Vancouver Auto Repair

How to Make Your Brakes Last Longer - Vancouver Auto Repair   Your brakes are one of the most important safety features on your vehicle, so it's important to take care of them to help make them they last as long as possible. You will have to get brake service from time to time. But if you do your part to take care of them, your brakes will last a long time and keep you safe on the road.   Fortunately, there are several things you can do to help make your brakes last longer. Just follow these important tips.   Top Brake Tips for Your Vehicle   Keep an eye on your brake pads: The brake pads are the part of your brakes that come into contact with the brake rotor when you press on the brake pedal. Over time, the brake pads will wear down, so it's important to keep an eye on them and replace them when they become too thin. They will usually squeak when this happens.   Check your brake ... read more

Important Things to Know About Your Suspension – Vancouver Auto Repair   Have you noticed your vehicle riding rough lately? Does it seem like you feel every bump in road wherever you go? It might not be the roads you drive on. It might be your suspension system that needs some work.   The suspension system in your vehicle is an essential component that helps provide a smooth and comfortable ride. It also plays a crucial role in maintaining stability, handling and braking performance. So, it’s not just about comfort; it’s also about your safety.   Vancouver Suspension Service   So now that you know your suspension system is important, here’s what you need to know to make sure it’s running smoothly. And if you think your suspension has any issues, then please bring your vehicle into our Vancouver auto repair shop for the right repairs.   1. The main components of the suspension system are t ... read more

Top Tips to Make Your Gas Go Further – Vancouver Auto Repair   Nobody likes to spend a lot of money on gas. We would all rather spend that money on something a lot better than gas. With gas prices so high, and with no signs of letting up anytime soon, it’s important you do all you can to make your gas go further.   Here are some tips to help you make your gas go further:   Keep your tires properly inflated: One of the easiest and most effective ways to make your gas go further is to keep your tires properly inflated. When your tires are underinflated, they can increase the amount of drag on your car, which in turn can cause your engine to work harder and use more gas. To ensure that your tires are properly inflated, check their pressure at least once a month and inflate them to the recommended pressure level as specified in your vehicle's owner's manual.   Use cruise control: Another way ... read more

How To Clean Your Vehicle’s Carpet and Mats – Vancouver Auto Repair   Cleaning the carpets and mats in your vehicle can be a daunting task, especially if cleaning your vehicle is not something you do regularly. However, it is essential to maintain the overall appearance and hygiene of your car. After all, when you take care of your vehicle, it will last longer, look better, and give you a sense of pride in your ride.    There are a lot of ways to go about cleaning your vehicle. Here are some top tips on how to keep your vehicle's carpet and mats looking their best.   Cleaning Your Carpets and Mats   Th first step is to remove remove any debris or trash from the carpets and mats, and from anywhere else the care you have trash. Next up, get out your best vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment, preferably a shop-vac. Use the vacuum to suck up any dirt, dust, or crumbs that have accumulated. Make sure you get ... read more

Can You Give Your Hybrid Battery a Jump? – Vancouver Auto Repair   When it comes to fuel economy everyone loves a hybrid. That’s usually why people decide to drive a hybrid to begin with. However, hybrids can offer some unique challenges for maintenance and repairs, especially when the battery dies. If you’ve ever given a gas-powered vehicle a jump, then you know the process. As long as you have jumper cables and the battery is fairly accessible, it’s a straightforward process.   But what about giving a hybrid vehicle a jump? Is it just the same as a gas-powered car? The simple answer is no. That’s because the battery system of a hybrid is a lot more complex than the battery system on a gas-powered vehicle. For starters, there are two batteries: a 12V auxiliary battery and a high voltage hybrid battery.   Hybrid Battery Service Vancouver WA   If your high voltage hybrid battery is having an issu ... read more

Everyone's daily routine and job are unique, as are their vehicles. Some people prefer a very comfortable drive, while others prefer space and efficiency. The main reason for the variety of vehicles we have on the market is that everyone has a specific taste and need. Here come SUVs; they are ideal for those who want a spacious interior with plenty of storage as well as speed. There are numerous shapes and forms, colors, and engine options to choose from, but what are SUVs exactly? Well, if you want to find out, make sure you continue reading! What Does SUV Mean? SUV is an abbreviation meaning "Sports Utility Vehicle". As the name implies, they are utility vehicles capable of towing or storing a lot of stuff while still having a lot of power. With the benefits it brings in comparison with its other options, like sedans or hatchbacks, it has grown in popularity drastically. It's perfect for anyone from a big family to someone who likes a lot of room ... read more

Vancouver WA Oil Changes – Synthetic or Conventional Unless your vehicle is an all-electric, then you need motor oil for it to proper functionally. All gas-powered engines need the right oil, at the right amount. And all gas-powered engines need regular oil changes. Oil changes are so simple, but so many people aren’t diligent about getting them when they should. It can be tempting to put them off and maybe try to make the current oil stretch a little further. But the risk outweighs the reward. In most cases, oil changes run about $50 or less, depending on the vehicle. But that small amount can save you thousands in in other damages and repairs, that can occur by not getting oil changes done on time. One of the most common questions people have about oil changes is what kind of oil they should use, including whether they should use conventional oil or a synthetic. Over the last 10-15 years, synthetics or synthetic blends have become very popular in the o ... read more

Are Your Tires Costing You Money – Vancouver Auto Repair Owning a vehicle can be an expensive endeavor. Aside from the monthly payments that most car owners have to make, the cost of ownership can add up. You have to pay for gas, unless you drive an all-electric, and then there are the regular oil changes, routine maintenance, and other periodic services that all vehicles need. So, when you invest in a vehicle, you also have to keep in mind that there will always be additional expenses. However, there are also several things you can do to keep those expenses as low as possible. One thing to pay close attention to is your tires. Tires are expensive purchase, but if you don’t watch for a few things, they can actually cost you in other ways. Common Ways Your Tires Are Costing You Money The first thing to look for is tire pressure. Driving around with under inflated tires not only affects how your vehicle handles, but it can also negatively ... read more

Why Is My Engine Making Growling Noises – Vancouver Auto Repair   Your car’s engine makes a lot of noises. Some of them are completely normal and in fact, for some people a revving engine is music to their ears. A lot of drivers can’t get enough of that roar. However, not all engine noises are good. In fact, some noises from your engine are not healthy at all, like a growling sound. There are some “growls” that sound good, like the one coming from a classic hot rod. But there are other growling sounds that aren’t what you want to hear. And if you do hear the bad kind of growling from your engine, you need to pay attention. Don’t ignore the problem or it will get worse, and it could cause additional damage and problems. So, what causes your engine to make the bad kind of growling noise? Typically, it’s a problem with the water pump. When the water pump goes south the engine can start to growl and that means you ne ... read more

Is Your Clutch on Its Last Legs – Vancouver Auto Repair Although most vehicles on the road these days have automatic transmissions, there are still cars with manual transmissions out there. If you own a manual transmission vehicle and you’ve noticed some issues lately, then it might be time for some clutch service. There are several things that can go wrong with the clutch and affect your ability to shift gears. Some of these issues can be minor and only necessitate a simple repair. On the other hand, some issues are more serious and might require a rebuilt clutch, or a new clutch altogether. But no matter the severity, if you are having clutch issues, then come see us at our Vancouver auto repair shop. Here are the most common signs that your vehicle needs some clutch service. Tops Signs of a Bad ClutchBurning Smell – when your clutch starts to go bad, you will likely smell a burning odor. This happens because ... read more