News

Q: Do I need to use the dealer’s service department in order to keep my warranty in effect? – Mr. Jefferson   A: Mr. Jefferson, Any qualified person or service facility can perform the factory scheduled maintenance. Our trained technicians service all makes and models of passenger cars, trucks and vans. For dealer-quality auto maintenance for less, make an appointment at Tire Pros of Frederick today. Our ASE certified technicians can handle the scheduled maintenance at any mileage int...

Q: What are cold cranking amps (CCA)? – Mr. Reed   A: Mr. Reed, The minimum amperage that your car battery will deliver at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. This rating is an important measure of the ability of a battery to start your engine in cold weather. 

Q: What are run flat tires? – Allyson   A: Allyson, Run-flat tires are designed to resist tire deflation and punctures. They can be driven on, at reduced speeds and distances, after taking on damage that would stop a normal tire. This allows you, the driver, to make it to Tire Pros of Frederick to have us fix or replace the tire. 

Q: How can I tell whether my car needs an alignment? – Mr. Hancock   A: Mr. Hancock, The most common indicators are pulling to one side or the other when driving on a straight, level road, a steering wheel that’s askew, or excessive, uneven tire wear. Ask the experts at Tire Pros of Frederick for a free alignment check, and always see us for more auto repair tips!

Q: What is camber? – Rich   A: Dear Rich, Camber is the angle between the wheel and the road as viewed from the front of the vehicle. At zero degrees, the wheel is straight up and down and the tread flat on the road. The manufacturer sets the camber for optimal control and tire wear. Today, many automakers specify slightly negative camber – the bottom of the tire slightly further out than the top – to improve cornering. Too negative, and camber wear results on the inside tire edge; t...

Q: Does brake fluid need to be change periodically? – Ms. Erin   A: Ms. Erin, It is impossible to determine based on color, smell, or touch when your brake fluid has become contaminated, although chemical tests are available. Change the brake fluid at 24,000-36,000 mile intervals or any time you have work done on the brake lines or cylinders. 

Q: What is reserve capacity (RC)? – Sue   A: Dear Sue, The number of minutes your car lights and other electrical components will run on battery power alone. Visit Tire Pros of Frederick for more helpful auto repair tips. 

Q: What can I do to get better gas mileage? – Mr. Goldstein   A: Mr. Goldstein, There are several no-cost ways to improve your gas mileage, starting with your driving habits. Make gradual starts and stops, maintain a constant highway speed, keep to 55 miles per hour and you will save tankfuls of gas over the course of a year. Visit tireprosoffrederick.com for more helpful auto repair tips. 

Q: My next oil change is also a major servicing. Can I have the work done at Tire Pros? – Alice   A: Alice, Regular maintenance, including 30,000, 60,000, and 90,000 scheduled maintenance, is essential to maintain your vehicle’s health and factory warranty. Your dealer does not need to perform this work. Our technicians are trained and qualified to perform scheduled maintenance at more convenient times and turn-arounds, and up to 50% less than your auto dealer. 

Q: How do shocks work? – Brad   A: Dear Brad, Shocks are mounted between the vehicle frame and the wheels. When the bounces, dips, and jolts are transferred from the wheels to the springs, the shocks reduce the bouncing and vibrations. Modern shocks are essentially twin tubes, one inside the other, that are filled with a dampening medium. Most use a combination of hydraulic oil and compressed air or nitrogen. Inside, a piston rides up and down within the oil, eliminating excessive vert...