Posted on 1/5/2026

Why Is My ABS Light On? A Complete Guide for Clackamas and Portland-Area Drivers Your dashboard is one of the most important safety systems in your vehicle. Every warning light is designed to alert you to a problem long before you feel it—or before something becomes dangerous. One of the most critical alerts you can get is the ABS light, the warning indicator for the Anti-Lock Braking System. Even if your brakes still feel completely normal, the ABS light means a core safety feature has already been compromised. This is especially important for drivers in and around Clackamas, Happy Valley, Oregon City, Milwaukie, and the greater Portland region, where traffic, hills, curves, moisture, and road conditions all create sudden braking scenarios. This guide covers everything you need to know: • What the ABS system does • Why the ABS light turns on • The most common causes • How your braking performance changes • What happens if you ignore it • Wh ... read more
Posted on 1/1/2026

Why Is My Oil Light On? A Complete Guide for Drivers in Clackamas, Happy Valley, Damascus, and Southeast Portland You’re driving down SE 82nd Drive, pulling out of Sunnyside, heading onto I-205, or cruising through Happy Valley when suddenly your oil light turns on. The car might still sound normal, but the oil warning light is not something you ever wait on. It is one of the most urgent warnings your vehicle can give. Whether you commute between Clackamas and Portland, drive daily through Damascus or Milwaukie, or travel between Oregon City, Gladstone, and the I-205 corridor, the oil light is your engine’s way of saying that something important needs your attention. This in-depth guide explains: What the oil light really means Why oil pressure matters more than most drivers realize The most common reasons the oil light activates Exactly what to do when you see it How Oregon driving conditions affect your oil system How to pr ... read more
Posted on 12/29/2025

Why Is My Engine Overheating? A Complete Guide for Drivers in Clackamas, OR You’re cruising down SE 82nd Drive, navigating I-205, climbing the hills of Happy Valley, or sitting at a long light near Sunnyside when it happens—the temperature gauge creeps up, a warning light turns on, or steam begins to rise from under the hood. An overheating engine can turn an ordinary drive into a stressful and potentially damaging situation within minutes. But here’s the important truth: Engines never overheat by accident. Overheating always means something in your cooling or lubrication system has failed, weakened, or fallen behind the heat your engine is producing. In the Clackamas, Happy Valley, Milwaukie, Gladstone, Oregon City, Damascus, West Linn, and Portland metro region, vehicles experience steep grades, heavy traffic, fluctuating weather, and a mix of short-trip and highway driving. All of these conditions place greater demand on cooling systems. This guide gives you a ... read more
Posted on 12/26/2025

Towing Company Near Me: What to Do When Your Vehicle Can’t Safely Move Vehicle trouble never arrives with an invitation. One moment you are driving as expected, and the next your dashboard lights up, the engine loses power, or the vehicle refuses to move at all. In those moments, stress rises quickly and one question becomes urgent: “Where can I find a reliable towing company near me?” That question is not about convenience. It is about making the right decision under pressure, protecting your vehicle from further damage, and ensuring safety while the situation is resolved. Towing is often misunderstood as a simple transportation service. In reality, it is a critical step in modern vehicle care. The towing decision you make in the first few minutes can determine whether a manageable issue stays contained—or becomes far more complicated. For drivers in and around Clackamas, Happy Valley, Oregon City, Milwaukie, Gladstone, Damascus, and surrounding Portland-m ... read more
Posted on 12/22/2025

Timing Belt Replacement: Protecting Your Engine and Extending Vehicle Life Introduction: The Critical Role of the Timing Belt When it comes to vehicle maintenance, most drivers think first about oil changes, brakes, or tires. But there’s another component—hidden under the hood—that is equally critical to your car’s performance: the timing belt. If the timing belt fails, your engine doesn’t just stop—it often suffers severe internal damage. For drivers in Clackamas, Happy Valley, Oregon City, and Gladstone, replacing your timing belt on time is one of the smartest investments you can make in long-term reliability. At Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales, we help local drivers avoid breakdowns and costly repairs with professional timing belt inspections and replacements. This guide explains everything you need to know about timing belts: what they do, why they fail, when to replace them, and why professional service is essential.   ... read more