Edmonds Auto Repair

Thanksgiving road trips are always memorable, but they can also be stressful if your vehicle isn’t ready. Whether you’re driving a few hours to visit family or hitting the interstate for a longer haul, a breakdown on a holiday weekend is the last thing anyone wants. Cold weather, heavy traffic, and fully packed vehicles all add strain to your car’s systems. That’s why a little preparation now can save you a lot of time, money, and frustration later. Check the Oil Before You Go One of the simplest ways to protect your engine is to check the oil before your trip. If it’s dirty, dark, or low, an oil change should be at the top of your list. Engine oil keeps parts lubricated and prevents overheating, especially during long highway drives. Skipping this step could put extra stress on your engine when it’s already working hard. Inspect Tires for Pressure and Tread Tires often get overlooked, but they’re critical ... read more

When you press your brake pedal, you expect a firm, responsive feel that gives you confidence in your stopping power. If the pedal feels soft or spongy instead, it’s a sign that something in your braking system isn’t working as it should. While this can happen gradually over time or appear suddenly, it always deserves prompt attention. Being aware of the most common causes of a soft brake pedal can help you know what to expect and why addressing the issue early is so important. How Your Brake System Works Your vehicle’s braking system relies on hydraulic pressure to slow or stop the car. When you press the brake pedal, fluid travels through brake lines to calipers or wheel cylinders, which then apply pressure to the brake pads or shoes. Those pads press against rotors or drums, creating friction that slows the vehicle. For this system to work correctly, it depends on properly functioning components and a sealed hydraulic system. If anything interr ... read more

An overheating engine can be one of the most stressful problems to face while driving. You see the temperature gauge rising or steam billowing from under the hood, and your first question is, “How serious is this?” One common fix that shops recommend is a coolant flush. But can a coolant flush really solve an overheating problem, or is it just one piece of the puzzle? Let’s look at what a coolant flush does, how it helps, and when it’s the right fix for an overheating engine. Understanding How Engine Cooling Works Your vehicle’s cooling system is designed to regulate engine temperature, keeping it within a safe operating range. It circulates coolant (a mix of antifreeze and water) through the engine, where it absorbs heat, and then through the radiator, where that heat is released into the air. This process relies on multiple parts working together—hoses, a water pump, a thermostat, a radiator, and the coolant itself. When any of ... read more

When shopping for a new vehicle or learning more about your current one, you might notice manufacturers boasting about cars with six, eight, or even ten-speed transmissions. The idea of “more gears” often suggests advanced technology and improved performance, but does it actually mean better fuel economy? Understanding how transmission gears work will help you see the connection and limitations between gear count and fuel efficiency. How Transmission Gears Work A transmission controls how power from your engine is delivered to the wheels. Gears allow your engine to operate efficiently at different speeds and loads. Lower gears provide more torque for acceleration and climbing, while higher gears let the engine run at lower RPMs during cruising, which saves fuel. An automatic or manual transmission with more gears has a wider range of options for matching engine power to driving conditions. In theory, this should lead to smoother shifts and better efficie ... read more

Did you just see the red battery icon suddenly light up on your dashboard? It’s not blinking. The car seems to be running fine. You wonder, "Can I keep driving?" That little light might seem harmless at the moment, but it signals a potentially serious problem with your charging system. Knowing what this warning light means and what steps to take next can help you avoid getting stranded or causing further damage to your vehicle’s electrical components. What the Battery Warning Light Means Contrary to what the symbol might suggest, the battery warning light doesn’t usually indicate a bad battery. Instead, it means there’s an issue somewhere in the charging system. This could be a failing alternator, a slipping serpentine belt, poor electrical connections, or even a voltage regulation issue. The battery is responsible for starting your car, but the alternator is what keeps everything running once the engine is on. When the alternator ... read more