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Q: How often should I change my spark plugs? - Ms. Lattin A: Ms. Lattin, Most new car manufacturers recommend spark replacement at 100k miles. Our opinion is that between 50k - 75k miles is a better interval. The spark electrodes wear out before the higher mileage, and this can cause wear on other parts--we frequently see coils needing replacement on engines with high mileage plugs. Another factor to consider is spark plugs frozen in the plug holes; often these plugs break when replaced. ...

April is National Car Care Month and there is no better time to break free from the chains of winter to start your journey to a dependable, road ready vehicle. Routine maintenance can seem overwhelming and with a never ending cycle of checks and replacements, sometimes it is hard to remember where one project ends and the next one begins. Knowledge is power and whether you are a mechanic or soccer mom every vehicle owner should have at least passing knowledge about their vehicle.   Allowi...

Q: How should I prepare my car for a road trip? - Mrs. Via A: Mrs. Via, Prior to going on a trip, you should: Check all lights. Check your headlights (high and low-beam), brake lights, turn signals, parking lamps and (if you have them) fog lights to make sure they are all operational. You should clean your headlights using glass cleaner to improve night visibility. Check wiper blades. Inspect them for cracks or tears, and make sure they’re operational. If they’re in good shape, it’...

Q: I have a leak under my car. How can I tell what is leaking? - Jack A: Dear Jack, The coloring of the liquid identifies the type of liquid. Coolant Fluid is orange or green, Engine fluid is Brown or Black, Transmission Fluid is Red or Pink, Power Steering Fluid is Light Brown, Differential Fluid- Brown. Depending on the leak it could mean trouble, don’t wait until it’s too late! Remember, at Tire Pros of Frederick, auto repair advice is always free!

With fluctuating fuel prices soaring higher each day, we will do almost anything to save money on transportation especially when it comes to conserving fuel.   However, traditional tips such as turning off the air conditioning and driving slowly are not the only ways to conserve gas mileage. In fact there are many simple, painless steps any vehicle owner can take to ensure their car is operating as efficiently as possible with minimal effort. Taking these steps to conserve gas mileage will no...

When you were growing up, your Mother gave you the world!  So, what better way to show her how much you care about her than the gift of vehicle maintenance. Skip the cheesy cards and give the Mother in your life a gift that is not only practical, but one she can enjoy for 3,000–5,000 miles. Transform that forgettable bouquet of flowers into a memorable oil change with sentimental value that truly shows how much you care about her safety and the longevity of her vehicle. This is a thoughtful ...

Before you hit the road this summer let us assist you in making yourself aware of a few important inspections and checks you can make to prepare yourself for those long, hot road trips. With a quick pre-trip vehicle check-up it is easy to determine how road-ready a vehicle is before experiencing problems on vacation or during travels. Conducting a vehicle inspection before leaving will help to avoid troublesome repairs and prevent potential safety hazards that result from a break down far fro...

Before the blazing sun of summer leaves you sweating and feverishly rolling down the windows, consult a mechanic to inspect your air conditioning system for leaks, cracks or other malfunctions. There is no greater summertime discomfort than peeling yourself out of a scorching vehicle. Beat the heat with air conditioning repair. Like most auto repair an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of good. Never allow a tiny problem turn into a disaster; as a minor air conditioning repair is often rel...

Your tires are the only part of your vehicle that come into physical contact with the road, making proper tire maintenance a crucial element of driver safety. With the ability to stop, start, and transport us wherever we wish to go, having well maintained tires can mean the difference between a pleasant Sunday drive and a Sunday spent in the shop. There are three crucial components to consider when deciding if it is time to replace your tires: your normal driving conditions, tread wear, and t...

When it comes to determining the age of a tire, it is easiest to identify when the tire was manufactured by reading its Tire Identification Number (often referred to as the tire’s serial number or DOT number). Unlike vehicle identification numbers (VINs) and the serial numbers used on many other consumer goods (which identify one specific item), Tire Identification Numbers are really batch codes that identify several components.   The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) National High...