Darrell's Auto Service and Towing is a full-service preventative maintenance and auto repair center, providing comprehensive car care services for your domestic or import vehicle to keep it running at full power. Serving all brands, models, imports, and fuel systems in Wallingford, we have the tools and expertise needed to ensure your vehicle operates exactly as intended by its manufacturer.
For inquiries, please reach out to us at 203-626-9741, or you can send us an email, and our proficient experts will be delighted to address your queries and assess the necessary actions.
Our basic auto maintenance services include:
30/60/90K Mileage Maintenance
Consistent maintenance helps keep your vehicle operating at peak condition while also prolonging its life. Most automakers recommend car maintenance at 30,000-mile intervals, adhering to the 30/60/90K mile schedule provided to car owners. Our team of experts can keep you on track, preserving your vehicle's condition, optimizing its performance, and enhancing its resale value. The 30/60/90K service covers:
- Fluid replacements
- Oil and Filter changes
- Tire rotation, spin balance, and pressure adjustments
- Inspection of parts and systems - gears, tires, brake pads, belts, hoses, etc.
- With higher mileage: spark plugs, belts, timing belts when applicable
Belts
A fan belt, also known as a drive belt, is a belt connecting your car's engine to the front mounted accessories. The fan belt rotates the water pump and engine fan, which maintains a cool environment for the engine and its components. Sooner or later, your vehicle's fan belts will dry out and crack. When you are ready for a replacement you can count on Darrell's Auto Service and Towing for all your vehicle's repair needs.
You not only have to get the belts replaced with quality ones but you should have the work done by experts. To have the belts replaced by auto cooling and heating experts - and get your car driving right - visit Darrell's Auto Service and Towing today. The mechanics at Darrell's Auto Service and Towing will thoroughly inspect your car's belts; replace all worn belts; and adjust the installed belts.
Check Engine Light
No one likes to see their car's "Check Engine" light come on. The light could mean a costly problem, like a bad catalytic converter, or it could be something minor, like a loose gas cap. At Darrell's Auto Service and Towing, we can pull the code and diagnose the problem for you. Give us a call at 203-626-9741 or stop by the shop for our expert assistance.
Factory Recommended Service/Maintenance
Automotive and auto parts are accompanied by a factory-recommended service and maintenance schedule. The manufacturer specifies how often to service or replace an auto part. Keep in mind, we work on all American and imported vehicles (either diesel or gas engines). Our highly skilled auto mechanics possess the extensive knowledge and experience necessary to provide this service.
Hoses
Hoses play a critical role in transferring coolant and antifreeze throughout the engine's cooling system, including the radiator. Sooner or later, your vehicle's hoses will become dry and develop cracks.
Not only should you replace the hoses with top-quality replacements, but you should also entrust this work to experts. Our mechanics will perform a comprehensive inspection of your car's hoses, replace any worn hoses, and fine-tune the newly installed ones.
Oil, Lube, and Filter
To maintain smooth operation, your vehicle heavily relies on oil, lube, and oil filters. Oil serves to lubricate, cool, and cleanse the internal engine components. Over time, motor oil becomes contaminated. Your vehicle requires an oil, lube, and filter change on a regular basis, which will vary based on a number of factors. When the time comes for a lube, oil, or filter change, entrust your vehicle to Darrell's Auto Service and Towing in Wallingford, CT.
FAQs About Automobile Squeaks, Squeals and Rattles
Why do my brakes squeak?
The most common reason brakes squeak is that they are worn out. The squeak is the sound of the metal wear indicator on the brake pad coming in contact with the metal rotor. Your brakes are the top safety feature on your vehicle, so come by Darrell's Auto Service and Towing and get them replaced right away. If you hear a squeaking only when you press the brake pedal the first 2-3 times when you first start driving in the morning it is the result of overnight moisture build up and likely nothing to worry about.
Why is my car making a squealing noise?
It may be a slipping fan belt. Listen for a few warning signs such as a squeaking or chirping noise. Those noises are usually caused by misalignment of the belt and the pulley. If you come by Darrell's Auto Service and Towing in Wallingford our professional auto repair technicians can realign it to stop the noise and fix it before your fan belt completely breaks.
Can engine rattling be fixed?
Yes. Many engine rattles can be fixed quickly and affordably. The most common reason for engine rattling is a collapsed valve lifter. This needs to be repaired quickly or it can cause misfires. Other common causes that need immediate attention are a failing tensioner belt, drive belt or low oil pressure. If the rattle is intermittent, it may be a poor connection between the rod and the crankshaft.
If the noise is loud, it may be a cracked flex plate or rusted heat shield. Higher mileage vehicles may have an engine rattle resulting from an engine hotspot ping, piston slap or degrading sound dampening features such as engine insulation. Sometime what sounds like an engine rattle is not the engine at all but a cracked catalytic converter.
Why does my car make a noise when I turn the steering wheel?
If your car makes strange sounds or clicks when you turn the steering wheel the most common cause is a low steering fluid. Over time the steering fluid decreases and air enters the steering mechanism causing unwanted noises. Come to Darrell's Auto Service and Towing to top off your fluid reservoir with power steering fluid. The noises should start to go away immediately. If the sound returns quickly your car could be leaking steering fluid. Our professionals in Wallingford can help you diagnose and repair leaks quickly and affordably.
Why does my car squeal when I start it in the morning?
A worn out cambelt (also known as a timing belt) will create a loud noise when you start your car's engine. The noise could range from squealing to hissing or rumbling. This is the sound of a cambelt that is about to break. If a cambelt breaks it can ruin your car's engine. Come to Darrell's Auto Service and Towing and get it replaced right away.
Why are my wheels making a chirping sound when I accelerate?
The most common reason why your car's wheels make a chirping or squealing sound, especially during acceleration is a bad wheel bearing. If you notice a grinding or grating noise coming from your wheel this can also be the sound of a wheel bearing beginning to fail. If you are in Wallingford, North Haven, Meriden, Cheshire or the surrounding area, come by Darrell's Auto Service and Towing and we can diagnose the problem quickly.
Windshield Wiper FAQs
Why are my windshield wipers not working?
If your windshield wiper won't turn on the most common reason is a blown fuse. Come by Darrell's Auto Service and Towing and we can replace the fuse quickly and affordably. Other reasons windshield wipers may fail are electrical faults in the control arm, or wiper motor. If your windshield wipers are failing to wipe away water the most likely cause is torn or worn-out wiper blades. Wiper blades are made of rubber and need to be replaced frequently.
How much does it cost to replace windshield wipers?
The average cost for a windshield wiper blade replacement is between $40 and $80 including parts and labor. Come by Darrell's Auto Service and Towing in Wallingford and we can replace your windshield wipers quickly and affordably.
Can I replace both windshield wiper blades or just one?
If one windshield wiper blade is worn out and failing the other is like to fail soon too. Windshield wiper blades are usually sold as a pair. It is usually more cost effective to replace both at the same time. If you have front and rear wiper blades on your vehicle, replace them at the same time as well.
Leaking Fluid FAQs
Why is water leaking on my foot on the driver's side?
The most common cause is a blocked air conditioning drain hose. This is a simple repair at Darrell's Auto Service and Towing. There are other possible causes of water dripping on your foot on the driver's side of the car including a broken door seal or leaking heat exchanger.
What should I do if my car creates a small oil leak on my driveway?
If the spill is still wet, cover the stain with clay cat litter, sand, cornmeal, cornstarch or baking soda. This will help absorb the oil before it soaks into the cement. Once the spill has dried, sweep up the absorbent material. Then, wash away the remaining stain with water and soap. A small oil leak on your driveway is an indication that something is wrong with your car. Bring your car to Darrell's Auto Service and Towing to get the problem diagnosed. Do not ignore an oil leak as it can seriously affect your car's engine.
Why is my car leaking a sweet-smelling fluid?
If there is a sweet-smelling fluid leaking from your car, the most likely culprit is leaking coolant or antifreeze. A coolant leak can become a serious problem. If your vehicle gets too low on coolant or antifreeze, it will overheat and may cause engine damage.
Motor Oil FAQs
What are the 4 types of engine motor oil?
There are four basic classes of engine oil used in car maintenance today. Your owner's manual will explain which type of motor oil your vehicle needs. It is important to always use the correct type of motor oil. The four types of motor oil are:
- Conventional petroleum-based motor oil - This is the most common type of motor oil used in vehicles.
- Synthetic motor oil - a lubricant made up of artificial chemical compounds derived by breaking down and rebuilding petroleum molecules.
- Synthetic blend motor oil - a combination of common petroleum motor oil and synthetic motor oil.
- High mileage oil - This type of motor oil is most commonly used in commercial vehicles and contains additives and seal enhancers that reduce leaks.
What are the steps for performing an oil change?
- Remove the plug and drain the old engine oil.
- Remove the old oil filter.
- Replace it with a new oil filter.
- Replace the plug and fill with new oil.
- Check to ensure that oil levels are correct.
Oil Filter FAQs
What are the three types of oil filters?
- Cellulose media filter - This is the most common type of disposable oil filter found in cars today.
- Synthetic media filter - Made from high quality synthetic fibers, also catch and remove the smallest particulates and withstand complex chemical reactions better.
- Micro glass media filters - High-end oil filters that include an extremely fine metal media or micro glass material.
How often should oil filters be changed?
Consult your owner's manual to determine the maintenance interval for your vehicle's oil filter. Some manufacturers recommend that the oil filter be replaced every time you get your oil changed while others recommend every other time.
To learn more about our Car & Truck Care services, call us at 203-626-9741 or request a quote by clicking below:
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Discover More About Car & Truck Care Repair Services At Darrell's Auto Service and Towing in Wallingford
Undercar Services
Tire Repair Services
what our customers say
My car was in the shop and I borrowed my mother's. It died on the highway and Geico was able to get me a tow much sooner than AAA. The driver arrived exactly when he told me he would, and was a very capable, nice, pleasant young man. Cody got into the car, which due to the mechanical issue, locked with the keys inside it and was very empathetic when I explained my issue of PTSD on highways, the result of an accident. He drove carefully, was a good conversationalist and was careful to check my taste in music. I would absolutely recommend this company. They were quick, efficient and have an excellent staff. Thank you!
I had a really good experience, I would highly recommend anyone to use this company. My car was towed with great care, my lower ball joint were broken and I was concerned that they wouldn't be able to put the car on the tow truck. But Luis reassured me that it will be ok and was very polite. He treated my car like it was his.
I've been using Darrell's for 5+ years now. I wish I found them sooner! They're the best Auto Repair shop I've ever dealt with. They're reliable, trustworthy, VERY knowledgeable, and the entire crew are just "good people". They care about their customers and take an extreme amount of pride in what they do. Whether it's routine maintenance, or issues with your vehicle, you can absolutely TRUST they will do a great job. I have 3 children, with a couple older vehicles in the mix and they always make sure they're safe and road ready. For my newer vehicle, I'd been using a dealer for quite some time. After first going to Darrell's through a neighbor's recommendation, I found out the dealer wasn't providing nearly the same level of service that Darrell's does. They go above and beyond to make sure your vehicle is in the best shape possible. Thanks to Darrell, Chris, Leon, Lori and the entire crew!
I want to give a shout-out to Brian who towed my car last night during torrential rain. He was very kind and somehow got me in and out of the tow truck safely. I am almost 72, so this was not an easy feat. He also went beyond the call of duty and put my garbage bin and recyclable bin out near the road for pickup today. I can't thank him enough. And thank you for your service in the Navy.
