Maple Valley Auto Repair

Have you ever had a driving experience where you are driving unsuspectingly on the highway and then suddenly your car comes to a dead stop? Well, you are not alone. Most people have had this experience at least once in their driving lifetime. And in most cases the timing belt is the issue behind the inconvenience. So, what exactly happens when your timing belt breaks? The Timing Belt Explained A timing belt is a continuous loop made of rubber designed as cutting ridges. It is purposely designed to get intertwined with the teeth of the camshaft, whose role is to control the valves, and the crankshaft connecting to the pistons hence keeping them in perfect sync with each other. A timing belt thus, serves the crucial role of regulating the time taken to open and close the valve during the up and down of the pistons. The Significance of the Timing Belt You see, the valves and the pistons are strategically located on a collision path. Timing is, therefore, a crucial activity failure to ... read more

Cars nowadays are built with thoughtful engineering and using durable materials. Even with better-performing automobiles, they require a proper level of maintenance. Vehicle parts go through wear and tear, and eventually need to be replaced. One example is the fuel injectors in cars.    Fuel injectors are a part of a fuel delivery system, and they are the devices that spritz fuel for the engine to run. When the fuel injector is clogged or failing to work, you may notice the following symptoms: Bad Odor If you can smell fuel all the time while driving, it is a sign that you have a leak. Fuel leaks are scary because gasoline is flammable. Plus, it can be costly. Your fuel economy will be impacted with a faulty fuel injector, so be sure to repair your fuel injectors ASAP. Engine Struggles Your engine will lose a significant amount of power when the fuel injectors have gone bad. Your car might not accelerate as quickly or at all. Since your engine won’t combust as it ... read more

A vehicle's transmission fluid is necessary because it keeps moving parts lubricated and helps the transmission maintain an optimal temperature. In an automatic transmission, the fluid also supplies hydraulic pressure and friction for the internal parts, so they operate correctly and smoothly. Since the gears work and shift differently, the correct type of transmission fluid depends on whether your car has an automatic or manual transmission. Even after those two categories, you will find there are many different types of transmission fluid. Aside from traditional formulas that are crude oil based, The owner's manual should specify the best type of fluid for your car's transmission needs. There are a few variables when it comes to how frequently you need to change your transmission fluid. Those variables will depend on the age or model of your vehicle, the type of transmission, what the vehicle is mainly used for, and the specific manufacturer's recommendations. If yo ... read more

The most anxiety-inducing warning light that can come on your dashboard is the check engine light. The check engine warning is so feared because of how ambiguous it can be. It can come on for a number of reasons, all ranging in severity. When this light comes on, it is important for you to bring your car to an auto repair shop for engine diagnostics. Below are 5 common reasons for a lit check engine light.   #1: Loose, Broken, or Damaged Gas Lid This problem is the cheapest and easiest to fix. When your light comes on, you should first check the gas cap. When your gas lid is damaged or not fastened, the gasoline in the tank can evaporate. Your car’s computer will catch this and trigger the light to come on.   #2: Failing Oxygen Sensor The O2 sensor is a part of your vehicle’s exhaust system, and it is in charge of measuring oxygen levels. It sends the info to your car computer and uses it to calculate a balanced air to fuel mixture.   #3: Malfunctioni ... read more

Your car needs the alternator to keep regenerating power as the engine runs. When the alternator breaks down, your car's electrical systems and accessories will not last much longer. That's where Rainier Automotive comes in. Read on to learn about the signs of a failing alternator. Sign #1: Electrical/Burning Smells The alternator is supposed to generate a lot of power. Certain issues can cause the alternator overheat. As a result, you may catch a whiff of a hot electrical smell.  Sign #2: Odd Sounds Your alternator has belts, pulleys, and bearings that keep it in order to generate power. If any of those parts wear out, you'll likely hear a noise.. It is often described as whining or squealing. Sign #3: Problems with Electronic Accessories Any accessories that draws power from your car's electrical system will run the risk of malfunctioning. When the alternator is failing, it can't supply enough power to everything at once. That may mean your radio, GPS ... read more