Owning a car is a big responsibility, especially when caring for and repairing it. While avoiding the shop at all costs may be tempting, getting your car fixed as soon as something goes wrong is always the best financial decision. Knowing how timely auto repair can save you money can help. 

Prevents Bigger Issues

One of the most important reasons to get your car fixed immediately is that it can prevent more extensive, expensive issues. Car trouble tends to have a domino effect, turning minor problems into serious ones. Getting your vehicle to a shop as soon as you notice a problem will prevent major repairs. 

Keeps You Safe

Your car needs to be in good shape if it’s going to keep you safe. Things like brakes and steering are essential components for your safety and should be repaired as soon as anything goes wrong. This will ensure you don’t have any problems while on the road. 

Staves Off Roadside Problems

It can be incredibly frustrating to have your car break down when you’re on the highway. You can prevent this major inconvenience by getting auto repair done right away. You can also be sure that your car will be reliable for some time. 

Need Auto Repair in Tacoma?

If you need the best care for your car, Jones Automotive Clinic is here to help. With skills ranging from general auto repair to service and specializing in Toyota and Subaru, we can get you back on the road. Please contact us to set up an appointment or stop by our dog-friendly shop to get an estimate for your auto repair. We look forward to meeting you!

Professional Auto Repair in Tacoma

Serving Customers in Tacoma, Sumner, Lake Tapps, Auburn, Federal Way, Des Moines, Gig Harbor, University Place, Fircrest and Ruston

Posted on November 30, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Subaru vehicles have long been known for their reliability and practicality. However, just like with any other kind of vehicle, they will need repair from time to time. Knowing the signs that you need Subaru repair can help keep your car in great condition. 

Low Battery Power

You may notice that your Subaru has a hard time starting or that the battery dies regularly. If you need a jump start more than you should, this could be a sign that you have a battery drain somewhere in the electrical system. Getting Subaru repair to fix this drain will improve the car’s reliability and keep you safe. 

Rough Shifting

Subaru’s continuously variable automatic transmission is known for being smooth and comfortable. However, it could develop issues that can cause rough shifting and slow acceleration after a few years. Getting this repaired will prevent the need for more expensive repairs later on. 

Bad Fuel Economy

One of the most common signs that you need Subaru repair is decreased gas mileage. This is usually the result of a leaking fuel pump or excess gas getting into the cylinder. By getting this issue looked at as soon as you notice it, you can save money and avoid engine problems. 

Need Subaru Repair Near Gig Harbor?

If you need the best care for your car, Jones Automotive Clinic is here to help. With skills ranging from general auto repair and service with a specialization in Toyota and Subaru, we can get you back on the road. Please contact us to set up an appointment or stop by our dog-friendly shop to get an estimate for your auto repair. We look forward to meeting you!

Knowledgeable Subaru Repair Near Gig Harbor

Serving Customers in Tacoma, Sumner, Lake Tapps, Auburn, Federal Way, Des Moines, Gig Harbor, University Place, Fircrest and Ruston

Posted on October 29, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

An inconvenient and potentially dangerous situation is a highway breakdown in Tacoma. Despite the precarious scenario, it’s important to remain calm. Here are the actions to take.

Pull Over

Even if a tire blows out or if the hood blows smoke, the car is still capable of operation for several miles. Keep driving until you find a secure location to pull over. If you’re on the freeway, take the next exit if one is nearby and look for a parking spot. You can even see if there are any auto service stations within the immediate area.

If you must pull over in the middle of a busy highway, exit from the right side of the vehicle. Boost your car’s visibility by turning on the hazard lights. Continue Reading →

Though summer is nearing its end, early fall can be just as hot in Tacoma. This can lead to tire blowouts as heat causes the air in the tires to expand. It can be scary when you’re on the freeway, and you hear a pop and realize a blowout just occurred. How do you respond in this precarious situation? Here are the steps you should take as recommended by our auto service team.

Recognizing a Tire Blowout

A blowout may not be apparent immediately. The first sign is a popping sound followed by a vibration inside the car cabin. You’ll then hear a repeated flopping noise as the flat tire smacks the road.

Other symptoms you may notice include:

• The vehicle pulling to one side.
• Rougher steering if the blowout occurred in a front tire
• Bumpiness if it’s a rear tire

Driving Through a Blowout Continue Reading →

While the car isn’t exactly a living organism, it does require oxygen. To ensure the oxygen is clean and not contaminated by airborne particulates, the air has to first go through the air filter. A dirty car air filter, though, cannot adequately perform its job, in turn leading to decreased engine output. Learn to recognize the signs of a worn filter.

1. Air Filter Appears Dirty

New filters have a whitish tint. If the surface appears brownish, then it may be due for a replacement. If you’re uncertain, then let an auto service technician perform the inspection. 

2. Engine Misfires

Does the engine have difficulty starting? This is an indication the vehicle is not getting sufficient oxygen. This is likely due to the air filter being too filthy and not enabling enough air to get through.

3. Odd Engine Sounds

Listen to the engine noise when the vehicle is idling. If the filter is clean and everything is working optimally, then the engine should produce a smooth and steady roar. If the engine sounds like it’s “coughing,” or if there’s vibration, then this may be either due to a dirty air filter or a worn spark plug. An auto repair technician will need to diagnose the precise cause.

4. Horsepower Reduction

Does the car take longer to accelerate to the desired speed? This is a primary symptom of poor oxygen intake. If the vehicle is slow to accelerate, then you’re likely getting poor fuel mileage as well. 

Let Us Replace Your Dirty Car Air Filter in Tacoma

Whether you drive a Toyota or Subaru, or another brand, let us replace the dirty car air filter. Bring your vehicle to Jone’s Automotive Clinic in Tacoma for a diagnosis if you notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms. Leave it to us to get to the root cause of poor engine performance.  

Dirty Car Air Filter Check and Replacement in Tacoma

Serving Customers in Tacoma, Sumner, Lake Tapps, Auburn, Federal Way, Des Moines, Gig Harbor, University Place, Fircrest and Ruston

Published on July 30, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Now that summer is here, expect to use your vehicle’s AC more often. However, when you switch on the AC, you may notice the air doesn’t feel quite right, or that the system fails to cool the car cabin. Here are four car air conditioning problems to be mindful of this summer. These are signs that warrant auto servicing from a professional.

1. Moisture

Does the AC air feel stuffy? This may be an indicator of trapped moisture within the AC system. If the stuffy air also has a foul odor, then there may be bacteria and possibly mold growth inside the vent. Not only are you getting hot air, but the air may also be spreading hazardous mold spores.

2. Little Cool Air

Does the air hardly feel cool at all even though you have the AC on the max setting? This could point to either a worn condenser or a backup in the cabin air filter. A mechanic will need to check for physical obstructions in the cooling fan and condenser. There may be solid materials like leaves, small rocks, and insect parts. Continue Reading →

Is your vehicle up to the rigors of summer commuting? Summer car care near Lakewood is essential due to the effects of high temperatures on vehicle engines. Learn the essentials of summer automotive repair and maintenance.

Inspect Your Tires

According to the Rubber Manufacturer Association, only one out of 10 car owners regularly monitor their car’s tire pressure. The tires’ pressure is important year-round but is even more vital in the summer. The heat increases pressure inside the tires. This leads to a risk of over-inflation. This is why tire blowouts are so commonplace in the summer. 

Replace the Air Filter

The air filter intercepts various debris and particles over the spring. By the time summer comes around, the air filter is quite dirty. A clogged filter diminishes fuel economy by around 10%. As a rule of thumb, you should replace the air filter every 12,000 miles. You may need to replace it more often if you drive under heavy stop-and-go traffic. Continue Reading →

Many modern vehicles contain a CVT transmission, which shouldn’t be confused with a typical automatic transmission. Like all other car parts, issues can occur that require auto service from a professional. What are some of the common problems that arise with this transmission type?

How a CVT Transmission in Tacoma Works

A CVT transmission is very similar to an automatic transmission. The former, however, is a more recent innovation that delivers smoother acceleration. With an automatic transmission, you may actually feel the gears shift as you pick up speed. This makes the ride and performance feel “clunky” as some people describe it. With a CVT, the system auto-adjusts to the optimum torque depending on your speed. The result is consistent and brisk acceleration.

CVT transmissions are now common in most cars, including Toyota and Subaru models. Larger trucks and diesel vehicles, though, still utilize more conventional transmissions. Continue Reading →

When you need auto repairs, typical services include an oil change, tire rotations, timing belt replacement, etc. There are also some obscure auto repairs most car owners aren’t aware of or only heard of in passing. Here is a list of some of these services.

Spark Plug

The spark plug is what starts the engine combustion process. If it fails, it can also cause damage to the catalytic converter. When you repair or replace the spark plug, the ignition coils may need to be changed out as well. 

Oxygen Sensor

The oxygen sensor regulates the oxygen in the exhaust system and sends the data to the vehicle ECU. The data is essential for ensuring proper air-to-fuel ratios. When the oxygen sensor is damaged, it may give inaccurate input, causing a miscalculation in the air and fuel mixture. All modern automobiles, including popular brands like Toyota and Subaru models, all have an oxygen sensor.

Other Sensors

Cars have a lot of sensors. The oxygen sensor is just one of them. Others include the manifold absolute pressure sensor and crank position sensor. These are all capable of failing at any given moment.

Fuel Cap

A fuel cap may seem like such a simple and non-essential component. Car owners may think it’s not a big deal if this part goes missing. However, driving without a fuel cap is detrimental to fuel efficiency. With the cap gone, your car may burn an extra 25 to 30 gallons of gasoline each year.

We Perform Obscure Auto Repairs in Tacoma

Jones Automotive Clinic performs repairs and auto services on residential and fleet vehicles. Make an appointment today if you notice odd performances. Considering cars today have thousands of parts, obscure auto repairs are bound to occur sooner or later.

Obscure Auto Repairs on all Makes and Models in Tacoma

Serving Customers in Tacoma, Sumner, Lake Tapps, Auburn, Federal Way, Des Moines, Gig Harbor, University Place, Fircrest and Ruston

Posted on March 30, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

As a motorist, there may be certain driving patterns you do on a consistent basis without being fully aware of them. Some of these are actually dangerous driving habits that also accelerate wear, leading to preventable auto repairs. Here are some habits to be aware of and minimize.

1. Driving on a Near-Empty Tank

As a rule of thumb, you shouldn’t let the gas tank fall below the one-fourth mark. However, some drivers will allow the tank to reach near-empty before stopping by the gas station. When you drive with the gas tank on the verge of empty, sediments from the bottom of the tank may get sucked into the fuel system and disrupt the filter. Eventually, this can cause stalling and starting problems.

2. Overloading the Car

Do you constantly drive with heavy freight in tow? Unless you have a pickup truck designed for heavy payload, this can tax the suspension, especially the shocks and struts. It also forces the engine to work harder during acceleration to move the vehicle forward. Never exceed the car’s weight limit. Take into account the total weight of freight, the driver, and passengers.

3. Abrupt Braking and Acceleration

Our auto service commonly works on cars with acceleration and braking problems. This is partly the cause of slamming on the gas and braking pedal. This leads to rapid wear.

4. Not Disengaging the Clutch

For motorists that operate a manual transmission vehicle, one terrible habit is fully engaging the clutch even when the car is idle. This causes wear to the release plate, release bearing, and pressure plate. This is a primary cause of transmission failure in stick-shift vehicles.

Minimize Dangerous Driving Habits Near University Place

Do you know what else is a bad habit? Never scheduling routine auto maintenance. Make a positive change by setting up an appointment at Jones Automotive Clinic. We service common manufacturers like Toyota and Subaru as well as more obscure brands. Strive to minimize dangerous driving habits to prolong your car’s life.

Dangerous Driving Habits to Minimize Near University Place

Serving Customers in Tacoma, Sumner, Lake Tapps, Auburn, Federal Way, Des Moines, Gig Harbor, University Place, Fircrest and Ruston

Posted on February 28, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business