Yakima Auto Repair

Accidents happen, and one of the mishaps involves hitting the oil pan on your vehicle. This can occur from running over debris, hitting a pothole, or even misjudging a curb. But once it happens, the immediate question is: Is it safe to continue driving? Understanding the role of the oil pan and the potential damage from such an incident is required for making the right decision and ensuring your car's health and your safety. Why Is The Oil Pan Important The oil pan, situated at the bottom of your engine, holds the engine oil that lubricates vital components, ensuring they function smoothly. It's a part of your vehicle's lubrication system. When you start your car, the oil pump draws oil from the pan and distributes it throughout the engine. Engine parts can suffer from friction without sufficient lubrication, leading to overheating and significant damage. Immediate Steps to Take After Hitting Your Oil Pan If you hit your oil pan, you should first pull over to a safe loc ... read more

In recent years, catalytic converter theft has become a growing concern for vehicle owners and law enforcement agencies. But why are these seemingly innocuous components being targeted by thieves, and what exactly do they do with them once stolen? What Is a Catalytic Converter It's important to understand these devices and why they're valuable. Catalytic converters are emission control devices installed in vehicles to reduce harmful pollutants from the exhaust system. They contain precious metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium, which act as catalysts to facilitate chemical reactions that convert toxic gasses into less harmful substances. Why Thieves Target Catalytic Converters   The Lucrative Black Market: Catalytic converters contain valuable metals that can fetch a handsome price on the black market. With the increa ... read more

Your car's air conditioning (A/C) system is a vital component that keeps you comfortable during hot summer drives. While many drivers enjoy the luxury of cool air on demand, few understand the intricate workings of their vehicle's A/C system.  The A/C system in your vehicle is a complex network of components designed to cool and dehumidify the air entering the cabin. By removing heat and moisture from the air, the A/C system creates a comfortable driving environment, even on scorching summer days.  Components of Your Car's A/C SystemCompressor The compressor is the heart of the A/C system, responsible for pressurizing and circulating refrigerant throughout the system. It compresses the low-pressure refrigerant gas into a high-pressure state, enabling efficient heat exchange in the condenser. Condenser ... read more

Have you ever wondered what makes your car's clutch engage and disengage seamlessly as you shift gears? The clutch pressure plate is an often overlooked yet essential component of your vehicle's transmission system.  We will provide you with a detailed understanding of the clutch pressure plate, shedding light on its inner workings and explaining why it is crucial to maintain it properly. By the end of this read, you will have a comprehensive knowledge of the clutch pressure plate, which will help you take better care of your vehicle and ensure its optimal performance. Understanding the Clutch Pressure Plate The clutch pressure plate is a vital component of the clutch assembly, responsible for engaging and disengaging the clutch disc from the engine ... read more

As a vehicle owner, it is important to have a basic understanding of the exhaust system. It is not just a simple pipe that expels fumes. In fact, it is a complex system that plays a vital role in ensuring that your car runs efficiently, safely, and with minimal environmental impact. The exhaust system comprises several interconnected parts that we will take a look at below, as well as a few maintenance tips, so continue reading! 1. Exhaust Manifold The journey of exhaust gasses starts at the exhaust manifold, which collects exhaust from each cylinder of the engine. This collection point channels the gasses through a single pipe to the next components. 2. Oxygen Sensors Modern vehicles are equipped with oxygen sensors that monitor the level of oxygen in the exhaust gasses. These sensors provide feedback to the car's computer to optimize the fuel-t ... read more