important measure of the ability of a battery to start your engine in cold weather.