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

Are you hearing or feeling unusual noises or vibrations while driving? Is your car having trouble shifting gears or are the RPMs climbing abnormally? These are all symptoms of a transmission going bad - ignoring them can result in costly repairs or even transmission failure.  But how do you know if your transmission is failing? Early detection of transmission problems can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars while also preventing further, more serious damage to your vehicle. Here's a list of five of the most common symptoms of a bad transmission to help you out. 1. Check Engine Light The most obvious sign is your trusty dashboard check engine light. While it's not the most pleasant of views, it can save you from disaster. The check engine light can be a warning for many things. One of them is transmission problems. If you see this light turning on, make sure to have it checked out at your local repair shop. ... read more

A vehicle's  check engine light (or "service engine soon" light) usually indicates a problem with the ignition, fuel, transmission, or exhaust system. Often, it comes on for one of the following problems below: Gas Cap  This is the easiest and quickest fix, which is why most people hope that is why their engine light came on. When you forget to screw your gas cap all the way, or it is damaged, your car will detect a “leak”. The cap is supposed to keep the fuel vacuum sealed.  Spark Plugs Worn spark plugs or plug wires can initiate the check engine light. These are necessary to ignite the engine. If they’re over 100K miles, your car is most likely due for new ones. And you may experience misfires until you replace them. Mass Airflow Sensor  This component measures the amount of air entering the engine to ensure the right fuel-to-air ratio gets burned. If this sensor is on its las ... read more

When it comes to auto maintenance, most drivers tend to forget or not bother with replacing their filters, specifically the cabin air filter. Even though this filter doesn’t directly affect your vehicle’s functionality, it can cause an unfavorable atmosphere inside your car. Here are several reasons why you should change your cabin air filter on time: Bad Odors - Since the cabin filter is responsible for keeping out dirt, dust, and other pollutants, leaving it to build up can cause a stench. It might smell musty and overall unpleasant whenever you turn on the A/C or heat. Therefore, changing your cabin air filter can help deliver odorless, clean air to the passenger cabin. Increase Allergies - Air filters trap pollen and dust, which can be harmful to you. If you or your family members have sensitivities to these air pollutants, it can be very uncomfortable for you or them to be inside the car. Foggy Windows - A dirty cabin filter will clog up the HVAC system. Therefore ... read more

Worn tires are not only an inconvenience but can cause accidents if left unchecked. But don't worry, we will share with you the top 5 signs that your vehicle needs new tires, and what you can do about it! 1. Tread Wear One of the most common indicators that you need to retire your tires is tread wear. Worn tire treads can pose serious problems, especially in severe weather conditions such as rain and snow. The tread of the tire allows water and slush to escape and allow the rubber to meet the road. Worn tires have shallow tread or no tread at all and are less effective at evacuating water from the contact patch. This leads to hydroplaning, where the tire floats on top of the water, and loss of control. The tread wear can be checked by locating the tread wear indicators, small bars inside the tread. When the surface of the tire is even with these bars, it is time to replace the tires. Tread depth inspection is a crucial part of road safety. 2. Tire P ... read more

Pothole damage is a common road hazard that can cause damage to your vehicle. However, the damage may not be obvious. Say you nicked a porthole, just barely, or hit one straight on. Regardless, your vehicle could sustain some damage. But the intensity will depend on your speed during impact and the pothole's depth. Either way, these damages, whether obvious or hidden, can have long-term effects. Potential Potholes Damages 1. Wheel Bearing Damage Wheel bearings can fail following hitting a pothole. When your vehicle's tire goes into a pothole, the wheel bearing jolts, causing a minor indention to the bearing races. If unnoticed, the bearing grease will have turbulence over the area, causing less lubrication. Ultimately, the lack of lubrication will lead to wheel bearing failure. 2. Suspension Damage A severe pothole can damage the components of your car's suspension system. A pothole can impact components including ball joints, sway bar links, control arm bus ... read more

To drive smoothly and seamlessly, your car’s engine needs to stay at a stable temperature range. To make that happen, a fluid called coolant/antifreeze gets pushed throughout the engine to regulate the temperature. Unfortunately, the coolant doesn't stay effective forever. Over time, contaminants and grime can build up in the cooling system. A coolant flush can solve this problem and protects the engine from corrosion, keeping it in the best shape possible. Besides a simple inspection, how can you tell when you need a coolant flush? Low Coolant   You can pop open the hood and visually check your coolant levels. If the fluid looks too low, you may have a leak. Be sure to check if any bright-colored fluid is around or under your vehicle. We can also check for you when bringing your vehicle into Airpark Auto Pros. Bad Coolant Quality  Another sign that may trigger a need for a fluid flush is if you find the coolant to be contaminated or discolored.  Eng ... read more

The cooling system is a vital system in our automobiles – it keeps the engine safe and operable by stabilizing its temperature. A key part of the system is coolant/antifreeze. Over time, the solution will break down and become less effective at cooling.  Can Coolant Expire in the Bottle? When you buy coolant at an auto supply shop, it typically has a shelf life of 1-5 years, depending on the product. The manufacturer is required to put an expiration date on the bottle, so don’t worry if you forget. Always look at the expiration date before adding the solution to your car. Can Coolant Expire in a Car? Coolant degrades over time in your engine. As it flows in and out of the engine, it can pick up metals, dirt, and debris. Most automakers recommend flushing your coolant every 30,000 miles. Dirty coolant can corrode cooling system components and cause leaks. Old and ineffective coolant can also have a reduced boiling point, which can lead to engine overheating. Signs ... read more