DAKOTA'S AUTO REPAIR
Your local mechanic...
Call us: 919-946-1070
MAINTENANCE
Whether you have a car that's been sitting a little too long or a fleet that needs a basic check, Dakota's Auto Repair in the Garner, 27529 area can get your vehicle back on the road quickly and ensure you get the best repair job at a competitive price.
To schedule an appointment or find out more about what we can do for your vehicle, contact us at 919-946-1070.
Our expert auto repair services include:
Domestic General Repair
No matter how carefully you drive, your domestic car will need occasional general repairs. These general repairs may include engine diagnostics and repairs, alignments, brakes, front end and rear end diagnostic services and electronics service and repair. To have your domestic vehicle repaired and maintained, contact Dakota's Auto Repair today. At Dakota's Auto Repair, we have experts who can handle even the most challenging domestic vehicles.
Import General Repair
Import vehicles can be an economical or stylish alternative to domestic cars. Obviously, they will require general repairs at some point. Additonally, maintenance and repair of these vehicles requires knowledge and tools not possessed by many auto shops. If you have issues with your import vehicle, contact or visit Dakota's Auto Repair today for professional import general repairs. We have the expertise required to get your vehicle running like new again.
TUNING & BRAKES
Brake Pad & Shoe Replacement
Brake pad problems can usually be identified by squealing brakes. If your brake pads deteriorate completely, you'll hear a grinding metal-on-metal sound when braking, meaning that it's too late and you're ruining your rotors or drums! Those with knowledge of auto repair may be able to fix this at home, but you should always see an auto repair professional immediately if you have brake problems.
Caliper Replacement
The brake caliper houses your brake pads and fits around the rotor like a clamp, pressing the pads against the rotor when you brake. A brake caliber problem could cause uneven braking, making your car slide forward when you brake. Uneven braking can also cause your vehicle to slide out of control in bad weather conditions, so contact Dakota's Auto Repair as soon as possible.
Brake Hoses
A brake hose is a tube carrying pressurized brake fluid from the master cylinder to the brakes. A crushed hose can cause a lagged or slow brake, and a leak in the hose can cause the brake, or the entire brake system, to fail. These don't need to be replaced often, but should be replaced at the first sign of cracking or wear.
Brake Fluid
Brake fluid will absorb water from the air over time, causing the brake system to become less effective and the fluid to become corrosive, possibly damaging the system. It is important to perform a brake fluid flush regularly to ensure that your vehicle is using fresh fluid. Talk to our technicians at Dakota's Auto Repair about when it's time for a brake fluid flush.
Anti-Lock Brake System
Anti-lock Brake Systems (ABS) ensure that the wheels don't stop rotating during braking, preventing the car from skidding and offering greater control. If your ABS light comes on, visit Dakota's Auto Repair where we will be happy to diagnose and fix the problem.
Electrical Services
Don't neglect your vehicle's electronic systems - trust our experts to repair your vehicle properly the first time around! A poor driving experience can often be related to a malfunctioning computer or driving controls. Come to Dakota's Auto Repair to ensure your vehicle is in top driving condition.
Our electronic services include:
Computer
Today, car manufacturers include at least one computer in motor vehicles. This computer's main function is to monitor and adjust engine and transmission operations. The computer receives input information from different sensors. The computer controls spark plugs, idle speed, and fuel injectors so as to get you the best possible car performance. Failure of the car computer will greatly affect the things it controls. To get the most out of your car's computer, have it evaluated regularly for updates and proper operation. If it is already failing, have it repaired or replaced. To have your car's computer handled by experts, visit Dakota's Auto Repair today.
Diagnostics
Mechanics at Dakota's Auto Repair are able to diagnose all the electronic parts in your car. For expert diagnostics services on your car's electronic devices, visit Dakota's Auto Repair today.
Drivability
Drivability is the degree of smoothness and steadiness of your car's acceleration. Most modern cars are fitted with on-board computers that continuously check the readings from various sensors. In case of drivability problems, you will receive a warning message on your car's dashboard. To have your car diagnosed for drivability issues, visit Dakota's Auto Repair Garner, NC 27529 today. At Dakota's Auto Repair, we have the necessary tools, training, and technology to diagnose and address your car's drivability issues.
Engine Controls
Basically, an engine control system is an on-board computer in your car. Like all computers, the engine controls are composed of hardware and software. Automotive engine control systems are responsible for regulating exhaust emissions, and providing increased fuel economy. To get the best out of your car's incredibly powerful technology, make sure engine controls are working properly. To check if your car's engine controls are working properly, call Dakota's Auto Repair today.
CAR SERVICING
Factory Recommended Service/Maintenance
Automotive and auto parts come with a factory recommended service and maintenance schedule. The manufacturer will tell you how often to service or replace an auto part. At Dakota's Auto Repair, we offer factory recommended service/maintenance. Our highly skilled auto mechanics offer comprehensive knowledge and experience. At Dakota's Auto Repair, all your factory recommended service/maintenance needs are handled with the latest diagnostic equipment. Remember, we work on all American and imported vehicles (either diesel or gas engines).
30/60/90K Mileage Maintenance
As time goes by, various auto repair and maintenance needs come up at different intervals. Most manufacturers recommend car maintenance in intervals of 30,000 miles. This is the 30/60/90K mile schedule (issued by the manufacturers to car owners). Trust the experts at Dakota's Auto Repair to keep you on schedule, and help you preserve the condition of the vehicle, optimize its performance, and increase its resale value. The 30/60/90K service includes the following:
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Fluid replacements
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Oil and Filter changes
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Tire rotation, spin balance, and pressure adjustments
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Inspection of parts and systems - gears, tires, brake pads, belts, hoses, etc.
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With higher mileage: spark plugs, belts, timing belts when applicable
Oil, Lube, and Filter
To keep running smoothly, your car highly relies on oil, lube, and oil filters. Oil helps in lubricating, cooling, and cleaning the internal engine components. With time, motor oil becomes contaminated. Your car needs an oil, lube, and filter change every three months (or 3,000 miles). When it is time for a lube, oil, or filter change, take your vehicle to Dakota's Auto Repair, Garner 27529.
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Transmission Tune-Up, Filter & Fluid Change
Distributorless Ignition
The distributorless ignition system (DIS) is a reliable ignition system that eliminates many maintenance issues increasing the intervals between maintenance. The DIS design is unique, instead of a main coil within the engine control unit it has a coil directly attached to each spark plug. These small coils create substantial advantages by controlling the precise spark timing needed to power a car efficiently.
To determine if you need a mechanic and understand what we provide for a DIS please read the following:
I have a distributorless ignition. Does that mean I don't need regular maintenance?
Our goal is to keep your engine running at peak performance by completing preventative maintenance. The DIS needs fewer maintenance check ups because it does not have a distributor cap or rotor that needs maintenance, but spark plugs can deteriorate, coils weaken, and sensor problems can arise. These issues, along with a worn out PCV valve, or a dirty or damaged fuel filter or air filter, can hinder your engine's peak performance.
My cars engine isn't running at peak performance. Is it the distributorless ignition?
Though a DIS is reliable, a failure can occur. If the engine cranks but refuses to start or a cylinder is missing or misfiring there could be a problem with the DIS. Checking the coil is essential to the drivability of your vehicle. If a coil is dead or weak only one or two cylinders in the engine can function at peak performance.
A diagnostic of the DIS module and crankshaft sensor circuit is an important part of our services. When the engine is cranked, but there is an indication of low voltage to the coil pack, there is a problem in the crankshaft sensor circuit. The crankshaft position sensors generally have three terminals, the current feed, one for the ground and an output signal. If these three terminals are not working in tandem there will be no signal, letting us know the sensor has failed.
Other performance problems, such as lack of power, elevated emissions, or poor fuel economy may be a maintenance issue outside of the DIS. When these issues present themselves we complete an elimination check that starts with the individual coils to guarantee their resistance is within specifications. If the coils prove to be acceptable we proceed to the electronic spark control circuit, it may be receiving bad information from another sensor within the engine.
WHEELS & SUSPENSION
Chassis
A chassis is the car's internal framework that supports the body and other parts like the wheels, engine, transmission, driveshaft, differential, and suspension. A weak or damaged chassis will translate to a weak car. To have a strong and properly working vehicle, have your car's chassis checked for defects. At Dakota's Auto Repair, there are experienced undercar service providers who can work on your chassis.
Differentials
The differential transfers the engine power to the wheels. One important function of the differential is to pass on power to the wheels while allowing them to rotate at different speeds - thus the name differential. When turning, the outer wheels travel a larger distance than the inner wheels do (also the front wheels travel a longer distance than the rear wheels). This means that all four wheels travel at different speeds during a turn and this is where the differential comes in to help. To make sure your vehicle's differentials are working properly, have them checked regularly. Contact Dakota's Auto Repair today for differentials examination and servicing.
Exhaust
In a motor vehicle, an exhaust system is a piping used to guide exhaust fumes away from the engine - usually to the rear of the vehicle. A properly functioning exhaust system not only sounds better, it is better - for you, your car, and the environment. Dakota's Auto Repair has expert technicians to service your car's exhaust system.
Driveline
A driveline is a part of your motor vehicle that connects the engine and the transmission to the wheel axles. The driveline consists of the parts of the powertrain less the engine and transmission. Failure of the driveline means that the car would not move since energy cannot be transmitted from the engine to the wheel axles. Therefore, make sure that your car's driveline is regularly inspected and serviced. And, at Dakota's Auto Repair, you can have the driveline serviced by experts.
Tires
As tires get older, they lose traction and deteriorate from the inside out, increasing the likelihood of a tire bursting. This can cause a rapid loss of control of your vehicle. To have a better performing vehicle, you need to make sure the tires are in good condition. For all your tire needs, contact Dakota's Auto Repair
Shocks
Shocks (or shock absorbers) are mechanical devices designed to smooth out rough roads. The devices do this by converting kinetic energy to another form of energy. Properly working shocks reduce the effect of traveling over rough ground, leading to improved ride quality and vehicle handling. When shocks develop problems, driving on poorly leveled roads becomes unpleasant, and your vehicle may sway when turning. To have your vehicle's shocks diagnosed and repaired, visit Dakota's Auto Repair today.