News

Q: I recently bought a 2008 Hyundai Sonata and I am just wondering how often I should check the antifreeze and when I should be replacing it? - Blake A: Hi Blake,  You should be checking your antifreeze every month, especially during the summer. Antifreeze should be replaced every 30,000 miles (about 2-3 years.)

Q: I have a 2008 Saturn Vue. The other day while I was driving all of the dashboard lights came on at the same time and wouldn't go off. Now my car won't start or turn over at all. When we hooked it up to another car to jump start it, it took ten minutes before it finally started, but as soon as we unhooked the cables, the car died immediately. What could be the problem? - Deana A: Hi Deana,  It sounds like you have a problem with your car's alternator. Before we know for sure, bring it b...

Q: I have a 2009 Chevy Suburban with 125,000 miles on it, now all of a sudden it feels like my transmission is slipping. It has never done that before. - Mr. Young A: Hello Mr. Young,  A few questions to ask. Have you had your tranmission serviced? If yes, how long ago? If no, it's time to get it looked at before you do more damage to the transmission. You should change the fluid in your transmission every 50,000 miles. Your transmission fluid is the key to long life for your transmission. Ifou...

Q: I have a 2012 Dodge Avenger and yesterday it was really cold outside. A few minutes after I started my car, the check engine light came on. It seems to be running fine. What could the problem be? - Gary A: Gary,  Your check engine light is trying to tell you your car needs to be looked at. If the light is flashing, stop immediately and call us for help. If the light came on and is steady, not flashing, then your on board diagnostic has detected an error. Make an appointment with us to have i...

Q: I have a 2005 Buick La Crosse and just got my oil changed less than a week ago. There is already a quart of oil missing. I filled it back up and a few days later is was down a quart again. Is it possible that even if there is no smoking, burning smell, or excessive exhaust that I am still leaking oil somewhere? - Jackson   A: Hi Jackson,  The short answer is yes, it is possible that you have an oil leak. Bring your car by Tire Pros of Frederick and have one of our ASE certified techn...

Q: I have a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and every once in a while, the check engine light starts blinking and then goes out. Is there something I should do about this? - Richard A: Your check engine light is a critical part of your cars operation. If your check engine light is flashing your car is telling you to STOP. Pullover as soon as you can safely and stop the car. A blinking light is your car telling you that you are doing damage to your car. At Tire Pros of Frederick we are experts at diagn...

Q: I have a 2012 Corvette and the dealership wants to charge me an outrageous amount for new tires. The service department says no one else can change the tires. I am scared to have my wheels damaged. What can I do? - Mr. Forsythe   A: Mr. Forsythe,  There is a real danger of having wheels damaged that are as unique as yours. At Tire Pros of Frederick we have the very newest Hunter Revolution Tire Changer. In our professional opinion, this is the very best tire changer on the market. Wh...

Q: What do the numbers on the oil mean and does it really matter which one I use? - Christine A: Hi Christine,  Most people probably arent familiar with the different types of oil. The first number (such as 5W) indicates the low-temperature viscosity, or, the measure of the oil's ability to flow and protect at certain temperatures. The lower the number, the easier the oil flows in cold weather. The second number (such as 30) indicates the thickness of the oil at high temperatures. The hig...

Q: I don't know much about tires. What should I look for in a good tire? - Alyssa A: Hi Alyssa,  Like many other products in the marketplace, science and technology play a large part in the design and manufacture of tires. Tires may feature in differing configurations various materials such as polyester, rayon, nylon and steel. Manufacturers use these materials along with others in varying combinations. In addition, differing rubber compounds are used in the sidewall, bead and tread areas...

Q: Should I follow all recommendations? - Brandy A: Dear Brandy, When you take your car in for a specific repair, the service advisor will often point out other items that may need attention. If the suggested repair isn't vital or is not a regularly scheduled maintenance item listed in your owner's manual, you can probably get by without it unless it is a safety issue.