Clackamas Auto Repair

Check Engine Light Turning On and Off? Why Clackamas Drivers Trust Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales Few things make drivers more uneasy than the sudden appearance of the check engine light (CEL). Sometimes it stays lit, other times it vanishes the next time you start your car. Many drivers assume, “If it went away, the problem must have fixed itself.” Unfortunately, that’s almost never the case. At Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales in Clackamas, OR, we’ve seen this countless times. A CEL that flickers on and off usually means your car is experiencing an intermittent fault — a problem that happens under certain conditions but hasn’t yet failed completely. Ignoring it gives small issues time to grow into expensive repairs and surprise breakdowns. This guide explains: Why your check engine light sometimes comes and goes   The most common culprits behind intermittent CELs   Why waiting is a gamble with your vehicle’s ... read more

Decoding the Warning Signs: Your Definitive, Comprehensive Guide to the Symptoms of a Failing Transmission Introduction: The Heart of Your Vehicle, Safeguarded by Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales At Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales, we’ve been a trusted part of the Clackamas and greater Portland metro community for decades. While our name highlights our full-service repair capabilities and a passion for finding the right vehicle for our customers, our true focus is on building lasting relationships based on trust and expertise. We understand that your vehicle is a critical part of your life, enabling you to navigate the diverse landscape of the Pacific Northwest—from the daily commute on I-205 to weekend trips to Mount Hood or the Oregon Coast. In this region, your vehicle's systems, especially its transmission, face a unique set of challenges. The constant stop-and-go traffic, the steep hills of the Willamette Valley, and the variable weather patterns ... read more

Why Does My Car Smell Musty? Uncovering the Causes and Solutions Have you ever slid into your car's driver's seat, ready for a drive, only to be greeted by an unpleasant, musty odor that seems to linger no matter how many air fresheners you hang? If you're asking yourself, "Why does my car smell musty?" you're not alone. This common issue plagues countless vehicle owners, turning what should be a comfortable ride into an uncomfortable experience. Musty smells in cars often signal underlying problems that, if left unaddressed, can lead to more significant issues like health concerns or costly repairs. In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive deep into the reasons your car might smell musty, explore the science behind these odors, and provide practical steps to eliminate them. Whether it's a faint whiff or an overpowering stench, understanding the root causes is the first step toward a fresher vehicle. At Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales, located ... read more

Advanced Diagnostic Testing: How It Saves Your Vehicle and Keeps You Safe on the Road When your car's dashboard lights up with a warning or it starts behaving unpredictably, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Is it a minor glitch or a serious issue? Advanced diagnostic testing takes the guesswork out of auto repair, pinpointing problems with precision to keep your vehicle running smoothly. At Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales in Clackamas, OR, advanced diagnostics are a cornerstone of their service, helping drivers in Clackamas, Portland, Happy Valley, Oregon City, Milwaukie, Gresham, Lake Oswego, West Linn, and surrounding areas get back on the road with confidence. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what advanced diagnostic testing entails, why it’s essential, how it works, and the benefits it offers for your vehicle’s health and your peace of mind. Modern vehicles are marvels of engineering, equipped with complex systems that rely on sensors ... read more

Metal Fatigue in the Auto Repair Industry: Why Tim’s Automotive Repair & Sales Is Not to Blame for Stripped Drain Plugs, Lug Nuts, and Worn Fasteners Introduction: The Hidden Challenge in Auto Repair At Tim’s Automotive Repair & Sales in Clackamas, OR, we’ve built our reputation on honesty, skilled workmanship, and customer trust. But one of the most common frustrations in auto repair comes when a bolt, oil drain plug, or lug nut fails during service. Many customers assume: “The shop must have broken it.” In reality, these failures are almost always caused by metal fatigue—the gradual, invisible weakening of metal after years of torque, vibration, heat cycling, and corrosion. By the time our technicians touch the part, it has already reached the end of its service life. This blog will explain what metal fatigue is, why it matters in automotive service, and why Tim’s Automotive Repair & Sales should not be blamed when it causes f ... read more