Clackamas Auto Repair

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

Why Is My Brake Light On? Clackamas Drivers—Here’s What It Means and What to Do Next That brake warning light on your dashboard isn’t just a casual suggestion. It’s your vehicle’s way of shouting, “Something’s not right with your brakes.” Whether you're navigating SE 135th Ave, commuting through Clackamas County, or heading into Portland, your brakes are your first line of defense—and that light is not something to ignore. At Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales, we’re all about helping drivers stay safe, informed, and in control. In this article, we’ll walk you through: What your brake light is really trying to tell you   The most common causes   Immediate steps to take   How our team helps protect your vehicle—and your peace of mind       What Is the Brake Warning Light? Your brake warning light may appear as: A red or amber circle with an exclamation point   ... read more

Looking for the Best Oil Change in Clackamas? Trust the Pros at Tim’s Automotive An oil change might be the most routine service your car needs — but it’s also one of the most important. At Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales in Clackamas, we don’t just check a box. We deliver expert, engine-protecting care with every service. We’re not a chain shop or a discount lube line — we’re a trusted, locally-owned repair facility known for quality, integrity, and long-term customer relationships.     Why Oil Changes Are the Key to a Healthy Engine Engine oil does more than lubricate. It: Reduces heat and friction   Cleans out carbon and debris   Prevents engine wear   Protects fuel economy and power output   But over time, oil breaks down. Wait too long between changes and you risk: Sludge buildup   Poor performance   Increased wear and tear   Engine failure   It’s a simple ... read more

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