News

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...

Q: When I press the brake pedal, my car shudders. Is this dangerous? – Mr. Halloway   A: Mr. Halloway, Bring your car in for a free brake check as soon as possible. Potential problems include warping or pitting of your rotors/drums, which we can help correct. Or, there might be air in the brake lines, a sign of more serious trouble. Visit Tire Pros of Frederick for more auto repair tips. 

Q: How long can I expect my original exhaust system to last? – Mr. Sandberg   A: Mr. Sandberg, Today’s exhaust system components last years longer than in the past. Barring road damage, you can expect your original muffler, exhaust pipes, and catalytic converter to last you eight to ten years. Most catalytic converters have an eight year, 80,000 mile warranty. Visit Tire Pros of Frederick for more auto repair tips. 

Q: Why do I need antifreeze? – Mrs. White   A: Mrs. White, Automobile engines run hot – between 195 and 200 degrees. These temperatures test the engine’s metal parts, but result in more complete combustion, better fuel economy, and reduced emissions. The water/antifreeze mixture, circulated through the engine by a pump, removes excess heat and disperses it through the radiator. The coolant keeps your vehicle from boiling over and from freezing in winter. Special additives in antifree...

As summer quickly comes to a close, fall is right around the corner!  And with fall comes several items that need to be on the “back-to-school check list” to help students prepare for their upcoming school year.     Completing a car maintenance checklist is imperative to both student safety and mobility.  It also underlines the importance of auto repair and tire service to maintain properly serviced vehicles. Use this simple back-to school checklist for tips to ensure auto repair and ti...

Q: I hear a squealing sound when I make a sharp turn. Could changing my power steering fluid help? – Roberta   A: Roberta, Fresh power steering fluid keeps your steering operating smoothly and quietly. Power steering fluid degrades over time from heat, air, rust, and other contaminants. That’s why your auto maker schedules steering fluid servicing as part of your maintenance. Talk to the experts at Tire Pros of Frederick for a diagnosis of your steering issue. 

Q: How does high quality motor oil protect my engine? – Mr. Baker   A: Mr. Baker, Heat and friction is the enemy. Slippery motor oil not only reduced friction between the many fast-moving parts of your engine, but also actually removes heat from the pistons, shafts, and bearings. Think of your engine as the heart of your vehicle, and oil is the blood. As soon as you turn the ignition key, a gear connected to the crankshaft or camshaft will activate the oil pump and propel the oil to al...

Q: What about OEM versus after market parts? – Jose   A: Dear Jose, In most cases, after market parts work as well as, and sometimes even better than, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, and are almost always less expensive. Visit Tire Pros of Frederick for more auto repair tips. 

Q: Can I do scheduled maintenance myself? – Gerald   A: Dear Gerald, You certainly could change your own oil and perform other routine maintenance. Just keep your receipts and log the work in your owner’s manual. Tire Pros will drain and replace you oil, install a new filter, rotate your tires, check air pressure, inspect your brakes, and lubricate the chassis. The oil, alone, costs $15 at an auto parts store. You save yourself the trouble and mess of a do-it-yourself oil change and ...