Yakima Auto Repair

When was the last time you gave your car or truck a little TLC? Preventive care prolongs vehicle life and minimizes unexpected, costly repairs. Many maintenance tasks don’t take much time and can be performed at home. For those you can’t do yourself or don’t have the time to manage, RJ’s Tire Pros & Auto Experts’ friendly Yakima Valley auto mechanics have you covered, offering comprehensive vehicle inspection and maintenance services for less than area dealers. We’re here to help you keep your car operating at its best with this car maintenance checklist for 2025. Tire Maintenance Routine tire pressure checks are essential for identifying leaks and managing temperature-based fluctuations. While verifying tire pressure, inspect tread depth, replacing tires with low tread and bald spots, which decrease brake response and ha ... read more

Fall Car Care Month in October is the perfect time to give your vehicle a little extra TLC after the extreme summer heat and before frigid winter temperatures arrive. To ensure you're covered bumper to bumper, RJ's Tire Pros & Auto Experts offers these tips on how to care for your car after summer. Schedule an Oil Change Advanced oil formulations allow you to go longer between oil changes - but waiting too long can strain your engine, shortening your vehicle's lifespan. Seasonal oil changes ensure smooth, lasting operation. Check Fluid Levels Prevent fall fluid mishaps. When your car is cool, check the oil, coolant, brake, power steering, transmission, window cleaner, and de-icer fluid levels, restoring them to proper levels. Inspect Your Braking System Brakes are essential to safety and should be inspected annually. Scheduling a ... read more

Your transmission is an essential vehicle component, transferring power from the engine to the wheels to get you where you’re going. Unfortunately, drivers frequently neglect transmission maintenance because this out-of-sight, out-of-mind drivetrain part doesn’t require service as often as engine oil needs replacing. How can you tell when your transmission is in trouble? Watch out for these 5 signs your car may need transmission repair: 1. Transmission Making Strange Noises Whining, gurgling, or roaring on acceleration and clunking with up or downshifting are signs of impending transmission issues. When you hear these sounds, take your vehicle to your auto mechanic for an inspection ASAP. Don’t wait until you need transmission rebuilding or replacement. 2. Rough or Delayed Shifting When your v ... read more

With summer around the corner, and your vacation itinerary packed with tons of sightseeing adventures, now is the time for a professional vehicle inspection at your local car service center. While your vehicle has gotten you through work and school commutes just fine, these commutes differ from long interstate treks. A car inspection is critical before a road trip, ensuring you can get maintenance needs addressed and safely travel without getting stuck roadside. Can My Car Handle a Road Trip? Most regularly maintained, well-performing vehicles should be able to manage a long drive, but unknown issues not apparent during short, daily trips may surface during a long trek. For this reason, regardless of vehicle age, you should always schedule an inspection with ... read more

Regular inspections are a must no matter what vehicle you drive, reducing the likelihood of inconvenient breakdowns and ensuring roadway safety. But how often should you get your car inspected? Most automobiles run well with a vehicle inspection once a year or every 10-20,000 miles. However, individual situations vary. Our auto mechanics recommend adjusting vehicle inspection frequency based on the following factors to safeguard your car's performance and value and catch problems before they turn into more costly repairs. Schedule Vehicle Inspections for Older Cars More Frequently Age is a primary factor when considering a preventative maintenance schedule. Our car service team suggests an inspection with each oil change for older cars since older vehicles have undergone more wear and tear than newer models. Review Manufacturer Recommendations for Preventative Maintenance ... read more

  How Do You Know When Your Car Needs Suspension Repairs? Your car's suspension provides more than a smooth ride. Your vehicle's suspension keeps it in contact with the road, assisting you with traction, steering, turning, and braking so you can remain in control. It's easy to overlook, but maintaining it is no less important than regular oil changes and tire maintenance. Driving on a bad suspension is not only uncomfortable – it's unsafe. How do you know when your car needs suspension repairs if you can't see the key components?   Get to Know How Your Suspension System Works Vehicle suspension systems typically include springs, struts, shocks, and links, which connect these components to the frame and tires. Tires also play a role in the system, keeping your vehicle in contact with the road. Each part performs a specific function, distinctly impacting handling. Shocks prevent b ... read more

Learn about Brakes with Randy Juette at RJ's Tire Pros & Auto Experts.