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

Why Is My Truck Shaking While Driving? | Expert Solutions from Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales in Clackamas, OR Driving a truck should feel strong, stable, and reliable. But when it starts to shake—whether at idle, on the highway, or under braking—it’s a clear sign something’s wrong. At Tim’s Automotive Repair and Sales in Clackamas, we specialize in getting to the root of truck vibration issues. Our diagnostic approach combines real-world mechanical insight with cutting-edge equipment, so you get answers—not guesses—and repairs that actually last. Here’s what that shake could mean, and why it’s worth fixing right away.     1. Tire and Wheel Imbalance – The Most Common Cause of Shaking at Speed The #1 reason trucks shake at 45–75 MPH is tire or wheel imbalance. It might start as a slight shimmy, but it won’t go away on its own—and it often gets worse. What You’ll Notice: Steeri ... 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

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