Graham Auto Repair

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

Understanding the Different Types of Vehicle A/C Systems & Machines Keeping your vehicle cool during the hot summer months is essential for comfort and safety. But did you know that different vehicles use different types of A/C machines? At Graham Auto Repair we service both older and newer vehicles. We want to help you understand the differences between the two main types of vehicle A/C systems and machines: R-134a and R-1234yf. A/C machines are specialized equipment we use to service your vehicle’s air conditioning system. They recover, recycle, and recharge refrigerant, which is also known as Freon. This is done to ensure your A/C system works efficiently and effectively. We have two different machines at Graham Auto Repair: the Robinair 34788NI which handles the R-134a refrigerant specifically; and our Snap-on Machine, which can handle both systems. R-134a A/C Vehicle Systems: R-134a refrigerant has been the standar ... read more

Why You Should Never Skip a Pre-Purchase Vehicle Inspection Are you thinking about buying a used car? Before you make that investment, a pre-purchase vehicle inspection (PPI) can be incredibly helpful! By knowing the current health of the vehicle in advance, you can avoid potential headaches and costly repairs down the road. At Graham Auto Repair we can complete a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection and provide you with the knowledge you need to make a wise investment. Let’s get down to the details about why we believe a PPI is an essential step in your car-buying process! Check out this short video showcasing our vehicle inspections at Graham Auto Repair! 1. Uncover Hidden Issues: A PPI helps identify any underlying problems or concerns that may not be visible during a simple test drive. From engine concerns and fluid leaks, to brake or tire wear. Knowing the condition of the vehicle helps you avoid unexpected repairs, and consider if you ar ... read more

Comprehensive Vehicle Inspections at Graham Auto Repair: Ensuring Your Safety on the Road At Graham Auto Repair, we prioritize your safety by offering thorough vehicle inspections which are performed by our skilled technicians. We offer routine vehicle check-ups, pre-purchase inspections, brake inspections, and detailed diagnostic inspections. With all of these services, our team will partner with you to keep your vehicle performing at its best! Let’s discuss the reason behind inspections, and the different inspections that we offer at both of our locations. Regular vehicle inspections are important to maintain your car's safety and performance. They help you identify any potential concerns before your vehicle breaks down. Is it time to complete a regular maintenance service? Does your vehicle have a fluid leak or worn-out parts? Is it time to replace your brake pads or resurface your rotors? All of these things can be identified and scheduled during an insp ... read more