Clackamas Auto Repair

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

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

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