News

Q: How long can I expect my shocks to last? – Mr. Green   A: Mr. Green, Most auto experts recommend that shocks be replaced at 50,000 miles. That’s about the time that many drivers also need to replace their tires. If you drive on rough roads, or off road, you may need to replace your shocks earlier. 

Q: How much air should I put in my tires? – Ms. Landis   A: Ms. Landis, The recommended tire pressure varies widely by tire size and type. Consult your owner’s manual. The specifications of your original tires are also listed on a decal on the driver’s doorjamb or inside the glove box. If you buy a set of replacement tires, be sure to write down the new specifications. Visit Tire Pros of Frederick for more auto repair advice. 

Q: Why is scheduled maintenance so important? – Rachel   A: Dear Rachel, A well-maintained vehicle keeps you safe and saves you money. Proper maintenance guards against major engine repairs and failure of crucial systems such as brakes and steering. Changing your oil and keeping your tires inflated to the correct pressure can help you get up to 5% better gas mileage. Most importantly, you protect your vehicle warranty by following the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule.

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!