Yakima Auto Repair

Aftermarket additions refer to modifications made to a vehicle after its original manufacturing. These additions are usually made to improve the vehicle’s performance, appearance, and overall driving experience. Some of the most common aftermarket additions that drivers invest in are: Performance upgrades: Performance upgrades are designed to enhance a vehicle’s power and speed. This can include modifications to the engine, suspension, and exhaust system. A performance upgrade can include things like upgrading to high-performance spark plugs, air filters, and camshafts. Wheels and tires: Upgrading the wheels and tires on a vehicle can not only improve its appearance, but also its performance. Larger and wider tires can provide better traction and handling, while custom wheels can give the vehicle a unique and stylish look. Suspension: Upgrading the suspension system on a vehicle can improve its handling and ride quality. Some popular suspension upgrades include adding pe ... read more

The serpentine belt is an essential component of your vehicle. It helps to drive the alternator, power steering pump, air conditioning compressor, and water pump. A bad or failing serpentine belt can cause some major damage to both your engine and components in a very short amount of time. To ensure your vehicle runs safely and efficiently, it's important to stay on top of your serpentine belt maintenance and look out for any warning signs that it needs to be repaired or replaced. In this blog post, we take a look at some of the signs that your serpentine belt is failing. Signs of a Failing Serpentine Belt There are several signs that your serpentine belt is failing. Some of the most common warning signs include: Squealing or Chirping Noise - If your serpentine belt is damaged, worn, or loose, you may hear a squealing noise when the vehicle is started and accelerates. This squealing sound usually means that the belt needs to be tightened or replaced as soon as possible. Cracks ... read more

When preparing your vehicle for the winter, there are various things you are going to want to check to make sure everything is in working order. Inspection Before Winter Before winter comes, you want to have all of your weather gear for your vehicle. Here are a few parts that can be replaced to help endure the winter weather: Check your tire pressure as temperatures drop and your treading. You can also get winter tires that have longer treading for driving in the snow. Test your wipers and get wiper fluids for temperatures below freezing, so it doesn't freeze on or to the windshield and wipers. Test the battery and the cooling system. These are just a few things you want to test, and possibly replace, to endure the winter weather season. Tips for Driving in the Winter Nobody wants to go out in the winter, but unfortunately, the cold season doesn't stop our daily lives from continuing. It's important to stay home if possible, especially if below freezing or if there ... read more

With the end of daylight savings, most drivers in Yakima are driving home or school in complete darkness. Combined with the busy holiday traffic around the corner, driving becomes significantly more dangerous. It’s important to take this time to prep your car, SUV, or truck for night time driving and winter hazards. One key aspect of your car that you cannot miss is your headlights. Vehicle headlights are indispensable when it comes to you and other’s safety. That is why it is one of the key items that must be checked off when safety inspections come around. During this time of year, we encourage you to check for proper adjustments of your headlights. Your car headlights should aim at the right angles, so you can see road markings, signs, and any obstacles that may be looming in your path.  After months and years of driving your vehicle, headlights naturally collect dirt and grime. Eventually, the bulbs may dim and die out. To keep them bright and shining, we invite ... read more

Oil sludge is a thick, gooey substance that forms in your engine. It's caused by the breakdown of oil, which is naturally occurring. The oil then breaks down further into carbon and sludge. How does it hurt your car? Read on to find out how it does and what you should do about it. How does engine sludge form? Engine sludge is a buildup of solid deposits on the engine's internal parts. These deposits are composed of metal oxides and carbonates that build up over time due to engine wear, and they can cause the engine to perform poorly. Engine sludge forms when parts in an engine wear out, or are damaged by excessive wear. The most common causes for this damage include: long-term exposure to high temperatures excessive idling (when the vehicle is parked) driving over rough roads or driving with worn-out tires using poor-quality oil in your vehicle How can oil sludge hurt my car? The problem with oil sludge is that it can clog your engine, which will make your car run less ... read more