Gaithersburg Auto Repair

Ever stood by your car, staring at the sidewall of your tires, and wondered what those numbers and letters mean? You're not alone. These numbers aren't just random; they're the key to understanding crucial aspects of your tires, from size to load capacity. But fret not, we're here to decode this numerical puzzle for you. By the end of today's article, you'll be reading tire numbers like a pro, making tire shopping or maintenance a breeze.  Understanding the Aspect Ratio The aspect ratio of a tire refers to the height of its sidewall in comparison to its width. For example, if the aspect ratio is 55, it indicates that the height of the tire is 55% of its width. Lower aspect ratios generally correspond to wider tires, which may result in improved handling and stability. Deciphering the Service Description At the end of the tire size sequence, you'll find a service description. This includes a number, representing the maximum load the tire can handle ... read more

Check out the video below Engine Air Filter 101 Let's start with the basics - the engine air filter is a relatively humble part of your car's engine system, but its importance cannot be overstated. It's essentially a barrier that stands between the outside world and your engine, preventing contaminants like dust, dirt, leaves and debris from entering your engine's delicate inner workings. Why is it So Important?Clean Air, Happy Engine Your car's engine operates by mixing air with fuel and igniting this mixture to produce power. If the air entering the engine is filled with dirt and particles, these will contaminate the mixture, leading to incomplete burning and soot. If the particles are big or hard enough, they can damage the engine. The engine air filter ensures that only clean air reaches the engine, crucial for efficient combustion and overall engine health. Improved Fuel Efficiency When ... read more

Oil plays a crucial role in keeping your engine running. While getting regular oil changes is common knowledge, many drivers still have a flurry of questions about this routine maintenance task. To help shed light on the subject of oil changes, here are some of the most frequently asked questions. Let's demystify the world of oil changes so that you can be better informed on how to care for your car.  Q: How often should I change my oil? A: The frequency of oil changes depends on your vehicle's make, model, and driving habits. Many vehicles have service reminders built in but some do not. As a rule of thumb, change oil every 5,000 miles when using synthetic and every 3,000 miles for conventional. Many shops will put a sticker in the corner of the windshield to record the mileage when the next oil change is due. Q: Can I use any type of oil for my car? A: Different vehicles require different types of oil. Your owner's manual wil ... read more