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 7/29/2026

Turbocharged engines have become increasingly common over the last decade. Whether you're shopping for a compact commuter car, an SUV, or even a pickup truck, chances are you've come across a model with a turbocharged engine. Manufacturers use turbochargers to improve fuel economy while maintaining strong performance, but like any automotive technology, they come with both advantages and disadvantages. If you're considering purchasing a vehicle with a turbocharger, here's what you should know before making your decision. What Is a Turbocharger? A turbocharger is a device that forces additional air into your engine's combustion chamber. More air allows the engine to burn more fuel efficiently, producing more horsepower and torque from a smaller engine. For example, a modern 2.0L turbocharged engine can often produce similar power to an older 3.5L or even 4.0L naturally aspirated engine. Pros of Buying a Turbocharged Vehi ... 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 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