Issaquah Auto Repair

In the realm of automotive mysteries, there's a moment that can send shivers down any driver's spine—a moment when your trusty steed suddenly stumbles, coughs, and sputters, leaving you stranded on the roadside. What could be responsible for this abrupt breakdown, you wonder? The answer is - a timing belt or chain, an unassuming yet crucial component hidden beneath your car's hood. What Does A Timing Belt Do? The timing belt is the supervisor of a complex symphony, orchestrating the precise movement of your engine's components. Its role is to maintain a delicate balance between the pistons and valves, ensuring that they operate in perfect synchronization. This coordination is essential for allowing smooth combustion and performance. However, when the timing belt snaps or slips, the harmony is disrupted, and the engine's performance is severely impacted. The Catastrophic Consequences Engine Misalignment A snapped or loose ... read more

In today's fast-paced world, navigating through bustling city streets and congested traffic can be a nerve-wracking experience. However, there's a high-tech solution that's quickly becoming a must-have for every driver: car cameras. These little but powerful gadgets are changing the way we drive, providing a variety of benefits that not only improve safety but also bring peace of mind.  1.  A Silent Witness on the Road Imagine this scenario: you're cruising along the highway when suddenly, a reckless driver swerves into your lane, causing a near collision. Without a car camera, it's your word against theirs in the event of a dispute. But with one, you have an unbiased witness that records every second of your journey. This video evidence can be invaluable when dealing with insurance claims and legal matters, helping you prove your innocence and protect your rights. -Keep in mind that some states don't accept vi ... read more

The concept of changing your vehicle's oil only once a year might sound appealing – fewer trips to the mechanic, less hassle, and potentially lower costs. However, when it comes to maintaining health and longevity, your engine doesn't think the same - let's see why.   Before We Start: What Does Engine Oil Do?  Engine oil serves as the lifeblood of your vehicle's engine, providing crucial lubrication to its moving parts, reducing friction, and dissipating heat. Over time, oil breaks down, becomes contaminated with debris, and loses its viscosity, compromising its ability to perform these vital functions. Regular oil changes are necessary to ensure that your engine continues to operate efficiently and reliably.    Oil Degradation and Contamination Even if your vehicle spends most of its time parked, the oil inside the engine is still subject to degradation. Factors such as temperature fluctuations ... read more

Chances are that you have most likely heard about 30k or 90k services, but what do they mean, actually? In this article, we will take a closer look at what they are and how they are different from each other - making both of them equally important. 30K Service  The 30,000-mile service marks a critical milestone in your vehicle's maintenance schedule, typically occurring around the two-year mark for most drivers. This service interval focuses on inspecting and addressing key components that have been subjected to regular wear and may require attention. Here are some common procedures performed during the 30k service:    Oil and Filter Change Regular oil changes are essential for maintaining engine health and lubrication. During the 30k service, the oil and filter are typically replaced to ensure optimal performance and longevity.    Fluid Checks and Replacements ... read more

Nestled in the picturesque region of Washington State, the Seattle area offers a gateway to breathtaking natural beauty. With its proximity to stunning destinations, residents and visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to exploring the great outdoors. If you are traveling through Seattle or any other town in the area, make sure to visit these locations before you go home!  1.  Mount Rainier National Park Located just southeast of Issaquah, Mount Rainier National Park beckons with its towering peaks, expansive meadows, and pristine glaciers. The park offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking trails for all skill levels, picturesque viewpoints, and opportunities for wildlife spotting. Witness the splendor of the majestic Mount Rainier, standing as the centerpiece of the park, and be captivated by its snow-capped beauty. -Fun Fact: Mount Rainier National Park has over 15,000 positive reviews on Google Maps!   ... read more

Have you ever wondered how a small, seemingly ordinary box tucked away in the engine bay of your car has the power to bring it to life? We're talking about car batteries, those unsung heroes of automotive technology that silently work their magic to keep our vehicles running smoothly. Overview: Basic Anatomy of a Car Battery Chemical Reaction What Does The Car Battery Do Exactly Basic Anatomy of a Car Battery If you want to know how something works, you first have to get to know its components. Here are the basics of a batteries parts: Case: The outer housing of the battery is usually made of durable plastic. Electrolyte: A mixture of sulfuric acid and distilled water, responsible for creating a chemical reaction. Plates: Lead plates immersed in the electrolyte, where the energy exchange occurs. Separators: Insulating material placed between the plates to prevent short cir ... read more

Audi is one of the most popular vehicle manufacturers. While it is owned by the VW Group, it differs from the other vehicles quite a lot, which makes it a favorite amongst the public. But what do all of the letters and numbers on their models mean? Well, we will take a closer look at exactly this, down below. Continue reading if you want to find out more about the meaning behind Audi's model labeling. "A" Models Models starting with the letter "A" are usually the most basic of the whole lineup. You can find sedans, coupes, and wagons under the "A" letter. After the letter, you can find a number, designated to the class of the vehicle, starting at 1 (being the least luxurious) and ending at 8 (which is the best of the "A" line). But don't get things mixed up; most basic doesn't mean worst; quite the opposite, actually. "Q" Models If you have looked at an SUV made by Audi, you have probabl ... read more

The differences between gasoline and diesel engines are quite big. From the way they ignite the fuel to the fuel itself and a lot more technical things. Besides their differences, there are benefits and drawbacks for both. In this blog, we will take a closer look at them so you have a better idea of what will work best for you. Pros And Cons of Gasoline Engines Gasoline engines work by compressing a mixture of air and fuel and then igniting it with an electrical pulse/spark. After the ignition, the mixture explodes, pushing the pistons down and rotating the crankshaft - producing, as we call it, horsepower. This process is quite complex compared to the diesel alternative and has its fair share of pros and cons. Here are some of them. Pros: More power output Cheaper fuel prices Advanced technology More high-end options Produces less harmful gasses Cons: High repair prices Less durable Needs frequent maintenance to function pr ... read more

Gasoline and diesel vehicles are two popular options for drivers, but they differ in many ways. Here's a closer look at the key differences between gasoline and diesel vehicles: Fuel Type The most obvious difference between gasoline and diesel vehicles is the type of fuel they use. Gasoline vehicles run on gasoline, while diesel vehicles run on diesel fuel. Diesel fuel has a higher energy density and contains more energy per gallon than gasoline, which can result in improved fuel efficiency for diesel vehicles. Engine Design The engines of gasoline and diesel vehicles are also different. Diesel engines are typically more rugged and durable than gasoline engines and are designed to handle the high compression ratios and high fuel pressures that are required to run on diesel fuel. Diesel engines also tend to be more reliable than gasoline engines and require less maintenance. Fuel Economy Diesel vehicles generally offer better fue ... read more

Did you know that the warm air blowing through your vents this winter comes from your car engine? The engine cooling system is linked to the heating system. Therefore, when your car heater stops working or isn’t keeping you warm enough, you should have your cooling system checked out.  Your vehicle’s heating system revolves around the heater core. The cooling system parts that play a part in bringing heat into the cabin include the coolant fluid, water pump, thermostat, and radiator.  Coolant - Mix of antifreeze and water Water Pump - Pushes coolant to and out of the engine and radiator and heater core Thermostat - Monitors temperature and opens and closes accordingly to let coolant through the engine Radiator - Helps disperse engine heat When your engine generates a significant amount of heat, the cooling system helps move some of it out. While most of the heat is put through the exhaust system, some of it gets absorbed into the cooling system and brought t ... read more