Dan Wentworth, of D&L Auto LLC, stands next to his new wheel-alignment system at his business in Waldoboro. (Alexander Violo photo)
A garage in Waldoboro has added some state-of-the-art technology, expanding the amount of work that can be done on location and offering customers a one-stop shop for their automotive needs.
D&L Auto LLC, at 250 Ralph Wink Road in Waldoboro, most recently acquired a John Bean Prism Alignment System, used for wheel alignments.
The high-mobility alignment system incorporates imaging technology, a Bluetooth wireless communication system, and other features to provide mechanics with the information they need to complete wheel alignments.
The Bluetooth technology allows the mechanic to work from a laptop up to 330 feet away from the system.
Wireless “sensor pods,” approximately the size of the barrel of a baseball bat, provide readings and are mobile, allowing for their use under a vehicle, which enables technicians to view the alignment measurements while making the proper adjustments.
“It forms a perfect square around the vehicle and allows us to do a four-wheel alignment,” Dan Wentworth said.
Wentworth, the owner of D&L, said his garage’s new addition will help fill a service need in the Waldoboro community.
“There are not a lot of places here in Waldoboro capable of alignments,” Wentworth said.
He said the shop has done a lot of front-end work for years and the new system will allow for more convenience for customers.
“It allows us to be a one-stop shop. Customers don’t have to go elsewhere to have alignments done anymore. They don’t have to go looking for another garage,” Wentworth said.
Wentworth said the new system can handle a wide variety of vehicles, from passenger cars to pickups, and with his lift, can accommodate vehicles as large as one-ton trucks.
He said the lift for the system was installed in August 2015, though he had some of the equipment beforehand.
Another new piece of technology allows the garage to provide customers with up-to-date computer diagnostics.
He describes the device, an Autel MaxiSys DS908, as state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment.
Wentworth said the diagnostic equipment allows for the “reflashing” or reprogramming of a vehicle’s main computer, a process necessary for late-model vehicles when components are replaced. Car owners might otherwise have to go to a dealership to find the technology.
Wentworth said cars began to get more technologically advanced around 2005 and some contemporary models have as many as 14 computers within the vehicle, each with its own purpose.
In addition to the new technology available at D&L, the auto shop is a fully licensed and insured state inspection station, offers vehicle repair and maintenance for all domestic and a wide variety of foreign vehicles, and specializes in suspension and classic autos.
Wentworth’s wife, Lisa, the L in D&L, is also licensed and insured for state inspections.
Wentworth said he has a special set of tools that allows him to work on the 4Matic systems in Mercedes vehicles.
The mechanic has a long history in Waldoboro, having opened his shop at its current location in 1996 on a part-time basis.
He said he opened full time in 2001 and continues to work on passenger vehicles, tractor-trailers, and motorcycles.
Cleanliness is another big part of the job for Wentworth, who said he works to keep his garage a clean working area.
“I believe a clean garage does a clean job,” Wentworth said.
In general, Wentworth said he puts a lot into his business in an effort to ensure customers are pleased with the work he puts into their vehicles.
“I take a lot of pride in my work,” he said.
Wentworth said the business will add another lift to the garage this summer, bringing the facility to a total of three bays and three lifts.
In the future, he also said he is hoping to repave the driveway at his business.
D&L Auto is open from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information, call 832-5765.
