Portland Auto Repair

Usually, most people don't care for their windshield wipers as long as they half work. However, that's not a good idea. Windshield wipers play a significant role in your and your passenger's safety. Your windshield wipers are effective at cleaning, drying, and clearing your windscreen. They are absolutely necessary when it comes to driving in the rain or snow. Sadly, most drivers do not follow the rule of changing them out every 6 to 12 months. Instead, most people will wait until they entirely fall apart or stop functioning before scrambling to get a replacement. It is highly recommended that you get in the habit of wiping off your wipers and checking for signs of wear and tear. Here's how to tell if you require new ones: Squeaking Noises Your wiper blades should glide seamlessly and quietly across a wet windshield. If you hear a loud screeching when you test them with wiper fluid, it may indicate that the rubber or silicon on them has aged.  Streaking and Smea ... read more

Keeping your engine cooled off is considered a top priority; otherwise, your engine would overheat. Next thing you know, you're stranded with a vehicle breakdown on the side of the road. Your cooling system, which comprises of coolant, is in charge of keeping your engine stable. As a responsible vehicle owner, you need to monitor your coolant levels routinely.    When it comes to the cooling system, you may hear people use the terms "antifreeze" and "coolant" interchangeably, but they aren't really the same to car enthusiasts and professionals. They may be the same in a casual setting, but you should know the difference to avoid any confusion.    Antifreeze is a viscous, concentrated solution composed of alcohol (usually ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, or methanol), phosphates, or silicates. The chemical ingredients in antifreeze help relieve the high temperatures in your engine and contain anti-rust properties.   The liquid ... read more

All vehicles depend on many different fluids in order to function optimally. The fluids usually serve a purpose to keep their internal components lubricated and support systematic functions. All drivers need to stay on top of the six essential fluids: engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windscreen wiper fluid, and antifreeze/coolant. If any of these solutions run low or the fluid is in poor condition, your vehicle could experience a handful of problems.   Importance of Fluid Maintenance We highly advise that you inspect and measure your fluids periodically. The most frequent fluid service that you need to get for your vehicle is an oil change. You should have your oil changed approximately every 5,000 miles (depending on the type of oil). In contrast, your other fluids can last you a lot longer.    To answer your question (the title of this blog), YES, every car needs fluid maintenance. There are two types of terms to remember concerni ... read more

Once inside their cars, most drivers don't give their headrest a second thought before taking off. Despite the headrests being standard in most automobiles nowadays, they are a forgotten treasure for most people. The headrest isn't just made to be a comfortable holder to lay your head on. In fact, they are a safety feature that is supposed to protect your head and neck during an accident. Contemporary car models have evolved with more cushioned seats that are ergonomically shaped to fit your body; however, the headrest has always remained awkward yet fundamental to protect your rotation.    According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, whiplash and neck injuries are the most common reported injuries in automotive insurance claims. Most often, instances of whiplash occur during rear-end vehicle collisions. When a car is hit from the back, the driver's torso moves forward so suddenly that their head lags in movement. The headrest helps prevent w ... read more

Have you ever turned on your headlights just only to get fuzzy and dim lights as a result? You go to check your headlights, and they seem to be working fine. You do notice that they are faint and give off a yellowish tint. A layer of filthy grime buildup covering both your headlights is sticky to the touch (gross). We're here to tell you that the fogginess of the lights is most likely due to oxidation. Luckily, it is a quick fix. We have the perfect methods to help you restore your headlights with simple items that you can find in any and every household.   How to Remove Oxidation and Restore Your Headlights Before beginning the cleaning process, you need to gather three things: microfiber cloth, soap specially made for cars, and water. Additionally, you should pick one of the three cleaning agents below.   1) Toothpaste Toothpaste, believe it or not, is a wonderful cleaning agent for oxidation. To restore your lights, apply the toothpaste directly onto the dirty le ... read more