Edmonds Auto Repair

For drivers in Edmonds, WA, it is a familiar sight to see frost and frozen windshields in the morning. While most people keep an ice scraper tool on standby, the defrosters in your car can significantly reduce the time it takes to melt your windshield. It helps clear the windshield by heating it up. When your defrosters stop working, it is a major inconvenience and not something you should blow off.  To understand how it all works, you should know that various parts from multiple systems allow you to defrost and/or defog the windshield efficiently. The defroster is linked to both the HVAC system and the cooling system. The radiator and heater core use the heat absorbed by the coolant in the engine and use it to defrost the windshield. In other words, the cooling system also affects heater performance too.  You should never cut corners to warm up your windshield in the winter as it can damage the glass. Instead, you should follow these steps to defrost your car: Turn on the ... read more

Driving around during winter is dangerous, and things can turn disastrous very quickly. Therefore, you had better carry things that will keep you safe during winter. A winter emergency kit may save your life and will at least put your mind at ease. The following are some items to carry in your trunk this winter: Ice Scraper and Snow Brush There is always a chance of a snow flurry when driving during winter which will leave several inches of snow on your car. Such an amount of snow on the windows will severely impede your vision. Snow and ice on your vehicle could also fly off and hit other cars, increasing the chances of accidents. You should carry an ice scraper and snow brush to clear snow and ice from your car. Use them on the windshield, windows, mirrors, and lights before driving. Shovel A shovel is a must-have tool during winter. It is the best tool to clear snow and ice around your car. A shovel can help you make a path if you are stuck in the snow. The size of the shovel ... read more

Thinking of gifting a pre-owned car, SUV, or truck for the holidays? Or simply want to treat yourself to a new vehicle? Before you jump into buying a car, there are many things you should consider like where you’re buying from, who you’re buying from, what kind of car you want, how old is the car, etc. All things aside, there is a lot of research that you should do to avoid making the mistake of buying a lemon. The surest way to back up the decision process is by getting a pre-purchase inspection or PPI. A PPI is a thorough assessment of a used vehicle, one that is on the market to be sold. This evaluation can give you insight into the vehicle’s health and may uncover any problems that may require repairs. It serves to help you make an educated, more confident decision about buying a car that fits your wants, needs, and overall expectations.  Where Can I Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection? At Village Transmission & Auto Clinic, of course! Our technicians are exp ... read more

Did you know you wear down your brake rotor every time you brake? When you brake, the pressure applied to the brake pedal gets transferred to the brake pads, which clamp the brake rotor to reduce the speed. They continue to wear, and after about 70,000 miles (112,654.08 km), you will need to replace them. But how do you know when you need a brake rotor replacement? Signs You Need to Replace Your Brake Rotor The lifespan of your brake rotors depends on how you treat them and how often you use your car. However, keep an eye on the following signs; The Brake Pedal Vibrate When Braking The vibrations may be caused by pad deposits that collect on the surface of the rotors. The high spots created increase friction and can cause an overheated braking system. Loud Noises When Braking You may hear loud noises due to increased grinding and dragging effects. The corrosion on the brake rotor triggers the mechanical wear sensor that is supposed to draw your attention to worn brake pads. Howe ... read more

Vehicles are full of electrical systems that make driving easier. Unfortunately, sometimes they fail. If your vehicle is having trouble, look for these signs of common electrical system problems. Battery This is the most common cause of electrical issues in cars. Batteries can weaken and fail because of age, damage, loose wires, or something draining their power. If the battery just needs a recharge, a jump should get you going for at least a little while. However, recharging also takes a chunk out of the battery's life span. A fully dead battery will need replacing before you can get moving again. Starter If your engine won't turn over, your starter or solenoid may be bad. Often you'll just get a click or series of clicks when trying to start. A failed solenoid can also affect braking. This issue needs the prompt attention of a mechanic. Alternator It's the alternator's job to keep the battery charged as you drive. If the alternator fails, the car will slow d ... read more