Davenport Auto Repair

With fall in the air and winter on its way in the Quad Cities, now is the perfect time for heating and A/C repair and maintenance. At Dale's Service Center we know just how cold it can get in Davenport during the fall and winter seasons, and that snow isn't uncommon - in fact, lots of it! If your heater is blowing cold air or there are other issues with your car's heater, it's important not to put off any repairs that need to be made. Regular heating and A/C maintenance is also a good idea, as having your system checked occasionally can help prevent major problems or costly repairs down the road. Whether you have a car, truck, SUV, or any other type of vehicle, staying warm is important for a comfortable ride when you're traveling to work, school, appointments, or just running errands. Many motorists don't quite understand how thei ... read more

It's that time of year again - going back to school. Some Davenport college students attend school locally, while others may travel an hour or two in-state. Others attend school hundreds of miles away. Many high school students drive to and from school every day during the school year. No matter how short or long your road trip is, safety should be a top priority! Your vehicle should be serviced before you hit the roadways to minimize the chances of a problem or breakdown. Having the oil checked is key to keep your car running smoothly and preventing potentially serious problems. The oil lubricates all of the components associated with the engine, and you can imagine the cost of replacing it. Engine failure is not something you want to deal with as you start the new school year. Whether it's necessary to add more oil or have it changed completely, this is one simple task that makes a big difference when you travel the roads. Are the brakes in ... read more

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

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

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

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

  "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

  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

         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