Yakima Auto Repair

Winter in Yakima, WA, can be tough on your car. Between icy roads, freezing temperatures, and shorter days, it’s a season that demands extra care for your vehicle. But how do you make sure your car is ready to handle it all? That’s where a winter car inspection comes in. This essential check-up keeps your car running efficiently and ensures your safety as the weather turns harsher. Let’s look at what’s typically included in this seasonal service. Battery Health and Charging System Cold weather puts a strain on your car’s battery, and no one wants to be stranded with a vehicle that won’t start. A winter inspection begins with a thorough check of your battery’s charge, terminals, and connections. If your battery is older or shows signs of wear, the technician may recommend replacing it to avoid surprises when the mercury dips. Tires and Tread Depth Your tires are your first line of defense against slippery ro ... read more

Driving requires precision, and a fully functioning speedometer is one of the key tools that ensure you stay in control. Your speedometer provides critical information about how fast you travel, helping you comply with speed limits and adapt to road conditions. But what happens when your speedometer isn’t working as it should? Could this seemingly small issue lead to bigger problems—or even accidents? The Role of Your Speedometer in Safe Driving Your speedometer is more than just a gauge on your dashboard. It’s your real-time indicator of how fast you’re going, allowing you to stay within legal speed limits and make informed decisions while driving. Whether merging onto a freeway, navigating through school zones, or adjusting to sudden changes in weather, knowing your exact speed is crucial. When a speedometer malfunctions, you lose a key piece of information. This creates uncertainty, leaving you to guess how fast you’re traveling&mdas ... read more

You may have heard of spark plugs and glow plugs, but knowing the difference between them can be confusing. These small components play a big role in starting your car, but they work in entirely different ways. Whether you drive a gasoline or diesel engine vehicle, understanding the purpose of each type of plug will help you keep your engine running smoothly and know when something might need attention. So, let’s look into the spark plugs and glow plugs, how they function, and why your vehicle depends on them. What Are Spark Plugs Let’s start with spark plugs found in gasoline-powered engines. These little devices ignite the air-fuel mixture inside the engine’s cylinders, generating the combustion needed to power your vehicle. Without a functioning spark plug, your car simply won’t start. A spark plug is connected to the ignition system, and as the name suggests, it generates a spark that ignites the air and fuel inside the combustion chamber ... read more

You’re driving along, everything seems fine, and then suddenly, you spot steam rising from under the hood of your car. It’s one of those moments where your heart might skip a beat because you know something isn’t right. But before panic sets in, it's important to understand why this might be happening and what steps you should take next. Steam isn’t just an inconvenience—it could be a sign of a serious issue that needs attention right away. Why Is There Steam Coming from Under My Hood? The presence of steam usually means your engine is overheating. An engine produces heat while running, but it relies on a cooling system to keep the temperature in check. If something within the cooling system isn’t functioning properly, the engine’s heat will rise to dangerous levels, leading to overheating and steam. Common causes for this include a lack of coolant, a radiator leak, or a malfunctioning thermostat. Sometimes, it could be ... read more

When you glance at your vehicle’s dashboard or open the driver’s door, you might notice a seemingly random string of 17 characters. This alphanumeric code is your Vehicle Identification Number or VIN. Far from being a meaningless jumble, the VIN holds a wealth of information about your car, including its origin, make and model, and even the plant where it was assembled. Understanding how to decode your VIN can provide insights into your vehicle’s history and ensure you get the right parts replacements. What is a VIN and Why It Matters The VIN is essentially your vehicle’s fingerprint. It is unique to every car and serves as a critical tool for identification, much like a Social Security Number does for individuals. Since the 1980s, automakers worldwide have adhered to the 17-character VIN standard, which means that no two vehicles manufactured after this period can share the same number. This standardization helps track vehicles across differe ... read more