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Q: What are run flat tires? – Allyson   A: Allyson, Run-flat tires are designed to resist tire deflation and punctures. They can be driven on, at reduced speeds and distances, after taking on damage that would stop a normal tire. This allows you, the driver, to make it to Tire Pros of Frederick to have us fix or replace the tire. 

Q: How can I tell whether my car needs an alignment? – Mr. Hancock   A: Mr. Hancock, The most common indicators are pulling to one side or the other when driving on a straight, level road, a steering wheel that’s askew, or excessive, uneven tire wear. Ask the experts at Tire Pros of Frederick for a free alignment check, and always see us for more auto repair tips!

Q: What is camber? – Rich   A: Dear Rich, Camber is the angle between the wheel and the road as viewed from the front of the vehicle. At zero degrees, the wheel is straight up and down and the tread flat on the road. The manufacturer sets the camber for optimal control and tire wear. Today, many automakers specify slightly negative camber – the bottom of the tire slightly further out than the top – to improve cornering. Too negative, and camber wear results on the inside tire edge; t...

Q: Does brake fluid need to be change periodically? – Ms. Erin   A: Ms. Erin, It is impossible to determine based on color, smell, or touch when your brake fluid has become contaminated, although chemical tests are available. Change the brake fluid at 24,000-36,000 mile intervals or any time you have work done on the brake lines or cylinders. 

Q: What is reserve capacity (RC)? – Sue   A: Dear Sue, The number of minutes your car lights and other electrical components will run on battery power alone. Visit Tire Pros of Frederick for more helpful auto repair tips. 

Q: What can I do to get better gas mileage? – Mr. Goldstein   A: Mr. Goldstein, There are several no-cost ways to improve your gas mileage, starting with your driving habits. Make gradual starts and stops, maintain a constant highway speed, keep to 55 miles per hour and you will save tankfuls of gas over the course of a year. Visit tireprosoffrederick.com for more helpful auto repair tips. 

Q: My next oil change is also a major servicing. Can I have the work done at Tire Pros? – Alice   A: Alice, Regular maintenance, including 30,000, 60,000, and 90,000 scheduled maintenance, is essential to maintain your vehicle’s health and factory warranty. Your dealer does not need to perform this work. Our technicians are trained and qualified to perform scheduled maintenance at more convenient times and turn-arounds, and up to 50% less than your auto dealer. 

Q: How do shocks work? – Brad   A: Dear Brad, Shocks are mounted between the vehicle frame and the wheels. When the bounces, dips, and jolts are transferred from the wheels to the springs, the shocks reduce the bouncing and vibrations. Modern shocks are essentially twin tubes, one inside the other, that are filled with a dampening medium. Most use a combination of hydraulic oil and compressed air or nitrogen. Inside, a piston rides up and down within the oil, eliminating excessive vert...

Q: Why do my brakes make a single “click” noise when I back out of a parking place and once again when I drive forward? – Mrs. Reyes   A: Mrs. Reyes, A clearance between the brake caliper brackets and the ends of the brake pads allows for heat expansion and avoids corrosion between the caliper bracket and the brake pads. That clearance can cause the pads to hit the caliper brackets when you first apply the brakes in a new direction of travel. When you back up and apply the brakes and...

Q: How often does my vehicle’s air conditioner need to be recharged? – Jerry A: Dear Jerry, It depends on the amount of refrigerant and whether your system leaks. It’s not unusual for a car air conditioner to lose 1-2 ounces of refrigerant per year. Some compact cars require 10 ounces, some SUVs require 40 ounces. When your car loses its cool, bring it to Tire Pros of Frederick. We’ll diagnose the problem, repair your unit and recharge the system if necessary. Visit Tire Pros of Frede...