Clackamas Auto Repair

Why Is My Car Riding Rough? You know your car better than anyone — and when the ride suddenly feels harsher, bumpier, or less stable, something inside you knows it’s not right. What used to be a smooth cruise down SE 82nd Drive or I-205 now feels rough, shaky, and uncomfortable. A rough ride isn’t just an annoyance. It’s your car’s way of saying something’s off. Whether the cause lies in your tires, suspension, steering, or driveline, every vibration or bounce has a reason. If you’re driving through Clackamas, Oregon City, or Happy Valley and wondering, “Why is my car riding rough?”, this guide will help you understand what’s happening, why it matters, and what to do to restore that smooth, confident feel.     1. Tires and Wheels — Where Comfort Begins Your tires are the first and most important link between your car and the road. When something goes wrong here, you’ll feel it immediately. Tire Pre ... read more

Section 1: What the Heater Core Does and Why It Matters The heater core is a miniature radiator. It handles two major responsibilities: 1. Heating the Cabin Hot coolant flows from the engine into the heater core. A blower motor pushes air across the heated surface, creating warm air for the interior. If coolant isn’t circulating properly—because of a leak or clog—you’ll feel weak or no heat. 2. Powering the Defroster Your front defroster relies entirely on heat from the heater core. If the heater core fails, the defroster becomes weak or stops working, making it difficult to clear fog or frost—especially during wet, cold mornings in Clackamas, Happy Valley, Milwaukie, or Oregon City. 3. Supporting the Cooling System The heater core is part of the engine’s cooling loop. A clogged or leaking heater core restricts coolant flow, which can cause engine temperatures to rise. A failing heater core isn’t just a heating issue—it’s ... read more

The Foundation of Reliability: Why General Auto Repairs & Maintenance Define Long-Term Vehicle Health Dependability isn’t an accident—it’s engineered through consistency. Every time your car starts without hesitation, brakes smoothly, or handles precisely, that performance is the result of maintenance done right. Unfortunately, most drivers don’t think about maintenance until something goes wrong. But by the time a part fails, the damage has already spread through the system. The truth is simple: breakdowns don’t happen suddenly—they’re built one skipped service at a time. General auto repairs and maintenance form the backbone of long-term vehicle reliability. They keep your car operating safely, efficiently, and at peak performance. It’s not about reacting to problems—it’s about preventing them. In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore: Why general maintenance determines the lifespan of your vehicle   The ... read more

Vehicle Inspection: The Foundation of Safety, Reliability, and Long-Term Vehicle Health Introduction – Awareness is the Real Safety System There’s a quiet kind of confidence that comes from knowing your car is in excellent condition — not hoping, not assuming, but knowing. That confidence doesn’t come from luck. It comes from inspection. A vehicle inspection is far more than a checklist or state requirement. It’s a complete health assessment of your car — every system, every component, every safety feature. It’s how small, invisible issues are caught before they become costly problems. Whether you’re driving daily through Clackamas, commuting toward Oregon City or Milwaukie, or taking a trip through the foothills near Happy Valley, inspections keep you safe, steady, and confident. Preventive awareness is the difference between breakdowns and reliability — between hoping your car is fine and proving it is.     What a ... read more

Car Mechanic: Expert Insights, Maintenance Tips, and Reliable Services from Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales in Clackamas, OR Welcome to the Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales blog, your comprehensive resource for car mechanics, auto repair, and vehicle maintenance in Clackamas, OR. Founded in 1983 as a family-owned and operated business, Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales has been a cornerstone of the Clackamas community for over 40 years, providing honest, reliable service to drivers in Clackamas, Milwaukie, Oregon City, Happy Valley, Damascus, Boring, Estacada, Gresham, Portland, and surrounding areas. Whether you're searching for a "car mechanic near me" in the Portland metro area or need expert advice on maintaining your Acura, Buick, Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, or any domestic or import vehicle, our ASE-certified Master Technicians are here to help. In this detailed guide, we'll share essential car mechanic insights, practical maintenance tips tail ... read more