News

Q: I drive a 2006 Chevy Silverado and just a few days ago I've started smelling a rotten egg smell while I am driving. What is it and is it unsafe? - Tracy A: Hi Tracy,  The smell of rotten eggs is due to a compound called hydrogen sulfide. This comes from the small amount of sulfur that is present in the fuel. Normally the sulfur is converted to sulfur dioxide, which has no odor. When the converter breaks or the filtering layers have worn down inside the catalytic converter, the sulfur i...

Q: I am starting to have a problem turning my key in my ignition. Does the fact that I have multiple keys and keychains on my car keys have anything to do with that? - Sally A: Dear Sally, Yes, having multiple items attached to your car key will start to cause problems with your ignition switch. It can cause premature failure of the tumblers, which are an internal part of the ignition. We here at Tire Pros recommend removing the excess weight so it doesn't ruin the switch.

Q: My car is older (it's a 1999 Dodge Neon,) so it seems to make more noise. How do I know when mufflers go bad? - Rachel A: Hi Rachel,  Your car’s exhaust system is pretty complex. Excess noise could be from cracks or holes in manifolds or gaskets, or it could be on your muffler itself. It can also be from excessive rust on a muffler, or holes in a muffler, which can cause a louder ride. Bad mufflers may also lead to increased pollution and even a rough idle. If you're not sure of what ...

Q: I'm looking to get a set of four tires for my vehicle, as well as my front brakes and rotors changed due to a grinding noise. My problem is that I'm short on money and it's out of my budget at this time. Do you offer any sort of finance options? - Alicia A: Hello Alicia,  We here at Tire Pros offer a great financing option! Our Tire Pros credit card only takes minutes to apply for, and you get 6 months of interest free financing, as well as no annual fees. Stop by today and take a few ...

Q: What should I do if my vehicle pulls to one side? - Monica   A: Hello Monica,  The first thing you should do is check to make sure your tire pressure is correct. If that is correct, you may need to have your car aligned. If you bring your car in to Tire Pros of Frederick, our certified mechanics will check your tire pressure and alignment for free! If you do need an alignment, our alignments only cost $79.95 

Q: I have a 2006 Cadillac SRX and all of a sudden my heat on the passenger side is not working. I had the cabin air filter replaced, and my mechanic verified that the heater coil isn't plugged. What could be the issue? - Max A: Hi Max,  If the car has automatic temperature control, which is where you can set the temperature, you may need to have it scanned to see if it is an actuator. In any case, bring it by Tire Pros of Frederick to have us take a look. It may be as simple as pulling th...

Q: I have a 2004 Mazda Tribute and I took it to the dealership to have recall work done. While I was there the mechanic told me I had an oil leak from my timing chain cover. They wanted $1400.00 to fix it. I don't know how long this leak has been going on, but there is never an oil on the ground under my car. They told me that is because it only does it when I drive. I had them show me the oil level and it was full. I don't have that kind of money to be able to fix this. How serious of an iss...

Q: What do I do when there is a clicking noise coming from my vehicle when making turns? - Greg   A: Dear Greg,   In most cases, a clicking noise is caused by a bad CV joint or axle. A leak from a torn boot is also a sign of a problem. We recommend bringing your car in to Tire Pros of Frederick where our experts can check for fluid leaks near the front axle. 

Q: I just moved to Maryland from New Jersey and need to have my registration switched. I am worried my car will not pass inspection because my check engine light just came on. Do you perform Maryland state inspections and will I fail due to that light alone? - Marcus   A: Dear Marcus,  Here at Tire Pros of Frederick, we are a full service mechanical shop with ASE Certified Maryland State Inspectors on duty. While appointments are strongly encouraged for inspections, we will also take wa...

Q: The last shop I went to told me I should always turn my wiper blades off before I turn off my vehicle. Is this true? - Addison   A: Hello Addison,  Yes, that is true. The reason is because if the blades become frozen to the windshield, they can tear when you start your vehicle.