Clackamas Auto Repair

5 Engine Noises You Should Never Ignore Stop the Sound. Prevent the Breakdown. Trust Tim’s Automotive in Clackamas.   Your engine doesn’t suddenly fail without warning — but it does start whispering when something’s wrong. At Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales, we’ve helped Clackamas drivers protect their vehicles and their wallets by catching issues early — especially when it starts with a noise under the hood. Whether it’s a knock, squeal, or ticking sound, these engine noises are your car’s way of saying, “Pay attention now, or pay more later.” Here are five engine noises you should never ignore, what they typically mean, and how our expert technicians help you fix them fast — before they become expensive.     1. Knocking or Pinging When You Accelerate What it sounds like: A deep knock or metallic ping that gets louder under acceleration. What it likely means: Pre-ignition or engine detonat ... read more

Why Is My Car Overheating If I Have Coolant? The Cooling System Breakdown You Can’t See | Tim’s Automotive – Clackamas, OR     You’re watching the temperature gauge climb. Maybe the engine smells hot, maybe steam starts rising—or your check engine light comes on. You open the hood and check the reservoir. It’s full. So why is your car still overheating? At Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales, this is a question we answer every week: “If my coolant level is good, why is my engine running hot?” The reality is, coolant in the reservoir doesn’t mean your system is doing its job. Let’s break down the real causes—and why this issue requires immediate attention before major engine damage occurs.     1. Coolant May Be Present—But It's Not Circulating If coolant isn’t moving through the engine, radiator, and back again, it’s not absorbing or releasing heat. That means temper ... read more

Who Can Fix My Car’s A/C Near Me in Clackamas, OR? Tim’s Automotive Delivers Cold Air, Fast Answers, and Long-Term Solutions It always starts the same way—your car's A/C just isn’t blowing like it used to. Maybe the air feels lukewarm, maybe the fan is weak, or maybe you’re sweating while the button’s lit up and the system is running. You don’t need guesses or temporary recharges. You need one answer: “Who can fix my car’s A/C near me—accurately, honestly, and permanently?” In Clackamas, OR, that answer is Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales. For decades, we’ve built our reputation on clear diagnostics, high-quality repairs, and a no-compromise approach to keeping our customers safe, cool, and comfortable.     Why A/C Systems Fail—and Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Fix Them The moment your car’s air conditioning starts underperforming, it’s already sending you a warning ... read more

Why Is My Car Burning Oil? Clackamas Drivers Trust Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales for the Answer Is your vehicle going through oil faster than it should? Are you topping off between changes, smelling something burning, or seeing blue smoke from the exhaust? If so, your vehicle may be burning oil—a problem that can signal internal engine wear and lead to major damage if left unchecked. At Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales in Clackamas, OR, we specialize in identifying the real reason behind oil consumption and fixing it right the first time.     What Does “Burning Oil” Really Mean? Burning oil doesn’t refer to an oil leak. It means your engine oil is being pulled into the combustion chamber, mixed with fuel, and burned during operation. You may not see any drips or puddles, but you’ll notice your oil level dropping—and the signs will only worsen over time. Engine oil is designed to lubricate, cool, and protect internal c ... read more

Why Is My Truck Pulling to the Right? What’s Causing It, Why It Matters, and How to Fix It Before It Gets Worse If your truck keeps pulling to the right, even on flat roads, don’t ignore it. It’s a mechanical issue—and one that’s quietly affecting your tires, steering, fuel economy, and safety. Whether the problem lies in your alignment, suspension, brakes, or tires, that steady drift is your truck’s way of telling you something is off. At Tim’s Automotive in Clackamas, we specialize in diagnosing and correcting these kinds of problems with precision. If your truck is veering off-course, here’s what could be causing it—and why it’s worth fixing right away.     A Truck That Pulls Is a Truck Out of Balance When your vehicle is aligned properly and mechanically sound, it should drive straight with minimal steering correction. But if your truck drifts to the right, especially under acceleration or braking, it means ... read more