Graham Auto Repair

At Graham Auto Repair, we prioritize your safety on the road. One crucial aspect of vehicle safety is ensuring your brake pads are in good condition. Today, we want to show you the difference between worn-out and new brake pads and explain why it's important that you replace them, and that you don't wait too long. Imagine you're driving and you need to stop your car. A lot happens when you press the brake pedal, in order for your vehicle to slow down and stop safely. One of the most crucial parts in this process is the brake pads. Brake pads are small, flat pieces made of tough material like metal and ceramic. They are part of your vehicle's braking system and are found inside the brake calipers, which are located near the wheels. The part of the brake pad that touches the rotor is covered with a material called "friction material." This material is designed to create the friction that's needed to stop your car. Over time, the constant pressing ... read more

As spring blooms into summer in Washington State, many of us are planning summer road trips. Whether you’re dreaming of a coastal drive or a mountain getaway, ensuring your vehicle is road-trip ready is essential. At Graham Auto Repair, we want to help you prepare your car for the adventures ahead with our comprehensive vehicle services. Check out this short video where our team shares their tips to prepare for a road trip. Along with some essential items to take with you. 1. Oil Change Service:Why it's important: Oil changes help maintain your engine’s health and ensures it remains efficient. Replacing the old oil removes any debris that have built up over time. Fresh oil ensures that all engine components are well-lubricated and working together with ease. Ready to schedule your next oil service? Click Here To Book Online ... read more

What is Rotor Resurfacing? At Graham Auto Repair, we believe in keeping our customers informed about vehicle maintenance. Understanding what maintenance is needed and when is essential. We want to ensure that your vehicle doesn't breakdown, which can be more expensive and time consuming to repair. One common service we offer is rotor resurfacing. If you're wondering what rotor resurfacing is and if it's an option for your vehicle, this blog is for you. Rotor resurfacing is also known as rotor turning or machining. It is a process that smooths out the surface of your brake rotors. Why is this needed? Rotors are constantly under friction and heat that's created when you brake. Over time they can develop grooves, uneven wear, and other imperfections. Resurfacing will remove the imperfections and restore a smooth and even surface. Which is great, because it improves your braking performance! But it also extends ... read more

What Does a Red Ring on Spark Plugs Mean? Have you found a red ring on your spark plugs? Understanding the signs your engine is sharing is a crucial step to maintain your vehicle's health. At Graham Auto Repair we emphasize the value of regular maintenance for your vehicles. We want to ensure your cars are safe and reliable, to help you prevent future breakdowns. Before we dive into what can cause a red ring on your spark plugs, it's important to distinguish it from normal color changes. A brown or tan stain is generally considered normal. It is sometimes caused by oil and dirt particles, and is usually harmless. In contrast, a red ring can be a visible sign of a more serious condition. If you feel unsure which color you're dealing with, call and talk with our team. Our Service Advisors will be more than happy to help you! 1. Excessive Engine Heat: If your spark plug shows a red ring, it might be warning you ... read more

Troubleshooting Common Questions About Your Vehicle's Transmission System Transmission fluid is often overlooked but plays a critical role in keeping your vehicle running smoothly. In this blog we'll tackle some of the most frequently asked questions about transmission fluid and your transmission system to help you troubleshoot any concerns you have. We want to help ensure your car's transmission stays in top condition. Please let us know if we missed any by sending us your questions through our Contact Page. 1. How Does a Car Act When it Needs Transmission Fluid? One of the telltale signs that your car needs transmission fluid is irregular shifting or hesitation when changing gears. You might notice a delay in acceleration or a noticeable jerk when shifting. These symptoms often indicate low transmission fluid levels, which can lead to serious transmission ... read more

5 Signs of Low Transmission Fluid: What Every Driver Should Know Curious about the health of your car's transmission? Understanding the signs of low transmission fluid is crucial for maintaining your vehicle's performance. By keeping up-to-date with vehicle maintenance you can help prevent costly repairs down the road. Let's dive into the telltale indicators that your transmission fluid might be running low. Here are a few signs that your transmission fluid may be low, or may need to be replaced. 1. Delayed or Rough Shifting: Difficulty shifting gears smoothly, such as a noticeable hesitation or jerkiness when accelerating or decelerating. 2. Transmission Slipping: ... read more

Understanding the Importance of Transmission Fluid Maintenance In Your Vehicle Today, we're diving into an essential aspect of vehicle maintenance that often goes overlooked: transmission fluid. Many of us wait until something goes wrong with our cars before scheduling maintenance appointments. But understanding the significance of transmission fluid and regular servicing can save us from costly repairs down the road. Transmission fluid is a crucial component of automatic transmissions. It serves multiple functions, including lubricating moving parts, cooling the transmission, and maintaining hydraulic pressure. Essentially, it's the lifeblood of your transmission system. Here are a few reasons why it's important to complete regular maintenance of your Transmission Fluid: 1. Optimal Performance: Fresh transmission fluid ensures smooth gear shifts and overall performance of your vehicle. 2. Prevents Damage: Regular serv ... read more

Troubleshooting Common Questions About Your Vehicle's Cooling System Ensuring your vehicle's cooling system is in top condition is crucial for preventing costly breakdowns and maintaining optimal performance. Today we will discuss common questions and answers to help you understand and troubleshoot your cooling system. Please let us know if we missed any by sending us your questions through our Contact Page. 1. How often do you need to replace the coolant or antifreeze in your vehicle? Coolant or antifreeze should typically be replaced every 2 to 5 years or according to the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule. Over time, coolant can degrade, lose its effectiveness, and become contaminated with rust, debris, or other impurities. This compromises its ability to protect the engine from overheating and corrosion. Regular replacement helps ensure the cooli ... read more

Maximizing Fleet Efficiency: The Cooling System In today's competitive business environment, maximizing fleet efficiency and minimizing downtime are crucial for success. Regular cooling system services plays a vital role in achieving these goals. Here's why regular cooling system services are essential for your fleet:1. Prevents costly breakdowns: Overheating, corrosion, and other cooling system issues can lead to expensive repairs and unexpected vehicle downtime. 2. Ensures optimal performance: A well-maintained cooling system optimizes engine performance. This can lead to improved fuel efficiency and reduced operating costs. 3. Extends the lifespan of your fleet: Regular service not only prevents breakdowns but also extends the lifespan of your vehicles. This can greatly reduce your overall replacement costs. By investing in regular cooling system services for your fleet, you can sig ... read more

The Hidden Cost of Using Water In Your Vehicle's Cooling System Are you a company that manages a fleet of vehicles to keep your business running? As fleet managers, maintaining peak performance and maximizing cost-efficiency are top priorities. While water may seem like a readily available and inexpensive alternative to coolant, the potential consequences can be significantly detrimental to your fleet's health and budget. 1. Improper Temperature Regulation: Water lacks the heat transfer capacity of coolant. This can lead to potential overheating and engine damage. 2. Increased Risk of Freezing: Water's higher freezing point poses a risk of ice formation within the engine block during cold weather. This can cause cracks in your system, resulting in expensive repairs. 3. Accelerated Corrosion: Water lacks the anti-corrosion properties of coolant. This can lead to premature wear and tear on essential engi ... read more