Stay Safe on Slick, Wet Roads
AMPM Automotive • August 8, 2022
Three Safety Tips for Wet Weather Driving
At some point or another, almost all drivers have had to drive on wet roads. Whether it’s rain, snow, or sleet, wet weather can make roads very dangerous. To stay safe while you’re behind the wheel, it’s important to always take your time. The auto repair experts at AMPM Automotive in Rockville, Maryland, want to keep you safe during wet weather. Here are three simple safety tips for driving on slippery roads.- Keep Your Car Properly Maintained A well-maintained car is also a safe one. It’s essential that every component of your car is optimally functioning when you’re driving on wet roads. If a windshield wiper snaps, your visibility is decreased. If brake pads are worn out, your stopping time is drastically reduced. To keep your vehicle safe, book an auto maintenance appointment with the certified mechanics at AMPM Automotive today.
- Slow and Steady Keeps You in Control Faster is never better on wet highways. If you’re speeding, you could lose control of your vehicle and crash. Wet weather decreases the grip your tires have on the road, increasing your risk of fishtailing or skidding. Always take it slow when you’re driving in the rain or snow. Be sure to leave plenty of room between your car and the vehicle in front of you, so you have ample time to come to a stop.
- Light It Up Even if you’re driving during the day, you should always turn your headlights on during a storm. This helps other drivers see you better. Mist and fog caused by wet roads lower visibility. Avoid using your high beams because they can make it difficult to see the road in front of you.
We’ll Keep You Safe
To stay protected on the road, trust your car to the automotive repair experts at AMPM Automotive in Rockville, Maryland. We specialize in many different services, including tire repair, brake repair, and more. Our certified mechanics will make sure every part of your car is working properly to help you stay safe. Call us today at 301-200-8931 to schedule your car care appointment.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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