Posted on 9/16/2026

30,000-Mile Vehicle Maintenance: Make a Plan to Keep Your Car Running Well Is your vehicle approaching 30,000 miles? It may be time to look beyond the oil change. Thirty thousand miles is an important maintenance milestone for many cars, trucks, and SUVs. While every vehicle has its own manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule, this is a good time to review what your vehicle needs and start planning for upcoming maintenance. At Dickerson Automotive, we believe you shouldn't just have a repair plan—you should have a vehicle maintenance plan. Tell us how long you want to keep your vehicle. We'll help you make a plan. What Is 30,000-Mile Maintenance? A 30,000-mile service is not necessarily the same for every vehicle. Your owner's manual provides the maintenance schedule specific to your make, model, engine, and driving conditions. Some manufacturers may recommend additional inspections or services around 30,000 miles, while ... read more
Posted on 9/10/2026

If you’ve noticed that it seems to cost more to fill up your vehicle, change your oil, or repair your car than it did a few years ago, you’re not imagining it. As an auto repair shop, we see the effects of rising costs every day—not only in what our customers pay to maintain their vehicles, but also in the cost of the parts, supplies, oil, and equipment we need to keep vehicles on the road. From the price of fuel to the price of a new vehicle, the cost of transportation has changed significantly, and it has many drivers asking an important question: Is it better to keep maintaining the vehicle I have or replace it with something newer?The Cost of Fuel Affects More Than Your Trip to the Gas Station The price of gasoline is one of the most noticeable costs of owning a vehicle. Fuel prices can change based on crude oil prices, refining costs, supply and demand, transportation, taxes, and other market conditions. When fuel prices increa ... read more
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