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Q: How does my battery keep its charge? – Mr. Martin   A: Mr. Martin, An electromagnetic generator, called the alternator, is connected by a serpentine belt to your vehicle’s crankshaft. As your motor runs, the alternator generates electricity and recharges your car battery. Visit Tire Pros of Frederick for more auto repair tips. 

Q: My brake pedal seems mushy, what could be wrong? – Corinne   A: Dear Corinne, Too much play in your brake pedal could mean a number of things, from worn brake pads or shoes to a leak in the brake lines. Tire Pros of Frederick would be happy to look at your brakes for free, and without an appointment. Visit us for more auto repair tips. 

Q: What is a catalytic converter and how does it work? – Jonas   A: Dear Jonas, A catalytic converter is a canister-like device that reduces harmful automobile emissions. The catalytic converter was introduced in 1975 following the enactment of federal clean air laws. Most cars today are equipped with a three-way catalytic converter, so called because the device diminishes three harmful exhaust components – nitrogen oxide, nitrogen dioxide, and unburned hydrocarbons including carbon m...

Q: Why is tire depth so important to safety and handling? – Mr. Alexander   A: Mr. Alexander, On wet pavement, the tread grooves slice water away from the tire where it makes contact with the road. A typical new passenger tire has a tread depth of 10/32 of an inch. When tread wears to even half that depth, the risk increases that your car will hydroplane – slide on the surface of standing water – especially at highway speeds. On snowy pavement, horizontal treads and small slits in th...

Q: Why do I need a cooling system flush and fill? – Mrs. Fischer   A: Mrs. Fischer, Over time, the coolant breaks down and collects rust and dirt from inside the engine, radiator, and cooling system hoses. The sediments clogs your cooling system and the coolant fails to protect your vehicle. 

Q: What kind of antifreeze do I need to get ready for winter? – Carey   A: Dear Carey, Today’s coolants are engineered for year-round use. Consult your owner’s manual for the correct specifications. Any coolant that you add must be the same type as already in your vehicle. Otherwise, a chemical reaction can occur that turns the mixture into sludge. See the experts at Tire Pros of Frederick to ensure this doesn’t happen, and for more auto repair tips. 

Q: Is there anything I can do to get better gas mileage with my older car? – Dawn   A: Dawn, Many vehicles benefit from an engine tune-up, including replacing the air and fuel filters, spark plugs and spark plug wires, and PCV valve (positive crankcase ventilation valve.) Visit Tire Pros of Frederick for more auto repair tips. 

Q: How often should I change my oil? – Mr. Smith   A: Mr. Smith, Follow the instructions in your owner’s manual. Ask your store manager to print out the maintenance schedule for your make and model. Regular oil changes keep your engine running in top condition, save gas, and help you avoid major repairs. In fact, you can improve your gas economy by 5-6% by keeping your car in shape and using the recommended grade of oil. 

Q: What are the parts of my car’s electrical system? – Joel   A: Dear Joel, The battery, alternator, and voltage regulator are the three main parts of your vehicle’s electrical charging system. The battery assists in starting your engine and runs the primary and accessory electrical components in your vehicle, the alternator recharges the battery, and the voltage regulator keeps the voltage at a safe level for your car’s electrical components. Practically everything in your car runs...

Q: My owner’s manual recommends an oil change every 5,000 miles. Why might I bring my car in before that? – Stacy   A: Dear Stacy, In the past, many auto makes based their maintenance schedule on normal versus “special operating conditions.” For example, if you own a 1999 Lincoln Continental, you normally change the oil every 5,000 miles. The Lincoln Continental owner’s manual recommends an oil change every 3,000 under special operation conditions, including towing or carrying heav...