Posted on 7/28/2025

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
Posted on 7/21/2025

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
Posted on 7/19/2025

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
Posted on 7/14/2025

Can Worn Shocks and Struts Increase Braking Distance? The Hidden Safety Risk Clackamas Drivers Need to Fix Before It’s Too Late Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales – Where Safety, Integrity, and Performance Meet 📍 15688 SE 135th Ave, Clackamas, OR 97015 📞 (503) 656-0600 | 🌐 tims-automotive.com Introduction: Why Your New Brakes Might Not Be Enough to Keep You Safe You just had your brake pads replaced. Maybe the rotors too. But when you hit the brakes, something still feels wrong. The car nose-dives. It sways. It doesn’t stop as fast as you expect. Here’s why: braking performance doesn’t start with your brake pads—it starts with your suspension. Worn shocks and struts can increase braking distance by up to 30%. That means what could have been a clean stop becomes a collision at a crosswalk—or a close call on Highway 224. At Tim’s Automotive in Clackamas, we believe dr ... read more
Posted on 7/11/2025

Brake Pad Replacement Near Me – Clackamas Drivers Count on Tim’s Automotive for Safe, Precision Brake Service If you searched “brake pad replacement near me,” you’re not just looking for convenience—you’re looking for a trusted shop that will keep you, your family, and your vehicle safe. At Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales in Clackamas, OR, we don’t take that responsibility lightly. Your brakes aren’t just one more maintenance item—they’re your vehicle’s last line of defense. And whether you’re hearing a squeal, feeling a soft pedal, or just trying to avoid bigger problems down the road, we’re here to help you do it right the first time. What Do Brake Pads Do—and Why Are They So Important? Brake pads are the key component that makes your vehicle stop. When you press the brake pedal, the pads press against the spinning rotors to create friction, converting speed into heat ... read more