Clackamas Auto Repair

Engine Diagnostics: A Complete Guide for Clackamas, Happy Valley, and the Greater Portland Metro Modern engines are more advanced than at any point in automotive history. What once relied on mechanical linkages, simple carburetors, and basic ignition systems is now controlled by a complex, computer-managed network of sensors, actuators, modules, and real-time data. Every second your engine runs, hundreds of processes must operate in harmony—fuel delivery, timing, airflow, combustion, temperature regulation, emissions, electrical communication, and more. Because of this complexity, engine diagnostics have become essential. When something goes wrong, the vehicle communicates through symptoms, warning lights, and behavior changes. But those symptoms must be interpreted correctly. That is the job of a complete diagnostic evaluation. Most drivers misunderstand what diagnostics actually mean. They associate diagnostics with a quick code scan. But a code is not a diagnosis. A code do ... read more

Car Mechanic vs Automotive Technician: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters Today When a vehicle starts making a strange noise or a warning light appears on the dashboard, most people still say they need a “car mechanic.” The term is familiar, widely used, and deeply rooted in automotive culture. But modern vehicles are no longer simple mechanical machines—and the professionals who service them have had to evolve just as much as the technology itself. Today’s vehicles are complex systems built from mechanical components, electronic controls, sensors, software logic, and interconnected safety technology. Because of this evolution, the difference between a traditional car mechanic and a modern automotive technician is far more than terminology. It directly affects how accurately a vehicle is diagnosed, how reliably repairs are completed, and how well that vehicle performs over time. For drivers in Clackamas and across the southeast Portland metro area ... read more

Why Is My Truck Making a Clicking Noise When I Try to Start It? You turn the key expecting the engine to fire—and instead, you hear click…click…click. The dashboard flickers. The engine stays silent. And suddenly, your morning takes a turn. That clicking sound is one of the most common complaints among truck owners, and for good reason—it’s the first sign that something in your electrical or starting system isn’t functioning the way it should. The good news? That sound isn’t random. It’s a signal—an audible clue that points you directly toward the problem if you know how to interpret it. Let’s break down what the clicking noise means, what causes it, and how to fix it before it turns into a bigger issue.     What the Clicking Noise Really Means When you try to start your truck, electrical power flows from the battery through the starter solenoid to the starter motor, which spins the engine. If something in t ... 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

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