Clackamas Auto Repair

Why Your Car Sounds or Smells Funny — What It Means and What to Do That strange sound. That unfamiliar smell. You may be tempted to ignore it, hoping it goes away. But your vehicle has no other way to communicate — these signs are your early warning system. And the sooner you act, the more likely you are to prevent expensive repairs, unexpected breakdowns, or even safety issues. At Tim’s Automotive in Clackamas, we help drivers catch the problem before it gets worse. Here’s what those noises and smells likely mean — and when you should bring your car in.     👃 What That Smell Could Mean for Your Car Your car shouldn’t have any noticeable smell. If it does, something is likely leaking, overheating, or failing. 1. Burning Rubber Likely Cause: Slipping drive belt or a rubber hose touching hot engine parts.   Danger: Could cause loss of power steering or alternator failure.   Fix: Inspection and belt adjustment or replacem ... read more

Buy or Lease? The Long-Term Vehicle Decision That Could Save You Thousands     If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, one of the first questions you’ll face is this: “Should I buy or lease?” It seems like a matter of personal preference. But if you care about long-term financial freedom, avoiding unnecessary debt, and getting the most out of every vehicle, there’s one choice that wins every time: Buy smart, maintain it well, and break free from the payment cycle. At Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales, we’ve spent years helping Clackamas drivers take better care of their vehicles—and the stories are almost always the same: People lease or trade in every few years   They think their car isn’t worth fixing   They start another loan or lease   And they never stop making payments   If that sounds familiar, don’t worry—you’re not alone. But you do have a better option. &nbs ... read more

Auto Repair That Respects You – Welcome to Tim’s Automotive in Clackamas, OR Let’s face it—getting your car serviced shouldn’t feel stressful or uncomfortable. And yet, too many women have had experiences in auto repair shops that left them feeling unheard, rushed, or second-guessed. At Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales, we’re changing that. For over 30 years, we’ve proudly served the Clackamas community with one simple goal: treat every customer like family—with respect, transparency, and total honesty. That’s why so many women across Clackamas, Happy Valley, and surrounding areas trust us to handle their vehicles. We don’t just fix cars—we give you the confidence to understand them, maintain them, and make informed decisions about them.     What Makes Tim’s Automotive Female-Friendly? We know what many women have experienced at other shops. You’ve told us about being talked down to, b ... read more

Automotive Service Near Me: What Clackamas Drivers Need to Know—and Why Tim’s Automotive Is Built for the Long Haul If you’re searching for “automotive service near me” in Clackamas, OR, odds are something doesn’t feel right. Maybe you’re overdue for an oil change. Maybe your brakes are making noise. Or maybe—like many drivers today—you’re wondering who you can actually trust with your vehicle. Here’s the truth: Most shops just treat symptoms. At Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales, we build systems. Systems that prevent breakdowns, protect your investment, and help you drive with total peace of mind—without the surprises, the pressure, or the sales gimmicks.     Why Most Drivers Pay More Over Time—Without Realizing It The average vehicle doesn’t fail all at once. It breaks down slowly—through delayed maintenance, skipped inspections, and following the wrong advice. By th ... read more

The Clackamas Cool: Mastering the Heat with Tim's Automotive Repair and Sales' A/C Expertise In the scenic town of Clackamas, OR, where the summer heat can turn your car into a sweltering oven, a functioning A/C system isn't a luxury; it's an absolute necessity for comfort and safety. When your vehicle's climate control system falters, you're not just losing comfort; you're facing a potential safety hazard. That's where Tim's Automotive Repair and Sales, located at 15688 SE 135th Ave, steps in – not as mere mechanics, but as artisans of arctic air, transforming your car into a cool and refreshing oasis. The Science of Cool: Understanding Your Car's A/C System Before we dive into the repair process, let's understand the intricate system that keeps you cool. Your car's A/C is a sophisticated network of components working in perfect harmony: The Compressor: The heart of the system, compressing the refrigerant and circulating it thr ... read more