Edmonds Auto Repair

A weak battery and a weak alternator can make a car act the same way. You turn the key, the starter hesitates, and the lights look a little dim. Many drivers replace the battery first, only to have the new one go flat a few days later. The reason is simple: the battery stores energy, but the alternator makes it while the engine runs. When the alternator falls behind, the battery takes the blame. Why a Bad Alternator Mimics a Bad Battery Both parts live in the same electrical loop, so their symptoms overlap. A worn alternator does not keep the battery charged, which leaves too little reserve for the next start. Short trips make this worse because the alternator has less time to replenish what starting the engine used up. Cold mornings add load from the heater, window defogger, and seat warmers, so the battery drains faster and voltage dips. It feels like a tired battery, but the charging system is the root cause. Common Signs the Alternator Is Struggling ... read more

Thanksgiving road trips are always memorable, but they can also be stressful if your vehicle isn’t ready. Whether you’re driving a few hours to visit family or hitting the interstate for a longer haul, a breakdown on a holiday weekend is the last thing anyone wants. Cold weather, heavy traffic, and fully packed vehicles all add strain to your car’s systems. That’s why a little preparation now can save you a lot of time, money, and frustration later. Check the Oil Before You Go One of the simplest ways to protect your engine is to check the oil before your trip. If it’s dirty, dark, or low, an oil change should be at the top of your list. Engine oil keeps parts lubricated and prevents overheating, especially during long highway drives. Skipping this step could put extra stress on your engine when it’s already working hard. Inspect Tires for Pressure and Tread Tires often get overlooked, but they’re critical ... read more

When you press your brake pedal, you expect a firm, responsive feel that gives you confidence in your stopping power. If the pedal feels soft or spongy instead, it’s a sign that something in your braking system isn’t working as it should. While this can happen gradually over time or appear suddenly, it always deserves prompt attention. Being aware of the most common causes of a soft brake pedal can help you know what to expect and why addressing the issue early is so important. How Your Brake System Works Your vehicle’s braking system relies on hydraulic pressure to slow or stop the car. When you press the brake pedal, fluid travels through brake lines to calipers or wheel cylinders, which then apply pressure to the brake pads or shoes. Those pads press against rotors or drums, creating friction that slows the vehicle. For this system to work correctly, it depends on properly functioning components and a sealed hydraulic system. If anything interr ... read more

An overheating engine can be one of the most stressful problems to face while driving. You see the temperature gauge rising or steam billowing from under the hood, and your first question is, “How serious is this?” One common fix that shops recommend is a coolant flush. But can a coolant flush really solve an overheating problem, or is it just one piece of the puzzle? Let’s look at what a coolant flush does, how it helps, and when it’s the right fix for an overheating engine. Understanding How Engine Cooling Works Your vehicle’s cooling system is designed to regulate engine temperature, keeping it within a safe operating range. It circulates coolant (a mix of antifreeze and water) through the engine, where it absorbs heat, and then through the radiator, where that heat is released into the air. This process relies on multiple parts working together—hoses, a water pump, a thermostat, a radiator, and the coolant itself. When any of ... read more

When shopping for a new vehicle or learning more about your current one, you might notice manufacturers boasting about cars with six, eight, or even ten-speed transmissions. The idea of “more gears” often suggests advanced technology and improved performance, but does it actually mean better fuel economy? Understanding how transmission gears work will help you see the connection and limitations between gear count and fuel efficiency. How Transmission Gears Work A transmission controls how power from your engine is delivered to the wheels. Gears allow your engine to operate efficiently at different speeds and loads. Lower gears provide more torque for acceleration and climbing, while higher gears let the engine run at lower RPMs during cruising, which saves fuel. An automatic or manual transmission with more gears has a wider range of options for matching engine power to driving conditions. In theory, this should lead to smoother shifts and better efficie ... read more