Blog

motor oil

Synthetic Oil vs Conventional Oil

Over time, engine oil eventually “wears out,” that is, becomes contaminated with metal flakes, condensed water, and oxidized oil. When engine oil is worn out, it no longer flows as well and its ability to protect the metal parts of your engine is decreased. This is why engine oil changes are important, restoring proper lubrication to your engine’s critical parts.

nitrogen tire filling system

Nitrogen Tire Fill – Do You Need It?

It’s a good idea to check and adjust your tire pressures on a weekly basis, especially as the seasons change. Usually, you can count on air to be pretty much everywhere, and filling up your tires with the stuff only requires some basic equipment and absolutely no special training – even a bicycle pump will do. On the other hand, nitrogen tire fill is relatively new and might cost you some extra money out of pocket, but what is it? More importantly, do you need nitrogen in your tires?

A family tradition of service: Don, David, and Dustin Dobbs

Forty Years in St. Louis: ’76–’16

Starting from his first shop, at the Yorkshire Plaza, Don and son David Dobbs grew the family business. By 1990, eighteen stores were in operation, and a new corporate headquarters was built in High Ridge, MO, which is still heading up daily operations across forty locations. A family business and community player for forty years, Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers has been serving the St. Louis, MO, community in educational, social, volunteer, sports, arts, and other programs.

vehicle safety systems

How Vehicle Safety Systems Work – Part I

Today, there are numerous vehicle safety systems keeping us safe on the roads every day, but how do they work?

mechanic using auto diagnostics tool

Should You Pay for Auto Diagnostic Service?

On the other hand, if you pay for auto diagnostic service (the average is between $100-$120) where’s the value in that? Most auto repair shops employ ASE-Certified technicians, who spend thousands of hours in training and working on cars every day, and also maintain thousands of dollars in modern auto diagnostic and repair tools. If you have a check engine light, our trained technicians use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to give you an accurate diagnosis.

mechanic wrench on bills

Why is Auto Repair So Expensive?

Why is auto repair so expensive? Some people would have you believe “Mechanics are just out to get your money” or “They know you have no other choice.” The reality is far different, and it all has to do with the fact that, in the past, it seemed that pretty much anyone could work on cars. Fast-forward thirty years, though, and modern automobiles are an entirely different beast.

ratchet spanner and sockets and mechanic tools

Top 8 Questions Your Auto Repair Mechanic Should Be Able to Answer

At Dobbs Tire & Auto Center, we’d like all our customers to feel comfortable knowing what they’re getting out of their auto repair experience, so we’ve put together a list of questions we think you should ask your mechanic (or us) before allowing them to touch your car.

Jump Starting a Car Battery

Dead Battery? How to Jump Start Your Car Safely

What if nothing happens when you turn the key? If you know how to jump start your car, and you have a jump box, second car, or a neighbor’s car, then you’ll be back on the road in no time.

drivers navigating wintry driving conditions

Winter Driving Primer – Protect Yourself and Your Car.

Summer has come and gone, Fall is in high gear, and Winter is just around the corner. Are you ready for winter driving? Whether you just need a fall checkup, new all-season tires, an oil change, or something more complicated, our master technicians have the experience to keep your car on the road, no matter what the season. If you have any questions about winter driving and your car, talk to the experts at a Dobbs Tire & Auto Center near you.

customer speaking to a mechanic

Technician Talk – Six Things to Avoid Saying

Just as communication is key to any good relationship, what you say to your technician can set you up for a great relationship. In the end, we hope that you can communicate a little better with your technician and have a great repair experience at Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers.