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

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

Why Is My Car Overheating If I Have Coolant? The Cooling System Breakdown You Can’t See | Tim’s Automotive – Clackamas, OR     You’re watching the temperature gauge climb. Maybe the engine smells hot, maybe steam starts rising—or your check engine light comes on. You open the hood and check the reservoir. It’s full. So why is your car still overheating? At Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales, this is a question we answer every week: “If my coolant level is good, why is my engine running hot?” The reality is, coolant in the reservoir doesn’t mean your system is doing its job. Let’s break down the real causes—and why this issue requires immediate attention before major engine damage occurs.     1. Coolant May Be Present—But It's Not Circulating If coolant isn’t moving through the engine, radiator, and back again, it’s not absorbing or releasing heat. That means temper ... read more

Why Your Car Sounds or Smells Funny — What It Means and What to Do That strange sound. That unfamiliar smell. You may be tempted to ignore it, hoping it goes away. But your vehicle has no other way to communicate — these signs are your early warning system. And the sooner you act, the more likely you are to prevent expensive repairs, unexpected breakdowns, or even safety issues. At Tim’s Automotive in Clackamas, we help drivers catch the problem before it gets worse. Here’s what those noises and smells likely mean — and when you should bring your car in.     👃 What That Smell Could Mean for Your Car Your car shouldn’t have any noticeable smell. If it does, something is likely leaking, overheating, or failing. 1. Burning Rubber Likely Cause: Slipping drive belt or a rubber hose touching hot engine parts.   Danger: Could cause loss of power steering or alternator failure.   Fix: Inspection and belt adjustment or replacem ... read more

Why Is Your Car Overheating? – Expert Overheating Repair Near Me An overheating engine can turn a simple commute into a frustrating and costly breakdown. At Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales in Clackamas, OR, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing cooling system issues to prevent long-term engine damage. If your vehicle’s temperature gauge is rising or you’re noticing steam coming from under the hood, it’s critical to address the issue before it escalates into a major repair. Common Causes of Engine Overheating Your vehicle’s engine is designed to run at a temperature range of 195 to 220 degrees Fahrenheit. If it exceeds this range, it can result in severe damage, including warped cylinder heads, blown gaskets, and even total engine failure. Below are the most frequent causes of overheating: 1. Low Coolant Levels or Leaks Coolant (also known as antifreeze) is essential for keeping your engine cool. If there’s a leak in the system&mdash ... read more