Clackamas Auto Repair

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

How Much Do Brakes Cost on a Car? When drivers ask, “How much do brakes cost?” they’re usually looking for a price. But the real answer isn’t about money—it’s about safety, performance, and long-term value. At Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales in Clackamas, we believe brakes are more than just another repair—they’re the single most important safety system on your vehicle. The true “cost” of brakes is measured in trust, confidence, and the peace of mind you feel every time you hit the pedal.     The Real Cost of Brakes Is Safety Every mile you drive, your brakes protect you. Whether you’re: Driving SE 135th Avenue in Clackamas   Heading into Portland on I-205   Navigating traffic around Oregon City or Happy Valley   Taking a weekend drive toward Mt. Hood   Your brakes are what stand between a normal stop and a dangerous accident. The real cost shows up when they fail: Long ... read more

Complete Guide to Professional Truck Service in Clackamas, OR — Keep Your Truck Performing at Its Best Why Truck Service Is Critical in the Pacific Northwest Your truck is more than transportation — it’s a work tool, an adventure partner, and often a significant investment. Whether you drive a light-duty pickup, heavy-duty diesel, or a commercial fleet truck, regular professional service is what keeps your truck reliable, safe, and valuable for years to come. In Clackamas and the greater Portland metro area, we face wet winters, seasonal temperature swings, and a mix of city traffic and rural roads — all of which put unique demands on trucks. Skipping or delaying service may seem minor, but it accelerates wear and increases the risk of costly breakdowns. At Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales, we deliver precision truck care designed for Oregon’s real driving conditions — keeping your truck ready for work, play, and every road ahead.   ... read more

What Happens If I Don’t Service My Car on Time? You’re busy. Your dashboard says “Service Due,” but the car still drives fine, so you put it off. Here’s the truth: “Still running fine” doesn’t mean your car is healthy — it means wear and damage are building quietly, where you can’t see them. At Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales in Clackamas, OR, we’ve seen countless vehicles lose years of reliable life — and cost their owners thousands — all because maintenance was delayed.     Why We Don’t Just Follow Factory Maintenance Schedules Factory service schedules are written to get a vehicle through its warranty period. That’s the bare minimum. At Tim’s Automotive, we follow a Maximum Lifespan Maintenance Plan designed to: Catch problems before they turn into costly repairs   Replace fluids, filters, and components well before failure   Keep your car safe, reli ... read more