Jay's Automotive Services
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Jay's Automotive Services
Get top-notch auto repair services today at Dow's Automotive Service. From AC repair to transmission services, our goal is to offer expert auto repairs at an affordable price. We are conveniently located near you in Portsmouth. Come by our shop at 909 Islington St or call today to schedule an appointment at 603-436-9886.

We know your time is money. Most truck or car maintenance services can be completed while you wait. Many repairs such as AC repair, brakes, and transmission repairs will be performed that day. Straight forward or complicated, our mechanics will get your auto repairs done quickly and get you back on the road right away.
Services
Dow's Automotive Service has been a staple of the Portsmouth automotive scene since 1961. We've spent this time proudly serving the Portsmouth area and have become a valued part of the community. Whether you need general upkeep and maintenance or a complete vehicle overhaul, Dow's Automotive Service has been there to provide excellent service and trustworthy advice.
Today's cars, light trucks, and sport-utility vehicles are high-tech marvels with digital dashboards, oxygen sensors, electronic computers, unibody construction, and more. They run better, longer, and more efficiently than models of years past. Resist the temptation to suggest a specific course of repair.
To keep your vehicle running properly at all times, we offer a number of services in the Portsmouth, NH 03801 area that are carried out by our certified, expert auto service and repair technicians who have years of experience performing everything from oil changes to a complete engine overhaul.

We use high-tech diagnostic equipment to guarantee your vehicle is repaired and/or serviced correctly the first time around, and we only use the highest quality replacement parts, filters, oils, and components when it comes to your car.
At Dow's Automotive Service we value the safety of our customers above all else. We want to ensure that you get to where you're going every time with a reliable and safe vehicle. A major problem area for the cars and trucks that come into Dow's Automotive Service, are tires.

Your tires are your connection to the road, and without them doing their job properly, all the handling development and safety testing that went into your car may not keep you safe.Here is some basic information on your tires and how to know when the time has come for replacements. As stated above, your tires are an extremely important component of your car or truck.
Sometimes it's hard to know when your car just needs a break and when it needs a mechanic. By being proactive when you notice something amiss, you may save yourself a lot of money and trouble by getting it diagnosed early! Our technicians are here to assist you in diagnosing potential vehicle malfunctions.
Reviews (14)
Joanne F.
Joanne F.
May 29, 2021
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Our family lives in Portsmouth and has been with Dow's for several years. They are professional, trustworthy and reasonably priced. Our daughter was told by her dealer that she needed expensive repairs, she had her car checked at Dow's and found that most of what was written was not needed which saved her a good amount of money. Thank you to the owners and staff for all you do to keep our cars well maintained.
Vinessa L.
Vinessa L.
Dec 01, 2020
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I have used Dow's since I first moved to Portsmouth and I have found them consistently reliable. I come from a family of mechanics/ auto repair and they feel reminiscent of the family auto-shop I have known most of my life. They are trustworthy and my go to.
Sara L.
Sara L.
Oct 19, 2018
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Where did my review go?
I posted something earlier today and now it is not there. I'm confused.
Jess L.
Jess L.
May 12, 2018
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Local , honest and fair priced! I recommend this family business as Louie and Susan couldn't be nicer and JP is always happy to help.

We never overpay or feel pressure to make repairs. After years and years of business I'm still so thankful for such honest hard working people. Portsmouth is lucky to have Dow Auto.
Jason G.
Jason G.
May 06, 2016
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So lucky to have found this exceptional business. In a major jam, on a Friday afternoon, with a mechanical problem on my only vehicle and the car currently at another shop that was asking $600 to fix it I called and spoke to John. I let him know the exactly details including the quoted amount at the other place and that I didn't feel comfortable with them so I wanted a second opinion. Reluctant to take a competitors client away, but eager to help out he asked me to swing in. I brought the car over and it was fixed by 3pm for $180.00!! Again, they knew the dollar amount I was quoted elsewhere
Mike R.
Mike R.
Dec 28, 2015
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I brought in my wife's Mazda since there was either an issue with the starter or the fuse that controls it, and the mechanic called to say that the issue was actually something we hadn't heard of before and easy to fix. The price was much less than we expected, was done the same day, and was explained to us in a very pleasant manner. Having just moved here, we are glad we found a skilled, honest mechanic who isn't going to try and upsell us. Great experience!
Pierre D.
Pierre D.
Jul 29, 2015
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I'll never use a dealership for service again. Our first trip (of many) to Dow over a year ago saved us over $2,000 vs what Portsmouth Ford told us we needed to pass inspection. The dealership told us we should consider trading in the six year old car with under 150k on the odometer, the very car they sold us. Louie Dow and company told us there was no need.

Recently, Dow was able to find the cause of this weird chirping (timing belt pulley) the dealership had been unable to remedy for years.

Dow Automotive is that very, life long "family" mechanic most of us are looking for
H. M.
H. M.
Jul 26, 2015
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New to Portsmouth and a female, I was hesitant to get any service on my car. Dow has made me feel comfortable each and every visit. I feel respected each time I walk through their entry. Dependable and truthful, unique qualities of service, for which I am grateful.
James B.
James B.
Dec 08, 2014
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My daughter goes to UNH and was having a problem with one of her belts in her car that normally i would of looked at fixed etc. Being so far away i looked on yelp called and spoke to Sue who was polite ,warm ,welcoming and understanding .My daugther went there and it was only a nut that had to be change to adjust the tension .
Fellow yelpers where right on ...
Thanks Sue and the gang .
HONESTLY DOES PAY
Evan P.
Evan P.
Jul 01, 2014
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I have taken my last four cars here on the recommendation of a coworker. Louis Dow has never up sold me on parts or labor, always has the car ready when he says he will (if not earlier), and works within my budget when costly repair is a hardship. (I also return for needed work when I can, so I guess it's give & take and he's not worried that I'll sue.)
He treats old & new customers alike so if you're new to town he'll treat you fairly and professionally.
Michael M.
Michael M.
Jun 21, 2013
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On a trip from Boston to Maine it felt like our tires were gonna fall off. I looked up the nearest mechanic and gave them a call. Fortunately for us it was Dow's Auto. We got extremely fortunate to find these guys. They immediately took us in and were very understanding of our time crunch to get back on the road ( wedding that we were already cutting it close for). He explained thoroughly the issue with the tire and ordered us 2 new ones. We were safely back on the highway for the wedding in less than an hour. Wish I had a quality mechanic like these guys back in Boston. Not only that but
Jeannie M.
Jeannie M.
Dec 14, 2012
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I have been taking my car to Dow's for 18 years and I always recommend them to anyone asking for a trustworthy mechanic. Louie is awesome -- he never talks you into repairs you don't need, but always does a fantastic job on the ones you do. Even his wife Sue, who often answers the phone, can help diagnose issues!! Lou's staff is friendly and knowledgeable about every make and model. There are no dumb questions, and never ever any intimidation tactics (unlike dealers). They are, quite simply, the best. I can't imagine going anywhere else. So stop looking for a good place to bring
Colin B.
Colin B.
Jan 19, 2011
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I started taking my car to Dow's on the recommendation of my friend Annelise in 2001ish. This was around the time they moved from the corner of State & Maplewood (??) to their current location near the button factory.

They are BY FAR the most qualified, straight-shooting, easy going garage I have EVER been to! Hands down! Louie is friendly and down to earth. He always took the time to communicate with me about what was going on and was clear about their recommendations. I never felt pressured, never felt I was asking stupid questions, never felt like an inconvenience, nothing weird
Ray M.
Ray M.
Jun 16, 2010
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Dow's was exactly what I look for in a mechanic! This was recommended by locals. Dow's actually understands that great service means great business. I went in expecting to replace my catalytic converter, and Mr. Dow said no, it wasn't needed. He troubleshot the problem correctly first time, and saved me lots of money. He's now got my business for life. If he looks out for me, I will stick with him. A trustworthy mechanic is a valuable thing.