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Q: Why does my brake pedal sometimes feel like it sinks when I’m holding my car stopped at a light? – Jordan   A: Dear Jordan, This change in brake pedal height is caused by an increase in engine vacuum. The “power brakes” system in most modern vehicles uses engine vacuum to boost the amount of force applied to the brake pedal by the driver of the car. The device that does this, called the brake “booster”, makes it easier for the driver to stop the vehicle. Engine vacuum is affect...

Q: What do the sidewall markings on my tire mean? – Mr. Brennan   A: Mr. Brennan, The side wall markings on a tire provide descriptive information about the tire’s design. The following refers to the tire illustration below with the sidewall marking of 225/50R16: 225 – This number specifies the width in millimeters (i.e. 225 millimeters) 50 – This number is the Aspect Ratio, the ratio of sidewall height to width R – Radial 16 – This number designates the tire’s diameter i...

Q: Besides motor oil, what other lubricants and fluids need to be changed to keep my car running in top condition? – Mr. Hatfield   A: Mr. Hatfield, Other essential fluids include coolant, and transmission, power steering and brake fluid. These are crucial to the operation of the various systems in your car, truck or van. Transmission and power steering fluid bathe, lubricate, and protect important gears. Coolant regulates engine temperature. Brake fluid multiplies the force you apply ...

Q: How often should I have my suspension system checked? – Mrs. Carroll   A: Any time you have your vehicle on a lift is an opportunity to inspect your suspension and other under car systems. You should always have your suspension, alignment, and steering inspected before you buy new tires. If problems are not corrected, your tires will wear prematurely. 

Q: What can I do to keep my car air conditioner working at peak efficiency? – Mary   A: Mary, Stay on schedule with your vehicle’s scheduled maintenance, including periodic replacement of the cabin air filter. Dust and debris eventually clog the filter and reduce heating and cooling efficiency. Another place where leaves and other material collect is between the A/C condenser and the radiator. Ask a Tire Pros of Frederick technician to check your cabin air filter and condenser the nex...

Q: How often should I check my brakes? – Mrs. Stewart   A: Mrs. Stewart, At least every 6,000 miles. It’s best to inspect the brakes anytime the wheels are off your car. If you change your oil every 3,000 miles, have your tires rotated and your brakes checked every other oil change. 

Q: What is toeing? – Jake   A: Dear Jake, When you stand at attention, your feet can be “toe in” or “toe out.” That’s not a problem for walking, but for car wheels it’s a big problem. Your wheels actually fight each other to maintain direction, significantly affecting handling and mileage. Toeing causes a saw tooth tread wear pattern. With toe in, the wear points to the inside of the car; the outside with toe out. Visit Tire Pros of Frederick for more auto repair tips. 

Q: How do I find quality replacement tires for my vehicle? – Rebecca   A: Rebecca, Come to the experts at Tire Pros of Frederick. We will recommend the right tire, based on wheel size, vehicle make and model, expected load, how you drive, and other factors. Don’t forget, with every tire purchase at Tire Pros of Frederick you get one year of free roadside assistance, and the lowest price guarantee. Visit us for more auto repair tips. 

Q: At highway speeds, I feel a vibration in the steering wheel. Could this be an alignment problem? – Max   A: Max, Many drivers confuse wheel alignment with wheel balancing. Most steering vibrations are caused by unbalanced wheels. In fact, proper alignment can actually magnify the effect. 

Q: How can I cool my car down faster? – Ms. Williams   A: Ms. Williams, First, open your windows and allow the hot air built up to escape. Close your windows and set your blower to recirculate the air inside the passenger compartment, rather than bring in air from outside. Once you are comfortable, allow fresh air back into your vehicle. Visit Tire Pros of Frederick for more auto repair tips.