Dan's Auto Centre

12/31/2025

As we wrap up an amazing 2025, we just want to give a huge thank-you to all our fantastic customers for your support and patience over the holidays.

We’ve been out between Christmas and New Year’s to give our team a well-deserved break, and we’re excited to hit the ground running in 2026. We’ll be back this Friday, ready to take care of all your automotive needs!

12/19/2025

🎄 Holiday Hours Update 🎄

We will be closing at noon on Wednesday, December 24th and will reopen on Friday, January 2nd to give our team some well-deserved time off for the holidays.

This break is our way of saying thank you to our incredible staff for their hard work and dedication throughout the year. We’re grateful for everything they do to take great care of our customers.

If you’re needing service between now and when we close, please contact us as soon as possible so we can do our best to get you on the schedule before we’re off.

Thank you for your continued support, and we wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season!

12/05/2025

During a routine inspection, we found this battery with residue built up across the top. As batteries age, a small amount of electrolyte can seep out. That’s normal, but if the top isn’t cleaned periodically, the buildup can create a path for electricity to slowly drain.

You may not notice anything right away, but over time it can leave the battery weaker than it should be.

In these really cold temps, having a strong, reliable battery is especially important. A quick inspection and cleaning can help make sure your vehicle starts when you need it most.

12/04/2025

Good advice! Being prepared for cold weather like we’re seeing today can make all the difference in the world.

As temperatures fall into the negatives this week, local mechanics are urging drivers to check their vehicles before the cold causes problems.

11/25/2025

We had a Mitsubishi Outlander in with uneven brake pad and rotor wear. The rust buildup on the brake hardware caused the pads to stick instead of sliding freely. When that happens, one side of the pad wears much faster than the other, and the rotor ends up looking like the ones in the pictures.

Catching this early makes a big difference. Even a small difference in pad thickness is a sign something isn’t moving the way it should. Cleaning and regressing the pads at that point can prevent premature wear and extend the life of the brakes.

If you hear rubbing, feel vibration, or notice anything unusual with your brakes, a quick inspection can save you from bigger repairs down the road.

11/13/2025

We had a 2008 Acura MDX come in with the battery light on and low charging voltage. Instead of guessing at the cause, we hooked up our oscilloscope to see what the alternator was actually doing.

The scope shows the difference between a healthy pattern and a bad one. The large, uneven spikes in the first image show excessive AC ripple, which means the alternator isn’t converting power the way it should. That’s what caused the warning light and low voltage.

Using tools like this helps us find the exact problem quickly and avoid unnecessary parts. If your battery light comes on or you’re having electrical issues, we can diagnose it the right way.

10/14/2025

We were saddened to hear about the passing of Harry Flanagan, a longtime customer and friend of our shop.

Harry had been with us from the very beginning, and he was one of those people you were always happy to see walk through the door. He had a friendly smile, a good story, and a way of brightening everyone’s day.

We’re grateful for his years of support and the kindness he showed to our team. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.

Rest in peace, Harry — you’ll be missed.

Share Memories and Support the Family.

10/13/2025

Some jobs just take a team effort.

Can you spot how many technicians it took to fix this truck?

Big or small, we tackle every repair with teamwork and pride in doing the job right.

09/12/2025

Head on down to the Mineral Point Car Show tomorrow! We are proud supporters of this amazing event and look forward to seeing you down there.

This morning's Sponsor Spotlight focuses on a family-owned auto shop right here, in historic Mineral Point, Dan's Auto Centre. Every vehicle requires maintenance and occasional repairs to keep it running smoothly. At Dan’s, they specialize in general auto repairs for all makes and models. With over 31 years in business and a combined 50+ years of experience, they understand the unique repair needs of each vehicle. Their shop is equipped to handle everything from brake repairs, engine diagnostics, and suspension fixes to exhaust system repairs and more. "We are driven to meet all of your automotive maintenance & repair needs!"
Thank you, Dan, Katrina, Jay and team, for all your support from the beginning - we sincerely appreciate you!
https://dansautocentre.net

09/09/2025

We just hit 100 Google reviews — and we’re so thankful for the support from right here in Mineral Point. Every review is more than just a number; it’s a neighbor or friend taking a minute to share their experience. That kind of support means the world to us.

And it’s not just us — reviews are a lifeline for most small businesses. They help people find the places worth supporting and give owners and staff the encouragement to keep going.

So the next time a small business in Mineral Point (or anywhere, for that matter) takes good care of you, consider leaving them a review. It’s a small gesture that makes a big difference in keeping our community strong.

Here's to our next 100!

07/08/2025

Spark Plugs Matter More Than You Think

This vehicle came in with a loss of power and a misfire. The cause? Take a look at the spark plugs in the photo.

The plugs are old and heavily worn — one even has a crack in the ceramic from carbon tracking. That happens when the spark can’t jump the gap properly anymore, so it finds a new (and damaging) path to ground. We added a shiny new plug for comparison.

Spark plugs play a critical role in how your engine runs. When they wear down:

You can lose power

Fuel efficiency drops

Misfires and rough running start to happen

Long-term engine damage can occur if ignored

Most manufacturers recommend replacing spark plugs anywhere between 30,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on the type. If you're not sure when yours were last changed, it's worth checking.

Keeping up with simple maintenance like this goes a long way toward avoiding expensive repairs down the line.

06/19/2025

Is Your Engine Losing Power? Your Direct Injection Fuel Pump Might Be to Blame. 🚗

If your car is feeling sluggish or your engine's performance is off, it might not just be a coincidence. A worn direct injection (DI) fuel pump could be the culprit — and here’s why:

🔧 Hard starts, engine misfires, or rough idling
🔧 Poor acceleration and decreased fuel efficiency
🔧 Check engine light won’t go away

But here’s the kicker: Regular oil changes are crucial in preventing wear on your DI fuel pump and your camshaft. When oil isn’t changed on time, contaminants build up and can cause damage to these critical parts, leading to costly repairs down the road.

💡 Pro Tip: Keeping up with oil changes not only extends the life of your engine but also helps prevent issues with your fuel system and camshaft.

👉 Don’t let a simple oversight turn into a major problem! Message us today to get your oil changed and your engine checked before things get worse.