Clackamas Auto Repair

How Can I Tell If My Catalytic Converter Is Clogged? Introduction: Why the Catalytic Converter Is So Important The catalytic converter is one of the most overlooked parts of your car’s exhaust system, yet it plays a crucial role in performance, efficiency, and safety. Its primary job is to reduce harmful emissions, but when it becomes clogged or fails, your vehicle may experience everything from poor acceleration to dangerous overheating. For drivers in Clackamas, Happy Valley, Milwaukie, Oregon City, Gladstone, Damascus, and across the Portland metro area, knowing how to recognize the warning signs of a clogged catalytic converter can save you from breakdowns and expensive repairs. This guide will cover: The role of the catalytic converter.   Key symptoms of a clogged converter.   Testing methods to confirm the problem.   Common causes of converter failure.   Risks of ignoring the issue.   What to do if you suspect your catalytic converter ... read more

Why Is My Car Not Starting? Expert Guide from Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales in Clackamas, OR There’s nothing more frustrating than a car that won’t start. You turn the key or press the button, expecting the familiar sound of the engine firing up—but instead, you’re met with silence, clicking, or a sluggish crank. Whether this happens in your driveway in Clackamas, in a shopping center lot in Happy Valley, or during your commute toward Portland, a no-start condition can disrupt your day and leave you stranded. At Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales in Clackamas, OR, we see these issues every week. Sometimes the solution is simple, like replacing a weak battery. Other times, it’s more complex, such as a failing starter, clogged fuel filter, or faulty sensor. In this guide, we’ll explain the most common reasons your car won’t start, how Oregon’s climate and driving conditions make these problems more likely, and why professio ... read more

Why Does My Car Turn Off When I Stop? Common Causes, Solutions, and Expert Advice Have you ever been driving along, minding your own business, when suddenly your car turns off when stopping at a red light or stop sign? It's a frustrating and potentially dangerous situation that leaves many drivers scratching their heads. If you're wondering, "why does my car turn off when I stop," you're not alone. This common automotive issue, often referred to as engine stalls at idle or car shuts off at stop, can stem from a variety of mechanical and electrical problems. In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive deep into the reasons behind this problem, explore symptoms, diagnostic steps, and practical solutions to get you back on the road safely. Whether you're dealing with a sudden engine dies when stopped or intermittent vehicle stalling causes, understanding the root of the issue is key to preventing future occurrences. We'll cover everything from basic mainten ... read more

Exhaust Smoke Color Meanings: A Detailed Resource for Vehicle Enthusiasts Introduction: Decoding the Messages in Your Vehicle's Exhaust The exhaust system of your car or truck is a complex network that expels the remnants of the combustion process while offering valuable clues about the engine's health. In an optimal scenario, the exhaust from your tailpipe is barely noticeable, consisting primarily of water vapor, carbon dioxide, and other innocuous gases that blend into the air. However, when internal imbalances or failures occur—ranging from fluid leaks and inefficient burning to component degradation—the exhaust can take on visible colors like white, blue, black, or gray. Each color acts as a diagnostic flag, signaling specific issues that, if heeded early, can avert more severe problems, enhance fuel efficiency, and prolong your vehicle's operational life. This expansive blog post, clocking in at over 4,000 words, provides a thorough exploration of exhau ... read more

Still Overheating After Replacing the Thermostat? Here’s What’s Really Going On At Tim’s Automotive in Clackamas, We Fix the Real Problem — Not Just the Obvious One You replaced the thermostat, expecting your truck to run cooler. But now it’s still overheating — or maybe it’s even worse than before. So, what gives? At Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales, we’ve seen this story play out time and time again. A customer replaces the thermostat thinking it will solve the overheating issue, only to find that nothing has changed. That’s because your cooling system isn’t just a thermostat — it’s an entire network of components that must work in perfect balance. We don’t guess. We diagnose. And we solve what others overlook. If you’re driving through Clackamas, Happy Valley, Oregon City, or Damascus, here’s why your truck may still be overheating — and what we do differently to fix it for goo ... read more