Yakima Auto Repair

Coolant, also known as antifreeze, plays a vital role in regulating your car's temperature. Without it, your engine can overheat and cause severe damage. A coolant flush is a maintenance procedure that involves removing old coolant from the system and replacing it with new fluid. But is it necessary? Let's take a closer look. Why are coolant flushes important? Over time, coolant can become contaminated with debris and lose its effectiveness. A coolant flush helps to remove built-up rust, scale, and other debris that can clog your cooling system. Additionally, a coolant flush helps to maintain the proper pH balance in your engine, which can prevent corrosion and damage to vital components. How to tell if you need a coolant flush? If your engine is running too hot or you notice a sweet, pungent smell, it may be a sign that your coolant needs to be changed. Other signs that you may need a coolant flush include the following: Rust or sediment buildup in the coolant Low coola ... read more

With the increasing demand for eco-friendly vehicles, hybrids have become popular for drivers who want to reduce their carbon footprint. Hybrid vehicles combine traditional gasoline-powered engines with electric motors and batteries to create an efficient and environmentally-friendly mode of transportation. However, like any vehicle, hybrid types have their pros and cons. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of owning a hybrid vehicle. Pros of Hybrid Vehicles Fuel efficiency: Hybrid cars have a significantly higher fuel efficiency than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. This means that you can save money on gas over time with your investment. Environmental benefits: Hybrids produce fewer emissions than gasoline-powered cars, making them more environmentally friendly.  Simpler maintenance: Hybrid vehicles have fewer moving parts than traditional cars, requiring less maintenance.  Tax incentives ... read more

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