News

Q: I have a 2008 Honda Prius hybrid vehicle and it will no longer hold a charge like it used to. My question is, is the battery for the electric system just like a regular car battery with the same price area? - Ashley A: Dear Ashley,  Unfortunately, the hybrid battery is a lot different. Since the cost of a Hybrid battery is higher, here at Tire Pros, we reccomend you bring us your vehicle so we can properly diagnose the issue and make sure it is in fact the battery before replacing. 

Q: I have a 2013 Kia Sorento and I'm not sure when I should have the brakes replaced. Is there any way to tell that they need replaced? - Diana A: Hi Diana,  The number 1 sign that you need new brakes is a squealing noise. Brake pads come equipped with an indicator. This is a piece of metal that scrapes the rotor when the brake pad is worn down too much. It produces a fairly loud squealing sound when the brake is applied. Other ways you can tell is if you have a soft or spongey brake peda...

Q: I have a 2004 Volkswagon Jetta and I'm concerned because my left wheel is making a fluttering sound as well as my traction control light flashing on and off. It's causing my transmission not to shift. Any idea as to what is causing this? - Mr. Brown A: Dear Mr. Brown,  From what you are explaining, it sounds like the first thing is that you have a bad wheel bearing assembly. It also sounds like you could possibly have a bad wheel speed sensor, but needs further diagnosis for all issues, espe...

Tire rotation is an easy maintenance item that has long term benefits for any vehicle. When properly maintained, tire rotations can improve fuel economy, extend tire life and provide drivers better handling through improved stability. Frequently servicing vehicles with tire rotations is imperative to sustaining tire tread by ensuring all tires are used evenly without excessive wear to one section or another. Normal tread wear is unavoidable due to uneven vehicle weight dispersal, vehicle pe...

Q: I have a 2012 Honda Accord and I know at least one of the tires needs to be replaced, but I'm on a tight budget right now. Can't I just get a used tire? - Shania A: Hi Shania,  Here at Tire Pros of Frederick, there is never an instance where we would recommend a used tire. Here are a few reasons why:  - Safety: You never know why someone has gotten rid of that used tire. It could be worn down, or have a small leak in it. Why risk your families safety on a tire that someone else would...

Q: I have a 2008 Honda Civic that keeps losing tire pressure and I can't find anything in the tires. What else might be the issue? - Frank A: Dear Frank, It could be several things that are causing the tires to lose pressure. It could be bad valve stems or a very small puncture. It could also be that the bead could have build up causing a non air tight seal and may need to be tank tested to find air loss. Bring the car in to Tire Pros of Frederick and have it looked at at your earliest convenie...

Q: How do I know when it is time to replace any belts or hoses? - Jackie A: Hi Jackie,  If you can see cracks in your belts, it is time to have them replaced.  We recommend replacing your belts and hoses at least every three to four years.  If your hoses look swollen or soft that could be an indicator that they need to be replaced.  However, hoses can deteriorate on the inside and if this happens there is no visual evidence that the hose needs to be changed.

The temperatures are inching upward, the days are getting longer and the first buds are starting to appear on the trees. Spring is on its way, and  soon it’s going to be time to do a little preventive maintenance on your ride. No need to dread it -- it’s all pretty routine stuff! Air filter - If you haven’t changed your air filter since last year (or can’t remember when you changed it at all), it might be time. It’s an easy and cheap fix, and it pays off in your vehicle’s performan...

Q: I have a 2002 Acura TL-S and I want to get bigger tires. Can I upgrade my tire size without damage to my vehicle? - Joe A: Dear Joe,  As long as you keep the size of the new tires and wheels within 3% of the overall diameter of the O.E. parts then you should be cleared from hitting or rubbing suspension parts or the wheel wells of your vehicle. Going too big will make the tires rub and may damage the vehicle, plus if the tires are too big the speedometer will be off by up to 10-20mph and mig...

As most drivers can contest firsthand, tires are not invincible. Composed from many separate layers of steel-encased rubber fabrics and durable materials, tires eventually wear down and can cause vehicle owners costly repairs or even replacement. Understanding what measures should be taken to properly maintain tires will both lengthen tire life and support vehicle functionality and longevity. Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) introduce revolutionary tire protection technology to constan...