Yakima Auto Repair

In Yakima, one type of tire will not get the job done year-round. It is essential to equip your vehicle with the right tires to handle weather-related driving challenges. Knowing when to switch between winter and summer tires in Yakima is crucial, with timing depending more on temperature than the calendar. Because fall and spring weather can be unpredictable, RJ’s Yakima tire installation pros offer these tips to help you decide when to make a seasonal tire swap. When to Use Summer or All-Season Tires Summer tires have a shallower tread pattern and a rubber mixture formulated to provide optimal traction on dry, hot pavement. For these reasons, the best time to swap from winter to summer tires is when the daily average temperature in Yakima consistently stays above 45°F (7°C) overnight and the risk of freezing temperatures and snowfall is minimal, typically around March or April.  ... read more

Do you regularly monitor your Yakima vehicle’s tire pressure and make it a habit to check it before each trip? Maintaining the manufacturer-recommended tire pressure is a simple and cost-effective way to reduce the frequency of tire replacement and blowouts. How does proper inflation extend tire life? Proper Inflation Prevents Uneven Tire Wear Excess tire wear on the edges from underinflation, or in the center from overinflation, indicates that your tires have been maintained at the wrong pressure for too long. Keeping your vehicle’s tires dialed in to the proper pressure ensures even weight distribution across the entire tire surface, extending tire lifespan and delivering improved braking and handling performance. Likewise, routine vehicle alignments ensure that the wheels and tires are angled correctly, allowing them to roll freely and facilitating even tread wear ... read more

Signs Your Car Needs Auto Electrical Repair Are you overlooking signs your car needs auto electrical repair? Your vehicle’s electrical system is crucial to safe, reliable operation. Keep your vehicle in peak condition, addressing issues early with these tips from RJ’s Tire Pros & Auto Experts. Watch out for these common symptoms of electrical problems so you don’t get stuck roadside. Vehicle Struggles to Start or Won’t Start There are many ways faulty electrical system components can impact starting your car. If your engine struggles to turn over or nothing happens when you turn the key, the battery may be to blame. When dimming lights or malfunctioning accessories accompany a slow start, it may be the alternator. If you hear a clicking noise but the car won’t start, suspect your starter. Starting issues accompanied by stalling and rough idling indicate a bad ignition coil. Car Re ... read more

Snow is Here… How to Prep Your Car for the Winter Is your Yakima Valley vehicle ready for the colder weather? Freezing temperatures tend to worsen existing problems. Ensure your personal or commercial automobile is in good working order and able to provide safe, reliable transportation in dropping temperatures. Now that snow is here – learn how to prep your car for the winter with these tips from RJ’s Tire Pros & Auto Experts. Tire Maintenance for Winter Weather Tire pressure falls 1 PSI for every 10 degrees that the temperature drops. Monitoring tire pressure monthly ensures optimal performance and safety. Ample tread with even wear is also essential to accelerating, cornering, and braking performance. When it is time for tire replacement, switching to seasonal snow tires offers improved ... read more

When was the last time you gave your car or truck a little TLC? Preventive care prolongs vehicle life and minimizes unexpected, costly repairs. Many maintenance tasks don’t take much time and can be performed at home. For those you can’t do yourself or don’t have the time to manage, RJ’s Tire Pros & Auto Experts’ friendly Yakima Valley auto mechanics have you covered, offering comprehensive vehicle inspection and maintenance services for less than area dealers. We’re here to help you keep your car operating at its best with this car maintenance checklist for 2025. Tire Maintenance Routine tire pressure checks are essential for identifying leaks and managing temperature-based fluctuations. While verifying tire pressure, inspect tread depth, replacing tires with low tread and bald spots, which decrease brake response and ha ... read more

Fall Car Care Month in October is the perfect time to give your vehicle a little extra TLC after the extreme summer heat and before frigid winter temperatures arrive. To ensure you're covered bumper to bumper, RJ's Tire Pros & Auto Experts offers these tips on how to care for your car after summer. Schedule an Oil Change Advanced oil formulations allow you to go longer between oil changes - but waiting too long can strain your engine, shortening your vehicle's lifespan. Seasonal oil changes ensure smooth, lasting operation. Check Fluid Levels Prevent fall fluid mishaps. When your car is cool, check the oil, coolant, brake, power steering, transmission, window cleaner, and de-icer fluid levels, restoring them to proper levels. Inspect Your Braking System Brakes are essential to safety and should be inspected annually. Scheduling a ... read more

Your transmission is an essential vehicle component, transferring power from the engine to the wheels to get you where you’re going. Unfortunately, drivers frequently neglect transmission maintenance because this out-of-sight, out-of-mind drivetrain part doesn’t require service as often as engine oil needs replacing. How can you tell when your transmission is in trouble? Watch out for these 5 signs your car may need transmission repair: 1. Transmission Making Strange Noises Whining, gurgling, or roaring on acceleration and clunking with up or downshifting are signs of impending transmission issues. When you hear these sounds, take your vehicle to your auto mechanic for an inspection ASAP. Don’t wait until you need transmission rebuilding or replacement. 2. Rough or Delayed Shifting When your v ... read more

With summer around the corner, and your vacation itinerary packed with tons of sightseeing adventures, now is the time for a professional vehicle inspection at your local car service center. While your vehicle has gotten you through work and school commutes just fine, these commutes differ from long interstate treks. A car inspection is critical before a road trip, ensuring you can get maintenance needs addressed and safely travel without getting stuck roadside. Can My Car Handle a Road Trip? Most regularly maintained, well-performing vehicles should be able to manage a long drive, but unknown issues not apparent during short, daily trips may surface during a long trek. For this reason, regardless of vehicle age, you should always schedule an inspection with ... read more

Regular inspections are a must no matter what vehicle you drive, reducing the likelihood of inconvenient breakdowns and ensuring roadway safety. But how often should you get your car inspected? Most automobiles run well with a vehicle inspection once a year or every 10-20,000 miles. However, individual situations vary. Our auto mechanics recommend adjusting vehicle inspection frequency based on the following factors to safeguard your car's performance and value and catch problems before they turn into more costly repairs. Schedule Vehicle Inspections for Older Cars More Frequently Age is a primary factor when considering a preventative maintenance schedule. Our car service team suggests an inspection with each oil change for older cars since older vehicles have undergone more wear and tear than newer models. Review Manufacturer Recommendations for Preventative Maintenance ... read more

  How Do You Know When Your Car Needs Suspension Repairs? Your car's suspension provides more than a smooth ride. Your vehicle's suspension keeps it in contact with the road, assisting you with traction, steering, turning, and braking so you can remain in control. It's easy to overlook, but maintaining it is no less important than regular oil changes and tire maintenance. Driving on a bad suspension is not only uncomfortable – it's unsafe. How do you know when your car needs suspension repairs if you can't see the key components?   Get to Know How Your Suspension System Works Vehicle suspension systems typically include springs, struts, shocks, and links, which connect these components to the frame and tires. Tires also play a role in the system, keeping your vehicle in contact with the road. Each part performs a specific function, distinctly impacting handling. Shocks prevent b ... read more