Clackamas Auto Repair

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

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

Can I Fix My Brakes Myself? Yes — But Should I?     Sure, You Can Try Fixing Your Brakes Yourself — But Is It Worth the Risk? Thanks to endless tutorials on YouTube and DIY parts websites, more people are attempting their own car repairs—brakes included. So let’s answer the question directly: Can you fix your brakes yourself? Yes. Should you? That’s where things get serious. Your brakes are the single most important safety system on your vehicle. When they fail, they don’t warn you in advance. They just don’t stop—and that’s a risk no tutorial can reverse. If you’re in Clackamas, OR, or nearby areas like Happy Valley, Damascus, Milwaukie, or Oregon City, this article will help you understand the real dangers of DIY brake jobs—and why trusting Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales is the smarter move.     What You Can Do at Home With the right tools, a bit of mechanical experience, and a ... read more

Should I Change My Brake Fluid? The Forgotten Maintenance That Could Make or Break Your Safety on the Road You know to change your oil. You may even stay on top of your tire rotations. But what about your brake fluid? If you're like most drivers in Clackamas, Happy Valley, Oregon City, or Milwaukie, you’ve probably never had your brake fluid flushed—or even thought about it. That’s why we see so many brake issues at Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales that could’ve been avoided with one simple service. Brake fluid doesn’t just affect your stopping power—it affects your safety, your wallet, and your entire brake system. And unlike oil, it doesn’t have a dashboard light or service sticker reminding you when it’s time. So let’s change that. Here’s everything you need to know about brake fluid—and why a flush might be the most important thing you do for your vehicle this year.     What Does Brake Flu ... read more

Why Is My Truck Shaking While Driving? | Expert Solutions from Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales in Clackamas, OR Driving a truck should feel strong, stable, and reliable. But when it starts to shake—whether at idle, on the highway, or under braking—it’s a clear sign something’s wrong. At Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales in Clackamas, we specialize in getting to the root of truck vibration issues. Our diagnostic approach combines real-world mechanical insight with cutting-edge equipment, so you get answers—not guesses—and repairs that actually last. Here’s what that shake could mean, and why it’s worth fixing right away.     1. Tire and Wheel Imbalance – The Most Common Cause of Shaking at Speed The #1 reason trucks shake at 45–75 MPH is tire or wheel imbalance. It might start as a slight shimmy, but it won’t go away on its own—and it often gets worse. What You’ll Notice: Steeri ... read more