Waldorf Auto Repair

Winter provides fierce conditions that are a hazard for all kinds of vehicles. To make sure your vehicle is ready for the chilly season, winterizing is critical. It is both important to be prepared for driving on terrible, slippery roads as it is to have your vehicle in peak condition. To help, we have put together a list of to-do’s that will get your car ready for winter. Let’s have a look. 1. Check the tires Make sure there is enough tread and that the tire pressure is correct. If the tires are worn, get yourself a new set. Some states will require tire chains, but in most places, a set of all-weather tires will be perfect. Areas that are prone to ice, sleet, and snow can be dangerous, though; so get yourself some winter tires, which have a much better grip on pavement. 2. Check the antifreeze and cooling system Did you know that the radiator should be refilled with new coolant (antifreeze) at least once a year? Before winter is the best time to do it, too. Use the ... read more

8 Signs You Need New Brakes Soon Common Signs of Brakes in Need of Replacement Your vehicle's brakes are one of its most critical safety features. Your brakes not only allow you to stop your vehicle safely but also ensure smooth handling and full control over your speed and maneuvering while on the road. It is essential to know the warning signs of brakes in need of replacement. If you start noticing any performance issues with your vehicle, perform a quick inspection, and check for the following warning signs from J.J.'s Auto Service Center in Waldorf, MD to see if your brakes need attention. One: Visual Signs Of Brake Problems For most vehicles, you can visually inspect the brake pads through the spokes of the wheels. Upon looking clo ... read more

How to Get Your Car Ready for the Season From road salt and potholes to rust and dirt, winter can be tough on even the most well-looked after cars. Spring offers the perfect opportunity to check in on their performance and stay ahead of any potential issues. When you give your car a little TLC in the spring, it goes a long way toward combating the ill effects of winter. From our team at J.J.'s in Waldorf, add these steps to your spring checklist to improve your car's condition and give it a fresh new start before summer. Inspect and Rotate Tires Tire maintenance is essential to keeping your car traveling safely. When warmer weather rolls around, be sure to check your tire pressure and fill tires according to your car's manual. If your tires have not been rotated in the last 5,000 miles, have them checked and rotated so that they wear evenly and handle well on the road. If the tread is looking too worn, it may be time ... read more

Vehicle history Get as much information as you can from the current owner and then do your own research. Running the VIN (vehicle identification number) through a paid service like CARFAX will tell you if the car has been in an accident, if there are any liens on it, and if there are any recalls on the model. Rust or paint damage Take a walk around the car and keep an eye out for any rusty spots or paint chips. Small, localized rust patches aren't necessarily a deal breaker because they can be fixed fairly easily. If there are places where the metal is totally rusted through, you might want to reconsider the purchase. Frame issues While you're walking around the vehicle, you should also look for problems with the frame. Is the car sitting level on the ground? Is there anything hanging from the undercarriage? Pay close attention to the bumpers and look inside the trunk and hood for n ... read more

Coolant/Antifreeze is a Vital Element in Your Engine's Operation What Coolant Do I Need? When it comes to the coolant you must make sure that you're using the right one. If you use the wrong coolant then over time you'll begin to notice a drop in your car's performance, and can find a significant amount of damage. The most common method to find out is to simply check the coolant and find out what color it is when the vehicle is cold. Most coolant brands will keep their coolants the same color to prevent any confusion. If you're still not sure, check the owners/service manual for coolant specifications. Can I use tap water as coolant? If you choose to use only tap water in your cooling system, this can cause radiator, head gasket and thermostat corrosion damage over time. But before that, you will find that water boils at 100c and freezes at 0c. This works outside the optimal range for engine requirements as some engines will heat up over 100c especially on hot days. When water starts ... read more