News

Q: What causes alignment problems? – Richard   A: Dear Richard, Your vehicle can be knocked out of alignment in an accident with front end damage, for example, or by hitting a pothole or curb. Most of the time, though, your vehicle gradually goes out of alignment because of wear, stress, and vibration in the components of your steering and suspension system.

Q: Is it necessary to have my differential fluid drained and replaced? – Alex   A: Alex, Heat, pressure and contaminants cause the special lubricant in the differential gear box to break down. The differential converts engine power to rear axle motion (in rear-wheel drive vehicles) and connects the two rear axles so that they can turn at different speeds on turns. Fresh fluid protects this expensive component and ensures smoother, quieter operation. We recommend a change approximately ...

Q: My tire pressure light is on, what should I do? – Kim   A: Kim, The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) warning light means that at least one of your tires is underinflated by 25%. Check your tires with an accurate tire gauge and fill them to the correct inflation pressure. Tire Pros of Frederick would be happy to do this for free. 

Q: My tires aren’t wearing evenly. What happened? – Mrs. Carter   A: Mrs. Carter, This needs to be determined immediately by getting the tires inspected. If the irregular wear damage is due to inflation problems or mechanical wear such as alignment, the warranty is void. If the bad wear is due to a workmanship or material defect, this can be confirmed by our tire technician and a claim can be filed to compensate you toward the unused portion of the tire. 

Q: What is caster? – Mr. Roderick   A: Mr. Roderick, Caster is the angle between the steering axis and the true vertical. Think of how caster wheels extend from the swivel points on a shopping cart. This setting can affect straight tracking and how “light” or “heavy” your steering feels. As with camber, caster is not adjustable on many front-wheel drive cars. Faulty caster indicates that a part is worn or bent and needs replacement. Visit Tire Pros of Frederick for more auto repair...

Q: If my car sits for more than a day, it needs a jump start. Should I replace my battery? – Jorge   A: Dear Jorge, Possibly. Because your car turns over and because the battery holds a charge, at least temporarily, this sounds more like a draw on the battery. Check the light switches and other electrical devices in your car. For example, a dome light can run down your battery overnight. If the problem persists, bring your car to Tire Pros of Frederick for a free battery and electrical...

Q: Is it normal for my headlights to dim slightly and then come back to normal while my car is stopped at a light? – Greg   A: Dear Greg, This is a normal characteristic and is caused by variations in the electrical system created by the onboard computer. The computer controls the output of the electrical charging system to improve fuel economy and minimize vehicle vibration. When the engine is at idle, the computer monitors the electrical usage of the car and then controls the electri...

Q: How can I prove that I properly maintain my vehicle? – Katherine   A: Dear Katherine, Keep your maintenance and repair receipts; also, keep the paperwork on any recall notices, modifications, or repairs. This documentation should include your vehicle identification number (VIN), date of service, the mileage at the time of service, a description of the work and replacement parts, and the name and contact information for the repair facility or technician. Keep this information with th...

Q: How do I jump start my car? – Mrs. Rosenburg   A: Mrs. Rosenburg,  In an emergency, it might be necessary to jump start your car.  You need a decent set of jumper cables – heavy wire; no frayed or worn insulation; clean, strong clamps tightly connected to the cable ends. As you connect the cables, do not allow the ends to touch. Follow these steps: 1 – Park the booster car as close as possible to the disabled car without the two vehicles touching. 2 – Clamp one end of the pos...

Q: How do I know whether I need new brakes? – Bethany   A: Bethany, If your brakes grab, pulse, make noise, or respond slowly, or if you have any other concerns, take your vehicle to Tire Pros of Frederick for a free inspection. No appointment is necessary. We’ll carefully examine the entire brake system – pads/shoes, calipers, rotors/drums, brake lines and cylinders, and anti-lock controls. You might just need a cleaning and adjustment, but it could be time for new brake parts or ot...