Yakima Auto Repair

Winter driving in Yakima means your vehicle is exposed to freezing overnight lows and chilly daytime temperatures. While most drivers worry about traction and icy roads, your car’s fluids also face unique stress in the cold. Fluids contract as temperatures drop, seals harden, and metal components shrink slightly. These combined effects make leaks far more common in winter than in warmer months. Why Seals and Gaskets Fail in the Cold Your vehicle relies on dozens of rubber seals and gaskets to keep oil, coolant, and transmission fluid contained. Cold air causes rubber to stiffen, lose flexibility, and become brittle. When you start the engine, these seals are suddenly exposed to rapid heat expansion, which can create cracks or gaps. Even a small tear can allow fluid to escape, especially when pressure builds inside the system. Motor Oil Leaks in Winter Oil leaks are among the most ... read more

You’ve parked your car, turned off the engine, and walked away—only to hear a clicking, popping, or humming sound coming from underneath. While it might be alarming at first, post-shutdown noises are fairly common and not always a sign that something is wrong. In many cases, your car is simply finishing up some normal cooling or system functions. However, some noises can point to developing problems that deserve attention. Knowing what’s normal and what’s not can help you stay ahead of repairs and keep your vehicle running reliably. Why Cars Make Noises After Turning Off Modern vehicles are more complex than ever, and many systems continue operating briefly even after the engine is shut down. These post-run sounds are often caused by cooling processes, the powering down of electronic components, or the thermal expansion and contraction of metal parts. While some sounds are a normal part of operation, others may indicate issues such as worn p ... read more

You’re driving along a straight road, and you notice your car starts to veer slightly to the left or right, even though you’re holding the wheel straight. This may not seem like a major issue at first, but a vehicle that drifts or pulls to one side is usually trying to tell you something important. This kind of behavior doesn’t just affect your comfort behind the wheel. It can compromise your safety, reduce fuel efficiency, and accelerate tire wear if left unaddressed. Fortunately, most causes of vehicle drifting are relatively easy to diagnose and correct with a professional inspection and repair. Let’s look at the most common reasons your car might be pulling to one side while driving. Wheel Alignment Issues Improper wheel alignment is one of the most frequent culprits. Your car’s suspension system is designed to keep the wheels at precise angles relative to the road and each other. Over time, or after hitting a pothole or curb, these ... read more

When it’s time for an oil change, you usually see two options: conventional oil and synthetic oil. While synthetic costs more, the question many drivers ask is—why? What exactly makes synthetic oil different, and is the higher price tag really worth it? Synthetic oil offers several advantages that justify the cost, especially when it comes to engine protection, performance, and longevity. Understanding the differences will help you make a more informed decision about your car. How Synthetic Oil Is Made The primary difference between synthetic and conventional oil lies in how each is made. Conventional oil is refined directly from crude petroleum. It contains a mix of molecules of varying sizes, along with impurities that can affect performance over time. Synthetic oil, on the other hand, is engineered in a lab. It starts with a base of highly refined petroleum or chemically modified compounds, and the molecules are made to be uniform in size and shape ... read more

Brakes are one of the most important safety systems in any vehicle. We use them every day without much thought, but understanding how your car slows down and stops can help you recognize issues early and take better care of your vehicle. Whether you’re driving in city traffic or heading down a steep hill, your brakes are constantly working to keep you in control. So how exactly do they work? Let’s take a closer look. The Basics of Hydraulic Brake Systems Most modern cars use hydraulic brake systems. When you press the brake pedal, it activates a master cylinder filled with brake fluid. This fluid travels through brake lines and applies pressure to the brake components at each wheel. The system is designed to amplify the force from your foot and evenly distribute it to stop the vehicle quickly and safely. Without this fluid pressure, your brakes can’t function effectively—which is why keeping the fluid clean and at the right level is so impor ... read more