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 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

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

Have you ever wondered about the importance of your vehicle's cooling system? Understanding it's role is essential for maintaining optimal engine performance. With proper coolant, and regular cooling system services, you can prevent expensive repairs. Join us as we explore the significance of coolant and how it protects your vehicle. Yes, the words antifreeze and coolant can be used to describe the same fluid. Coolant is a vital fluid in your vehicle's engine. It helps regulate the engine's temperature, ensuring it doesn't get too hot or too cold. This is important because an engine that is too hot can overheat and cause damage. In addition, an engine that's too cold can freeze up and stop working. Essentially, coolant keeps your engine running smoothly in any weather conditions. Let's discuss why coolant is essential for your vehicle. When your engine runs, it is generating a lot of heat! The cooling system, which includes the radiator and the wat ... read more

Winter-Ready Vehicles: Navigating Safety With Our $199 Winter Service Special! As the winter chill sets in, we invite you to prioritize your safety on the road. Ensuring your vehicle is winter-ready is not just about vehicle performance. It's a critical step in securing your safety on the road! At Graham Auto Repair, our team is dedicated to your safety on the road. As part of our commitment to take care of our customers, we want to share our $199 Winter Service Special. But before we get into the details of this special, let's dive into some essential services that will prepare your vehicle for winter. 1. Tire Rotation: Tire rotations, which are included in our "Winter Service Special," are a proactive step to prevent uneven tire wear and to enhance tire grip on icy roads. Uneven tire wear poses additional risks in snowy & icy road conditions. A tire rotation is included in the regular cost of our " ... read more

Winter is here! Many of us are getting ready to travel for the holidays. You may be asking, "How do I prepare my car for winter driving? It can seem like a daunting task. But we're here to help you! With these 4 maintenance services, you will be better prepared on the road this winter. We also have 1 more bonus tip for you at the end! 1. Tire Rotation One of the most important services to prepare your car for winter is a tire rotation. When you don't rotate your tires, they wear down unevenly. This can lead to dangerous conditions while driving in the snow. It's super important to have good tire grip when driving on ice and in the snow! By rotating your tires every few months, you'll help them to wear evenly. This will prolong the life of your tires as well.   2. Change Your Air Filter & Cabin Air Filter Did you know that most vehicles have more than one air filter? There is the engine air filter and the cabin air filt ... read more