Automotive Repair Blog

Finding a reliable shop

Clay's Auto — Sat, 12 May 2012 01:01:44 GMT

We learn as Technician's that the first step in a successful repair is to be able to "Duplicate the Vehicle's Problem".
This is very true, as we all know how difficult those "intermittent" problems can be to properly diagnose.

So, I often think to myself....

"What is a customers first step in finding a reliable shop to take their car to?"

Here's my opinion.

A clean work environment is the first step in getting your vehicle fixed right the first time.

How clean is the shop you take your car too?

Do the employees take pride in the area that they work in, or are they just "getting the job out the door"?

One thing I have realized in my 20+ years of working on cars, is that there is a direct correlation between a person's work environment, and the quality of work he or she performs. It's obvious isn't it? When the hood is open on a car, that has now become my work area, just like the shop around me.

Let's look at a couple of examples:

1.   A mechanic spills a little coolant on your engine and it also spills onto the floor. If he does not clean it off the floor, do you think he took the time to clean it off of your engine?

(That example is easy for me to see since I work in on cars.)

Let's try something completely different.

2. "If a tree were to fall on an island where there were no human beings would there be any sound?" Well, that's debatable..... But.... if you are the bird who was sitting in the tree, it certainly affected you.   If you get your car back and it wasn't "cared for properly", it sure affects you right??

Can you put a price tag on that?   No.

So, back to example #1.

1. Coolant gets spilled.

2. _________________?

3. Hood get's closed, and car get's delivered.

Did the coolant get cleaned up?

Question: "Did they take good care of my car?"
Answer: "How clean is their shop?"

How clean is the shop that you currently take your car to? We here at Clay's Auto Service
are often complemented on how clean our shop is. We take a lot of pride in this, and absolutely
feel it is an important step in maintaining vehicles, and keeping our customer's safe.

Is a Quick Lube Service Worth It?

Clay's Auto — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 18:07:58 GMT

Ok – I’ll be the first to admit it, I’m spoiled. I have never had to worry much about where and when to get my car serviced or repaired, I’ve been in this business since I was a kid with my dad. But the other day I decided to get a taste of what life might be like for my customers. I took my car to a quick lube place for an oil change.

I must admit it was very quick; I didn’t even get out of the car. I asked for the basic service and it was immediately brought to my attention that for an extra few dollars they would check my fluids and top them off if needed. Oh, and by the way my car needed the high mileage oil at an extra charge. I declined both but was told my air filter was dirty and my coolant needed to be replaced. It was a constant stream of employees coming up to my window and telling me I needed this or that.

Since I was just there for an experience, I declined any additional services at that time. One thing I noticed is that my tire pressure was not checked. A big thing in my book since I know that proper tire pressure helps my gas mileage and tire wear. Of course nothing else was really checked on my car, no brake check, no belt and hose check, no suspension check, etc. You get what you pay for and it was obvious that the staff was not at the top end of the trade as far as skill level. The handed me a service sticker for the window that indicated my next oil service was in 1,000 miles. I asked them about that, they got confused but eventually gave me a new sticker with the correct mileage. Good thing I looked.

Well they finished me up within about 15 to 20 minutes and off I went. When I read over my paperwork it indicated services done but I know were not performed and claimed condition of fluids and other items that we were verbally told something different. So what would I tell my husband once I got home?

One of the first things I noticed was that my car did not go up the big hill near our house as quietly. It is an older Subaru that has a tendency for lifter noise if the oil level and consistency is not right – that noise was very evident. The next morning for the first time ever we had oil spots in the driveway. Further inspection revealed that the drain plug and oil filter were leaking. We checked the tightness of both and they were in there good but now leaking. The lifter noise has gotten worse and the leaks larger. I had to change my oil and filter again after a week to stop the leaks and the engine noise.

I can see the advantages to a quick service on my car, but am glad I have never had to rely on this type of service. This might be why my cars have always lasted longer than I wanted to be driving them. Good quality service obviously counts.

Which Failed First, the Spark Plug or the Coil????

Clay's Auto — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 19:26:00 GMT

Joe drops his car off and complains that it is running rough for the past 6 months, he just hasn't had the time to get it looked at. Sure enough, the vehicle is misfiring causing a rough running condition.

The technician looks at the vehicle and sees that the tune up parts are extremely worn and should have been replaced a long time ago. After the tune up is done, the car still has a misfire every once in awhile that is noticed during the "final" test drive. Further diagnosis reveals that the coil had become damaged from driving too long with worn tune up parts.

What Happened Here?

The worn plugs created had too much resistance for the spark to travel through, and during this time the spark had found a new "path to ground". Unfortunately, that path was through the coil and right to the engine.

This is a fairly common scenario. If the tune up had been done at its proper interval, the coil would not have failed prematurely.

Because many components on your car depend on the proper operation of other components, it's important to follow the Manufacturer's Maintenance Schedule.

We here at Clay's always follow the Maintenance Schedules, and will inform you of possible upcoming problems that are found during our visual inspections.

Don’t Let This Happen To You….

Clay's Auto — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 22:56:00 GMT

Last Sunday I was driving up the highway in the late afternoon. During my 30 mile or so drive I was shocked to see so many broken down cars.

These were not old junkers, on their last legs abandon where ever it stopped running. These were the daily drivers of folks just like you and me. I saw every situation imaginable in those few miles; the family with small children standing alongside the interstate waiting for help to arrive, the man in a suit changing his tire and the gaggle of guys trying to attempt a major auto repair alongside the road.

This is not the way I want to spend a Sunday afternoon.

As we put off car maintenance and let those seemingly little repairs slide – the result is usually a breakdown at the least opportune time.

Seeing all these stressful people, upset and stranded made me even more aware of how important it is to have my car looked over a couple of times a year. A good qualified technician can keep me informed of upcoming maintenance and repairs so I can budget the cost out and not be left stranded on the side of the road.

Don’t let this happen to you,

Beth – Owner

Clay’s Auto Service

Making Use of Your Senses & What Your Car is Telling You

Clay's Auto — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 20:06:03 GMT

The five human senses are; sight, smell, taste, touch and hearing. How can you use these to keep your car running longer and your repair costs down? We'll go over the five different senses and see what your car might be trying to tell you.

This is not intended to diagnose any problems, but instead help you be "aware" of what's going on when you operate your vehicle and how you might be able to prevent more costly repairs.

Smell & Taste

Most people might instantly think of gas. Yes, any fuel smell should be promptly checked out by a professional. I think this goes without saying..... But what are some other smells that you might encounter that can also be a safety concern? Coolant is one. Sometimes when a heater core starts to leak, the coolant will be evaporated and blown through the vents before it starts dripping inside and becomes an obvious problem. When this happens, you can "smell" the coolant and even "taste" a sweet taste in your mouth for no apparent reason. This is not safe and you need to have your car checked out promptly as coolant is poisonous.

As your engine warms up, any leaks on or around your engine these can also be noticed with your sense of smell. More noticeably if it happens to be leaking directly onto hot exhaust components. This can be a fire hazard.

On the other hand - Carbon Monoxide has NO smell, so any exhaust leaks need to be sealed up as soon as possible.

Sight

As you walk out to your car in the morning do you see anything out of the ordinary? A crooked tailpipe can be an indication of a muffler or exhaust pipe hanger problem. Any leaks that are causing visible drops on the ground are sufficient enough to be repaired. Some leaks are in fact normal and are discussed here. Since When is a "Water Leak" Normal??

There are a lot of plastic covers that protect your engine and associated moving parts from the elements during operation. These shields are commonly located on the lower front sides and in the lower front. They can become loose and damaged from age and coming in contact with curbs, etc. These can usually be easily reattached before they become more damaged and need to be replaced.

You may notice many different warning lights on your dash. Sometimes they can be overwhelming to the average person. Air Bag, ABS, & Check Engine lights should always be checked out as soon as possible. Sometimes a Check Engine light can be as simple as a loose gas cap. We have many tools and resources to properly diagnose the tough problems too.

Touch & Hearing

While driving, some problems might be "felt" as well as "heard". Wheel bearings, brakes, tires and suspension components can exhibit these very characteristics. Does your steering wheel vibrate while braking? This is a common complaint when the front brake rotors are warped. A simple (but thorough) brake inspection can find the exact problem. Worn or unbalanced tires can also cause your vehicle to not "feel" right as you are going down the road. Loose suspension parts can cause premature wear on your tires, so periodic inspections are well worth your time.

In Conclusion

It is very important that all the different "systems" in your vehicle are working as they were designed, and in unison with one another. By using your "senses", you can catch small problems before they turn into big ones, and save yourself a lot of time and money. We always offer courtesy inspections with every visit to help you keep your repair costs down.　

When Free Code Checks Aren't So Free

Clay's Auto — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 01:02:00 GMT

If your Check Engine light is illuminated, this means that the computer has found a problem and it has stored a code in it's memory. Many shops and parts stores advertise that they will check this for free. We can certainly do that too, but this is NOT an accurate diagnosis.

In today's vehicles, there can be hundreds of different codes that can be stored by the various computers, and many times the inexpensive code readers can't retrieve them all.

The summarized code description is only meant to be a "starting point" in the diagnostic process. With every code there is a diagnostic chart that needs to be worked through. This process can be time consuming, but it will pinpoint the specific component at fault within that particular system. (I guarantee it, that this is not being done for FREE!)

By using the latest diagnostic equipment, our trained technicians can accurately find the problem, fix it, and get you back on the road again.

We here at Clay's Auto Service want your car to be fixed right the first time to "Keep You Moving".

Fuel Injection Service

Clay's Auto — Fri, 20 May 2011 22:28:09 GMT

This simple maintenance service can give your car, truck or SUV more miles per gallon, better performance and a smoother running engine. And like most vehicle maintenance will prolong and protect the value of your vehicle.

Scott our L1 Master Technician explains the fuel injection process.
Watch the video here:
http://youtu.be/QheIkMqi_Tw

What are fuel injectors?

These small devices force fuel though a small nozzle in an even spray pattern towards the pistons. A good spray pattern insures that the fuel is burned efficiently. As your engine ages carbon buildup can alter the spray pattern of the injectors and in some cases cause injector failure. Replacing injectors is an expensive project – however caring for your injectors is simple, easy and cost effective.

What is a fuel injection service?

Done correctly – the fuel injection service will keep you car running smoother, more fuel efficient and prolong the life of your injectors. The correct method is to connect directly into your cars fuel rail, using a high quality cleaning solution mixed with gas to clean the injectors directly. While some claim that solutions added to your gas tank will clean your fuel system – they will not clean as completely as a fuel injection flush machine.

How often should fuel injectors be serviced?

The common answer is to have them serviced every 30,000 miles. But like most recommended maintenance there are a lot of deciding factors involved.

The current mileage on your vehicle – the higher the mileage the more likely you will need injector cleaning sooner rather than later.

Your personal driving style – stop and go driving in town or multiple short trips may require you to perform fuel injector service more often.

You should discuss your car, truck or SUV’s maintenance with you auto repair service center. They will be able to advise you on needed maintenance based on your vehicles mileage, condition and your personal needs.

Since When is a "Water Leak" Normal??

Clay's Auto — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 15:15:00 GMT

The roads are starting to dry out, the sun is returning, and your car is getting another year older. It's been a good car for you, taking you where you need to go. If you are lucky, it's paid off; or at least the remaining payments are less than a new car payment would be. As your car ages, you might naturally be more observant to potential problems that arise so they can be addressed early and fixed promptly.

Water leaks from under the vehicle can be alarming to see, but sometimes a water leak could be a normal condition. I can't stress enough that this is "WATER" that is normal to leak. Any other color of fluid (brown, black, red, orange, blue, green, etc), indicates a more serious problem that you would need to call us about. Listed below are three systems in your vehicle that "normally" drain water out that can sometimes cause you to have a concern. Please don't hesitate to call us about any questions you might have at 503-693-8600.

Air Conditioning Condenser Drain

The heater and air conditioning box is usually located inside the dash behind the glove box. This is a fairly large component as it houses many items to keep you in a nice temperature controlled environment. The air conditioner not only keeps you cool in the summer time, but also has the job of defrosting your windows in the winter. So it is cycling on and off more often than you might think. As it removes the moisture from the passenger compartment, the water collects on the fins of the condenser (with is located in the heater box behind the dash). The water eventually starts to drip and runs out of the drain through the firewall to the engine compartment, then onto the ground. It will make a puddle of clear water about 1 ft. to the rear of the right front tire, and about 1-2 ft in from the right side of the vehicle. Please note if it's not clear in color, prompt attention will be needed as something else is leaking.

Exhaust Drain Holes

Located in your exhaust system, there are small holes about 1/16" in diameter. These holes allow condensation from the exhaust gases to drain out of the pipes and muffler so the water won't collect in there and prematurely rust out the exhaust. This usually occurs during short trips when the exhaust pipes don't have the chance to heat up enough to evaporate the water and send it out the tailpipe. This will be a clear or "sooty" colored water that you will see. It's also common to see it actually drip out of the tailpipe too.

Sunroof Drains

If you have a sunroof in your vehicle it usually has 4 drains for its system. It is normal for some rain water to leak past the initial external seal around the sunroof glass. You might ask, “Where does it go after that?” The two front drains are located forward of each front door and the rear drains are either to the rear of the rear doors or possibly back by the bumper.

Keeping you informed is very important to us at Clay's Auto Service. Never hesitate to call us for any questions or concerns that you may have.

We strive to give you that "Piece of Mind" in auto repair; whether it's from an Internet blog, phone call, or a visit to our easy to find location.

Scott, ASE Certified Master Technician

April Showers

Clay's Auto — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 16:34:00 GMT

April showers may mean May flowers - but more than likely it means limited visibility and squeaky wipers.
To combat life’s little annoyances try these spring driving tips.

Check your windshield. This is your first defense against the elements. Small chips and cracks can quickly become large at the first sight of sunshine. Just going through the carwash on a sunny spring day may be the breaking point for a slightly compromised windshield.

Check the wiper blade condition. Are your wipers noisy? This is usually one of the first signs of worn out wiper blades. When the rubber gets hard the wipers cannot remove the moisture effectively or clean the road grime off your windshield. During a spring rainstorm the last thing you need is limited visibility. In most cases, the optimal time to replace your wiper blades is just after the last freeze.

Apply a rain guard protectant. Oregon spring weather means light drops of rain. A coating of windshield protectant such as Aquapel, Trico View or Rain X can actually make your cars wiper system seem obsolete during a light mist. This product will help those light rain drops blow off your window as you drive.

And as always – be careful out there on the road. Spring rain also means slick pavement. Drive with caution, leave plenty of room between you and other cars and give yourself extra time to get to your destination.

The after effects of winter driving: do you need an alignment?

Clay's Auto — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 01:09:00 GMT

During the winter you may have inadvertently hit a pothole or sideswiped a curb. Now may be the time to have your service shop perform and alignment check and suspension inspection.

Many times our cars suspension has been compromised.

This can cause symptoms such as pulling to one side, wandering, slow steering response and uneven tire wear. How will you know when it’s time for a checkup? Unless you notice a change in you cars driving style, a tire inspection with an alignment check are a sure fire way to alert you to hidden trouble on your vehicle.

What exactly is an alignment?

There are 4 main adjustments checks for a proper alignment. And all alignments should be full - both front and rear adjustments.

Caster: Look at your wheels from the side. The angle of the steering axis, either forward or backward is caster. While this may not cause tire wear, it will have an impact on how your car steers. The height of your car can also change the caster. Over loading, weak or worn springs or purposely adjusting the height of your vehicle and effect the caster measurement.

Camber: Now stand in front of your car. Check the tilt of your tires, either inward or outward. Camber will cause uneven tie wear and effect directional control of your vehicle. Over time, out of adjusted camber will produce worn suspension parts. Proper camber adjustment allows for the maximum surface of your tire to come in contact with the road while driving.

Toe Set: If you measure the distance between the front edge of your tires and compare to the distance between the back edge of your tires – you have the toe set. This adjustment ensures that your wheels are rolling parallel to the road while driving.

Ride Height: Maintaining your vehicles proper ride height is essential to all of the above adjustments. Any changes to the manufactures specifications for vehicle height can throw off the alignment. Making sure that your car is not overloaded or that the springs are not worn will help.

Never underestimate the power of a proper alignment. A yearly check up can protect the value of your vehicle and keep you and your loved ones safe on the road.

Welcome

Clay's Auto — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 05:13:00 GMT

Thank you for joining our online auto repair shop.

Meet our team of experts – here to advise you on all your automobile needs.

Clay – Owner and operator of Clay’s Auto Service. During his 30 years of experience working on cars and trucks he has seen just about everything. He possesses a diagnostic approach that looks at problems from a common sense perspective.

Scott – Lead technician at Clay’s Auto Service. He is a full Master ASE Technician with L1 Advanced engine endorsements. With his meticulous approach he is your go to guy for any tough diagnostic situation.

Darren – Service Advisor at Clay’s Auto Service. Years counseling customers in the auto repair industry has given him an insight into your vehicles needs. His advice will help you to determine the best plan for your needs.

In future posts we will do our best to offer you information and guidance that will help you care for your car or truck. From maintenance strategy, car care advice, and do it yourself tips – we hope to be able to help you save money and prolong the life of your vehicle.

We encourage you to join the discussions, ask for advice and feel free to suggest topics for future posts.