Broad Street Shop 910-692-6393
Highway 1 Shop 910-684-8409
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Providing The Best Repairs For The Best Price

Complete Auto Care From A Team Who Cares

No matter what you drive, at one point or another, your vehicle will need repairs. For over 25 years, Doug’s Auto Center, Inc. has offered comprehensive auto repair services to customers in Southern Pines, NC. Our shop is family-owned and operated, and our team is committed to getting you back on the road safely and efficiently.

We operate out of Southern Pines and offer a complete range of services. We go out of our way to help our customers and strive to be team players. It is our goal to do our best work for the best price.

Auto Repair Diagnostics - Southern Pines, NC

Getting You Back On The Road

We can’t stop your car from breaking, but we make fixing it easy. We know car problems are frustrating and inconvenient, so we work to diagnose what is wrong with your car promptly. We work hard to provide quick, honest services, and high-quality results. Helping you and your family get back on the road safely is our top priority. It is our goal to have you leave our shop knowing your vehicle was repaired in a timely, honest, and fair-priced manner.

Our vehicle repair services include:

Suspension & Steering Repair

Chassis & Suspension

Shocks & Struts

Power Steering Repair

Exhaust Systems & Mufflers

Brake Repair

Headliner Replacement (Sublet)

Engine Replacement & Repair

Driveability Diagnostics & Repair

Fuel Injection Service & Repair

Engine Performance Check

Fuel System Maintenance & Repair

Belt & Hose Replacement

Ignition System Maintenance & Repair

Transmission Service & Repair

Axle Replacement

New & Rebuilt Transmissions

Differential Service & Repair

Driveline Maintenance & Repair

Clutch Repair & Replacement

To ensure we are up-to-date on the latest vehicle needs, we use top-of-the-line diagnostic tools, alignment machines, hydraulic lifts, and handheld diagnostic tablets.

Frequently Asked Questions for Auto Repairs

My car's been sitting in the cold, and now the heat won't work. What could be the issue?

Because most cars house the A/C and heating elements under the dash, it’s difficult to diagnose the problem without seeing your vehicle. Stop by at your earliest convenience, and we’ll figure out the problem.

Every time I turn on my car AC it makes a weird noise but works great! Where is the noise coming from?

It could be a minor engine noise or hose you’re hearing, but it could also be a symptom of problems with your compressor. This is the heart of the system, so have it checked if you hear anything unusual.

My car’s air conditioner doesn't blow cold air any more. How can I fix that?

Your refrigerant may be low, either because you need a refill or because you have a leak in your AC system. We can tell you for sure.

The air coming thru the vents smells awful. What could be the causes of this?

Weird smells from your car’s vents are likely caused by a bacteria buildup in the evaporator. We have the proper tools to clean this out for you quickly.

Will I damage my car if I continue to drive it after the Check Engine light comes on?

You should get it checked at one of our stores as soon as possible. If the Check Engine light is yellow, it means the engine is not running at maximum efficiency. This lowers your gas mileage and increases the pollution your car is emitting. A red light indicates there’s an issue and that you should head straight to your nearest service station. If the light is flashing, immediate service is required, even if the light doesn’t flash continuously.

Are there some quick fixes for when a check engine light comes on?

Yes, if you were to leave the gas cap off, or loose, this most likely would turn on the check engine light. The fix would be to put the gas cap back on or tighten it. Then, in most cases, when you drive your vehicle the check engine light will go out by itself. There are times when the check engine light means that something in the system needs to be repaired or replaced.

What does it mean when the Check Engine light goes on? The car seems fine.

The engine light is a sign to take your vehicle in for service. It can mean anything from a loose gas cap to a serious engine misfire that can cause expensive repairs.

My check engine light was flashing, but now it’s solid. Is it OK to drive?

If the check engine light is flashing, immediate service is required, even if the light doesn’t flash continuously.

Why does my TPMS light go on? The tire looks fine to me, and my car is only a year old.

If your tires are under- or over-inflated, the TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) activates the warning light on your dashboard. When the light is steady, it means you need to have your tire pressure checked. If the light is flashing, it means you need to have your TPMS checked.

How can I tell if I need new tires?

If you notice any of the following, it’s probably time: 1) uneven tire wear, 2) cracking or bulging tire treads or sidewalls, 3) anything poking into the tire, 4) tread pulling away from the body of the tire or 5) worn treads that don’t pass the penny test.

How do I use a penny to determine when I need new tires?

Stick a penny in the tire tread, top first. If the tread doesn’t touch Lincoln’s head, your tires are worn and likely need to be replaced

My car sometimes shudders when I am going faster than 40 mph. I feel like it's my tires, but I just put air in them. Can you help?

We’ll know for sure after a quick inspection, but based on your description, it sounds like you might need to have the balance of your tires and suspension checked.

What is the difference between a muffler and the exhaust?

An exhaust is the entire system, from the engine cylinder head to the tail pipe. It includes the exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler and all pipes and hardware that connect it to the chassis.

Will a good muffler improve my gas mileage?

No, but a restriction in the exhaust system will reduce MPGs and/or performance to the point that your car may not even start.

Can I remove my car muffler? What will happen?

It’s definitely not a good idea. For starters, you’ll no longer be able to use your cars on U.S. streets or highways, and it will also be unbelievably LOUD! Exhaust fumes will also enter the cabin of the vehicle, which can cause illness or even death.

How do I know if it is time for a new muffler?

If you hear noise that gets louder when you accelerate, you may need a new muffler. Keep in mind that noise is only an indicator of an exhaust system problem. We’ll detect the exact problem for you.

Which maintenance requirements should I adhere to so my radiator keeps working well?

Having your cooling system flushed on or before your manufacturer’s schedule is the best way to protect your radiator.

What does it mean when I smell a sweet maple-syrup-like smell when I am driving?

It’s most likely due to steam in your cabin, which most of the time is caused by the heater core. The heater core is a small radiator in the dash that makes the heat you feel inside your car.

Does running my air conditioner in the summer keep my engine from overheating?

Nope. In fact, your engine works harder to keep cool when the car’s A/C is on.

How do I know if my coolant needs to be refilled?

Your coolant fluid level is under your hood and looks a lot like your washer fluid tank. Look for the “fill” line, and if your levels are below that line, it’s time for a refill. When you check your car, we’ll make sure all of your fluid levels are filled properly.

At Doug’s Auto Center, you will always get our best. To schedule service and repairs, please contact us today.

Broad Street Shop

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Contact

Doug's Auto: 910-692-6393

Fax: 910-692-0597

Email:
dougsautoctr@embarqmail.com

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Hours

Monday - Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Closed 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

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