Davenport Auto Repair

Residents of Davenport, IA and surrounding areas know that during the summer months you often use your vehicle's A/C to get relief from the heat. You want to be comfortable, and sometimes putting the windows down doesn't do much in terms of keeping you cool. At Dale's Service Center we strive to be the best in terms of customer service, quality of work, and reliability. We know how important it is to be comfortable, especially when you’re traveling long distances. You probably don't give your car's air conditioning system much thought but as with all types of equipment, something will go wrong at some point. Nothing lasts forever, but like with most things, you don’t worry about something when it seems to be operating as it should. Even if your A/C is working fine right now, having it ... read more

Motorists in Davenport, IA know that replacing a transmission is often costly. Like any other component or system in a vehicle, the transmission experiences wear and tear over time. Whether for repair or replacement, our certified auto repair technicians can take care of any problem you may have. Your car's transmission is responsible for transferring the power from the engine to the wheels. As your vehicle slows and picks up speed, the gear ratio between the engine and drive wheels must adjust; the transmission is what makes this possible. How do you know when it's time to have your transmission serviced? There are several key signs to alert you that there may be an issue. These include: Transmission fluid is leaking. When you notice a spot or stain on your driveway or anywhere that your park regularly, you may assume it's oil or some other fluid. If the dark spots appear dark ... read more

For motorists in Davenport, Iowa and the Quad Cities, it's smart not to wait until you need brakes repair before scheduling servicing. Your brake system is what keeps you and your family safe whether you're running errands, going to and from work or school, or traveling to a much anticipated vacation destination. Road trips can be a fun and enjoyable experience, especially if you don't have to worry about your brakes malfunctioning! Now that things are loosening up and getting back to some level of normalcy, we're all ready to hit the roadways and enjoy some wonderful "away" time. We have been cooped up at home long enough. How often should you have your brakes serviced? Our highly skilled technicians recommend an inspection once each year at the very minimum. You probably don't give much thought to your brakes as long as they're doing their job, but the fact is the braking system is the most important com ... read more

Motorists in the Davenport area often wonder whether they need an alignment; some aren't completely certain what that even means, or what is involved. As one of the most trusted auto repair shops in the area, we like to explain things in a way our customers understand, so they can make an informed decision. We're highlighting the basics of a tire alignment below, along with symptoms that may indicate you need one.   What exactly is an alignment? Put simply, it's a procedure involving adjustments made to the axles and tires of your car to get its suspension back into correct form. The suspension system actually connects your car with its wheels. A proper alignment means that your wheels are all "in sync" or aligned with each other. This results in your tires making solid contact with the pavement. Your tires will last longer when properly a ... read more

Winters can be brutally cold in Davenport and other areas of Iowa. In order for your vehicle to function its best and keep you safe on the roads, winter maintenance is essential. No one wants to break down on the side of the road at any time, especially during winter when temperatures plummet and snow or sleet is coming down. How can you make sure your car, truck, or SUV is in top notch condition and ensure your family's safety as you travel? We have you covered with these winter maintenance tips! First, your battery must be in good condition and fully charged in order to start the engine of your car - especially in cold weather. Consider having a trained technician test your battery and charging system as well as cable ends and terminals to make sure connections are secure and there are is no corrosion present. Tires are critically important during the winter season. Tread depth is c ... read more

Considering the current crisis in the U.S. and around the world there is no better time to get your brakes checked out! If you live in the Davenport, IA area you can count on Dale's Service Center for brake pads and discs, rotor replacement, or simply having your brakes serviced to make sure everything is in good working order. Nothing is more important than having peace of mind knowing your vehicle will stop on a dime! Dale’s Service Center serves the Greater Quad Cities area including Bettendorf, Moline, Rock Island and East Moline. Brake repair or replacement may be in your future if you notice any of the following common warning signs that something's not quite right: You feel a sensation of your vehicle shaking when you apply the brakes The brakes feel "spongy" or are difficult to press down Your vehicle pulls to ... read more

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