In 1946, Vince Hoffman had a vision for the kind of auto repair shop he wanted to run. He wanted his auto repair shop to be known as being honest, trustworthy, dependable and provide quality repairs at affordable prices. To Vince, he wanted everyone who came in the shop treated as family rather than just a customer.
Seventy years later, Vince's vision is alive and well. Dualtone Muffler Brake & Alignment in San Diego, CA has been keeping cars on the road safe and sound and is still family owned and operated. Check out our current specials below! Sometimes auto repair needs arise long after most auto repair shops have closed.
Seventy years later, Vince's vision is alive and well. Dualtone Muffler Brake & Alignment in San Diego, CA has been keeping cars on the road safe and sound and is still family owned and operated. Check out our current specials below! Sometimes auto repair needs arise long after most auto repair shops have closed.
Services
Modern automobiles and other vehicles are expected to run cleanly and efficiently. The process may be a messy one, however. In an internal combustion engine, air and gas are incinerated, whereby they produce carbon monoxide and other substances which are harmful to the atmosphere. Your car or pickup combats this event with an exhaust system that includes a catalytic converter.
Most people probably picture the muffler on their car or truck when they think of the exhaust system. While it is important for keeping the noise down, it is just one piece of the entire construction. Often when there is a problem, the solution requires exhaust manifold repair. At Dualtone of San Diego, we provide expert installation, replacement and service of all elements of this important system.
Standard exhaust systems are constructed to vent the burnt gases from your engine while reducing noise and harmful emissions. At Dualtone of San Diego, we know that many car enthusiasts are looking for more than just the standard. For these drivers, a performance exhaust system is the answer. Professional installation may boost horsepower, free up torque and deliver the impressive sound you are after.
Driving around town with a classic car is a lot of fun, but it might not feel so fun if your muffler starts breaking down. Muscle cars mufflers are designed to reduce the volume of outbound exhaust pulses. Although they are generally designed to fit a wide range of vehicles, finding the perfect fit for your vintage muscle car can be a hassle if you do not know what you are looking for.
Engines are made up of many moving parts, and those parts need to be properly lubricated to avoid damage. Here at Dualtone, we want to make sure your vehicle receives the right kind of oil change at the right price. Our Highly Trained Technicians will recommend the best type of oil for your car's individual needs to keep the engine working at its best, consistent with your manufacturer's recommendations.
Reviews (27)
Idiot D.
Jan 13, 2022
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Kristin Wanner
Jan 12, 2022
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Christopher C.
Jan 12, 2022
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Stopped here for my alignments, cause noticed that the tire is eaten on one side. So basically I was accepted without any appointments and phone calls. It took them about 40 minutes to get it done, cause there we few cars in front of me, and they charged me 90$ for it. So, I'm thinking it's fine, cause I spoke with the guy at my work and he paid the same. Run 2000 miles after that - so far so good.
Russell Watson
Jan 04, 2022
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Michael Kipkemoi
Dec 28, 2021
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Al B.
Dec 19, 2021
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They took me in on short notice and took care of my car within 30 mins of being up on the rack!
The price was reasonable, neither the lowest nor the highest and being somewhere in between.
The staff was very professional, courteous, and expedient in their work.
Overall, very pleased with the amount of time spent and the price.
Will bring my cars again in the future.
The price was reasonable, neither the lowest nor the highest and being somewhere in between.
The staff was very professional, courteous, and expedient in their work.
Overall, very pleased with the amount of time spent and the price.
Will bring my cars again in the future.
Toni C.
Dec 16, 2021
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I just had new wheels from Discount Tire put on my car and they recommended Dualtone Automotive for wheel alignment. I was greeted and checked in promptly by Marlene who was personable, professional, and friendly. Same with Ryan. The alignment took about 1.5 hrs which was a little longer than quoted, but there is In-and-out burger within walking distance so not a big deal. One downside is the lack of parking available. Cost was very reasonable. I would use them again.
Felix C.
Dec 02, 2021
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Need a muffler and tailpipe replaced and had the old truck down to Midas who quoted me an arm and leg. Said they had to order the parts. Order the parts!?! It's a freakin' muffler and tailpipe! I made an appointment with Meineke and showed up and they said they'd have to order parts. I asked the fellow, "Nobody bends pipe anymore?" He replyed, "Not any of the big guys. If you want someone to bend pipe, Dueltone still bends pipe." he pointed me to Dueltone. I'm thankful that he did. This place is old school. The long counter and parts hanging about. I walked
David J.
Dec 02, 2021
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These folks work their tails off. It was looking like they weren't going to be able to finish the work on my truck - not their fault, it was because of the time I brought it in - but somehow they managed to get it done, saving me the hassle of a couple of Uber rides. They're also really nice people. They've gained me as a new customer.
Kim R.
Nov 16, 2021
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Sara M.
Nov 06, 2021
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Matty W.
Nov 05, 2021
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In Oct 2021, I took another vehicle in because when I braked, the car would pull to the left. Greg took it for a test drive and noticed the problem. They did a visual inspection of the suspension/brakes and all looked good. However, Greg noticed that one front tire was in excellent condition, but the other tire was in very poor condition. For a test, they swapped those two tires and then the car pulled to the right. The worn tire was causing the problem. There was NO CHARGE to me for their troubleshooting! Great service. Later, I replaced the worn tire and the car did not pull to either direction
Chaz AndAmanda B.
Oct 16, 2021
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Turned my car on to an awful noise only to suspect my catalytic converter was stolen as it's been a problem in our neighborhood with my type of car, the Honda Element. Called Dualtone and they said they had a replacement on-hand and for $1700 they could have it replaced and back to me the following day! When I brought my car in they realized my cat converter was hanging by a thread but still intact- the thieves only cut one side and their saw blade got stuck on the other side and they took off. Dualtone could have easily charged me for a new cat converter because I know nothing about cars
Eric K.
Oct 06, 2021
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I just got some exhaust and suspension work done on my 2018 Ford Focus ST. I can't say enough great things about the level of service and quality I received from Dualtone. I got timely updates from the front desk (Greg I believe) during the entire process, and best of all, got a great price on the work. I will be going back to Dualtone for all my future work that they can cover. Thanks again for the great experience!
Janis McQueen
Oct 04, 2021
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We are staying temporarily in this area in our RV.
We had an issue with one of our lug nuts on our tires. (Costco referred us here)
Our interaction was with a man named Greg.
This gentleman was so friendly, knowledgeable and attentive to our needs. He took care of the situation and got us on the road again.
I don’t know when we’ve met a more sincere, ‘eager to meet our needs’ guy as Greg. In this world of short staff, hard to get parts, hard to fit jobs in. Greg had a cheerful, professional manner about him that is very rare.
Way to go DualTone! Great employee you’ve got there
We had an issue with one of our lug nuts on our tires. (Costco referred us here)
Our interaction was with a man named Greg.
This gentleman was so friendly, knowledgeable and attentive to our needs. He took care of the situation and got us on the road again.
I don’t know when we’ve met a more sincere, ‘eager to meet our needs’ guy as Greg. In this world of short staff, hard to get parts, hard to fit jobs in. Greg had a cheerful, professional manner about him that is very rare.
Way to go DualTone! Great employee you’ve got there
Alex H.
Sep 24, 2021
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D. M.
Sep 18, 2021
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Amazing. Dropped in on a Saturday morning to ask them about the noise on my muffler for my jeep and they had honest answers for me and a quick installation to tone down the noise on a custom exhaust. Most knowledgeable I've ever seen. Nice, clean, and organized facility. In and out in less than an hour.
Darin and Enrique is are awesome.
Darin and Enrique is are awesome.
Mack E.
Aug 13, 2021
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Lauren T.
Jul 28, 2021
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I had to get my wheels aligned, camber aligned, and my oil changed. As a woman It's always a concern going to these shops that they might try to scam me, but I've never felt safer than here. They didn't try to sell me anything or cheat me into paying more money. Plus, they're reasonably priced! The employees here are some of the nicest people I've ever met and they clearly care about you and your car. They are so down to earth and I wouldn't go to any other shop! Especially Greg, he's awesome!
Moustafa Seifeldin
Jun 01, 2021
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Justin is so innovative 💡 He uses the latest technology in the market, and is willing to tweak it further to meet your demands.
Justin is a role model for an honest advisor, where he tells you whether he would do your requested service to his own car 🚗
I got multiple services taken care of, very fast after walking in, on a Saturday morning 🌄
Justin is a role model for an honest advisor, where he tells you whether he would do your requested service to his own car 🚗
I got multiple services taken care of, very fast after walking in, on a Saturday morning 🌄
David R.
May 24, 2021
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Wanted to get a free 1 hour brake quote. It took longer than an hour to get a brake quote. The quote was about 50% higher than I expected so I said I would be in touch.
But then I needed to wait 2 more hours to get my car back because the brakes had to be put back together? I think they forgot about me (maybe).
After 2+ hours I nicely asked for my car back. The lady (who was new... I had not seen her yet) was understanding and nice but informed me it would be another 30-60 minutes because the person I was working with was on a test drive.
Scam is a harsh word... unless you think a higher
But then I needed to wait 2 more hours to get my car back because the brakes had to be put back together? I think they forgot about me (maybe).
After 2+ hours I nicely asked for my car back. The lady (who was new... I had not seen her yet) was understanding and nice but informed me it would be another 30-60 minutes because the person I was working with was on a test drive.
Scam is a harsh word... unless you think a higher
Randy R.
May 05, 2021
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Scam tone muffler brake and alignment. Dude quoted me around 750$ for a catalytic convertor purchase and install. The cat is less than 300$ from any auto parts store in the area. That means labor, for two welds that would take any experienced welder less than 30 minutes is costing roughly 400$. This isn't the first time I've got quoted a price from this place that is substantially higher than everywhere else. Use caution here.
Fu C.
Apr 04, 2021
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My car did not pass SMOG, so I went to this store and bought a new catalytic converter. The people were very friendly at first, assuring me that the price is great, and there is a great warranty of one year parts and labor and four years parts only.
However, not only did I not pass SMOG after installing their catalytic converter, the number got a lot worse. The NOS number jumped up by nearly 200 points from the previous test. Now, I had the original part from the factory that has been on the car since 1993... My mechanic recommends that I go and get the original part back because it performed
However, not only did I not pass SMOG after installing their catalytic converter, the number got a lot worse. The NOS number jumped up by nearly 200 points from the previous test. Now, I had the original part from the factory that has been on the car since 1993... My mechanic recommends that I go and get the original part back because it performed
Samuel G.
Mar 30, 2021
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Very happy with Dualtone. I have an 1982 Mercedes that needed an alignment after some suspension and steering work. Most shops won't touch a car as old as mine, but these guys said they'd do it no problem. After the first visit, it felt pretty good but pulled to the right. I called them the next week, and they offered to look at it again the next day. No attitude, no sass at all.
They then looked at it again and really took their time to dial it in. They apologized for the wait, but honestly I was happy to see them go the extra mile. The result, it drives perfectly now. I am so pleased
They then looked at it again and really took their time to dial it in. They apologized for the wait, but honestly I was happy to see them go the extra mile. The result, it drives perfectly now. I am so pleased
Crissy Leen
Aug 11, 2020
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Brandon Seth
Aug 03, 2020
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I use to go to Dualtone all the time years ago, but then I moved away. I'm back in SD now, and a friend of mine recommended, that I see Justin, who I think is an assistant manager. Justin listened to my needs, made suggestions, then special ordered the parts I needed and my car is running amazing. I trust Dualtone with all my brakework, as well as any muffler upgrades or oil changes etc.... Dualtone is awesome! Thanks again guys! My car is running like the beauty she is! See you in the next week or so!! 😎😁
Joel Rigsbee
Jun 08, 2017
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Best prices around for alignments. Darren really knows his stuff about alignments. Being a mechanic myself I know how difficult it can be to align a car, there’s a lot to an alignment to get the appropriate professional results. They do what they offer their customers extremely well. I highly recommend this company, it’s a Mom and pop kind of shop with professional result every time. They care about you that’s rare this day and age.
