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🚗✨A New Year, A Fresh Start, Gratitude, Growth, and the Road Ahead

Now that we’ve been into 2026 for a week, the rush of the holidays has settled, routinesw are starting to return, and many of us are taking a breath before the year truly gets moving. This pause, right here at the beginning, is a meaningful one. It’s a chance to reflect on where we’ve been, express gratitude, and look ahead with purpose.


First and foremost, we want to say thank you.


We thank God for another year of life, provision, and opportunity. Another year to serve, to grow, to learn, and to do work that matters. We are deeply grateful for the strength, wisdom, and guidance He provides, not just in the big moments, but in the daily work of showing up, doing things the right way, and caring for people well.


We also want to thank our customers and community. Your trust is not something we ever take lightly. Every vehicle that pulls into our shop represents someone’s livelihood, family, responsibilities, and safety. The fact that you choose us, often repeatedly means more than words can fully express.


⏰A Time for Reset, In Life and on the Road


The beginning of a new year has a unique energy to it. It’s a time when people reset habits, set goals, and refocus priorities. We commit to being healthier, more organized, more intentional. But one thing that often gets overlooked in all the goal-setting is the machine we rely on almost every single day: our vehicle.


Your car carries you to work, school, appointments, church, family gatherings, and moments that matter. It deserves the same level of care and attention we try to give to other important areas of our lives, especially after the wear and tear of the holiday season.

Between colder temperatures, holiday travel, unpredictable weather, and rough winter roads, your vehicle has likely worked harder in the past few months than at any other time of year.


❄️What Winter Really Does to Your Vehicle


Here’s something many drivers don’t realize:

Cold weather can reduce a car battery’s power by up to 30–50%. That’s why winter is one of the most common times for dead batteries and no-start situations. Even a battery that seemed “fine” in the fall can struggle once temperatures drop, especially if it’s already a few years old.


But batteries aren’t the only thing affected by winter driving.

  • Tires lose pressure as temperatures drop. For every 10 degrees of temperature change, tire pressure can decrease by about one PSI. Underinflated tires reduce traction, increase stopping distance, and wear unevenly.

  • Oil thickens in cold weather, making it harder for your engine to circulate lubrication during startup. That’s why clean, properly rated oil is especially important this time of year.

  • Brake systems experience increased stress due to stop-and-go traffic, slick roads, and sudden braking.

  • Suspension and steering components take a hit from potholes and rough road conditions that are more common during winter months.


These issues don’t always cause immediate breakdowns, but over time, they can quietly lead to bigger, more expensive problems.


🔋The Power of Preventive Maintenance


One of the most common things we hear is, “It was running fine until it wasn’t.” And that’s understandable, modern vehicles are good at hiding problems until they reach a breaking point.


But preventive maintenance is one of the smartest investments you can make in your vehicle.

Fun fact: Regular oil changes alone can help extend engine life by tens of thousands of miles. Clean oil reduces friction, controls heat, and prevents harmful buildup that can damage internal engine components over time.


Preventive maintenance isn’t about upselling or fixing things that aren’t broken. It’s about:

  • Catching small issues before they become major repairs

  • Reducing unexpected breakdowns

  • Saving money over the long run

  • Keeping you and your family safer on the road


Our goal has always been to educate, not pressure. We believe you deserve clear explanations, honest recommendations, and transparency every step of the way. You don’t need to be a car expert, that’s our responsibility. Your job is simply to make informed decisions with confidence.


📆Commitment That Doesn’t Change with the Calendar


As we move further into 2026, our commitment remains exactly the same as it was when we opened our doors.


We believe in doing honest work, standing behind what we do, and treating people the way we would want our own families treated. We believe that trust is built slowly, through consistency, communication, and follow-through. And we believe that giving thanks to God for the work He’s placed before us keeps our priorities where they belong.


🤍Looking Ahead with Gratitude and Hope


We pray for safe travels this year, for fewer breakdowns, smoother rides, and peace of mind wherever the road takes you. We pray for health, stability, and blessings for you and your family in the months ahead.

Thank you for being part of our journey and allowing us to be part of yours. Whether you’ve been with us for years or are just finding us now, we’re honored to serve you.


Here’s to a new year filled with purpose, reliability, and many miles ahead. If your vehicle needs a checkup, or if you simply have questions, we’re always here to help.


 
 
 

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Our Services

- Engine Installation

- Exhausts

- Brakes

- Oil Changes

- Windows

- Alternators

- Radiators

- Heater Cores

- Tune-Ups

- Computer Diagnostics

- Inspections

- And More!

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Open Hours

Monday - Friday:

8am - 5pm

Contact Us

2910 Clifty Drive

Madison, IN 47250

 

812-273-5233
dickysdoghouse@gmail.com

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