- Mon 8:00AM - 6:00PM
- Fri 8:00AM - 6:00PM
- Tue 8:00AM - 5:00PM
- Sat Closed
- Wed 8:00AM - 6:00PM
- Sun Closed
- Thu 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Car Care: Auto Maintenance Services
At Dale's Automotive, we recognize that the most effective way to maintain your car or truck is to adhere to the service intervals recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer. Catering to all brands, models, imports, and fuel systems in Harrisburg, we possess the tools and expertise required to ensure that your vehicle operates precisely as its manufacturer intended.
For inquiries, please reach out to us at 717-564-5110, or you can send us an email, and our proficient experts will be delighted to address your queries and assess the necessary actions.
Our basic auto maintenance services include:
30/60/90K Mileage Maintenance
Consistent maintenance helps keep your vehicle operating at peak condition while also prolonging its life. Most automakers recommend car maintenance at 30,000-mile intervals, adhering to the 30/60/90K mile schedule provided to car owners. Our team of experts can keep you on track, preserving your vehicle's condition, optimizing its performance, and enhancing its resale value. The 30/60/90K service covers:
- Fluid replacements
- Oil and Filter changes
- Tire rotation, spin balance, and pressure adjustments
- Inspection of parts and systems - gears, tires, brake pads, belts, hoses, etc.
- With higher mileage: spark plugs, belts, timing belts when applicable
Belts
A fan belt, also known as a drive belt, is a belt connecting your car's engine to the front mounted accessories. The fan belt rotates the water pump and engine fan, which maintains a cool environment for the engine and its components. Sooner or later, your vehicle's fan belts will dry out and crack. When you are ready for a replacement you can count on Dale's Automotive for all your vehicle's repair needs.
You not only have to get the belts replaced with quality ones but you should have the work done by experts. To have the belts replaced by auto cooling and heating experts - and get your car driving right - visit Dale's Automotive today. The mechanics at Dale's Automotive will thoroughly inspect your car's belts; replace all worn belts; and adjust the installed belts.
Check Engine Light
No one likes to see their car's "Check Engine" light come on. The light could mean a costly problem, like a bad catalytic converter, or it could be something minor, like a loose gas cap. At Dale's Automotive, we can pull the code and diagnose the problem for you. Give us a call at 717-564-5110 or stop by the shop for our expert assistance.
Factory Recommended Service/Maintenance
Automotive and auto parts are accompanied by a factory-recommended service and maintenance schedule. The manufacturer specifies how often to service or replace an auto part. Keep in mind, we work on all American and imported vehicles (either diesel or gas engines). Our highly skilled auto mechanics possess the extensive knowledge and experience necessary to provide this service.
Hoses
Hoses play a critical role in transferring coolant and antifreeze throughout the engine's cooling system, including the radiator. Sooner or later, your vehicle's hoses will become dry and develop cracks.
Not only should you replace the hoses with top-quality replacements, but you should also entrust this work to experts. Our mechanics will perform a comprehensive inspection of your car's hoses, replace any worn hoses, and fine-tune the newly installed ones.
Oil, Lube, and Filter
To maintain smooth operation, your vehicle heavily relies on oil, lube, and oil filters. Oil serves to lubricate, cool, and cleanse the internal engine components. Over time, motor oil becomes contaminated. Your vehicle requires an oil, lube, and filter change on a regular basis, which will vary based on a number of factors. When the time comes for a lube, oil, or filter change, entrust your vehicle to Dale's Automotive in Harrisburg, PA.
Motor Oil FAQs
What are the steps for performing an oil change?
- Remove the plug and drain the old engine oil.
- Remove the old oil filter.
- Replace it with a new oil filter.
- Replace the plug and fill with new oil.
- Check to ensure that oil levels are correct.
What are the 4 types of engine motor oil?
There are four basic classes of engine oil used in car maintenance today. Your owner's manual will explain which type of motor oil your vehicle needs. It is important to always use the correct type of motor oil. The four types of motor oil are:
- Conventional petroleum-based motor oil - This is the most common type of motor oil used in vehicles.
- Synthetic motor oil - a lubricant made up of artificial chemical compounds derived by breaking down and rebuilding petroleum molecules.
- Synthetic blend motor oil - a combination of common petroleum motor oil and synthetic motor oil.
- High mileage oil - This type of motor oil is most commonly used in commercial vehicles and contains additives and seal enhancers that reduce leaks.
Oil Filter FAQs
How often should oil filters be changed?
Consult your owner's manual to determine the maintenance interval for your vehicle's oil filter. Some manufacturers recommend that the oil filter be replaced every time you get your oil changed while others recommend every other time.
What are the three types of oil filters?
- Cellulose media filter - This is the most common type of disposable oil filter found in cars today.
- Synthetic media filter - Made from high quality synthetic fibers, also catch and remove the smallest particulates and withstand complex chemical reactions better.
- Micro glass media filters - High-end oil filters that include an extremely fine metal media or micro glass material.
Leaking Fluid FAQs
What should I do if my car creates a small oil leak on my driveway?
If the spill is still wet, cover the stain with clay cat litter, sand, cornmeal, cornstarch or baking soda. This will help absorb the oil before it soaks into the cement. Once the spill has dried, sweep up the absorbent material. Then, wash away the remaining stain with water and soap. A small oil leak on your driveway is an indication that something is wrong with your car. Bring your car to Dale's Automotive to get the problem diagnosed. Do not ignore an oil leak as it can seriously affect your car's engine.
Why is water leaking on my foot on the driver's side?
The most common cause is a blocked air conditioning drain hose. This is a simple repair at Dale's Automotive. There are other possible causes of water dripping on your foot on the driver's side of the car including a broken door seal or leaking heat exchanger.
Why is my car leaking a sweet-smelling fluid?
If there is a sweet-smelling fluid leaking from your car, the most likely culprit is leaking coolant or antifreeze. A coolant leak can become a serious problem. If your vehicle gets too low on coolant or antifreeze, it will overheat and may cause engine damage.
Windshield Wipers FAQs
How much does it cost to replace windshield wipers?
The average cost for a windshield wiper blade replacement is between $40 and $80 including parts and labor. Come by Dale's Automotive in Harrisburg and we can replace your windshield wipers quickly and affordably.
Why are my windshield wipers not working?
If your windshield wiper won't turn on the most common reason is a blown fuse. Come by Dale's Automotive and we can replace the fuse quickly and affordably. Other reasons windshield wipers may fail are electrical faults in the control arm, or wiper motor. If your windshield wipers are failing to wipe away water the most likely cause is torn or worn-out wiper blades. Wiper blades are made of rubber and need to be replaced frequently.
Can I replace both windshield wiper blades or just one?
If one windshield wiper blade is worn out and failing the other is like to fail soon too. Windshield wiper blades are usually sold as a pair. It is usually more cost effective to replace both at the same time. If you have front and rear wiper blades on your vehicle, replace them at the same time as well.
FAQs About Automobile Squeaks, Squeals and Rattles
Why are my wheels making a chirping sound when I accelerate?
The most common reason why your car's wheels make a chirping or squealing sound, especially during acceleration is a bad wheel bearing. If you notice a grinding or grating noise coming from your wheel this can also be the sound of a wheel bearing beginning to fail. If you are in Harrisburg, Steelton, Highspire, Middletown or the surrounding area, come by Dale's Automotive and we can diagnose the problem quickly.
Why does my car squeal when I start it in the morning?
A worn out cambelt (also known as a timing belt) will create a loud noise when you start your car's engine. The noise could range from squealing to hissing or rumbling. This is the sound of a cambelt that is about to break. If a cambelt breaks it can ruin your car's engine. Come to Dale's Automotive and get it replaced right away.
Why does my car make a noise when I turn the steering wheel?
If your car makes strange sounds or clicks when you turn the steering wheel the most common cause is a low steering fluid. Over time the steering fluid decreases and air enters the steering mechanism causing unwanted noises. Come to Dale's Automotive to top off your fluid reservoir with power steering fluid. The noises should start to go away immediately. If the sound returns quickly your car could be leaking steering fluid. Our professionals in Harrisburg can help you diagnose and repair leaks quickly and affordably.
Can engine rattling be fixed?
Yes. Many engine rattles can be fixed quickly and affordably. The most common reason for engine rattling is a collapsed valve lifter. This needs to be repaired quickly or it can cause misfires. Other common causes that need immediate attention are a failing tensioner belt, drive belt or low oil pressure. If the rattle is intermittent, it may be a poor connection between the rod and the crankshaft. If the noise is loud, it may be a cracked flex plate or rusted heat shield. Higher mileage vehicles may have an engine rattle resulting from an engine hotspot ping, piston slap or degrading sound dampening features such as engine insulation. Sometime what sounds like an engine rattle is not the engine at all but a cracked catalytic converter.
Why is my car making a squealing noise?
It may be a slipping fan belt. Listen for a few warning signs such as a squeaking or chirping noise. Those noises are usually caused by misalignment of the belt and the pulley. If you come by Dale's Automotive in Harrisburg our professional auto repair technicians can realign it to stop the noise and fix it before your fan belt completely breaks.
Why do my brakes squeak?
The most common reason brakes squeak is that they are worn out. The squeak is the sound of the metal wear indicator on the brake pad coming in contact with the metal rotor. Your brakes are the top safety feature on your vehicle, so come by Dale's Automotive and get them replaced right away. If you hear a squeaking only when you press the brake pedal the first 2-3 times when you first start driving in the morning it is the result of overnight moisture build up and likely nothing to worry about.
To learn more about our Car & Truck Care services, call us at 717-564-5110 or request a quote by clicking below:
Request Quote
Discover More About Car & Truck Care Repair Services At Dale's Automotive in Harrisburg
Inspections & Emissions
Undercar Services
Tire Repair Services
What People Say About Us
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Jonny G, 08/10/2021
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Dale's Automotive! First, they understand that each vehicle has a person and their lifestyle attached to it! That's so much more important than just being able to do repairs and maintenance! Two Cadillacs, three Lexus, one Toyota, three Chevrolets, one Honda's my personal list of vehicles that my family and I have entrusted to the hands of Dale's mechanics to keep our valuable transportation safe and sound and on the road as both my family and our cars and trucks age! They know what they are doing period! Here's the best part. They absolutely will not overcharge you! As a matter of fact, time after time they have saved me money compared to a traditional dealerships overwhelming hourly rates and even steeper price mark up on parts. These guys are great. And I don't recall any service that they could not provide! Inspection, oil and filter, tires, brakes, engine analysis, emissions, air conditioning, electrical issues are all within their grasps! Thank you Dale and Family (that's how they function), for all that you've done for us down through the years! -
Julie P.I highly recommend Dales Automotive. It's a family run repair shop, and I've been going to them for nearly 10 years now. My parents have been getting their cars repaired here for longer than that. You see, I don't trust mechanics...but I definitely trust Dale. I drive an older car, which means I need a trustworthy mechanic who won't charge me for more than I need, and he doesn't. I dropped my car off about 2 weeks ago because I noticed my breaks felt squishy and I wasn't stopping quickly enough. (I usually drop my car off the night before and pick it up before they close.) At first glance, they couldn't really find anything wrong, so they called me to find out exactly what it was doing. I explained to them how it was acting and they put it up in the air to recheck it. They found out the problem and fixed it and my breaks are good as new! They always take good care of my vehicle, and will let me know (in english) when something looks like it's going to need to be repaired in the future. I've never been charged for something I didn't need...unlike other places. Sure, it can be expensive...but I don't feel like they're using me. Some things are just more costly to repair, especially when my car has over 200,000 miles on it! But thankfully they accept the autopride card. That thing is a lifesaver. It allows me to make payments over the period of several months...interest free.
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Kristie F.I will never go anywhere else with my car again. I came here after taking my car to Monroe Muffler Break to have my oil changed. Monroe cracked my oil pan while changing my oil, all of the oil leaked out, and not knowing any of this I drove. When my oil light went on I panicked and drove back there where I was treated awfully and told it was my fault. They told me that I needed to buy a new oil pan which is very expensive. As a full-time student with no income I had no idea what to do or what kind of damage that I had done to my car driving on it with no oil. Panicked, upset, and not knowing anything about cars I had my car taken here to Dales. I was treated wonderfully and my car was taken excellent care of. They were able to fix my oil pan and assure me that my car was ok. Every single time that I need something done on my car, they do their best to squeeze me in. These men do excellent work and really care about what they are doing. If there is anyway for me to get my car to Dales, I will continue to return time and again.
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Diane S.This shop has consistently provided excellent service at great prices. They've always been very friendly and accommodating. They do only the work requested, without digging for other issues that may or may not actually exist. Wonderful local business!
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Mark A.Knowledge, integrity, and determination to do the job right. That's what you will find at Dale's Automotive. And reasonable prices, too. I know that sounds a bit like a commercial, but it's all true. Sadly, it is NOT true of the vast majority of big company service places that loudly advertise their typically terrible service (I'm looking at YOU Tires Plus!).
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John F.Thanks for getting the inspection done! And I really appreciate you telling me which stuff didn't need to be replaced right away, saving me hundreds in the process! And Dale, thanks for letting me drive my car home with you in tow to drive it back to the shop so I didn't need to call a cab from your shop, that was priceless!
Call us for service: 717-564-5110
