Graham Auto Repair

Are you ready for Thanksgiving and Black Friday driving? Thanksgiving is just around the corner! That means many of us are completing last-minute plans to gear up for holiday road trips. If you're visiting family or planning to shop for Black Friday deals--You want your vehicle in its best condition to ensure a safe, smooth journey without delays. At Graham Auto Repair we will have both of our shops closed on Thursday and Friday of Thanksgiving Week. It's a good idea to book any last-minute maintenance as early as possible. Keep reading for a few tips to help you prepare your vehicle for the rainy, windy, PNW weather! When is the best time to drive for Thanksgiving travels? If your travel time is flexible, planning your drive strategically can help you avoid the holiday traffic. The day before Thanksgiving is typically one of the most congested travel days of the year! If you're looking to skip the worst of the traffic, consider setting o ... read more

What are the risks of driving with worn brake pads? Did you know that ignoring worn brake pads can impact your entire brake system, and increase repair costs? Brake pads play a crucial role in stopping your vehicle effectively. When they are worn out, your safety--and the safety of others on the road--can be compromised. Today we are going to take a closer look at the risks of driving with worn out brake pads. Why do brake pads wear down? Brake pads naturally wear down over time. This is because of the friction that's created every time you press the brake pedal. As they thin out, they lose the ability to provide you with the stopping power you need to keep you safe.  Watch the video below: Check out this recent brake repair by our Technician at our Graham location. Get an up close look at what can happen when your brake pads are left worn out for too long. The Risks of Worn Brake Pads:1. Reduced Stopping Power w ... read more

Understanding Oil Leak Diagnostics: How We Help Keep Your Vehicle Leak-Free Oil leaks can cause major headaches for vehicle owners if they are left untreated. Not only do they cause you to lose oil, but they can cause significant damage to your engine over time. At Graham Auto Repair our team of skilled technicians complete thorough oil leak diagnostics. We want to ensure your vehicle is running smoothly and leak-free! In this blog we'll walk you through how we diagnose oil leaks. We also have a recent example to share with you! Scroll down to see a video and details about a recent Ford F150 fleet vehicle that came in with an excessive oil leak. How does an oil leak diagnostic work? When a vehicle comes into our shop with oil leak concerns, we follow a detailed process to locate the source of the concern. Visual Inspection: Our technicians start by visually inspecting the engine bay and the vehicle's undercarriage. This ... read more

Why is a Brake Fluid Service Essential For Your Vehicle's Safety? Your vehicle’s braking system is one of its most critical safety components. Most drivers know about brake pads and rotors, but did you know that brake fluid plays an equally important role in keeping you safe? Regular brake fluid services ensure that your brakes perform at their best. Special Offer: From October 1-31, 2024 you can support our Brakes for Breasts Fundraiser and receive Free Brake Pads! Want to learn how? Click here to learn more about Brakes for Breasts. Keep reading to find learn why a brake fluid service is important. What is Brake Fluid and Why is it Important? Brake fluid is the lifeblood of your car’s braking system. When you press the brake pedal, the brake fluid transfers the force from the pedal to the brakes themselves, causing your car ... read more

How do you know if it's time for new brakes? Your brakes are one of the most important safety systems in your vehicle. When you start to notice any signs that they aren't working properly, it's time to schedule a brake inspection right away. Bonus: From October 1-31, 2024 you can support our Brakes for Breasts Fundraiser and receive Free Brake Pads too! Click here to learn more about Brakes for Breasts. Keep reading to find 5 common signs that it might be time to book your brake inspection. 1. Strange Sounds: Are your brakes making a squealing or screeching noise when you brake? Many brake pads have a built-in wear indicator that will squeal when the pads are ready to be replaced. If you hear these sounds, it's a potential sign that your brake pads need attention. However, this isn't always the case. Squealing can also happen due t ... read more

How can you extend the life of your brake pads? Taking care of your brake pads not only keeps you safe on the road, but can save you money! How? By extending their lifespan. So today we are going to give you a few tips on easy ways to make your brake pads last longer. 1. Brake Gradually: Avoid slamming on your brakes whenever possible. Do your best to anticipate stops so that you can have smoother braking. This will reduce the heat that's generated and help to prolong the life of your brake pads. 2. Watch Your Speed: How does your speed affect your braking? The faster you drive, the more energy your brakes will have to absorb when you stop. By reducing your speed you will limit how often you will need to brake. By reducing your speed, you will gradually help limit the wear and tear on your brake pads. 3. Avoid Overloading: Do you ever use your vehicle for towing or transporting loads? Do you carry a lot of un ... read more

Prepare Your Vehicle For Fall Driving in the Pacific Northwest As the rainy season approaches and leaves begin to fall, it’s essential to make sure your vehicle is ready to handle the challenges of fall driving in the PNW. Here’s how you can ensure your car is safe and reliable this season: 1. Complete an Oil Change Service: Regular oil changes are crucial to keep your engine running smoothly, especially as the weather cools down. Fresh oil helps your engine work efficiently, reducing wear and tear. 2. Inspect Your Tires--Don't Forget the Spare Tire: Check your tires for proper inflation and tread depth. Wet roads and fallen leaves can create slippery conditions, so it’s important to have good traction. Worn or under-inflated tires can increase the risk of hydroplaning. 3. Complete a Brake Inspection: Your brakes are your vehicle’s most important safety feature, especially on wet roads ... read more

How Should I Prepare My Car For Fall Weather? As the school year approaches, parents and guardians are busy preparing for the daily routine of drop-offs, pick-ups, and everything in between. Ensuring your vehicle is ready for the road is an essential part of that preparation. A well-maintained vehicle not only ensures your family's safety but also provides peace of mind during those busy school mornings. While there are some basic safety checks you can perform at home, Graham Auto Repair offers something even more comprehensive—a complimentary full vehicle health inspection with every service. This detailed inspection helps catch potential concerns before they become costly breakdowns, ensuring a smooth and safe school commute. Let’s explore the top 5 vehicle safety checks you can do at home, and see how our professional inspections go beyond the basics. 1. Tire Inspection:Why It's Important: Tires are the only ... read more

Essential Items for Your Car Emergency Kit This Fall As the fall driving season approaches, it’s crucial to ensure that your vehicle is equipped to handle any situation that may arise on the road. Whether you’re sending your college student off to campus or juggling school drop-offs and pick-ups. As a busy parent, having an emergency car kit provides peace of mind for everyone involved. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the essential items that should be in your car’s emergency kit. These things will help you stay prepared no matter where the road takes you this fall. 1. Jumper Cables or Jumper Box: A dead battery can happen unexpectedly. Jumper cables are a great option. A portable jumper box will allow you or your college student to jump-start their car without needing another vehicle! 2. First Aid Kit & Flashlight: Here's a few items to keep in your first aid kit: bandages, antiseptic ... read more

Preparing Your College Student's Car for the Journey Back to Campus The summer months are winding down and the excitement of a new school year is approaching! It's time to make sure your college student's car is ready for the road. A well-maintained vehicle is crucial for their safety and for your peace of mind. Whether you are driving them across the country, or waving good-bye as they take the journey on their own. We want to make sure breakdowns are crossed off the list this fall! Keep reading to find a checklist of services and safety checks, to help prepare your vehicle for the journey ahead. Bonus: If you complete an Oil Change Service at Graham Auto Repair, we will complete a free vehicle health inspection. Our team will inform you of any other necessary services. Giving you the opportunity to address any potential services before the first quarter begins! 1. Complete an Oil Change: Fresh oil is essential for the engine ... read more