News

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...

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.