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Emissions Repair Near Me

By on September 19, 2018 in Auto Repair

Do you need to have some emissions repair work done?  We have been a State Certified Emissions Repair facility for as long as we can remember.  All of our techs are certified by the state to do this type of repair.  We will be happy to explain how the waiver program works, and what repairs you need to have done to pass the emissions test so that you can recieve your tabs.  Please note that you need to take the test first, even if you KNOW you are going to fail.  The state requires this initial test, and then will allow you take to the second test for free.  Once you fail, just give us a call and we will get you in at your earliest convenience.

When should I have my timing belt replaced?

By on September 14, 2018 in Auto Repair

Do you know when you should have your timing belt replaced?  This is a very important question, and knowing the answer can save you a bundle in car repair.  You can give us a call with the year, make and model of your vehicle, and we can look up when the manufacturer recommends replacing.  This is usually based on Mileage.  Some are at 90k, 100k, 105, 120k.  Some vehicles have what is referred to as an interference engine, if the timing belt breaks on one of these it will more than likely cause catastrophic damage.  Any time a timing belt breaks, it will stop the engine from being able to run, but if it breaks within a interference engine, it will more than likely mean replacing the engine.  So please, give us a call, we will let you know when your timing belt needs to be replaced, we don’t want you to have to endure unnecessary repairs.

Why is my Subaru Running so Rough?

By on August 24, 2018 in Auto Repair

Your Subaru may be running rough because of an engine misfire.  Usually your check engine light will come on when a misfire occurs.  A common issue that we see that is causing the misfre are burnt exhaust valves.  What usually causes a valve to become burnt, worn, or cracked, is excessive heat due to either lack of lubrication or excessive combustion chamber temperature as a result of incorrect fuel mixture.  This usually starts out as a bit of rough running when cold, and this will set a check engine light, wit a cylinder misfire code.  If you are having any of these symptoms?  If so give us a call!  We work on Subarus almost daily, and in fact own one ourselves.  Are mechanics are very well versed in working on them.  So if you are looking for a Subaru Mechanic in Woodinville, give us a call!

 

Subaru mechanic in Woodinville

What is that clunking noise coming from the front of my car?

By on June 4, 2018 in Auto Repair

What is that clunking noise coming from the front of my car? Why do I have problems when turning? Why is my car setting unevenly?   A broken coil spring can cause all these issues. Your coil spring and your shock or strut work in connection with each other to keep your vehicle stable. A broken coil spring will compromise the ride of the vehicle, the height the vehicle sits at, the way the vehicle handles turns or cornering, and the overall comfort of the ride. A broken coil spring can be a safety issue. If taking corners too fast, the vehicle may not react in the same way the driver is used to plus if the broken spring comes in contact with the tire it can cause the tire to blow out. If you are having any concerns about your suspension, call us today to schedule an appointment for a complete inspection so that we can assess the health of your vehicle.  We want your vehicle to be as safe as possible, so that you can have some peace of mind.

 

Why is my air conditioner blowing warm air?

By on April 25, 2018 in Auto Repair

When it starts to get warm, we get asked almost every day “Why is my air conditioner blowing warm air?”  There are numerous reason why this could be happening.  The simplest solution is that your A/C system just needs to be serviced.  Most systems need to be serviced every 5 years.  What happens is, overtime, condensation builds up inside the system, which causes it to blow warm air instead of cold.  When we service the system, we pull all of the refrigerant out and store it, we then pressurize the system to make sure there are no leaks, dry the system, and put your refrigerant back in.  Now you will get plenty of cold air.  Sometime when we do this we find that there are leaks, and the refrigerant is gone, hence the warm air.  If this happens, we need to repair the leak, refill, and you are good to go.  Sometimes it’s a part in the system that has failed, usually the compressor, or the condenser, if that is the case,  we replace that part, and you are on your way.  If your air conditioner is blowing warm air, give us a call, we will set up an appointment for you, and get your A/C blowing nice cool air!

 

Why is my battery light on?

By on March 16, 2018 in Auto Repair

Why is my battery light on?” This is a question that we hear from our customers at least once a week. When your battery light comes on, it means there is a problem with your  charging system.   This could be a failed alternator, a broken alternator belt, a bad battery connection, or a bad battery. We won’t know what the problem is until we have a chance to diagnose the problem.  Your vehicle is safe to drive with the battery light on, but you will want to get in to a shop as soon as possible, because  your battery will die soon.   If your battery light is on, give us a call so that we can get your vehicle in, and diagnose your charging system.  We don’t want you to get stranded because your vehicle won’t start, we want you to drive with peace of mind.

 

Why do I need to replace my loose ball joint?

By on March 2, 2018 in Auto Repair

We are often asked, “What happens if I don’t replace my loose ball joint?”  Well,  your ball joints are a very important piece of your suspension. It is a ball and socket type of joint that allows circular movement but no vertical or side to side movement. If your ball joints breaks your car will be dead in its tracks, and it will usually ruin the brake hose, axle shaft, tire and the wheel it may even damage the fender. We inspect your ball joints and suspension every time your car is in for service. Signs of a loose ball joint are; abnormal and premature tire wear, a pull in one direction or the other and an unstable feeling while driving at higher speeds. Other signs of a loose or worn ball joint are a clunking noise while hitting bumps, a tire that is sitting at a funny angle compared to the other tires.  Also bear in mind there may be no signs or symptoms at all. That’s why having them inspected with your routine maintenance is very important. Also be aware that in order to inspect your ball joints properly, your vehicle has to be off the ground.  At Long’s we thoroughly inspect your vehicle while it is on the hoist so that we can test all of your vehicles components, to make sure everything is in tip top shape.  We also do digital inspections with photos, and videos, so that when we email them to you, you can see for yourself what the issues are.  So if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, please give us a call, so that we can get you in and figure out what the issue is, we want you and your family to have peace of mind that your vehicle is in good, safe driving condition.

How do you keep mice and other rodents out of your vehicle?

By on February 5, 2018 in Auto Repair, Automotive Maintenance

It’s that time of year when rodents like to find warm places, so we get asked “How do you keep mice and other rodents out of your vehicle? ”  Rodents of all sizes can cause a lot of damage once they get inside your engine compartment, or even worse in side your vehicle.  They chew on wires, make nests, and can just make a stinky mess.  If you have a vehicle that you are not using often, and can store with the hood up, that is best, as the rodents are looking for a dark/warm place to nest.  If that is not possible, do not store pet food in close range, try to seal all of the entrances, put Pine Sol, peppermint oil, or other “smelling” substance in the vehicle, what smells good to us, does not smell good to rodents.  Put traps in the vehicle.  Open the hood every few days, to check things out.  If you find that you do have a rodent issue, give us a call for an appointment, will be happy to help you repair whatever they have damaged.

 

Emissions Repair Woodinville

By on December 12, 2017 in Auto Repair

Did you fail your emissions test, and want to go to a state certified repair facility in Woodinville?  Give us a call, we have been state certified for over 20 years.  If your testing time is getting close, remember you always want to take the test first, then if you fail come in for the diagnostics and repairs.  This way if you decide you want to get a waiver you can.  The state requires that you spend $150.00 on either the diagnostics or the repairs.  This allows you to not “have” to do expensive repairs that may not be in your budget right now.  If you fail, bring your vehicle, along with any paperwork they gave you to Long’s Car Care Center.  We will get you back on the road in no time.

Why isn’t the heater in my car working?

By on December 8, 2017 in Auto Repair

Is the heater in your car not working?  It’s getting cold outside and you are going to want to stay warm.   Is there cold or cool air coming out of your vents in your car?  There are a number of parts that could cause this issue,  abad water pump, thermostat, faulty radiator along with vent control motors.  If you are shivering in your vehicle, give us a call at 425-481-1739, and we will get your vehicle in as soon as possible so that we can diagnose the issue, repair it, and get you back on the road in your cozy warm car.