Auto Repair in Essex, MD | J & H Tires

You get in your car on a cool morning, turn the key or press the start button, and the engine takes longer than normal to start. Is it the battery? The starter? The alternator? Cold weather can bring out problems in a vehicle’s starting and charging system that were easy to miss during the summer. If your car has started cranking slowly, fall is a good time to have it checked before colder weather reaches Essex and the Baltimore area. Why Does My Car Start Slower in Cold Weather? Your car battery has to provide a large amount of power to start the engine. As temperatures drop, a weak or aging battery may have a harder time providing that power. The problem may seem to appear overnight, but the battery could have been getting weaker for months. Hot summer temperatures can be tough on batteries, and cooler fall weather may be when you first notice the effects. A slow start is one warning sign you shouldn't ignore. How Do I Know If My Car Battery Is Going Bad? A dead bat ... read more

If your car pulls to one side, your steering wheel is crooked, or your tires are wearing unevenly, your vehicle may need a wheel alignment. After a harsh winter in Essex and the surrounding Baltimore area, alignment issues are very common. Snow, ice, hidden curbs, and the potholes that appear after repeated freeze-and-thaw cycles can easily knock your vehicle’s alignment out of specification. Many drivers hit potholes during the winter without realizing the impact it had on their suspension or steering. As we move into spring, it’s a good time to check for alignment problems before they cause premature tire wear or steering issues. What Is a Wheel Alignment? A wheel alignment adjusts the angles of your wheels so they match the manufacturer’s specifications. When everything is set correctly, your vehicle drives straight, your steering feels stable, and your tires wear evenly. Duri ... read more