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d.r.i.v.e.

devoted to repairing and inspecting vehicles with excellence

Two tires can change your life - Mine did.

10/9/2020

 

Two Tires can Change Your Life. Mine Did.

Just over thirty years ago a beautiful young woman walked into our store to purchase two tires for her car. I remember it like it was yesterday. She left with two tires and my heart.

Many of you know that my dad, Mike, started Marlboro Tire & Automotive in 1982. But did you also know that I met my wife here? Those two tires changed my life. That beautiful young woman became my wife, Lisa. Since then she manages our office. Our daughter, Kristina, manages the shop and our son, Billy, is our lead mechanic in the shop. Never would I have thought that selling two tires would have led to a wife and two children who all would end up working together in the family business. But it happened! I am truly blessed.

Next week Lisa and I will celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary, like we always do by spending time with friends and family. Every year we gather in our favorite campground in the Shenandoah Valley. This year promises to be just as much fun as the past, hanging out with everyone spread out over 7 campsites and 2 cabins.

To accommodate this annual trip the store will be closed Friday October 16, 2020. We will re-open on Monday October 19, 2020 at 9 AM.

Happy Anniversary Lisa! I love you.

Brian
Marlboro Tire & Automotive

CURRENT AVAILABLE TIRE REBATES THAT COULD CHANGE YOUR LIFE:

$70.00 Michelin Rebate -- ENDS 10/27/20
$100.00 General Tire Rebate -- ENDS 10/31/20

Call the store for details at 301-627-4900

I Never Thought I'd See THIS!

6/3/2020

 

I Never Thought I'd See Anything Like This!

Hello Everyone,

Finally some warmer weather and some lifting of restrictions. It certainly feels good. It is also good to see all of the things that people are doing to help support local business and the economy. The staff here at Marlboro Tire has been impressive. Everyday they come in to the shop and perform their jobs professionally despite the virus related hurdles that are in their way at work and at home.

Our vendors and suppliers have also been supportive. All along they have provided us with consistent delivery of the products we need to keep you safe on the road. Even the manufactures we represent have stepped up in a big way to help you take care of your car.

During the month of June both Continental Tire and Michelin Tire have huge rebates available when purchasing their tires. The amount of money that can be saved is substantial. Right now you can save $70.00 dollars when purchasing a set of 4 Continental Tires. Call the store for details by dialing 301-627-4900.

I am also being told that Michelin will offer a never heard of before rebate starting on June 27th. If the rebate goes as planned, you might be able to save hundreds on the purchase of Michelin or BFGoodrich Tires. I will pass along details as I become aware of them.

These deals are phenomenal, I have never seen major manufacturer rebates like this in the 38 years of my career as an automotive service professional. So take a look at your tires, your kids tires, your neighbors tires, even your friends tires. If they look like they need to be replaced please pass along our phone number and tell them to take advantage of these huge savings. Don't waste any time! I'm not sure how long these rebates will stick around.

Please remember we are open Monday thru Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM for drop off appointments only. Currently access to the building is limited to only our staff. Early drop off and after hour pick up is available. Call us at 301-627-4900 for more details.

Best,
Brian
Marlboro Tire & Automotive

Take Your Car For A Walk

4/30/2020

 

Take Your Car for a Walk

Hello everyone,

First I want to thank you for your business. I also want to share a concern with you and update you on how we are continuing to provide our customers with the automotive service that they need.

The past several days have been wet ones. Heavy rains create slippery roads causing accidents. A lot of those accidents seem to be cars sliding into a pole or a tree.

I suppose it is possible that poles and trees become magnets when it rains, sucking metal cars into them.  Although it is more likely that excessive speed or worn tires are a large part of cars spinning or sliding off the road into those poles or trees.

My concern is,  a lot of cars are sitting in the driveway. As a result maintenance items may be forgotten or overlooked. Items like tire pressure for example can have a huge impact on the way the car handles. Especially in wet weather.

Cars are designed to run. When they are left to sit for long periods of time things can deteriorate . Tires can get extremely low on air pressure, brakes can get rusty, batteries can get weak, and the gasoline in the fuel tank can go bad.

It would be a good idea to get you and the car out of the house for a few moments once a week. Check the air pressure in the tires. Check the fluid levels under the hood and take the car out for a walk around the neighborhood.

No need to stop anywhere, and of course observe all of the social distancing recommendations, just simply put down the phone, turn on your favorite music, do the speed limit and take the car for a drive.

If you find something on the car needs attention, we are open. We are fully staffed and are able to offer all normal services. Please know that our hours are from 9am to 5 pm Monday thru Friday. Currently we are accepting drop off appointments only and access to the building is restricted to staff only. Drop off and pick up of cars is done thru a walk up window in the front of our store.

If you need our services just give us a call. In the mean time take that car for a short ride and watch out for those magnetic poles and trees on rainy days.

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

Brian
Marlboro Tire & Automotive

Essential Service Auto Repair

3/23/2020

 

Auto Repair is essential

Our family at Marlboro Tire & Automotive has taken the past few days to strategize and plan how to work through this pandemic. The automotive repair industry is essential, especially for all of those who HAVE to get to work. We are taking EVERY precaution and have decided to OPEN for business with a slight change of pace. Our temporary store hours are 9 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday until the state of emergency is lifted. We will only be accepting drop off appointments until the state of emergency is lifted.
Please give us a call at 301-627-4900 to schedule an appointment.

COVID 19 & Auto Repair

3/17/2020

 

Covid 19 and Auto Repair

Next to their homes, the automobile is most likely the most personal space of anyone. It could be said that they are just as comfortable in their car as they are at home, and behave as so. Many of these personal habits cause great concern for the safety of the shop staff and other customers.

COVID 19 seems to be a serious threat to public health. The information about the virus and the impact on the societies of China, Italy, Iran, Iraq, Spain and many others is also cause for great concern.

Our staff is healthy. In an effort to keep them, their families and our customers healthy we have decided to close our shop. We hope that this will help to prevent the spread of the virus. We are planning to  reopen on April 1st 2020.

We appreciate and value all of our customers. Please follow this blog, or our Facebook page and visit our web site at marlborotire.com for updates.

-- Brian



A Simple Way To Screw Up A Car

4/29/2019

 

Quality Tires Can Make a Difference

A SIMPLE WAY TO SCREW UP COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEMS
Many of today's cars and light trucks are equipped with sophisticated systems designed to prevent collisions and there is a simple way to screw them up.

Traction Control Systems, Stability Control Systems, and Lane Assist  Systems all have 3 things in common. They ALL rely on proper tires, brakes and alignments to perform correctly. All to often we see incorrect tires,  cheap brakes or improper alignments on cars that have a negative impact on how the car handles and performs.

Car manufacturer's have specific recommendations for tire replacement, brake system service and wheel alignment settings. Here at Marlboro Tire and Automotive we are dedicated to protecting your automotive investment. We will always choose the correct tire type, size, load range, and speed rating for your  car. Brake systems will always be serviced or repaired in accordance to the car makers recommendations. All, not just one or two, but all of the alignment angles will be set to factory specifications. This includes re-calibrating or re-setting those sophisticated collision avoidance systems when required.  


SIMPLE TIPS
- Maintain proper tire pressure in your tires -
Set the tire pressure according to the tire information placard found on the driver's side door frame or jamb. This simple step will improve  fuel mileage, tire wear and provide the best stability and handling. We set the the air pressure on every car we service.

- Replace tires before they become a problem -
We see most tire related problems within the last 10% tread life. Avoid flat tires, vibrations, pulls and loss of traction. Replace those tires before they are completely worn out. Most quality tires will get 50,000 to 60,000 miles of use or 4 to 5 years based on average driving habits.

- Rotate and Balance your tires regularly -
We recommend at every other oil change.Tires wear through heavy spots in the tread causing the balancing to change. All tire rotations done here at Marlboro Tire include wheel balancing.

- Inspect the brake system regularly -
 Hint: We do this automatically with every tire rotation.

- When servicing or replacing brakes, be sure to ask for original equipment parts or an equivalent part that meets all of the specs. Yep, they can cost more up front, but the correct part will save you money in the long run.  Sadly, we have to fix a lot of $99.00 so called brake jobs.

- Inspect the alignment once a year -
A proper wheel alignment provides the best handling and stability. All alignment angles should be inspected once a year. Hint: those discount coupon or free alignment check ads are not checking everything. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION


For more information visit our web site at www.marlborotire.com or click on the links below

  • TIRE REPLACEMENT INFORMATION
  • BRAKE SERVICE INFORMATION
  • WHEEL ALIGNMENT INFORMATION

Or Call the store at 301-627-4900
REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT

CarCents  - Summer Travel

5/9/2018

 

Car Cents - Summer Travel Tips

Picture
Are you planning a summer road trip?
Then you will want to hear this episode of CarCents. It is full of summer time travel tips to make your road trip a safe one.
Have a question or a comment?
Use the comment section below to let us know  what you think.

Holiday Travel Tips

9/26/2017

 

Travel by Car with confidence

Every year the holiday season seems to be here before we know it. According to recent news reports many of you have already made holiday travel plans for 2017.  Below is an article that I have shared before and is well worth sharing again. It has several helpful tips for holiday travelers.   - Brian

This holiday season thousands of people will pile into the family car, pull onto the highway and head to friends or relatives for the holidays. Here are some tips to help ensure that your time on the road is as safe as possible with the least amount of stress.
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  • Make sure your car maintenance is up to date.
Aside from the all familiar oil change, you will want to make sure that all of the needed maintenance has been completed. Fluid changes, brake inspection etc etc all have mileage or time based intervals that should be performed if required before a long road trip with the family.

  • If not, avoid last minute stress and schedule a service appointment now.
Repair shops get busy this time of year and they often take time off for the holidays. Schedule early, a car that can not be fixed or serviced in time will ruin your road trip.
Not sure if you car is ready for  a road trip?
Schedule an appointment for a Pre-Trip Inspection
and we will make sure the car is ready!
Click Here to Request an Appointment

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  • See and be Seen.
Inspect your lights and windshield wipers. Make sure that the Headlights, Marker or Running lights, Brake Lights, Tail Lights and Turn Signals all work correctly. The wiper blades should be free of cracks or tears and the rubber soft not hard. If they streak the windshield then replace them. There is nothing worse than driving on a dark road on a rainy night with bad wipers.
Picture
  • Keep an eye on the tires.
Overloading or lack of proper air pressure are two of the most common reasons for highway tire failure. Make sure the air pressure is set correctly and avoid overloading your car. A few dollars spent shipping gifts to your destination can save time, money and frustration

  • Plan your trip.
Take a few moments to look over the route you are planning to travel. Identify the places and times you will stop for fuel or food. A few moments looking over the roads you are planning to travel can prevent frantic moments looking for gas stations in unfamiliar towns with the gas gauge on empty.

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  • Travel during off peak times and while stores are open.
While it may be tempting to travel at night or during the weekend these travel times can be the most congested and take the longest time. Leaving a day or two early and returning a day or two later can save time and money.. Traveling during off peak times will also provide you with the most number of places opened for something to eat, fuel for the car and a repair shop if you should need one.

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  • Put Down The Phone.
Accidents caused by distracted driving are on the rise. Keep in mind that you and hundreds of other drivers may be on unfamiliar roads. Driving in unfamiliar areas requires your complete attention. Contact friends and relatives before you leave and when you have stopped for fuel or food. If you absolutely have to take that call, get off the road. Find an exit or a rest area to stop at to take that all important phone call or text message.
Some preparation, a little planning and paying attention will make your holiday road trip an enjoyable adventure for the holiday season.

Travel Safe & Happy Holidays!
Stay Tuned
Brian
Marlboro Tire and Automotive
www.marlborotire.com
BETTER PRODUCTS - BETTER SERVICE - A BETTER CHOICE

O Say Can You See....

6/28/2017

 

The Star Spangled Banner and Upper Marlboro


O say can you see by the dawn's early light.

Everyone knows America's National Anthem the Star Spangled Banner

What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming,

Most know it was written by Francis Scott Key

Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,

Some might know it was written by Key after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry  from  aboard a ship near the  Inner Harbor in Baltimore Maryland.

O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming.

Very few may know that Key was aboard that ship to negotiate the release of a prominent Upper Marlboro, Maryland citizen, Doctor William Beanes.

And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,

It's true! Dr William Beanes a resident of Upper Marlboro, Maryland was arrested by the British and held captive aboard a British Royal Navy Ship during the war of 1812. Francis Scott Key a Georgetown lawyer, and family friend of Beanes was sent to gain the release of the doctor.

Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there

In August of 1814 British Royal Navy ships navigated the Chesapeake Bay and up the Patuxent River, eventually landing soldiers in Benedict Maryland. The British regiments marched unchallenged
towards Washington D.C. Arriving in Upper Marlboro the British were offered the use of his home for a headquarters by Dr William Beanes.   On August 24th 1814.  The British marched  into Washington D.C. setting fire to the White House, the Capital and the Navy Yard.

O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave

The first and only occupation of Washington D.C. by a foreign country lasted only 26 hours. A heavy thunderstorm, believed to be a hurricane, producing a tornado, hit the city on August 25th 1814. The storm helped depress the fires and the British returned to their ships.

On the way back through Upper Marlboro several British soldiers defected from the Royal Navy and began looting local farms.  Some Upper Marlboro residents with the assistance of Dr Beanes arrested and jailed the marauding defectors.

This enraged the commanding officers of the British Navy who immediately arrested Dr. Beanes and held him captive aboard their ships while on the way to the Battle of Baltimore.

Francis Scott Key boarded the British ships, now near the Batilmore Inner Harbor to negotiate the release of Dr Beanes. Initially the British commanders refused a release, changing their minds after hearing how well Dr. Beanes had treated wounded British Soliders.

Fearing that Key and Beanes may know too much about the planned attack on Fort McHenry British commanders would not allow the Americans to leave, holding them until after the attack on Fort McHenry.

Keys and Beanes witnessed the attack on Fort McHenry on September 13-14,1814. The next morning Francis Scott Key, an Amateur poet wrote the lyrics to what we know today as the Star Spangled Banner.

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

It is hard to imagine America without the anthem The Star Spangled Banner, but it may have never been written if it wasn't for a little town called Upper Marlboro and it's resident Doctor William Beanes.

Here's a beautiful rendition of The Star Spangled Banner by Lady Gaga. As you listen to it remember that it is our individual freedom, that makes us all Americans in the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Tara Cards, Tea Leaves and Magic 8 Balls

4/18/2017

 

Car service is predictable

I can predict the future.

Every year a lot of money is spent on predicting the future.  Knowing what the future will bring is a powerful tool for being prepared, Everyday from the weather to the stock market future conditions are predicted in an effort to provide an advantage.

Many of these forecast are based on data, past trends, and current surveys. Some of these forecast are accurate others, not so much. In many cases the accuracy of these forecast is simply a lucky guess.  Tara Cards, Tea Leaves, Magic Eight Balls and sometimes a flip of a coin can be just as accurate as a forecast made by an expert using data crunching super computers.

Imagine how simple life becomes when you know what the future will bring. Knowing tomorrow's winning lottery number would make a lot of our lives much easier. While predicting future weather, economic conditions or winning lottery numbers is a game of chance, maintaining your car and saving money is much easier to plan for.

That car in the driveway cost 20,30.40,000 dollars or more to buy. Every day it is driven to work, school or to go shopping adding mile after mile to the odometer. Every mile putting it one step closer to needing service or repair. It's in the cards.

At some point that car will need an oil change, it will need the brakes replaced it will need new tires and an alignment. It is inevitable, it is unavoidable, at some point that car will have to be serviced. You already know the future for this car, it will have to be serviced. Armed with this powerful knowledge of what the future will bring will help you save money and time.

On average a car is driven about 15,000 miles a year and cost about $0.10 cents per mile for service or repair. Plan for future service by budgeting or saving money for it. It is going to happen, so be prepared. Schedule regular maintenance service before a problem occurs. A planned trip to the service center is much easier to deal with than an unexpected one. Regular, scheduled service visits ensure that the car is routinely inspected for potential problems, preventing a sudden car failure that can ruin a busy day or wipe out a savings account. Planning and saving for future needed car service is the best way to protect your automotive investment.

I can predict the future, and now you can to. At some point your car will need an oil change, new tires, new brakes or other required maintenance service. Are you prepared ? 

Brian
Marlboro Tire and Automotive
Better Products - Better Service - A Better Choice
www.marlborotire.com
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    Brian is a third generation automotive service professional with 38 years of experience. His practical approach to auto repair has helped thousands of customers protect their automotive investment while saving them money.

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Our Store Location

Tires & Auto Repair in Upper Marlboro, MD

Serving the Upper Marlboro, MD area as the premier retailer of Michelin®, BFGoodrich® and Uniroyal® tires, Marlboro Tire and Automotive has a tire selection to meet any budget or specification. Improving the auto repair and tire servicing experience is the mission of all staff at Marlboro Tire. Whether you are receiving an oil change or total tire replacement all services are treated with the utmost importance and care. ​

Contact Us

Marlboro Tire and Automotive Inc.
15204 Marlboro Pike 
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

301-627-4900

EMAIL US
  • Home
  • Auto Repair Service
    • Reserve A Service Time
    • Be Car Car Aware
    • Car Repair Service
    • Air Filter
    • Belts
    • Battery Alternator and Starter
    • Brake Service
    • Cooling System Maintenance
    • Drive Lines
    • Electrical Systems
    • Engine Diagnostics
    • Exhaust
    • Fluids
    • Headlight Restoration
    • Heating and A/C
    • Monthly Checklist
    • Oil Change Service
    • Steering and Suspension
    • Preventative Maintenance
    • Transmission Fluid Service
    • Tire Balancing
    • Timing Belt Service
    • Tire Installation
    • Tire Rotation
    • TPMS Tire Pressure Monitoring System
    • Flat Repair
    • Automotive Tune-up
    • Wheel Alignment
    • Wiper Blades
  • Shop For New Tires
    • Search For Tires
    • How to Shop For Tires
    • Are Your Tires Safe ?
    • Winter Tire Choices
    • Promotions
  • Promotions
    • BFGoodrich Tires
    • Continental Tires
    • General Tires
    • Michelin Tires
  • Contact Us
    • Contact Us
    • Schedule an Appointment
    • Philosophy
  • Customer Tools
    • View Service Records
    • Learn About Auto Repair
    • Find the Right Tire
    • Schedule An Appointment
    • Get Personilized Advise
    • Read Our Reviews
  • About Us
    • All About Us
    • Customer Reviews
  • Used Tire
  • Videos
  • Flat tire information
  • Flooding Information
    • Why does Upper Marlboro Flood?
    • June 4th 2018 Flood Water in Upper Marlboro, Maryland
    • September 8th 2011 Flood Water levels in Upper Marlboro, Maryland
  • Employment
  • Recipes from the shop
  • Link Page
  • Radio