Service
Electrical Services
Your car’s electrical system including the battery, alternator, and starter are held together by the serpentine belt. We also cover the air conditioning here because modern cars all have AC. The battery provides power to the starter, the starter starts things spinning so the pistons move, and once the engine is running the alternator keeps it charged.
Caution
We recommend watching this part carefully and scheduling a service date to prevent any future problems.
Urgent
We recommend you bring your car in immediately. This repair is critical to saving you money & your life.
Routine
We recommend you keep this repair as recurring scheduled maintenance to keep your car healthy and running great.
How critical is my repair?
This ranking system’s purpose is to equip you with the information you need to make an informed decision.
Delaying car repairs is never recommended as it can be costly and at times dangerous. If you are experiencing car trouble please bring it to your local repair shop.
Parts and services
Car Battery
When you turn the ignition in your car the battery sends a high voltage signal to the car’s starter which then cranks the engine.
Symptoms:
⇒ You hear a low whining sound
⇒ Your lights appear dimmer
⇒ Corrosion on battery terminals
⇒ Car needs a jump start every time
Caution
1/2 day repair
Replace every 40,000 miles
Covered by warranty?
Air Conditioning
Your AC system comprises many parts: compressor, condenser, accumulator, expansion valve, and evaporator. The compressor compresses and therefore raises the temperature of the Freon. As it flows through the condenser it cools and contaminants and moisture are removed. Next it flows to the accumulator which slows the flow and causes the Freon to lose pressure and temperature as it enters the evaporator. The evaporator sits inside your dashboard and further cools the freon and removes moisture from the air. The blower motor blows the air over the evaporator pushing cold air out the vents. That’s a lot of activity to help keep you cool, but it’s very efficient and rarely troublesome.
Symptoms:
⇒ You hear a growling sound
⇒ A/C blowing warm air
⇒ Clear fluid leaking under engine
⇒ Damp or wet floorboard carpets
⇒ You smell mildew
Urgent
1 day repair
Inspect every 15,000 miles
Covered by warranty?
Alternator
Once your car is started, the alternator provides the direct current (DC) power that runs your vehicle’s electronics, like headlights, wipers, power steering, while you’re driving. The alternator also recharges your battery while you drive.
Symptoms:
⇒ You hear a growling sound
⇒ You smell burning rubber
⇒ Headlights or dash lights flicker, dim or brighten
⇒ Car stalls frequently
⇒ Check engine light comes on
Caution
1 day repair
Maintenance every 150,000 miles
Covered by warranty?
Serpentine Belt
The serpentine belt is essentially the giant rubber band that runs through a series of pulleys and to all of your car accessories. It’s what powers everything from your alternator, to power steering, to the air conditioning.
Symptoms:
⇒ You hear a squealing or chirping sound
⇒ A sudden loss in performance of power steering
⇒ Car engine stalls
⇒ Check engine light comes on
⇒ A sudden drain on your battery
Urgent
1 day repair time
Replace every 60,000 miles
Covered by warranty?
Starter
Your starter is a small motor that uses electrical power from the battery to turn the engine and fire the spark plugs. The starter does just that, it starts your engine.
Symptoms:
⇒ A jump start doesn’t work despite several attempts
⇒ You hear a whirring sound
⇒ You hear a grinding noise
⇒ Your car won’t start
⇒ You hear a clicking sound
Caution
1 day repair
Replace every 100,000 mile
Covered by warranty?
Let’s get started.
Our approach is simple. We help you get the most out of your car by matching your goals and mileage to create a personalized plan.
1. Get your car tested.
2. See a list of repairs.
3. Choose what's fixed.
Car troubles?
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9965 SW Tualatin-Sherwood Rd, Tualatin, OR 97062
Our hours
Mon - Fri:
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Join Otto's car club:
Gain access to comics, jokes, & helpful car tips.
Car troubles?
Our difference
Community
Press
FAQ
Come visit us
9965 SW Tualatin-Sherwood Rd
Tualatin, OR 97062
Our hours
Mon - Fri: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Let's get social: