Seattle Auto Repair

Many drivers stay on top of oil changes and tire rotations but overlook one small yet crucial component: the cabin air filter. This filter helps keep the air inside your car clean and free of pollutants, pollen, dust, and even unpleasant odors. Replacing it on time isn’t just about comfort — it’s also about protecting your health and maintaining your vehicle’s HVAC system. What Does the Cabin Air Filter Do Your cabin air filter works like a shield between the outside world and your car’s interior. It traps contaminants before they enter through the ventilation system, ensuring the air you breathe while driving is as clean as possible. Especially in a city like Seattle, where seasonal pollen counts and urban pollution can be high, this filter plays an important role in maintaining cabin air quality. How Often Should You Replace It Most manufacturers recommend replacing the cabin air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles ... read more

Owning a hybrid vehicle offers numerous benefits, including improved fuel economy and reduced emissions. However, hybrids come with unique maintenance needs that exceed those of most gas-powered vehicles. To keep your hybrid efficient and reliable, staying on top of comprehensive service is essential. A comprehensive hybrid service is more than just an oil change. It includes system checks and diagnostics that are specific to the combination of gas and electric power. Knowing what this type of service involves can help you keep your vehicle running smoothly and avoid unexpected breakdowns. Being Familiar With the Dual Powertrain Hybrid vehicles operate with two separate systems: an internal combustion engine and an electric motor powered by a high-voltage battery. These systems work together to optimize performance and fuel efficiency, but they als ... read more

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