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Q: How can I make sure that my battery has a good electrical connection? - Mason A: Hi Mason,  The easiest way to keep your battery connection in good condition is to have the battery cables and terminals cleaned periodically. Build up on the terminals can cause the connection to become faulty. Here at Tire Pros of Frederick, we can provide you with a thorough clean up and battery inspection, and as always, you'll get one year of FREE roadside assistance. Call us today at 301-663-6334

Q: How do mufflers actually work? - Stacy A: Hey Stacy,  Mufflers and exhaust systems are actually quite sophisticated. A muffler has baffled passages that exhaust gases move through in order to muffle engine sound. If you were to cut away your muffler, you would be able to see tubes with holes in them. While it may seem simple, these elements work together to have the sound waves hit one another. This causes the reduction in noise. If you ever have any questions about your muffler or you...

Q: Another shop told me to replace my serpentine belt. I'm not too sure what that is. - Jackie A: Hi Jackie,  A serpentine belt is one continuous belt that connects itself to multiple components under your hood. One of the primary benefits of a serpentine belt is that in older model vehicles, components such as alternators, air and power steering pumps were all connected by separate belts. This meant that if a belt broke, a driver may not be aware that a component was not functioning. Wit...

Q: What are common signs of brake wear? - Daniel A: Hi Daniel,  There are several noticeable signs that the brakes may be showing signs of wearing. One of the most obvious signs of brake wear is a brake pedal with a spongy or low feeling. This usually indicates that air is present in the hydraulic system. There may be an imbalance in the brake system when the red brake warning light appears. The presence of an amber brake warning light is usually related to a problem with the ABS system. ...

Q: I thought I had a blown fuse, but when I looked none of the fuses appear to be blown. Is it possible for a blown fuse to appear normal? - Jack A: Hi Jack,  Yes, it is possible for a fuse to have blown outside the visible area. Give us a call at 301-663-6334 or stop by Tire Pros of Frederick so one of our ASE certified technicians can use a volt-meter as a quicker and more definitive way to check for a blown fuse. 

A good quality set of tires should be an investment that will last you up to five years with regular use. In order to make the most of the life of your tires, there are simple maintenance steps you can take, as well as precautions to ensure they last as long as possible. Inspect your tires. Frequent visual checks of your tires can be the first step in preventing premature wear or damage that can become irreparable. Look for debris, signs of uneven wear, bulges, dips, bumps, or ‘f...

Believe it or not, many new vehicles come without a spare tire. Manufacturers have a few different reasons for that, including weight savings, space efficiency, and cost. When you're stuck by the side of the road, though, none of that really matters much, does it?    Instead, these vehicles come equipped with an inflation kit and/or a can of sealant.    Sealant is a gooey substance in an aerosol can that's designed to coat the inside of the tire due to centrifugal force once you get rolling aga...

Summer driving brings about road trips, family vacations, and trips to the beach. For most drivers the worries of weather and road hazards are many months away, and motorists hit the road in large numbers. Even though summer driving may not present as many challenges as other times of the year, there are many important safety tips and maintenance tips to keep in mind to have the safest, worry free summer: 1. Road Construction- Summertime means orange cones and areas of road construction for...

Q: How can I tell if I have directional tires, and if they are properly mounted and rotated?  - Jake A: Hi Jake,  If you have directional tires, they will have a rotation arrow on the sidewall. The arrow shows which direction the tires should turn. Unless the tires are dismounted and remounted, directional tires are only meant to be used on one side of the vehicle, and are intended to be rotated from the front to rear axle. Tire rotation should NOT be done if the tires on the front and ...

Who doesn’t want better gas mileage these days? Maximizing your fuel efficiency will not only save you money, it is better for your vehicle and the environment! With some proper maintenance, and simple tips and tricks, you can make fewer trips to the pump, which will be friendlier on your car, and your wallet. Tires - The right tires for your driving conditions are important. For the best gas mileage choose low rolling resistance tires. These are designed to maximize fuel efficiency...