What Happens During a Standard Transmission Service?
Many drivers know that it’s the responsible thing to do to get the oil changed in the car, but not everyone knows that the transmission also has a fluid that needs to be changed and managed. That fluid is hugely vital to the car’s ability to function and keep you safe and on the road. Getting a regular transmission service is the best way of making sure everything is in tip-top shape.
What Does Your Transmission Do?
The transmission is the powerhouse of your car, literally. This system makes sure that the correct amount of power is being transferred to the wheels to maintain your car’s speed. Automatic cars don’t need input from the driver, whereas vehicles with manual transmissions need the driver to shift gears as they move up and down in speed.
The system is similar to changing gears on a bicycle, just happening on a larger scale and with a few more moving parts.
What Does Transmission Fluid Do?
The fluid keeps all of the moving parts inside the transmission lubricated so that they’re not damaged and create hydraulic pressure and keep the parts cool. This multi-function fluid should be a high priority for drivers, no matter the age of your vehicle. Read the rest of this entry »
Looking for a Used Ford? 4 Models to Consider
When looking for a used car, there’s no better model than a Ford. Whatever you need in a vehicle and whatever your budget, you can be sure you’ll find something to suit your needs close to Frederick, MD. And when you opt for a used Ford, you’re guaranteed to benefit from sturdiness, style, and serious reliability.
1. 2016 Ford Explorer XLT
The 2016 Ford Explorer XLT is one of the best-value used SUVs on the market. This powerful vehicle is at home in all situations, from the daily work commute and school run to weekend adventures in the wilderness.
A potent 4-wheel-drive system and quality tires and suspension provide excellent off-road capability. Meanwhile, a comfortable and roomy interior ensures this vehicle is as pleasing to ride in as it is to drive. Read the rest of this entry »
5 Signs You Need a New Car Air Filter
Did you know that 68% of cars have at least one thing wrong with them? It’s essential to always ensure your car air filter is spick and span. After all, dirty and worn-out filters will trigger poor engine performance and diminished acceleration. That’s the last thing you need. Although the rule of thumb is to replace the filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, here are 5 signs that a replacement is due now.
1. Your Air Filter Looks Grimy and Dark
A clean air filter should be off-white or pure white. With the accumulation of dirt and dust after a while, it’ll become darker, at which point you’ll need to switch it with a new one. At times, the inner layers will have grime that can be difficult to spot, though. Rope in a mechanic to check if that’s the case.
2. Your Car Seems to Have Less Power
A clean air filter will usher in the optimum performance of your engine. It can elevate acceleration by up to 11% on newer car models. On older models, it can boost mileage by 14%. Other signs the filter is impacting the performance of your car is a jerking motion upon acceleration or failure to respond as well as it should. Read the rest of this entry »
5 Tips for Driving on One-Way Streets in Maryland
The one-way streets in Frederick, MD, improve vehicle flow in one direction, mostly in areas where there is heavy traffic. Although one-way streets reduce congestion, many drivers are annoyed and find them nothing but a nuisance. Here are a few tips to help you with those one-way streets, so you can navigate them like a pro.
1. Watch Out for the Signs
A rectangular sign with a black background and a white arrow, or a white background and a black arrow, indicate that the road only allows traffic in one direction. You can only drive in the direction the arrow is pointing. These signs display the words “One Way” in big letters on the sign. The road signs are usually displayed at intersections or T-intersections to force traffic to move in the same direction.
2. Know How To Identify a One-Way
If you’ve missed seeing the one-way sign, a “Do Not Enter” sign will be displayed on the opposite side of the street. Another way to see if the street is one-way is by noticing the color of the lanes. One-way streets always have white lane markings. There are no yellow road markings on a one-way street. You can also check in what direction the cars are parked along the road. All the parked cars will be facing in the same direction. Read the rest of this entry »
Looking for a Used Chevy? 6 Great Models to Consider
Chevrolet has a reputation for manufacturing high-quality, reliable vehicles. And when it comes to finding a quality used vehicle for sale, a used Chevy is where it’s at. Let’s go over some of the most popular Chevrolet models to purchase secondhand.
1. The Chevy Tahoe
This three-row SUV is one of Chevrolets bigger SUV models. The gasoline-powered engine version of the Chevy Tahoe has excellent fuel efficiency for its size. The electric-gas variant is one of the most economically sound cars on the market regarding fuel efficiency. It’s a beauty, too, with a beefy, rugged exterior that has stayed consistently attractive throughout model changes.
2. The Chevy Volt
If you’re after a hybrid vehicle, take a look at the Chevrolet Volt. Sleek and sporty, you can snag a 2011-2015 Volt for a steal, allowing you the convenience of a hybrid car at a lower price point. While the battery power has been increased in the newer version (the Bolt) a used Volt is still a financially savvy purchase. Read the rest of this entry »
There are plenty of spots to pick up a pizza in Frederick, MD, and just about everyone has a favorite. It was tough to choose, but we put together our list of the local joints in the area serving up the best pizza. Have a look below and let us know if we forgot one of your local favorites.
1. Belisario’s Pizza
A locally-owned joint serving the area since 2000, Belisario’s has some delicious grub. One exciting menu item here is their pizza bagels. They can prepare any of your favorite pies on a bagel for a smaller meal for one. As far as specialty pizzas go, give their chicken bacon ranch pie a try; it won’t let you down. And if you’ve got a sweet tooth, take home an order of their fried dough balls with cinnamon sugar.
2. Il Forno Pizzeria
Voted the best pizzeria by Frederick Magazine and The Frederick Post, Il Forno is a local favorite. Their pizza is baked to perfection in a wood-burning oven imported right from Italy. And what makes a better pairing with pizza than a plate of wings? They’ve got almost a dozen flavors for you to taste, so you’ll be coming back to try them all. For our vote, there’s no beating the tangy kick of the Caribbean Jerk wings. Read the rest of this entry »
High Mileage: The Most Reliable Used Cars
If you’re in Frederick, MD, looking for a used car, one of your most essential concerns is probably reliability. You don’t want to buy a car only to have it fail right away or need immediate repairs. The six vehicles listed here are among the most reliable used vehicles since 2010, so with one of these, you can rest easy knowing they’ll be dependable daily drivers.
Toyota 4Runner
This truck-SUV hybrid is the number-one most reliable car made since 2010. It has received the highest ratings for reliability for 13 years in a row, which is a feat unmatched by any other make and model. It has not undergone a design change since 2010, so you can be sure that any model from 2010 to 2019 will treat you right. Even high mileage vehicles will still have a lot of life left in them.
Toyota Prius
Coming in with just a slightly lower high-reliability rating than the 4Runner, the Prius is an amazingly dependable car. You no longer have to worry about how long its hybrid battery will last, as this issue was solved well before 2010. With superior gas mileage, decent cabin room, and excellent reliability ratings, you can’t go wrong with any model between 2010 and 2019 of this eco-friendly vehicle. Read the rest of this entry »
5 Best Breakfast Places in Frederick, MD
Starting your day off with a good meal can make a difference in how the rest of your day will be. Everything on our list of best breakfast places will give you the energy you need for the rest of the day by serving you some tasty food. You can find them all in the Frederick, MD, area, so stop in to get your morning started the right way. Any of them make the perfect addition to your morning routine.
1. Beans and Bagels
For us, it’s hard to beat a good bagel when it comes to the first meal of the day. Beans and Bagels do bagels right, and you won’t find many better-tasting bites no matter where you look. They’ve got a wide variety of toppings and flavors for their bagels, but if you can’t decide on just one, go for an everything bagel smeared with cream cheese. The mix of tastes blends together beautifully.
2. Glory Doughnuts
Maybe you want something a little sweeter to kickstart your morning? Try a doughnut from Glory Doughnuts! Baked fresh daily. You’ll love the crispy outer shell surrounding a doughy delight inside. They’ve also got plenty of more savory breakfast offerings, from huevos rancheros to the tofu fried egg sandwich. The entire menu at Glory Doughnuts features plant-based food, making it the perfect breakfast destination for anyone with a vegetarian or vegan diet. Read the rest of this entry »
6 of the Best 2020 Toyota Models to Buy Used
You can never go wrong choosing a Toyota for a used car, but if you’re looking for one on the newer side, any of our 2020 Toyota cars, trucks, or SUVs would be almost like getting a brand new car. Try one of these 2020 models for your next used car purchase.
1. 2020 Camry TRD
This top mid-size sedan is among the 10 best-selling vehicles in the United States. The TRD model is a much sleeker version of previous Camry models, which means this is no longer a boring commuter option. You’re looking at a car that appears to be more race cars and less mom-mobile, which is appealing to younger commuters. The performance isn’t bad either, with its sporty 3.5L V-6 engine.
2. 2020 Avalon
If you need a larger sedan that offers both comfort and style, the 2020 Avalon is the vehicle for you. Additionally, the standard safety features packed onto this Toyota are awe-inspiring, including a forward-collision warning system, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and active lane control, among others. The engine is the same one as in the Camry TRD, so you’re not gaining any power, but the comfort upgrades are definitely worth the extra cost. Read the rest of this entry »


