Graham Auto Repair

Tag Archives: Prevent Breakdowns

Oil Leak Diagnostics

Oil Leak Diagnostics

Understanding Oil Leak Diagnostics: How We Help Keep Your Vehicle Leak-Free Oil leaks can cause major headaches for vehicle owners if they are left untreated. Not only do they cause you to lose oil, but they can cause significant damage to your engine over time. At Graham Auto Repair our team of skilled technicians complete thorough oil leak diagnostics. We want to ensure your vehicle is running smoothly and leak-free! In this blog we'll walk you through how we diagnose oil leaks. We also have a recent example to share with you! Scroll down to see a video and details about a recent Ford F150 fleet vehicle that came in with an excessive oil leak. How does an oil leak diagnostic work? When a vehicle comes into our shop with oil leak concerns, we follow a detailed process to locate the source of the concern. Visual Inspection: Our technicians start by visually inspecting the engine bay and the vehicle's undercarriage. This ... read more

Brake Fluid Service

Brake Fluid Service

Why is a Brake Fluid Service Essential For Your Vehicle's Safety? Your vehicle’s braking system is one of its most critical safety components. Most drivers know about brake pads and rotors, but did you know that brake fluid plays an equally important role in keeping you safe? Regular brake fluid services ensure that your brakes perform at their best. Special Offer: From October 1-31, 2024 you can support our Brakes for Breasts Fundraiser and receive Free Brake Pads! Want to learn how? Click here to learn more about Brakes for Breasts. Keep reading to find learn why a brake fluid service is important. What is Brake Fluid and Why is it Important? Brake fluid is the lifeblood of your car’s braking system. When you press the brake pedal, the brake fluid transfers the force from the pedal to the brakes themselves, causing your car ... read more

Signs It's Time For a Brake Inspection

Signs It's Time For a Brake Inspection

How do you know if it's time for new brakes? Your brakes are one of the most important safety systems in your vehicle. When you start to notice any signs that they aren't working properly, it's time to schedule a brake inspection right away. Bonus: From October 1-31, 2024 you can support our Brakes for Breasts Fundraiser and receive Free Brake Pads too! Click here to learn more about Brakes for Breasts. Keep reading to find 5 common signs that it might be time to book your brake inspection. 1. Strange Sounds: Are your brakes making a squealing or screeching noise when you brake? Many brake pads have a built-in wear indicator that will squeal when the pads are ready to be replaced. If you hear these sounds, it's a potential sign that your brake pads need attention. However, this isn't always the case. Squealing can also happen due t ... read more

How to Extend the Life of Your Brake Pads

How to Extend the Life of Your Brake Pads

How can you extend the life of your brake pads? Taking care of your brake pads not only keeps you safe on the road, but can save you money! How? By extending their lifespan. So today we are going to give you a few tips on easy ways to make your brake pads last longer. 1. Brake Gradually: Avoid slamming on your brakes whenever possible. Do your best to anticipate stops so that you can have smoother braking. This will reduce the heat that's generated and help to prolong the life of your brake pads. 2. Watch Your Speed: How does your speed affect your braking? The faster you drive, the more energy your brakes will have to absorb when you stop. By reducing your speed you will limit how often you will need to brake. By reducing your speed, you will gradually help limit the wear and tear on your brake pads. 3. Avoid Overloading: Do you ever use your vehicle for towing or transporting loads? Do you carry a lot of un ... read more

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Safety Tips

Fall Driving Tips

Fall Driving Tips

Prepare Your Vehicle For Fall Driving in the Pacific Northwest As the rainy season approaches and leaves begin to fall, it’s essential to make sure your vehicle is ready to handle the challenges of fall driving in the PNW. Here’s how you can ensure your car is safe and reliable this season: 1. Complete an Oil Change Service: Regular oil changes are crucial to keep your engine running smoothly, especially as the weather cools down. Fresh oil helps your engine work efficiently, reducing wear and tear. 2. Inspect Your Tires--Don't Forget the Spare Tire: Check your tires for proper inflation and tread depth. Wet roads and fallen leaves can create slippery conditions, so it’s important to have good traction. Worn or under-inflated tires can increase the risk of hydroplaning. 3. Complete a Brake Inspection: Your brakes are your vehicle’s most important safety feature, especially on wet roads ... read more

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Safety Tips

Top 5 Vehicle Safety Checks

Top 5 Vehicle Safety Checks

How Should I Prepare My Car For Fall Weather? As the school year approaches, parents and guardians are busy preparing for the daily routine of drop-offs, pick-ups, and everything in between. Ensuring your vehicle is ready for the road is an essential part of that preparation. A well-maintained vehicle not only ensures your family's safety but also provides peace of mind during those busy school mornings. While there are some basic safety checks you can perform at home, Graham Auto Repair offers something even more comprehensive—a complimentary full vehicle health inspection with every service. This detailed inspection helps catch potential concerns before they become costly breakdowns, ensuring a smooth and safe school commute. Let’s explore the top 5 vehicle safety checks you can do at home, and see how our professional inspections go beyond the basics. 1. Tire Inspection:Why It's Important: Tires are the only ... read more

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Safety Tips

Emergency Car Kit

Emergency Car Kit

Essential Items for Your Car Emergency Kit This Fall As the fall driving season approaches, it’s crucial to ensure that your vehicle is equipped to handle any situation that may arise on the road. Whether you’re sending your college student off to campus or juggling school drop-offs and pick-ups. As a busy parent, having an emergency car kit provides peace of mind for everyone involved. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the essential items that should be in your car’s emergency kit. These things will help you stay prepared no matter where the road takes you this fall. 1. Jumper Cables or Jumper Box: A dead battery can happen unexpectedly. Jumper cables are a great option. A portable jumper box will allow you or your college student to jump-start their car without needing another vehicle! 2. First Aid Kit & Flashlight: Here's a few items to keep in your first aid kit: bandages, antiseptic ... read more

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Safety Tips

Tips For A Safe Drive To College

Tips For A Safe Drive To College

Preparing Your College Student's Car for the Journey Back to Campus The summer months are winding down and the excitement of a new school year is approaching! It's time to make sure your college student's car is ready for the road. A well-maintained vehicle is crucial for their safety and for your peace of mind. Whether you are driving them across the country, or waving good-bye as they take the journey on their own. We want to make sure breakdowns are crossed off the list this fall! Keep reading to find a checklist of services and safety checks, to help prepare your vehicle for the journey ahead. Bonus: If you complete an Oil Change Service at Graham Auto Repair, we will complete a free vehicle health inspection. Our team will inform you of any other necessary services. Giving you the opportunity to address any potential services before the first quarter begins! 1. Complete an Oil Change: Fresh oil is essential for the engine ... read more

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Safety Tips

Different A/C Vehicle Systems

Different A/C Vehicle Systems

Understanding the Different Types of Vehicle A/C Systems & Machines Keeping your vehicle cool during the hot summer months is essential for comfort and safety. But did you know that different vehicles use different types of A/C machines? At Graham Auto Repair we service both older and newer vehicles. We want to help you understand the differences between the two main types of vehicle A/C systems and machines: R-134a and R-1234yf. A/C machines are specialized equipment we use to service your vehicle’s air conditioning system. They recover, recycle, and recharge refrigerant, which is also known as Freon. This is done to ensure your A/C system works efficiently and effectively. We have two different machines at Graham Auto Repair: the Robinair 34788NI which handles the R-134a refrigerant specifically; and our Snap-on Machine, which can handle both systems. R-134a A/C Vehicle Systems: R-134a refrigerant has been the standar ... read more

Pre Purchase Inspection: Why are they important?

Pre Purchase Inspection: Why are they important?

Why You Should Never Skip a Pre-Purchase Vehicle Inspection Are you thinking about buying a used car? Before you make that investment, a pre-purchase vehicle inspection (PPI) can be incredibly helpful! By knowing the current health of the vehicle in advance, you can avoid potential headaches and costly repairs down the road. At Graham Auto Repair we can complete a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection and provide you with the knowledge you need to make a wise investment. Let’s get down to the details about why we believe a PPI is an essential step in your car-buying process! Check out this short video showcasing our vehicle inspections at Graham Auto Repair! 1. Uncover Hidden Issues: A PPI helps identify any underlying problems or concerns that may not be visible during a simple test drive. From engine concerns and fluid leaks, to brake or tire wear. Knowing the condition of the vehicle helps you avoid unexpected repairs, and consider if you ar ... read more