Clackamas Auto Repair

Dashboard Warning Lights: What They Mean, Why They Matter, and When to Take Action When a dashboard warning light turns on, your car is trying to protect itself—and you. The problem is, most drivers either ignore it or don’t understand what it means… until it’s too late. Dashboard lights are not just symbols. They are early alerts—built to give you a chance to fix a problem before it turns into a breakdown, safety hazard, or expensive repair. This guide helps you decode your dashboard, take the right action, and stay in control of your vehicle’s health.     The Color Code of Dashboard Lights Before we break down individual warnings, here’s what the colors tell you: 🔴 Red = Stop Immediately – Indicates a serious safety or mechanical issue.   🟠 Yellow/Orange = Service Soon – A component is malfunctioning or declining.   🔵 Blue/Green = System Info – A feature like headlights or cruise control is ... read more

Auto Repair Shops Near Me: Why Clackamas Drivers Trust Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales for Reliable, Honest Service If your vehicle is acting up—making odd sounds, flashing warning lights, struggling to start, or just overdue for maintenance—you’re likely searching “auto repair near me.” But let’s be clear: What you’re really looking for is a shop you can trust. A place where you won’t be overcharged, overlooked, or misled. A team that takes pride in doing the job right the first time, with clear communication, certified expertise, and long-term results. That’s what Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales has delivered for decades right here in Clackamas, OR. Conveniently located at 15688 SE 135th Ave, just off OR-212, we proudly serve Clackamas, Happy Valley, Damascus, and the greater Portland area with trusted repairs and unmatched customer service.     What Clackamas Drivers Actually Want in a Repair Shop ... 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

Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales – Clackamas’ Premier Family-Owned Auto Repair Shop When you need an auto repair shop near me, you’re not just looking for basic service—you want a team that values expertise, integrity, and a customer-first approach. At Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales, we take pride in delivering top-tier repairs, exceptional customer care, and high-quality vehicle sales. As a family-owned and operated business, we’ve built a reputation for honest, reliable, and efficient service. Located at 15688 SE 135th Ave, Clackamas, OR, we provide comprehensive automotive solutions, from routine maintenance and expert diagnostics to high-quality used vehicle sales. Whether you need preventative maintenance, complex repairs, or a dependable used car, we’re your trusted local solution.     Why Trust a Family-Owned Auto Repair Shop? Unlike large chain repair shops that treat you like just another number, Tim’s Au ... read more

Why Does My Check Engine Light Come On? The check engine light is one of the most misunderstood warning indicators in a vehicle. It can illuminate for countless reasons, some minor and others severe. If you've ever found yourself wondering, "Why is my check engine light on?" you're not alone. Let’s break down the possible causes, symptoms, and the best course of action when this light appears on your dashboard. Common Reasons Your Check Engine Light Is On Your vehicle is an intricate machine with numerous components working together to ensure smooth operation. When one of these components fails or operates outside normal parameters, the onboard computer (ECU) detects the issue and triggers the check engine light. Below are some of the most common reasons for a check engine light: 1. Faulty Oxygen Sensor The oxygen sensor (O2 sensor) monitors the amount of unburned oxygen in the exhaust. A failing O2 sensor can cause your car to burn more fuel than necessary ... read more