Basic Vehicle Maintenance Services
AMPM Automotive • November 18, 2020
Service the Car that Serves You
You count on your vehicle to serve you well every day. You need it to get to work, take the kids to school, run your shopping errands, and even take the family on vacation. After all that car does to serve you, don’t forget to serve(ice) it with preventive maintenance care. A little TLC will help your ride run well and last a long time. When it’s time for those much needed basic services, bring your faithful transportation to AMPM Automotive in Rockville, MarylandThe Important Services
No matter how old or new, every vehicle needs periodic routine service. One of the most important points of service is the engine oil and filter change. Oil performs important jobs in your engine. It clings to the moving metal parts, lubricating them to reduce friction. It also absorbs a great deal of the heat produced through friction, removing it from the engine. Finally, it suspends dirt and debris, holding the corrosive particles away from the surfaces they can so easily damage. As motor oil ages, it loses its ability to perform these functions well. Degraded oil can actually combine with the dirt it can no longer suspend to form sludge, the dark, nasty goo that can lurk inside your engine or sometimes even outside. Other fluids are also important to monitor. Your mechanic will check and top off (as necessary) brake, power steering, transmission, and wiper fluid as well as coolant. And don’t forget those tires. They should have sufficient tread to safely maintain contact with the road, have adequate air pressure, and be rotated/balanced on a schedule to promote even wear. Belts, hoses, air filters (engine and passenger cabin), spark plugs, batteries, etc. should also be inspected and changed as needed. Major systems such as brakes and exhaust need checking, too, with repairs made in a timely manner as needed. These service points will help your car run well, perform efficiently, and last longer. They will also help you keep your auto in good condition so that it meets the Maryland vehicle inspection requirements. (Most vehicles must pass a safety inspection before state registration. Those registered in 13 of Maryland’s 23 counties as well as in Baltimore must also pass a biennial emissions inspection.)The Important Service Provider
Not only is it important to give your ride the essential service it needs, but it’s equally important that you find a friendly, reputable service provider . AMPM Automotive in Rockville, Maryland, provides exceptional service for your vehicle, but they also make your life easier because you can trust them to complete quality work. They even help you out on pricing, so be sure to check out their specials and online printable coupons.Discover expert engine repair services at AMPM Automotive in Rockville, MD. Enhance your vehicle's performance today! Schedule an online appointment now.
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If you're buying a used vehicle, bringing one into Maryland, or transferring a title, you're going to need a Maryland state safety inspection before the MVA lets you register it. At AMPM Automotive in Rockville, we're a certified inspection station. We inspect passenger cars, SUVs, pickup trucks under 10,000 lbs, and non-commercial trailers. Here’s what to know before you schedule. 🗓️ When Do You Need a Maryland Inspection You need a safety inspection if: - You're buying a used vehicle from a private party - You're moving into Maryland with an out-of-state vehicle - You're transferring ownership outside your immediate family - You're re-registering a vehicle that's been sitting a while The MVA won't issue plates without a valid inspection certificate 🚙 What Vehicles We Inspect We inspect: - Passenger cars - SUVs and light-duty trucks under 10,000 lbs - Trailers under 20 feet without air brakes We do not inspect motorcycles, commercial trucks, or trailers with air brakes 🔍 What’s Included in the Inspection Maryland inspections are detailed. Here's what we check ✅ Main Areas We Inspect 🛑 Brakes Pads, rotors, parking brake, hoses, master cylinder ⚙️ Steering and Suspension Ball joints, tie rods, control arms, shocks, bushings 🛞 Tires and Wheels Tread depth, damage, sizing, lug nut condition 💡 Lights and Electrical Headlights, brake lights, turn signals, reverse lights, tag lights, hazard lights, horn 🪟 Windshield and Wipers Visibility, cracks, wiper blades, washer spray 🪞 Mirrors Both side mirrors and the rearview mirror 🔩 Exhaust Leaks, mounts, muffler condition 🚗 Frame and Underside Rust-through, fuel tank mounts, body damage 🪑 Interior Safety Items Seatbelts, horn, odometer, speedometer, door latches, dashboard lights 🚛 Trailer Inspections Tires, lighting, hitch, frame, brakes if equipped 🕶️ Maryland Tint Laws for Inspection We use a meter to check tint on your windows. If it's too dark, the car will fail Legal Tint Limits in Maryland: - Front windows must let in at least 35 percent of light - Rear windows can be darker if both side mirrors are present - Windshield tint is only allowed on the top strip above the AS1 line - Not allowed: mirrored or colored tint like red or amber We can check the tint before starting the full inspection if needed ❌ What If the Vehicle Fails You’ll get a digital inspection report by email showing exactly what failed and why Then you have: - 30 days or 1000 miles - To make the repairs - And bring it back to us for a recheck We only recheck the failed items. If it's something small like a bulb or wiper, we can usually fix it on the spot 💵 How Much It Costs - Most passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs: $135 flat - Trailers: depends on brake setup and axles - Reinspection: no charge for visual checks. If we need to lift the vehicle or use tools, we charge time only Labor rate is $160 per hour using state-regulated inspection time guides ⏱️ How Long It Takes - Cars and SUVs: usually 1.5 to 2 hours - Small trailers: 30 to 60 minutes - Trailers with brakes: up to 90 minutes Drop it off or wait—we’ll text or call when it’s ready 📃 How Long the Certificate Is Good For - Valid for 90 days from the inspection date - 6 months or 1000 miles if it’s held in dealer inventory After that, a full new inspection is required 📍 Schedule an Inspection at AMPM Automotive We follow Maryland law exactly, no games, no fluff. If it passes, it passes. If it doesn’t, we’ll tell you why and what to do next AMPM Automotive 11800 Coakley Cir, Rockville MD 20852 (301) 822-4694 Monday through Friday 8AM to 5PM Book your inspection online: https://sgenie.io/bvcy9 ❓ Maryland Inspection FAQ 🔧 Can a car fail for window tint Yes. If the front tint blocks too much light, it's an automatic fail ⏳ What if I miss the 30 days or 1000 miles You'll need a brand new full inspection 🚚 Do you inspect motorcycles or diesels No. We only inspect passenger vehicles, SUVs under 10000 lbs, and non-commercial trailers 📝 How do I get the inspection report You’ll receive the full inspection sheet digitally by email right after we complete the inspection
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