Maple Valley Auto Repair

Most modern cars have a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that most people don't even know about. A TPMS is a system that is intended to recognize early signs of underinflated or deflated tire pressure. It has many sensors on each tire that can send out a warning light to your dashboard whenever it reads a dangerous pressure. The TPMS light looks like a horseshoe or tire with an exclamation symbol in the middle of it. Whenever you see this light on your dash, it means you require maintenance and to do a manual pressure reading.   The TPMS light essentially means that there's something wrong with your tires, that something is causing them to be underinflated. The best thing you can do when you see this light is pull over to a safe spot. Using a pressure gauge, you should manually check each tire. Most gas stations have a tire pressure station where you can measure and fill your tires.   Tire pressure is measured in two units: psi (pound-force per square inch) ... read more

It is nearly October, which means it is Fall Car Care Month! At Rainier Automotive, we were hoping you could take a moment and appreciate your car for all it does. This month celebrates a month of vehicle maintenance awareness in the hopes of reminding drivers like you that taking a few maintenance procedures can save you the trouble of a vehicle breakdown. Below are our top tips on what you should check for Fall Car Care Month! Battery - You simply cannot start your car with a weak or dead battery. To ensure you have successful starts, please ensure that your connections are tight, clean, and corrosion-free. The summer heat could've taken a toll on your battery, so you should also have it tested before fall is in full swing. If it is older than three years old, then you should definitely replace it by default. Air Filters - You should take some time to check your filters since they are often forgotten. And we're not just referring to the one under the hood. Most vehicles hav ... read more

Although often neglected, your vehicle's brake fluid is very critical to the operation of your braking system. The brake system is hydraulic, meaning it relies on brake fluid to generate the pressure needed to decelerate or stop your car. Whenever you place your foot on the brake pedal, pressure from the brake fluid is generated to squeeze the brake pads, making your wheels stop turning. Any leakages or air in the brake fluid can significantly decrease the hydraulic power and make it challenging to get your vehicle to come to a complete stop.    If you are low on your brake fluid, you may notice one or more of the following signs:  Brake warning light illuminated on your dash Brake fluid appears low, discolored, or dirty Brake pedal feels spongy or mushy Vehicle has a longer stopping time than usual    As soon as you catch an issue with your brakes, it would be best if you immediately took it to an automotive professional. Driving with any of these s ... read more