Graham and Yelm Auto Repair

Teen Driving Safety: A Guide for Parents and New Drivers Learning to drive is a significant milestone for teenagers! As we know, it also comes with big responsibilities. At Graham Auto Repair, we care about the safety of all drivers, young and old. We want to help parents and teens navigate this exciting yet challenging journey. Below we've put together some essential tips to ensure teens stay safe behind the wheel. Tips for Parents Teaching your teenager to drive can feel overwhelming, but your guidance is invaluable for them! Let's start with 4 tips for parents and other adults who have taken on the role of driving trainer! Set a Positive Example: Your teen learns from watching you. Model good driving habits, like wearing your seatbelt, avoiding distractions, and obeying traffic laws. Provide Diverse Practice Opportunities: Practice driving in different conditions, including rain, nighttime, heavy traffic ... read more

New Year, New Car Care: Preventative Maintenance Have you made any new year's resolutions this year? Preventative maintenance is a great place to start! We've got a list to help you keep your vehicle safe, reliable, and efficient throughout the year. Contact your Service Advisor today so we can review your vehicle's history and make a plan that's customized just for you!  Why is Preventative Maintenance Important? Here are a few reasons why it’s worth prioritizing preventative maintenance in 2025: Save Money: Small, routine services can prevent bigger (and more expensive) repair services down the road. Increase Reliability: Stay ahead of potential unexpected breakdowns. Extend Your Vehicle's Lifespan: Regular care ensures your car lasts longer and performs better. Improve Road Safety: Vehicle inspections help keep you and your loved ones safe on ... read more

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

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

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