Portland Auto Repair

In the world of “you get what you pay for,” the cheapest price for an oil change is not always the best value. I would like to break down a $19.95 oil change advertisement that I recently heard on the radio. It said: “Our premium oil change and complete inspection for only $19.95.” This seems like a very good price… until you listen to the disclaimer. The disclaimer states that the price is good for conventional grade oil only, and most cars from 2000 and newer require an oil better than the conventional grade. They also said that the “complete inspection” included a visual brake inspection only, which means the wheels would not be removed to do a thorough brake inspection, either. Another disclaimer states, “Valid for up to 5 quarts of 10/30 or 5/30 conventional oil. Extra fees for synthetic or semi-synthetic blend oil. Cartridge oil filters extra. Valid for most cars.” Okay, let’s break that down. Many cars these days h ... read more

The Heat is On: Caring for Your Transmission Does this sound like your driving habits? • Frequent stop-and-go • Driving in heavy traffic • Driving in dusty conditions • Driving on steep terrain This kind of driving takes its toll on transmissions. Yep… it’s trying to tell you something in transmission–speak, so listen up! Here are some audio clues that your transmission may be headed toward a breakdown. • Clicks • Buzzes • Whistles • Moans and Groans • Squeals and Screeches • Hums and Whines • Clanks • Grates and Rumbles • Chatters and Clunks Do you see a drip under your car? If it is reddish-brown in color, it may mean one of three things: leaking transmission, over-tightened pan gasket, or a leaking front seal. Do you smell something burning? It could possibly be your transmission fluid. Those of us in the automotive service and repair business recommend you exchange the fluid every 30,000 miles ... read more