Seattle Auto Repair

There’s nothing more frustrating than turning the key and getting nothing in return. A car that won’t start can throw off your entire day. In many cases, it comes down to a power issue—but is the problem with your battery, your alternator, or something else entirely? If you're stuck with a car that won’t turn over, here’s how to tell what’s really going on and what you can do to fix it. When It's the Battery Batteries are one of the most common culprits behind starting issues. They supply the initial power your car needs to turn over, and if they’re weak, dead, or damaged, the engine won’t crank. A few clear signs that the battery is to blame include: You hear a clicking sound, but the engine doesn’t turn over The interior lights are dim or don’t come on at all The dashboard flickers or the radio won’t power up You needed a jump start recently Cold weather, age, or leaving the lights on c ... read more

  VEHICLE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS MAKING THE MOVE TO NEW R1234yf REFRIGERANT                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             &nb ... read more

The automotive repair and service industry has been facing a crisis in the shortage of skilled technicians. A return to apprenticeships started about a year ago, with a program called the Independent Technicians Automotive Committee (ITAC) Washington State Registered Automotive Apprenticeship. It gives automotive-repair students the opportunity to work with master technicians at independent automotive-repair shops and earn a fair wage while learning. The ITAC program is registered with Washington State and offers General Services Technician and Master Services Technician certifications. The students graduate from these programs with no college debt, as the independent auto-repair shops support the students’ program. We are extremely lucky and proud at West Seattle Autoworks to have Michael Crawford, a 2018 Seattle Lutheran High School graduate, to be the first-ever graduate of the General Services Technician program! This is es ... read more

  Car sales have had an unexpected surge in sales during the pandemic. People are leery of public transportation methods such as ferries, water taxis, buses, trains as they are used to move a large amount of people quickly and efficiently, sometimes in closed quarters. Social distancing guidelines have caused some hesitation in using public transportation methods and as a result have allowed used cars to have a moment.  Despite the pandemic and its effects on the economy, it's a great time to buy a used car if you are in the market for one.  New and used car interest rates are low so there are a lot of quality used cars to choose from.  You can even shop for a used car online from the safety of your home!  Carvana is a company that sells cars this way. You get the car delivered to your home, have time to get it inspected and there is usually a warranty.  Dealerships have also had to make the ... read more

Vehicle Emissions Testing Building in Seattle The Washington State Department of Ecology reports that the vehicle emissions testing program which started in 1982 will cease. Effective January 1, 2020 you will no longer have to pass an emissions test to get your tabs. We know, bummer! In 2005 our state's legislature predicted that Washington state's air quality would be improved enough to stop vehicle testing in 2020 as per RCW 70.120.170. Based on the Department of Ecology, our state's air quality meets federal air quality standards. Air quality should continue to improve as older cars are replaced with new, more efficient vehicles and the number of cars needing testing is declining. Vehicles that never need testing per ... read more