Ask an Expert Columbia, MD 21046

DAKIS SERVICE CENTER > CONTACT US > ASK THE MECHANIC

Monday	7:30AM - 5:00PM
Tuesday	7:30AM - 5:00PM
Wednesday	7:30AM - 5:00PM
Thursday	7:30AM - 5:00PM
Friday	7:30AM - 5:00PM
Saturday	7:30AM - 2:00PM
Sunday	Closed

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We have friendly staff who will take care of you

Address:
7201 Eden Brook Dr
Columbia, MD 21046

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410-290-8240

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Vehicle Tips

According to recent studies, 5 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities are clearly caused by automobile maintenance neglect.
Vehicle Tips

The cooling system should be completely flushed and refilled about every 24 months. The level, condition, and concentration of coolant should be checked. (A 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water is usually recommended.)
Vehicle Tips

Never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled. The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps and hoses should be checked by a pro.
Vehicle Tips

Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual, or more often (every 3,000 miles) if you make frequent short jaunts, extended trips with lots of luggage or tow a trailer.
Vehicle Tips

Replace other filters (air, fuel, PCV, etc.) as recommended, or more often in dusty conditions. Get engine drivability problems (hard stops, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc.) corrected at a good shop.
Vehicle Tips

A dirty windshield causes eye fatigue and can pose a safety hazard. Replace worn blades and get plenty of windshield washer solvent.
Vehicle Tips

Have your tires rotated about every 5,000 miles. Check tire pressures once a month; let the tires cool down first. Don't forget your spare and be sure your jack is in good condition.
Vehicle Tips

Check your owner's manual to find out what fuel octane rating your car's engine needs then buy it.
Vehicle Tips

Keep your tires inflated to the proper levels. Under-inflated tires make it harder for your car to move down the road, which means your engine uses more fuel to maintain speed.
Vehicle Tips

Lighten the load. Heavier vehicles use more fuel, so clean out unnecessary weight in the passenger compartment or trunk before you hit the road.
Vehicle Tips

Use the A/C sparingly. The air conditioner puts extra load on the engine forcing more fuel to be used.
Vehicle Tips

Keep your windows closed. Wide-open windows, especially at highway speeds, increase aerodynamic drag and the result is up to a 10% decrease in fuel economy.
Vehicle Tips

Avoid long idling. If you anticipate being stopped for more than one minute, shut off the car. Contrary to popular belief, restarting the car uses less fuel than letting it idle.
Vehicle Tips

Stay within posted speed limits. The faster you drive, the more fuel you use. For example, driving at 65 miles per hour (mph) rather than 55 mph, increases fuel consumption by 20 percent.
Vehicle Tips

Use cruise control. Using cruise control on highway trips can help you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, reduce your fuel consumption.
Vehicle Tips

Keep your engine tuned. A fouled spark plug or plugged/restricted fuel injector can reduce fuel efficiency as much as 30 percent.
Vehicle Tips

Inspect the engine's belts regularly. Look for cracks or missing sections or segments. Worn belts will affect the engine performance.
Vehicle Tips

Have the fuel filter changed every 10,000 miles to prevent rust, dirt and other impurities from entering the fuel system.
Vehicle Tips

Change the transmission fluid and filter every 15,000 to 18,000 miles. This will protect the precision-crafted components of the transmission/transaxle.
Vehicle Tips

Inspect the suspension system regularly. This will extend the life of the vehicle's tires.

What our clients say about us?

Reviews and comments from our satisfied customers

I would like everyone to know that Matt is an honest and a great, hard working mechanic. Any major problem that I have had with my vehicles, Matt is my go to mechanic. Thank you Matt for your hard work and dedication to keep your customer's vehicles operating on the roads 24/7.

Ronald Hebert, Jr., 06/26/2020
Great mechanic! Honest, good work and quick. Highly recommend Matt and Dakis Service.

Terin H.
Matt is the best mechanic I've ever been to, he's polite, can always fit you into his "busy" schedule, and most importantly he's HONEST!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks Matt for all you've done with my "hospice" care :-)))

Loretta R.
Matt gave my 20 year old Honda an oil change and new wiper blades. The service was fast, thorough and very reasonably priced. I appreciate him allowing me to bring in the car on short notice, especially because it was a very hot day.

Lauren P.
What I appreciated the most, was that Matt told me from the get go that he was backed up and working alone. He still fixed my car and charged me a great rate. I know I can go anywhere, but I chose to go to Dakis Service Center for this reason...HONESTY!!! Thanks again Matt!!!

Loretta R.
I wish more businesses operated like Matt runs Dakis Service Center. They are welcoming, attentive, down-to-earth, and thorough. They explain the problems in a very matter-of-fact way and don't push or scare you into decisions, they just tell you what they found and what the numbers are to make it right. The pricing is very fair and I will be back.

Michael M.