Back-to-School Car Prep in Clackamas – Keep Your Vehicle (and Your Life) Running Smooth This School Year
Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales | 15688 SE 135th Ave, Clackamas, OR 97015 | (503) 656-0600 |Tims-Automotive.com
The school year comes fast—and it doesn’t slow down.
Suddenly, your vehicle isn’t just transportation. It’s your kid’s ride to school. Your mobile office. Your link between responsibilities. The thing that must work without exception, every single day.
Back-to-school season puts pressure on your car—and if it’s not ready, it’ll show up in the worst ways: delays, breakdowns, and stress you didn’t plan for.
That’s why Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales helps families in Clackamas get proactive. We believe the best kind of car repair is the one you never need—because you saw it coming, and you prepared.
Why Fall Is the Time to Stop Waiting and Start Inspecting
The transition from summer to school driving in Oregon introduces a perfect storm of wear and tear:
Early-morning fog and low visibility
Heavy stop-and-go traffic in school zones
Dropping temperatures that test old batteries and tires
AC/heater systems running more often in changing weather
Extra mileage and stress on all critical systems
These conditions expose whatever you’ve been putting off. That’s why now is the smartest time to act—not after the warning light comes on.
Tim’s Back-to-School Vehicle Readiness Plan – Built for Real Life in Clackamas
This isn’t just an inspection. It’s a protective strategy for your safety, your time, and your long-term vehicle performance.
Brakes – The #1 Safety System You Can’t Afford to Ignore
There’s no room for hesitation in a school zone. You need brakes that work exactly when you need them—without noise, drift, or fade.
We inspect:
Brake pads, rotors, and caliper function
Brake fluid level and quality
ABS sensors and warning indicators
Brake pedal pressure, response, and stability
If your brakes feel “different,” they probably are. Let’s get ahead of it.
Tires – Fall Roads Demand Grip, Not Guesswork
Wet leaves, cold pavement, and sharp turns aren’t kind to old or worn-out tires. And if you’re shuttling your family through them every day, safety starts at ground level.
We check:
Tread depth and traction safety
Air pressure, leaks, and aging rubber
Uneven wear caused by suspension or alignment issues
Rotation needs to extend tire life
If you need new tires, we’ll match your vehicle and budget to the right set—with zero pressure, and total transparency.
Battery Test – Don’t Let “Won’t Start” Become the First Problem of the Day
Your battery isn’t just about starting the car. It powers safety systems, sensors, and comfort controls. And when it fails, it fails fast.
We test:
Battery charge, voltage, and cold start capability
Alternator and starter performance
Corrosion and secure cable connection
Battery age and replacement need
If it’s weak, we’ll tell you straight. If it’s good to go, you’ll have peace of mind every morning.
Oil and Fluids – Because What You Don’t See Can Hurt You
Old oil doesn’t just affect your engine—it affects everything from heat dissipation to fuel economy. The same goes for coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid.
We inspect and refresh:
Oil and filter (with appropriate type for your vehicle)
Coolant/antifreeze (especially heading into cold mornings)
Brake, transmission, and power steering fluids
Washer fluid and visibility support
Clean fluids = healthy systems = fewer breakdowns.
Wipers, Lights, and Visibility – See Clearly. Be Seen. Drive Safely.
When fog hits or the sun drops early, your ability to see and be seen is everything. It’s not optional—it’s essential.
We check:
Windshield wiper blade quality and streak patterns
Headlight clarity and brightness
Brake lights, blinkers, reverse lights
HVAC defrost and window-clearing power
This is one of the most affordable and impactful services we offer—and it’s often overlooked.
HVAC and Cabin Air – Comfort, Focus, and Clean Air Matter
When your family is riding with you, stale air, poor airflow, or temperature swings make every drive harder. That impacts focus and safety.
We test:
A/C and heater performance
Cabin air filter cleanliness (especially for allergies and dust)
Vent control and blower speed
Defroster power for foggy windows
Your ride should feel clean, fresh, and consistent—especially when you’re doing it five times a day.
Engine Bay, Belts, and Hoses – What You Can’t See Still Matters
Most breakdowns start with a crack, a leak, or a loosened connection. We don’t wait for it to fail—we catch it before it costs you.
We inspect:
Serpentine and timing belts
Radiator and heater hoses for soft spots or leaks
Engine mount and fluid conditions
Any warning lights or diagnostic code alerts
Think of it as the health scan your engine can’t request—but desperately needs.
Suspension and Alignment – Drive Straight. Ride Smooth. Protect Your Tires.
If your vehicle pulls, drifts, or bounces too much—you’re not just uncomfortable. You’re burning through tires and increasing braking distance.
We check:
Shocks, struts, and control arms
Steering linkage, play, and feedback
Alignment and tire wear patterns
Suspension noise or looseness during turns
You’ll feel the difference right away—and save money long-term.
Why Families and Professionals Trust Tim’s Automotive
Because we don’t just fix cars—we help people move through life with less stress.
Here’s what makes us different:
Trusted by generations of Clackamas drivers
Certified technicians who explain, not sell
Honest timelines, accurate pricing, and no games
Local service with a reputation built on follow-through
A team that cares about your family’s safety—not just your vehicle
We do the job right. And we make sure you understand every step.
Bonus: Let Us Build Your Preventive Maintenance Roadmap
Forget random repairs. We’ll help you create a long-term service plan based on your schedule, budget, and vehicle usage—so you can stay ahead without falling behind financially.
It’s not sales. It’s strategy.
Schedule Your Back-to-School Vehicle Inspection Today
Don’t wait for a dashboard light or a breakdown to remind you what you already know: this is the time to act.
Call (503) 656-0600 or visitwww.tims-automotive.com to schedule your Back-to-School Car Safety Inspection.
Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales. Trusted. Thorough. Always on your side.
For more information please watch the video
https://youtu.be/S936kNRqsTA