Clackamas Auto Repair

10 Common Car Problems Clackamas Drivers Shouldn’t Ignore (And How Tim’s Automotive Helps You Avoid Costly Repairs) Intro: Most people don’t walk into a repair shop because everything’s fine. They come in because something feels… off. A sound. A light on the dash. A small change in how the car drives. And the truth is, those small signs matter more than most people think—because every major breakdown starts with a warning sign. At Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales in Clackamas, we believe in helping you catch issues early, understand what’s really going on, and prevent expensive repairs before they happen. That’s what real service looks like—and that’s what we’re here for. Below are the 10 most common problems we see in our shop—and what you should do if you’re seeing the signs in your own vehicle.     1. The Check Engine Light Comes On It’s one of the most common reasons people ... read more

Should You Buy a Gas or Electric Vehicle? What Clackamas Drivers Should Know | Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales When it’s time to buy your next vehicle, one big question tends to dominate the conversation: Should I go with a gas-powered car—or make the switch to electric? At Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales in Clackamas, OR, we’ve served drivers across the Portland metro area for decades. We’ve seen trends come and go—but we’ve also seen what works in the real world, especially here in Oregon. The gas vs. electric debate isn’t about what’s “better.” It’s about what’s better for you, your lifestyle, and how you plan to take care of your vehicle. Here’s the breakdown of what every Clackamas driver should consider before making the switch.     Electric Vehicles in Oregon: Growing Fast, but Still a Commitment Oregon ranks among the top EV-friendly states in the country, and Clackama ... read more

5 Engine Noises You Should Never Ignore Stop the Sound. Prevent the Breakdown. Trust Tim’s Automotive in Clackamas.   Your engine doesn’t suddenly fail without warning — but it does start whispering when something’s wrong. At Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales, we’ve helped Clackamas drivers protect their vehicles and their wallets by catching issues early — especially when it starts with a noise under the hood. Whether it’s a knock, squeal, or ticking sound, these engine noises are your car’s way of saying, “Pay attention now, or pay more later.” Here are five engine noises you should never ignore, what they typically mean, and how our expert technicians help you fix them fast — before they become expensive.     1. Knocking or Pinging When You Accelerate What it sounds like: A deep knock or metallic ping that gets louder under acceleration. What it likely means: Pre-ignition or engine detonat ... read more

Buy or Lease? The Long-Term Vehicle Decision That Could Save You Thousands     If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, one of the first questions you’ll face is this: “Should I buy or lease?” It seems like a matter of personal preference. But if you care about long-term financial freedom, avoiding unnecessary debt, and getting the most out of every vehicle, there’s one choice that wins every time: Buy smart, maintain it well, and break free from the payment cycle. At Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales, we’ve spent years helping Clackamas drivers take better care of their vehicles—and the stories are almost always the same: People lease or trade in every few years   They think their car isn’t worth fixing   They start another loan or lease   And they never stop making payments   If that sounds familiar, don’t worry—you’re not alone. But you do have a better option. &nbs ... read more

Auto Repair That Respects You – Welcome to Tim’s Automotive in Clackamas, OR Let’s face it—getting your car serviced shouldn’t feel stressful or uncomfortable. And yet, too many women have had experiences in auto repair shops that left them feeling unheard, rushed, or second-guessed. At Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales, we’re changing that. For over 30 years, we’ve proudly served the Clackamas community with one simple goal: treat every customer like family—with respect, transparency, and total honesty. That’s why so many women across Clackamas, Happy Valley, and surrounding areas trust us to handle their vehicles. We don’t just fix cars—we give you the confidence to understand them, maintain them, and make informed decisions about them.     What Makes Tim’s Automotive Female-Friendly? We know what many women have experienced at other shops. You’ve told us about being talked down to, b ... read more