Posted on 7/15/2026

Honda vehicles have earned a reputation for lasting well beyond 200,000 miles when properly maintained. Most owners remember to change their oil, rotate their tires, and replace timing belts when needed—but one of the most important maintenance services is often forgotten: valve adjustments. If you own a Honda, skipping this maintenance could lead to costly repairs that are completely preventable. What Is a Valve Adjustment? Your engine's valves control the flow of air and fuel into the engine and allow exhaust gases to exit after combustion. Between the camshaft and each valve is a small gap called valve clearance or valve lash. As your engine accumulates miles, normal wear causes these clearances to change. A valve adjustment restores the proper clearance so the valves open and close exactly as Honda intended. Unlike many manufacturers that use hydraulic lifters to automatically compensate for wear, ma ... read more
Posted on 7/1/2026

Lately, it seems like the cost of everything is increasing. From groceries and housing expenses to utilities and everyday necessities, many families are looking for practical ways to stretch their budgets. While some expenses may feel out of our control, there are proactive steps you can take to reduce costs and avoid unexpected financial surprises. At Dickerson Automotive, we understand that keeping your vehicle safe and reliable while staying within budget is more important than ever. The good news is that regular preventative vehicle maintenance can help you avoid costly repairs, improve fuel economy, and extend the life of your vehicle. Here are some of our top car maintenance tips to save money and keep your vehicle running smoothly. 1. Stay Current on Routine Vehicle Maintenance One of the best ways to avoid expensive auto repairs is by staying on top of routine maintenance. Regular oil changes, air fi ... read more
Posted on 5/5/2026

When it comes to vehicle maintenance, struts are often overlooked—but they play a critical role in your car’s safety, comfort, and overall performance. If your ride has started to feel rough or unstable, worn struts could be the reason. Let’s take a closer look at what struts do and why replacing them matters. What Are Struts? Struts are a key part of your vehicle’s suspension system. They help: Absorb shocks from the road Keep your tires in contact with the pavement Support the weight of your vehicle Provide stability when turning, braking, and accelerating Unlike shocks, struts are a structural component, meaning they directly impact alignment and handling. Top Benefits of Replacing Worn Struts1. Improved Ride Comfort If your vehicle feels bouncy or rough over bumps, worn struts may no longer be absorbing impact properly. New struts restore a smoother, more comfortable ride. ... read more
Posted on 4/1/2026

How to Know What Maintenance Your Vehicle Needs—and When Keeping up with vehicle maintenance can feel overwhelming. Between advice from your vehicle’s manufacturer and recommendations from your local shop, it’s not always easy to know what your car actually needs—or when it needs it. So how do you make the right decision for both your vehicle and your budget? Let’s break it down. Why Maintenance Schedules Can Be Confusing Every vehicle comes with a manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule—designed to help keep your car running efficiently and prevent costly repairs down the road. However, there are times when your repair shop’s recommendations may not perfectly match what’s outlined in your owner’s manual. This can leave you wondering: “Am I being upsold?” “Is this really necessary?” “Can this wait?” The reality is, both the manufacturer and ... read more
Posted on 3/18/2026
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How Regular Car Maintenance Improves Fuel Efficiency Every penny counts, especially when it comes to the money you spend at the gas pump. Many drivers keep a close eye on their miles per gallon (MPG), but not everyone realizes that routine car maintenance plays a huge role in fuel efficiency. With modern vehicles using advanced fuel systems, sensors, and computer controls, keeping up with scheduled maintenance is more important than ever. If you want to get the best fuel economy, performance, and engine life, these simple maintenance services can help you save money on gas and avoid costly repairs. Motor Oil Matters More Than Ever Always use the manufacturer-recommended motor oil for your vehicle. Modern engines are designed with tight tolerances, and the wrong oil viscosity can reduce fuel efficiency and cause engine wear. Many vehicles require full synthetic oil ... read more