FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Emergency Car Problems

Q: What should I do if my low oil pressure light comes on?

If the oil light comes on or flashes, stop immediately and do not drive any further until the cause can be accurately determined. Running a vehicle with low oil will severely damage or destroy the engine, so don't drive that last mile even if you are close to home. If your engine oil level is full, but the light is on, an internal engine component could have failed. Areas of the engine might not be receiving the oil they need. You'll need to have your car towed to your repair facility.

Q: What should I do if my car overheats?

Be careful and do not allow the temperature gauge to go higher than 3/4 or 75% hot. Check the engine temperature gauge frequently. You can turn on your vehicle's heater to help remove heat from the engine. Overheating an engine can cause engine damage, so most often, towing is recommended.

Q: What should I do if my charging system (battery) light comes on?

This light is indicating that your car's charging system is not working properly. Quite often, this means the alternator is not charging the battery. You can likely drive a short distance, but have it checked out quickly so that you don't end up stranded.

Q: What does it mean when the "check engine" light comes on?

The car's computer system has found something wrong, which could indicate any number of problems both minor or major. If your car begins running poorly, you should drive slowly and carefully to a facility to have it checked out. If your vehicle is still running well, schedule at your earliest convenience.


Additional Car Problems

The following are simply general guidelines and are not intended to take the place of your vehicle's service manual. You should refer to your owner's manual or call us for details when you schedule your maintenance or repair.

Q: When should I replace my timing belt?

Many 1996 & older Hondas are due every 90,000 miles. Some notable exceptions are certain Preludes and Integras, which could break before 90,000 miles. Many 1997 & newer Hondas are recommended every 105,000 miles or a similar time, or some models now have timing chains. Time (age) also is a factor, so if you have a vehicle that has low mileage but is getting older, call for more details. Additionally, non-Honda (factory) brand timing belts often don't last the full interval.

Q: How often should I change my oil?

This answer varies based on the year & type of Honda you drive. In the oldest vehicles, an oil change is generally recommended every 3,750 miles. If you drive a Honda with the maintenance minder system, the computer system will monitor the amount of life left in your car's motor oil and indicate when it's time for an oil change.

Q: What should I do when my service light/maintenance minder light comes on?

In older Hondas, the service needed indicator counts miles. It's programmed to come on after a certain number of miles and doesn't know if you've maintained (replaced spark plugs, air filter, etc) your vehicle or not. You should refer to your owner's manual and service history or call us. We will look through your records with us and find out which maintenance is needed. If you haven't had your car long, or you are unsure when it was serviced last, set up an appointment, and we'll figure out where you should start.

Newer Hondas are equipped with a maintenance minder system. The computer system can actually monitor many components on your car, such as the amount of life left in your car's motor oil. Your recommended maintenance is determined by the computer system.

Q: I'm looking at a used car to purchase, do you offer an inspection or tips?

Yes, see our Used Honda Inspection page.

Q: How often should I rotate my car's tires?

Approximately every other oil change for most vehicles.

Q: I hear a squealing noise when I brake or when I'm in

reverse, what is it?More than likely, it's a wear-out indicator on your brakes, so you'll need to schedule an inspection. The indicator is a small piece of metal that squeals when your brake pads are nearly worn out. If you drive long enough, the piece will eventually break off and the next noise you'll hear will be metal on metal, which is bad news for your brake rotors. You won't always hear an indicator when your brakes are worn out though. Sometimes brake pads wear unevenly or the indicator breaks off right away.

Q: I need body work done, who do you recommend?

Dalton Collision is listed by Honda as a recognized Honda body shop. More info.

Business Information

Q: What are your hours?

Our hours are Monday-Thursday, 7:30 am-5:30 pm and Fridays 7:30 am-12:30 pm. We are closed on weekends.

Q: Is an appointment necessary?

An appointment is always advised to ensure you don't have too long of a wait. We'll try our best to fit you in, but sometimes we are already booked with scheduled customers.

Q: Do you offer early bird/night owl/after hours drop off?

Yes, please see Drop-off Service for more information.

Q: Do you accept credit cards?

We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover & American Express.

Q: Do you offer discounts?

Yes, join our mailing list and see our Facebook page. Links are to the above left of this page.

Q: Do you have any job openings?

Since we are a small facility, we rarely have openings. 

Q: What is your hourly labor rate/How much does it cost for....?

Call us at 865-689-7143 for current pricing.

Q: What kind of parts do you use?

See our Service & Parts page.

Q: I'm trying to find contact information for a Honda motorcycle or a Honda dealer, but can't find it.

Motorcycles: Honda of Knoxville 865-688-8484 (Clinton Highway/Powell), 

Honda & Acura Dealerships: 

Q: What if I have another question?

Call us at (865) 689-7143 or leave a message if after hours.