Fitzgerald Auto Mall Commitment to Sustainability is Stronger than Ever

ROCKVILLE, MD – August 2026 – Fitzgerald Auto Malls announced today that it has earned Gold-level certification through the Montgomery County Green Business Certification Program, administered by Bethesda Green in partnership with the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection. With this recognition, Fitzgerald becomes Montgomery County's first certified Green Dealer. The certification recognizes businesses that have demonstrated measurable, sustained commitment to reducing their environmental footprint across areas such as energy efficiency, waste reduction and recycling, environmental purchasing, and organizational sustainability practices. Businesses are evaluated and certified at one of four tiers — Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum — based on the depth and breadth of their green practices. "Being named a Gold-certified Green Business — and Montgomery County's first certified Green Dealer — is a proud moment for our entire Fitzgerald family," said Rob Smith, President of Fitzgerald Auto Malls. "This recognition reflects years of intentional work by our co-owners across every location, and it reinforces something we've believed since 1966: how we serve people, and the community and environment we share with them, matters. Our guests in Montgomery County care about sustainability, and this certification is our commitment to them that we do too. It's simply the right thing to do." For six decades, Fitzgerald Auto Malls has been driven by a simple belief: how we serve people matters. Since 1966, we have helped customers across Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Florida find transportation solutions they can trust. We are proud to be Montgomery County's first certified Green Dealer and to maintain ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications. Guided by our commitment to excellence, community, and environmental responsibility, we strive every day to make a positive difference and leave this earth better than we found it.

Fitzgerald Auto Malls is helping local students start the new school year prepared and ready to learn with Fitzgerald’s Big Backpack Giveaway on Saturday, August 15, 2026. From 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, participating Fitzgerald Auto Mall locations will give away free, pre-filled backpacks to local children while supplies last. Join Us for a Free Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway Families searching for a free backpack giveaway or family-friendly back-to-school event can visit a participating Fitzgerald location and join the fun. Each backpack will include school supplies to help students begin the year with confidence. In addition, every backpack will include a Fitzgerald service discount that families can use at any Fitzgerald Auto Mall service location. Event Details Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026 Time: 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Location: Participating Fitzgerald Auto Mall dealerships Giveaway: Free, pre-filled backpacks for the first 200 children at each participating location What Families Can Expect During Fitzgerald’s Big Backpack Giveaway, families can enjoy: • A free backpack filled with school supplies • A Fitzgerald service discount • Fun back-to-school photo opportunities • Vehicles to explore and test drive • Service options for their current vehicle • A welcoming, family-friendly event The giveaway begins promptly at 11:00 AM. Therefore, families should plan to arrive early. Each child may receive one backpack and must attend with a parent or guardian. Participating locations will provide backpacks to the first 200 children while supplies last. Supporting Local Students and Families At Fitzgerald Auto Malls, we believe strong communities begin with meaningful support for local families. That is why our employee-owners are proud to help students prepare for the school year through Fitzgerald’s Big Backpack Giveaway. Additionally, this event gives families a chance to visit their local Fitzgerald team, explore available vehicles and learn more about our service options. We look forward to welcoming families to participating Fitzgerald Auto Mall locations for this free back-to-school event. Find a Participating Fitzgerald Location To find a Fitzgerald Auto Mall near you, visit our locations page. Then, check your local dealership website for participation details and event updates. Helpful Links Find a Fitzgerald Auto Mall Location Browse New Vehicles Browse Pre-Owned Vehicles Find a Fitzgerald Service Location Event details, participation and availability are subject to change.

Summer car maintenance is one of those things that is easy to put off until something goes wrong. But with temperatures climbing and road trips on the horizon, taking a little time now to check your vehicle can save you a lot of frustration later. Heat is harder on your car than most people realize, and July is when the effects really start to show. more What Summer Heat Does to Your Engine Cooling System Summer car maintenance starts under the hood. Your cooling system works overtime when temperatures rise, and if the coolant level is low or the mixture is off, your engine can overheat quickly. Check the reservoir when the engine is cold, and look for any signs of leaks around the hoses or radiator cap. If the coolant looks rusty or discolored, it may be time for a flush. Hot weather car care means making sure your engine has everything it needs to stay at a safe operating temperature before the real heat arrives. Tires Take a Beating in the Heat Heat causes the air inside your tires to expand, which can raise tire pressure above the recommended range. Overinflated tires wear unevenly and can be more prone to blowouts, especially on hot pavement. Check your tire pressure when the tires are cold and compare the reading to the recommended level in your owner's manual or on the sticker inside the driver's door. Also inspect the tread for uneven wear and look for any sidewall cracking, which is a common sign of tire aging. Summer car maintenance should always include a thorough tire inspection. Battery Health Matters More Than You Think in Summer Most people associate dead batteries with cold weather, but heat is actually just as damaging. High temperatures cause battery fluid to evaporate and accelerate internal corrosion. If your battery is 3 years old or older, have it tested before the summer heat peaks. Look for any corrosion buildup around the terminals and make sure the connections are tight. Hot weather care means not waiting for a warning light to tell you there is a problem. Check Your Air Conditioning Before You Need It Nothing ruins a summer drive faster than an air conditioning system that isn’t keeping you all cool. If your cabin isn’t reaching a comfortable temperature quickly, or if you notice weak airflow, there may be a refrigerant issue or a clogged cabin air filter. Replace the cabin air filter if it has not been done in the past year—it’s an inexpensive fix that makes a real difference in air quality and system efficiency. Summer car maintenance should always include a quick A/C check. This can be about more than just comfort—it can also be a safety precaution. Fluids, Belts, and Wiper Blades Round Out Your Checklist Beyond coolant, check your brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Summer storms can roll in fast, and worn wiper blades will leave streaks right when you need clear visibility the most. Rubber belts and hoses also degrade faster in extreme heat, so look for cracking or fraying. These are small things that are easy to overlook but important to address as part of a complete summer car maintenance routine. Visit Fitzgerald Auto Malls for a Summer Vehicle Checkup The team at Fitzgerald Auto Malls is ready to help you get your vehicle summer-ready. Whether you need a quick oil change, a cooling system inspection, or a full seasonal checkup, the service professionals at our dealership can help you tackle your summer car maintenance before July heat creates a bigger problem. Don’t wait for a breakdown to remind you— schedule your appointment today. Summer Car Maintenance Is Worth the Time Taking a few hours now to run through these checks can make the difference between a smooth summer and an unexpected breakdown. From tires and batteries to fluids and air conditioning, summer car maintenance covers a lot of ground—but none of it is too complicated to handle with a little help. Stay ahead of the heat, and your vehicle will thank you all season long.