Clackamas Auto Repair

How Often Should I Perform an Oil Change? A Deep Dive into the 3,000 to 5,000-Mile Interval Debate When it comes to car maintenance, few topics spark as much debate as the question of oil changes. If you’ve been a car owner for a while, you've likely heard the traditional advice: change your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. However, recent advancements in engine and oil technology have led many manufacturers to stretch these intervals, with some recommending changes as infrequently as every 7,500 to 10,000 miles—or even longer. So, should you follow the classic 3,000- to 5,000-mile rule, or trust the manufacturer’s extended intervals? In this blog, we’ll unpack the reasoning behind the 3,000 to 5,000-mile recommendation, discuss why some experts prefer sticking to it over following manufacturer guidelines, and examine the potential benefits of sticking with this more frequent interval.     The Origins of the 3,000 to 5,000-Mile Rule Historicall ... read more

The Truth About Car Repair: What You Need to Know Car ownership comes with a significant question: who should you trust when it comes to maintaining your vehicle? With manufacturers, dealerships, and independent repair shops each offering different advice, it can feel overwhelming to know what’s best for your car in the long run. The truth is, car manufacturers and their vast network of influence don’t always have your best interest at heart—they want to sell more cars. As a result, the recommendations from automakers may seem to prioritize minimizing maintenance and keeping repair costs low initially. But the reality is that neglecting preventative maintenance will cost you more over time. This blog will help you see through the conflicting messages, giving you a deeper understanding of why proper maintenance is crucial and how to find a reliable service provider.     Automakers Want You to Buy, Not Maintain At the heart of the automotive industry lies ... read more

Should You Buy a New or Used Car, or Keep Your Old One? In the United States, one of the most significant drains on personal wealth is the car sitting in your driveway. It’s not just the immediate cost of a vehicle—financing, depreciation, maintenance, and insurance all add up to enormous lifetime expenses. Yet, many of us continue to trade up to new cars, trying to keep up with societal expectations and indulging in the allure of that "new car smell." This blog dives deep into the true costs of new cars, used cars, and maintaining your current vehicle. By the end, you'll have a clear picture of how each choice impacts your wallet, lifestyle, and long-term financial well-being—and why cars are often the main culprit sabotaging retirement savings.     The True Cost of Vehicle Ownership: Breaking it Down When considering whether to buy a new, used, or keep your old car, it’s essential to understand the "true cost to own" (TCO ... read more

Why Is My Car Overheating? Causes, Solutions, and Prevention Overheating is a common issue that drivers dread, as it can leave you stranded on the side of the road and lead to costly repairs if not addressed promptly. When your car’s engine runs too hot, it can suffer from serious damage, including blown head gaskets or cracked engine blocks. In this post, we’ll explore the main causes of overheating, how to troubleshoot them, and tips to prevent overheating from happening in the future.     How Does a Car Cooling System Work? Understanding why a car overheats requires knowing how the cooling system functions. Your car’s engine generates an immense amount of heat during combustion. The cooling system works to remove that heat to prevent damage. It does this through several interconnected components: Radiator: Transfers heat from the coolant to the outside air. Coolant (antifreeze): Absorbs heat from the engine and circulates through the radiator. Wat ... read more

The Role of an Auto Mechanic: A Deep Dive into Car Maintenance and Repair Introduction: The Lifeline of Automotive Health In today’s fast-paced world, automobiles have become essential for mobility, convenience, and livelihood. At the heart of every well-functioning vehicle is the expertise of an auto mechanic, the unsung hero who ensures our cars are safe, reliable, and running at peak performance. Whether it’s a simple oil change, a complex engine rebuild, or diagnostics on modern vehicles, auto mechanics play a crucial role in keeping vehicles on the road. In this blog, we’ll explore the responsibilities, skills, and tools required by an auto mechanic, as well as delve into the importance of preventive maintenance, emerging challenges with electric vehicles (EVs), and tips for finding a trustworthy mechanic.     Who Is an Auto Mechanic? An auto mechanic (also called a car mechanic) is a trained professional who inspects, diagnoses, repairs, and main ... read more