DALTON AUTOMOTIVE - MARIETTA, GA | AUTOMOTIVE EDUCATION/FAQ
Videos to help explain the working parts of your automotive. Answers to frequently asked questions.
CAN YOU GIVE ME A QUOTE OVER THE PHONE OR EMAIL?
Due to the fact the majority of service and repair procedures have a number of variables, we need to examine the car before we can give a realistic estimate. A vehicle's computer can trigger the “Check Engine” light for literally hundreds of reasons. The repair can be a simple vacuum hose that costs a few dollars to a major mechanical repair that goes into the thousands.
WILL BRINGING MY VEHICLE TO DALTON AUTOMOTIVE VOID THE FACTORY WARRANTY?
No. Many dealerships may lead you to believe your warranty will be void if the vehicle is serviced elsewhere. It’s federal law to allow you to have your vehicle serviced at the shop of your choice or even on your own. As long as there is documentation of the required maintenance you are still covered by the factory warranty. Click on the link below to read more about the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975.
MAGNUSON-MOSS WARRANTY ACT OF 1975
HOW MUCH DOES A TUNE-UP COST?
There are factory scheduled maintenance items, which we can evaluate on a case by case basis to see what your vehicle really needs. We do not like to throw parts at a car just because the maintenance schedule calls for it. It all depends on your driving habits and conditions. See question 1.
DO I NEED AN APPOINTMENT?
We are typically booked 2-4 days ahead of time and we can have many vehicles in various stages of repair, we ask that you make an appointment. If you find yourself needing to tow your car in or drop it off, feel free. If we happen to have a scheduled vehicle cancel an appointment, we will slide your car in their spot. Best thing to do is pick up the phone and call us and see what we can do to work you in.
WHAT KIND OF PARTS DO YOU USE?
Dalton Automotive will only use factory original and original equipment equivalent quality parts. Unless otherwise specified by the customer.
CAN I BRING MY PARTS IN FOR YOU TO INSTALL?
We avoid the above mentioned situation. We cannot predict the brand or type of part the customer will bring in. Sometimes our mechanics will run into fitment/quality issues with lesser quality aftermarket parts. This causes a delay in the service of your vehicle and possibly a lower quality repair that we cannot stand behind.
HOW LONG WILL MY REPAIR TAKE?
Job completion time depends on the work being performed. We will provide the best possible service in a timely manner.
ITS GETTING HOT! CAN YOU FIX MY A/C?
Yes! We can handle simple jobs such as an A/C service to evaporator core replacement.
DO YOU PERFORM ALIGNMENTS?
Yes we do! We have made the investment in a Hunter Hawkeye Elite Alignment system to give you the best two wheel or four wheel alignment in the industry.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I GET AN ALIGNMENT?
You should always follow your vehicle manufacturer's recommendation. But as a general rule have your wheel alignment checked at least once a year.
WHY SHOULD I GET AN ALIGNMENT?
Many things can occur if your vehicle's alignment is outside of specification. Incorrect alignment can decrease fuel mileage and tire life. It can also add excessive stress to you vehicles steering and suspension components. Also, an out of alignment vehicle can drift and pull away from a straight road, increasing the chance of an accident. As we all know, tires are very expensive, and a poor alignment can cause you to replace tires more often than needed. Our alignment experts at Dalton Automotive will be sure your vehicle drives smoothly and safely.
DO YOU PERFORM BODY WORK?
Yes we do! We can perform minor collision repairs. Come by for a free estimate or call to discuss your needs.
WHERE DO YOU RECOMMEND I BUY FUEL?
Here is a current list of local Top Tier Gasoline retailers per toptiergas.com
DO YOU PERFORM TRANSMISSION WORK?
We can service your transmission fluid and filter and offer re-manufactured replacements.
CAN I DROP MY CAR OFF AFTER HOURS?
Yes, we have a key drop for your convenience. Also, feel free to fill out our online service form here.
CAN YOU WORK ON MY CAR WHILE I WAIT?
We strongly discourage this. Even the simplest, most common repairs have unknown issues. Many things can happen during a repair – additional parts can be required (and may not be available right away) or our distributors will deliver the wrong parts (this isn’t common, but seems to be more common when there is an urgent need for the parts. Was it Murphy who wrote that law?). The best way to ensure a quality repair is to plan to leave your vehicle with us.