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Q: Why is preventative maintenance so important and how do I keep track of it? - Jimmy A: Hi Jimmy,  Preventative maintenance is key in saving money on needless repairs, and keeping your vehicle running well now and in the future. A lot of drivers put off preventative maintenance. Did you know that a recent survey on preventative maintenance found that:  38% of cars had low or dirty oil 54% had incorrect tire pressure 28% had inadequate cooling protection 19% needed new belts 16...

We know you've heard it before, but it's critical enough to repeat: the tires you choose for your vehicle are important. It is critical to understand that the tires on your vehicle are the one single link to the road surface. To keep the rest of your vehicle performing at its peak, your tires are the very foundation of your vehicle. Different quality tires will last for different periods of time, depending on wear and tear. Regular maintenance is key to longer tread life, but tread wears do...

Is Your Vehicle Ready For Holiday Travel? Many people have concerns about taking their cars on long trips, especially if their cars are getting on in years or mileage. The truth is … long trips are actually easier on your car than day-to-day driving, but a breakdown far from home can really ruin your fun. A few simple checks will stave off many common problems. As with most things, it's best to start early. Here is a simple check list for preparing your car for Holiday travel. Two to four ...

The days are getting shorter, there’s a snap in the air, and before you know it, the winter months are going to be upon us. Is your vehicle ready?    • Wipers: Even the best windshield wipers are only good for about a year; normal wear, the sun’s UV rays and the elements take their toll on them. Get a good look and check them for chunks, strips or chips missing, and replace if necessary for a streak-free field of vision in wet weather. Hint: a fresh application of  Rain-X on you...

Your tires are one of the hardest working elements of your vehicle, but how often do you check and make sure they’re acceptable and safe? It’s easy to overlook the underside of your car, but tire tread is simply too important to forget about. Remember, your tires are the only point of contact with the road for your entire vehicle, and the only thing that keeps your car from flying off of the road, when you’re going around a corner! Your tires keep you safe, secure, and keep your vehicle pe...

Q: Is it ok to be covering my car in the winter? - Diana A: Hi Diana,  It's not suggested to cover cars in the winter because many car covers can trap moisture. This will cause excessive rust to many parts of your car. If you are going to put a cover on it, have a fan blow on the car a few hours a day to get rid of the moisture. If you're afraid that past covering may have rusted parts of your car, stop by Tire Pros of Frederick and we can take a look at it for you. 

Oh, the lowly spare tire. It doesn’t get much respect.    Today, a lot of vehicles don’t even come with a spare tire anymore, not even the little “donut” space-saver spare. Instead, to cut weight and free up space, they come with a compressor and a can of a Fix-a-Flat-style product in hopes that you can get back on your way again. Great idea, unless your tire has a sidewall puncture or is shredded… Anyway, if your car is equipped with a spare, you shouldn’t just ignore it. T...

Winter tires versus all-season tires…which is the right choice for you?   The two designs are quite different and deliver different levels of performance and winter-weather traction, so let’s discuss.  • All-season tires are designed as an all-around compromise. They feature a tread pattern that evacuates water from the tire’s contact patch to prevent hydroplaning, with plenty of small, textured slits (sipes) to add extra biting edges for traction in wet or slushy co...

Where did this year go? Before you know it, it’s going to be time for the holidays, and that can mean travel in some pretty trying conditions (and we don’t just mean restless kids in the back seat). Is your vehicle ready for some interstate miles?   • Tires: It’s a good idea to have your tires rotated every 5,000-7,000 miles to ensure even wear. With that in mind, it’s easy to just schedule a tire rotation with every oil change, since the vehicle will be up in ...

Q: I want to keep my car as long as possible. How can I prevent a breakdown? - Shania A: Hi Shania,  The number one cause of breakdowns is not performing the regular scheduled maintenance for your vehicle. The following should  be performed on a regular basis: Vehicle Inspection (or multi-point inspection) Change transmission fluid Periodically chenge belts, hoses, and thermostat Flush the cooling system Inspect brakes and flush brake fluid Replair air filters and fuel filters Replace timing be...