News

Q: What should I do if my brakes fail? – Veronica   A: Dear Veronica, With modern brake designs, total brake failure is extremely rare, but unnerving. Check your rear view mirror, gradually decelerate, downshift if you vehicle has a manual transmission, and when safe, steer to the side of the road. When stopped, turn off your engine and apply the parking brake. Never use your parking brake as an emergency brake. The sudden application of the parking brake can cause you to lose control ...

Q: Why are catalytic converters so expensive? – Mr. Moreno   A: Mr. Moreno, They contain rare metals platinum, rhodium, and palladium, catalysts which reduce harmful auto emissions. Some of the newest catalytic converters use gold, which is cheaper than the other metals. Visit Tire Pros of Frederick for more free auto repair tips.

Q: Why is alignment so important? – Zack   A: Zack, You get a safer, smoother ride, better gas mileage, and tires that wear evenly and last longer. Your vehicle tracks straight only when all four tires are aligned properly.

Q: What is an EGR valve? – Stephanie   A: Dear Stephanie, An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve has two important functions. It reduces harmful pollutants, and it boosts fuel efficiency. The EGR valve recirculates a portion of your exhaust to be burned again in the engine. This results in a cooler, more complete consumption of fuel. Visit Tire Pros of Frederick for more auto repair tips.

Q: Should I use synthetic oil for my vehicle? – Mr. Baker   A: Mr. Baker, Today’s full synthetic and synthetic-mineral blends are excellent for tough conditions such as stop and go driving, frequent trips, and towing. For engine fills and top-offs they are considered equivalent or superior to conventional oil. In fact, many newer car and truck models specify synthetic oil. Consult your owner’s manual for oil specifications and a maintenance schedule, or speak to a Tire Pros of Freder...

Q: How often should I replace my antifreeze? – Caiden   A: Dear Caiden, See the technicians at Tire Pros for a free print out of your manufacturer’s required maintenance schedule, or check your owner’s manual. To extend the life of your engine, radiator and cooling system, we recommend that you do a cooling system flush and fill roughly every two years or 30,000 miles. 

Q: What are the differences between a shock and a strut? – Mr. Finch   A: Mr. Finch, A strut is a heavy duty shock mounted inside of a coil spring. Also, struts provide some structural support, not just control excessive weight transfer. Visit Tire Pros of Frederick for more auto repair tips!

Q: How do I know when I need suspension work? – Sean   A: Hi Sean, Suspension work is needed when there is heavy leaning or swaying on corners or ramps, rocking or swaying on lane changes, excessive bouncing on dips or bumps, and nose diving at stops. Visit tireprosoffrederick.com for more helpful auto repair tips. 

Q: How often should I check the air in my tires? – Deborah   A: Dear Deborah, For safety and maximum tire life, check the air pressure in your tires at least once a month. Use an accurate tire pressure gauge. Don’t fill your tires by look. Every time you bring your car to Tire Pros of Frederick for an oil change we inspect your tires and show you how they’re wearing. We would be happy to check and fill your tires for free anytime. 

Q: My car has an anti-lock brake system (ABS.) Do I need to brake differently? – Mrs. Lewis   A: Mrs. Lewis, Yes. Instead of pumping your brakes, press the pedal firmly and without letting up. Let the ABS work for you, so that you can concentrate on steering. It is normal to fell or hear vibrations as the ABS adjusts you car’s brakes to hazardous situations. Visit Tire Pros of Frederick for more auto repair tips.