Car Care Tips

  • Common Mistakes That Ruin Transmissions

    mechanic talking to a customer

    At Dempsey's Service Center, Inc. in Newark, we see a lot of the same mistakes that cause a transmission to fail. With our help, you can avoid a preventable transmission failure and keep your car reliably on the road.

  • Dash Warning Lights to Watch For!

    battery warning light

    It doesn't matter if you are driving a car or truck, jeep or SUV, a diesel 4x4 or a classic when those dash warning lights go off the first thing you do is think "how bad is it?" and "how much will it cost me?" followed quickly by "when was my last service visit?"!!  Driving your vehicle longer safely is all about getting it serviced based on what your vehicle manual recommends and these warning lights are alerting you to a situation that requires your attention. 

    While not all warning lights are a sign that disaster is imminent, no warning indicator light should ever be ignored!

  • Different Types of Automotive Headlights

    headlight on on vehicle

    Every car, truck, van, and SUV on the road today has headlights. However, you've probably noticed an increase in different types of headlights in more recent years - gone are the days where every vehicle on the road had the same bulb. Here is some information on headlights, from Dempsey's Service Center, Inc. in Newark, DE.

  • Disconnecting a Battery from A Vehicle

    man taking battery out of car

    If you’re ever in a situation where you must remove the battery from your vehicle, it’s important to know what you’re doing. It seems pretty straight forward, and it is. However, there are some important things to remember when disconnecting the battery in your car, truck, or SUV. Here are some tips on disconnecting a car battery, from Dempsey's Service Center, Inc. in Newark, DE.

  • Disconnecting a Battery from A Vehicle

    photo of a battery

    If you’re ever in a situation where you must remove the battery from your vehicle, it’s important to know what you’re doing. It seems pretty straightforward, and it is. However, there are some important things to remember when disconnecting the battery in your car, truck, or SUV. Here are some tips on disconnecting a car battery, from Dempsey's Service Center, Inc. in Newark, DE.

  • Distracted Driving is a Big Deal

    a sign with cell phones that's marked through

    Although driving may seem like an easy, everyday task for most people, there are still many dangers that it imposes on every driver. That is why is it crucial that every driver utilizes safe driving habits each time they are on the road. Dempsey's Service Center, Inc. understands this, and wants to make sure you're driving safely and responsibly.

  • Do I really need new oxygen sensors?

    Oxygen Sensor

    At Dempsey's Service Center, Inc. in Newark, DE, our goal is to keep your car, truck, or SUV reliable and in great shape. To us, it’s important that we’re paying attention to both your needs and the needs of your vehicle. When it comes to oxygen sensors, sometimes it seems a bit nebulous on what they actually do and why they’re important; we’re here to clear things up for you.

  • Do You Know How Your AC Works?

    hand on car air conditioning vent

    When you get in your car, truck, SUV, or minivan to drive and the A/C does not work what could be wrong? Here at Dempsey's Service Center, Inc., we have some simple answers to help you understand how your vehicle A/C system works. The first question we are asked is "Why isn't my air conditioner blowing cold air?" Let's talk about what could be happening. 

  • Do You Need A New Flex Plate?

    car driving

    What does a flex plate do, and how do you know if yours is faulty? Your vehicle may be telling you things you may not know. Dempsey's Service Center, Inc. in Newark has the answers you need.

  • Do You Smell One Of These Smells? It's Time To Bring Your Car In.

    girl smelling vents

    If you’ve owned a vehicle long, particularly one with a few miles on it, you have probably encountered a peculiar smell that grabbed your attention. Scents that you encounter while driving (emanating from your vehicle, not the horse farm down the road) are indicators of your vehicle's health and often the first warning that something may be wrong. Dempsey's Service Center, Inc. in Newark has assembled this list to prepare for you for the next time you smell something odd, so you’ll know what’s going on next time you notice a funny smell.

  • Don't Forget a Coolant Flush!

    hand screwing lid off of coolant

    At Dempsey's Service Center, Inc. in Newark, DE, it’s important to us that your car, truck, or SUV is ready for any condition. Coolant flushes are an important part of getting your vehicle ready for winter - here’s why.

  • Don't Fret Over That Flat Tire

    man changing a tire on side of roadIf you drive, you’re eventually going to have to deal with a flat tire. Flat tires often come at the most inconvenient times but knowing what to do and how to handle them will help you be comfortable when the need arises. So if you find yourself with a flat, here’s what to do next, from Dempsey's Service Center, Inc. in Newark, DE.
  • Electrical systems issues - what are the symptoms, and what can you do about it?

    mechanic working on auto electrical system

    Every year, vehicle electrical systems get a little more complicated. These days, many cars on the road contain up to a mile of wiring, running throughout every corner of the vehicle. With all those wires, there’s bound to be an issue at some point; Dempsey's Service Center, Inc. in Newark, DE is here to help you recognize a potential electrical issue, and know what to do about it.

  • Exhaust issue don't have to be exhausting, and here's why

    exhaust on a vehicle

    Exhaust issues are extremely common, no matter what type of car, truck, or SUV you drive. At Dempsey's Service Center, Inc. in Newark, DE, we can get your exhaust back in shape in no time.

    Exhaust issues tend to be neglected, and we get that; there are just other parts of your vehicle that you'd rather focus on. Besides a clogged catalytic converter, there isn’t much risk of damage from a bad exhaust system - it negatively affects your gas mileage, and the sound is annoying, but other than that, it’s an issue many people learn to live with. 

  • Factors Affecting Fuel Economy

    mechanic giving advice

    Fuel economy isn't far from the minds of our Newark drivers and we hear these questions daily such as: Why can certain cars zip along at close to 40 mpg while others are lucky to get anywhere near 20? As it turns out, there are as many factors that go into how well your ride does at the pumps! Here are the 10 factors that have the greatest impact on fuel consumption that we would like to share with you. 

  • Fix Foggy or Cloudy Headlights

    headlight

    Foggy headlights are a problem that has arisen in the past couple of decades, as we have moved away from glass sealed beam bulbs and into an era of plastic lenses with bulbs inside. While modern headlights are superior to the sealed beam headlights of years ago, they do tend to fog up after years of use. It’s a good trade for far better illumination and easier replacement, but an issue nonetheless. Hours and hours of heat, sunlight, and age eventually cause them to cloud up, which can reduce visibility at night in addition to worsening the appearance of your car, truck, or SUV. From Dempsey's Service Center, Inc. in Newark, DE, here are some tips on taking care of your foggy or cloudy headlight issue.

  • Have you checked your battery? If it looks like this - It's bad!

    corrosive battery in car image

    When you are having trouble with your car or truck starting and you open the hood up to take a peek to see this....you'll see what an overly corroded battery looks like. This happens naturally over time on vehicle battery terminals.  If you are like 99% of normal Newark drivers, you don't check your oil or your battery so you don't keep an eye on the amount of corrosion that's building up on your car or truck battery.  Here at Dempsey's Service Center, Inc., we do and there are solvents that we can use here in the shop during a battery maintenance service that will help slow the corrosion process but nothing that can prevent it 100%. Way before it gets to this point, we will be suggesting you consider replacing the battery. 

  • Hints Your Transmission Is Failing

    transmission in car

    At Dempsey's Service Center, Inc. in Newark, DE, we know that transmissions are witchcraft to most people. More often than not, if major damage has occurred, it’s a lot more time and cost-effective to just replace the entire unit and get a fresh start. Our trained technicians at Dempsey's Service Center, Inc. want to keep you informed so you are aware of what to look out for.

  • How are your transmission mounts?

    transmission

    Your transmission mounts keep your transmission in place and suppress vibrations coming from the drivetrain. How do you know when to replace them or when they’re going bad. At Dempsey's Service Center, Inc. in Newark, DE, our goal is to educate you about your vehicle so that you can drive it safely and prolong its life. 

  • How Do You Know When to Get a Tire Rotation & Wheel Balancing?

    Tire in automotive shop

    The interval for the tire rotation could depend on a recommendation from either the tire manufacturer or the vehicle maker. The interval is typically around 5,000 miles but could range from 3,000 to 8,000 miles. So why do tires need to be rotated and how do you know when the right time is for your vehicle?

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