Vancouver Auto Repair

Does Your Car Need a New Thermostat in Vancouver WA? So, about that thermostat? Every car has one but how often do you pay attention to the thermostat? In most cases, your thermostat will last for about 10 years or even longer. But at some point, thermostats do break down and need to be replaced. So how do you know if your thermostat has reached the breaking point? There are several signs to look for and most of them are easy to detect. Here are the most common things to keep an eye on, so you know if your thermostat has had it. You don’t want to drive with a faulty thermostat because it can affect whether your engine receives coolant when it needs it. If the engine doesn’t get fluid at the right time, it can overheat and that can damage the motor. Erratic Temperature Gauge – one of the first things to watch for is an erratic temperature gauge. If your gauge goes into party mode, then there is a problem with the thermostat. If it&r ... read more

Benefits of Flushing Your Coolant – Vancouver Auto Repair Do you know what keeps your engine cool when it runs? Do you know what keeps your engine warm when the temperature drops below freezing? Would you believe the answer is the same for both? Most people know that anti-freeze protects your engine when the sub-freezing weather hits. But anti-freeze is also called coolant because it protects your engine from overheating. Coolant transfers and evacuates excess heat from your engine to protect it from getting too hot. Engine coolant is pretty basic, but some vehicles use only a specific type of coolant, so it’s important to know which type your vehicle takes before replacing it or topping it off. And speaking of replacing your engine coolant, do you know the last time you had this important service done? When Should You Get a Coolant Flush? If you’re not sure, then you should probably at least get the coolant checked to be sure it ... read more

What Should You Do if Your Vehicle Overheats – Vancouver Auto Repair Have you ever seen someone on the side of the road with their hood up and steam pouring out of the engine? Or, maybe you’re the one that was on the side of the road. That’s a terrible situation to be in. When your engine overheats, that usually indicates there is an issue with your cooling system. But there are other things that can cause an engine to overheat. Why Is Your Vehicle Overheating? When your cooling system has an issue, the engine can’t stay cool, because not enough coolant is reaching the engine block. Typically, there is a blockage or a leak somewhere in the system. It takes a trained professional with the right tools to find it. Other cooling system issues that can cause your vehicle to overheat include a broken water pump, a bad thermostat or radiator fan, or a broken or blocked coolant hose. Other than the obvious bellowing steam coming from under the hood, there are some other ... read more

Buying a car is an exciting experience for most people. Sure, you have to go through the search process, and maybe some haggling to get the deal you want. But when it’s all said and done and you get behind the wheel of your “new” vehicle, it’s an exciting time. Whether you buy a brand-new car or a used vehicle that’s “new” to you, you always want to be sure you are getting a good, reliable car. Of course, when you purchase a new vehicle, it’s a pretty safe bet to say it’s in good shape. Even if it’s not the highest quality manufacturer, it’s still brand new, so you can expect it to be reliable at least for a few years. When you buy a used vehicle, on the other hand, in many cases, there are no guarantees. That’s why an affordable pre-purchase vehicle inspection is such a smart idea. Quality Vehicle Inspection Vancouver, WA So h ... read more