News

Q: What is the best oil for my car or truck? – Philip   A: Philip, Follow the oil specifications in your vehicle owner’s manual. Your Tire Pros of Frederick auto service technician can provide you with the right recommendations based on you driving conditions, vehicle make, model and mileage. 

Most of us know tires are one of the most important safety features of any vehicle and want to keep our tires in the best condition possible. However, what you do not know about tire wear and tire pressure could be damaging them the most. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, nearly 200 driving casualties per year occur at the hands of unmaintained tires. Right now it is estimated that 1 in 4 cars on the road are driving with underinflated tires.   While summer is ...

Q: How can I get more mileage out of my tires? – Susan   A: Dear Susan, Check your tire pressure regularly, rotate your tires, and watch for signs of uneven wear, which can mean alignment problems.

Q: Can my flat tire be repaired instead of replaced? – Mrs. Walters   A: Mrs. Walters, Only punctures in the center treads are repairable. This is an evaluation for the tire and auto repair professionals at Tire Pros of Frederick. 

Q: What is the correct tire pressure for my car? –Mr. Jones   A: Mr. Jones, The correct tire pressure will be shown in one of three places – a placard on the driver’s side door jamb, a placard inside the glove box or listen in the owner’s manual. Tire pressure specifications are meant for when the tire is cold; therefor, if the vehicle has been driven or the tire has been sitting in direct sunlight, the tire pressure may read higher than the manufacturer’s specification and should ...

Q: How do I check the oil level in my vehicle? – Katie   A: Katie, You should check the oil every few hundred miles, or every other time you fill up your gas tank. Consult your owner’s manual for the position of the oil dipstick and engine oil filler opening. The best time to check the other is when your engine is warm and on level ground. Turn off the vehicle and wait a few minutes. Then pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean with a rag, and reinsert it. Push it all the way in, and pu...

Q: Why buy winter tires? – Sam   A: Dear Sam, Winter tires, also known as snow tires, are designed for superior traction on ice, slush, and snow. The rubber on winter tires is formulated to retain elasticity and grip in temperatures below 45 degrees. Standard radial tires harden at these temperatures and lose some of their hold on the road. Also, winter treads are designed with special snow patterns. Look for the mountain snowflake imprint for maximum confidence in winter driving. 

Q: My car’s air conditioner just isn’t doing the job anymore. What could be the problem? – Mark   A: Mark, Your car’s air conditioner is a fairly complex system. If it’s not working well, it could be one or more of several reasons such as low or no refrigerant, the compressor or condenser, a loose or worn belt, a fan, leaks in the system, or other issues.

Q: How long do car batteries last? – Mr. Beck   A: Mr. Beck, Most automobile batteries are rated for five or more years of service. Visit Tire Pros of Frederick for more helpful auto repair advice. 

Q: I have a high-mileage car. How can I best take care of my engine? – Mr. McDonald   A: Mr. McDonald, Regular maintenance, including oil changes, is the most cost-effective way to keep an older vehicle on the road. A lubricant such as Valvoline’s MaxLife Motor Oil can also help extend the life of your engine. If you find that you frequently have to add oil to your car or truck, you might be “burning oil.” Visit Tire Pros for a diagnosis.