Posted on 2/4/2025
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Auto Repair Guide: Is Repairing Your Car Worth It? When your car breaks down, and the mechanic calls with bad news—like needing a new transmission—you're probably wondering whether to repair or replace it. Here's a simple guide to help you decide if the repair is worth it. Reasons to Repair Your Car It's Paid Off: If your car is already paid for, you may prefer to avoid another down payment and monthly payments on a new car. Your Car is Still Relatively New: If your car is under four years old and has been reliable, it could last several more years after the repair. You’ve Already Paid for Depreciation: Cars lose value quickly, especially in their first year. You’ve already taken that hit, so sticking with your car might be a better financial choice than buying a new one. Lower Insurance and Registration: Older cars often have lower insurance and registration c ... read more
Posted on 3/27/2024
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Oregon is known for its stunning landscapes and challenging terrains, which beckons adventurers to explore its trails and backroads. When conquering the Beaver State's diverse landscapes, Subaru emerges as the go-to choice for drivers seeking safety, reliability, and all-terrain capability. 1. Subaru Outback The Subaru Outback is a versatile midsize SUV renowned for its ability to handle all types of terrain. Equipped with standard all-wheel drive and impressive ground clearance, it effortlessly navigates Oregon's rugged trails, from rocky mountain passes to muddy forest roads. Its spacious interior, advanced safety features, and legendary durability make it the perfect companion for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure in the Beaver State. 2. Subaru Forester As one of the top-selling cars in Oregon, the Subaru Forester has solidified its reputation as a reliab ... read more
Posted on 7/6/2023
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Top 10 Car Summer Maintenance Tips Summertime is travel time. Even with gasoline prices at an all-time high, Americans can't resist the lure of sunny skies and the open road. According to a survey by AAA, 31.7 million Americans planned to travel by car over Memorial Day weekend 2008, despite gas prices that are an average of $.60 more per gallon over the previous year [source: The Los Angeles Times]. Before hitting the road this summer, you can take several simple precautions to keep your family safe and save money at the pump. Extreme heat and long drives can be tough on cars. Cracked hoses, leaky radiators, under inflated tires and dirty filters can significantly lower your ... read more
Posted on 4/4/2023
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If you notice any of the conditions listed below, it may be time to replace your brake rotors. The 10 most common signs that you may need brake service includes: 1. Squealing sounds from the brakes 2. Longer stopping time 3. Steering wheel vibrates when braking 4. Brake pedal pulsates when braking 5. Banging sounds when braking 6. Scratched, scored, or grooved rotors 7. Large edge on the rotor’s surface 8. Blue color on rotors 9. ABS warning light HOW DO BRAKE PARTS WEAR OUT? Your brakes can wear out for a number of reasons, such as: Axle position: Front axles often bear more weight than rear axles. When this happens, it means that the front bears more of the braking load. This can cause front rotors and pads to wear out more quickly than rear rotors. Vehicle weight: The heavier the vehicle, the quicker its rotors and pads are likely to wear down. Driving style and environment: Aggressive driving and ... read more
Posted on 7/24/2022
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The oil in your car’s engine has an incredibly challenging job. From lying cold in the bottom of the engine’s oil pan, it needs to surge up to the valve gear at the very top, then flow all the way back down down, and that has to happen almost instantly when you start the engine. The oil protects everything inside your engine: bearings, pistons, cylinder walls, and all the other parts that that move or touch something that does. Then, after the initial cold startup, the oil must continue protecting no matter how hot it gets and how hard the engine runs. It has to do that for a period of months, if not years, through numerous short trips, long cruises, and (for some) occasional racetrack or twisty two-lane flogs. You depend on your car’s oil to do its job flawlessly through the bitter cold of northern winters and the sticky hot of southern summers—all while fighting rust, contaminants, and passage-clogging deposits. Your oil works hard, so when should you change ... read more