Davenport Auto Repair

As a Davenport, IA auto repair shop serving customers for over four decades, we want to share some of the reasons getting an oil change when it's time is so important. While getting the oil changed every 3,000 miles used to be the norm, today it's a bit higher as modern lubricants suggest you can go 5,000 miles or more before having the engine oil changed. Whatever guidelines you follow, be sure to have it done on a regular basis. Here's why. A cleaner engine means extended lifespan. Replacing an engine isn't cheap, but having the oil changed on a routine basis will keep your engine free from the dirt, dust, and other debris that can result in the build up of sludge in the engine. As oil circulates through your engine, these particles will accumulate in the oil. Dirt and debris can damage the engine, so it's important to change the oil regularly. Oil lubricates the engine and other critical components. Changing the oil filter is just as important, and in doing both ... read more

Most people in Davenport and surrounding areas would rather avoid a transmission repair when possible, especially on older vehicles. Depending on the age of your car, the repair could cost as much or more than your vehicle is worth. When you need transmission service you can count on Dale's Service Center for maintenance, repairs, and more. We have a few tips below that we hope will help you avoid a huge repair bill! Maintaining your vehicle is important if you want it to get you around safely for years to come. Have your car serviced regularly, change the oil, take care of it. You know the drill - but how can you keep your transmission in good shape? Whether you drive a stick or have an automatic transmission, we've got you covered. Have an automatic transmission? You're among the majority of ... read more

          "It sounds like a helicopter is landing on my car!!"  Is the call we took not too long ago.   We have had a few customers come in from time to time and describe a horrendous noise, especially with their back windows cracked open.  The reasoning behind this noise is really just simple physics: f=(c/2n)√(S/L'V), yep, the Helmoltz equation named after this guy Hermann Von Helmholtz.   I told ya......Simple.  Before you say, what the heck is this grease monkey talking about and think I'm crazy, I have a better answer for you.  We call it Wind Throb.  Basically, most vehicles now are very aerodynamic to save fuel consumption.   The air flowing around your vehicle at a fast rate gets forced through the open window and creates that drumming or throbbing noise.  This is almost always normal.  It is usually described as the same thing as blowing over the to ... read more

Not much is worse than running late for work.  If you are like me, it usually starts out something like this:  First you snooze through your alarm 7 times.  Next you fly out of bed and jump into the shower.  Then in an attempt to brush your teeth while putting your shirt on you somehow become a contortionist and pull a back muscle.  After that muscle spasm, while putting your shoes on you spill your coffee down the front of your shirt.  Finally when you get to your car and buckle in, you realize your wallet is next to the coffee pot on the kitchen counter.  After a long deep breath, you try to start the car and click, click, click.....nothing.  Great!!  You realize one of your kids left the back door open and the battery is dead......Don't have a bad day.  Don't be late for work!  Come to Dale's Service Center and we will perform a complimentary safety & maintenance inspection for free.  (which i ... read more

My 3 girls love unicorns!  When they see a unicorn in a movie or in a book they fall in love.  However, it is heartbreaking when dad has to bring them back to reality and teach them.......well....unicorns are just not real.   What does this have to do with the brakes on your vehicle?  A cheap brake job does not exist. If for some reason you are driving thru the forest and you come across what appears to be a cheap brake job, I would suggest you do the same thing as if you see a unicorn. Slap yourself across the face and wake up!  At best it could be a bait a switch. Most likely you are going to find that sub-par parts will be installed, the brakes will be noisy and will not last very long and hopefully the technician didn't cut any corners to slam that brake job out the door.  I strongly believe this is the last place you want to cut corners. Your safety and the safe ... read more

  "Why does my A/C blow warm air" you ask?  Well unlike the A/C system in your home, your vehicles system gets jostled around while driving through the streets of Davenport.  And over time the fittings and A/C components get worn out and tired which causes freon to leak out.  Since freon is a gas, it seeps into the atmosphere rather than drips down like engine oil or antifreeze making it tougher to find when there is a leak.  In order to find the leak, we generally need to remove all old freon and air that is inside of the A/C system with a machine (Recover).  Then we can perform a leak test to see if the A/C system can hold a vacuum (Evacuate) and if it is able to hold a vacuum we can replenish with new freon  (Recharge).  Why not just add freon?  With todays automotive A/C systems, most vehicles hold a specific amount and if overfilled will not cool at all.  The freon amounts need to be precise in ... read more

   Because of the ever changing technology, training never ends!  Even the most basic systems such as brakes and suspension can get pretty technical. With electronic parking brake systems, air ride height control and steering angle sensors we even run into problems or issues at times.  Especially because we repair all different makes and models there is so much to learn about with each car manufacturer.  It was nice of Napa to come into our shop with their Brake and Suspension Rep for a dinner and learn the other night.  The team got to brush up on the latest brake systems and parts.  Also, we caught up on the most innovative suspension parts available.  Of course, it's always easier to learn on a full stomach!    

  The timing belt is important because makes the internal components of the engine work together.  I could get real technical and tell you how the timing belt keeps the flux capacitor inline with the rotary girder but I won't bore you with the details.  Basically, what you need to know is the timing belt is a rubber belt that controls how the valves and pistons move inside of the motor.  Because the belt is rubber, it is subject to shredding, breaking or slipping which can cause all kinds of horrible engine damage.  Our recommendation is to replace the belt as maintenance at the recommended mileage by your manufacturer to prevent any engine problems.  Also, on most vehicles the timing belt runs the water pump, other idler pulleys and a has its own belt tensioner.     We always recommend to replace all of the components when we install a timing belt.  It makes sense.  Not ... read more

          Often times we are asked, "why do I have to flush my cooling system? How often should I flush my cooling system?  Is it best to flush before winter or summer?, How do I figure out which antifreeze my vehicle takes?"  Here are a couple of simple thoughts about vehicle cooling systems:   Coolant, also referred to as antifreeze, is the fluid that absorbs the heat from your engine and disperses it out through the radiator.   When mixed properly is has a higher boiling point and lower freezing point than water allowing the engine to run at higher and lower temperatures. The Coolant, should be replaced (or flushed) per manufacturers recommendation or we recommend at least every 30,000 miles or 5 years which ever comes first.   Always check the antifreeze level when the engine is cold.  If you suspect a leak, check the level on the reservoir jug first thing in the morning when the engi ... read more

         For many people allergy season is no fun!  Although we have no cure for your allergies, we can help make sure your car is ready for the season. Replacing your cabin air filter at least once per year can help alleviate those sneezing and wheezing symptoms.  Sometimes leaves, bugs and debris can flow into the intake vents and clog the cabin air filter.  Here are a few other reasons why it is important to replace your cabin air filter: When this filter becomes restricted it can reduce the efficiency and flow of your vehicles air conditioner.  The cabin air filter removes dust, pollen and other pollutants from entering the vehicles ventilation system. Just like the furnace/AC filter in your home, these filter dust and air particles entering into the cab of your car. Also, a lot of times the cabin air filter area is where those pesky rodents like mice and squirrels like to nest for the winter. These are some of the fil ... read more