Posted on 12/22/2025

Coolant Leaks Explained: What Laurel, MD Drivers Need to Know Before Winter A coolant leak may seem minor at first, but it can quickly lead to engine overheating, poor heater performance, or even serious engine damage. As temperatures drop, drivers in Laurel, MD often experience cooling system issues caused by aging hoses, brittle plastic components, or weakened seals. Many drivers ask: "Why is my car losing coolant?" "Is it safe to drive with a coolant leak?" "Where can I get a coolant leak fixed near me?" If you've noticed coolant under your vehicle, a dashboard temperature warning, or steam coming from under the hood, it's time to have your system checked. Common Causes of Coolant LeaksCracked or swollen radiator hosesLeaking radiator or water pumpLoose clamps or failing gasketsOld coolant breaking down system components Ignor ... read more
Posted on 12/17/2025

As winter approaches in Maryland, your vehicle's braking system becomes more important than ever. Wet roads, colder temperatures, and heavier holiday traffic all place extra demands on your brakes. One of the simplest, but most critical, checks we perform during a winter inspection is brake pad measurement. Many drivers in Laurel, MD search questions like: "How do I know if my brake pads are worn?" "Are my brakes safe for winter driving?" "How thick should brake pads be?" If you've been wondering the same, here's what you should know. What is Brake Pad Measurement? Brake pad measurement is a precise inspection that determines how much friction material remains on your brake pads. Using a brake gauge or caliper, our mechanics measure pad thickness to see whether your brakes are still safe or if they are nearing replacement. Most brake pads should be replaced when they reach 3 millimeters ... read more
Posted on 12/9/2025

Winter Car Battery Care: Why Testing and Replacing Your Battery Matters in Cold Weather When winter hits Maryland, your car feels the cold just as much as you do. Especially your battery. At A. Anthony's Mobile Vehicle Service, Inc in Laurel, MD, we see more battery failures in December and January than in any other months of the year. Freezing temperatures slow your battery's chemical reactions, reduce available power, and make engines harder to turn over. That's why battery testing and replacement are two of the most important steps in your winter readiness checklist. Why Car Batteries Struggle in Winter When temperatures drop, your battery loses a significant amount of its cranking power. A battery that performs fine in the fall ma struggle, or completely die, when the first freezing night arrives. Signs your battery may be on the edge include: Slow engine crank Flickering interior or dashboard lights Clicking noises when starting ... read more
Posted on 11/28/2025

When it comes to keeping your vehicle reliable, the cooling system is one of the most important, yet most overlooked, parts of your car. Radiator hoses and coolant hoses may look simple, but they play a huge role in preventing overheating, protecting your engine, and keeping you safely on the road. At A. Anthony's Mobile Vehicle Service, Inc, we believe in educating our clients so you can make confident decisions about your vehicle. Today, we're breaking down why hose inspections matter, what warning signs to look for, and how our team helps keep your car running cool and strong. Why Your Radiator & Coolant Hoses Matter Your cooling system circulates coolant from the engine to the radiator and back again. This process controls your engine temperature and prevents overheating. Each hose is responsible for safely moving high-temperature coolant, often under pressure, through your system. When a hose fails, that coolant escapes, leaving your engine unprote ... read more
Posted on 11/24/2025

When it comes to keeping your vehicle running smoothly, few parts work harder behind the scenes than your serpentine belt. It's one long, strong belt that powers some of your car's most essential systems like your alternator, AC, power steering pump, water pump, and more. In other words: if the serpentine belt fails, everything stops. At our shop, fixing cars is what we do, and taking care of people is who we are, so we always want our customers to understand why certain maintenance items matter. The serpentine belt is one of the most overlooked components under the hood, but staying ahed of its wear can save you from breakdwons, towing bills or expensive repairs later. What Does the Serpentine Belt Do? Your serpentine (or drive) belt transfers power from the engine to the systems that keep your vehicle comfortable, safe, and drivable. When it's in good condition, everything runs the way it should. When it star ... read more