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