Auto News & Tips

Braking distance is the distance a vehicle travels when braking or stopping. There are many factors that can affect braking distance. Some of these factors include road conditions, car upkeep and reaction time. Regardless of the cause, you can...

We have all asked ourselves “how can I protect my vehicle?” There are many things you can do to protect your vehicle in various ways. From parking indoors, to rolling up windows, there is no measure too small when it comes to ways you can protect...

Step By Step Have you ever asked yourself how much you know about servicing your own vehicle, like how do you change a tire? When it comes to driving on the any road, highway or freeway, there are several important things to know to be a prepared...

Have you ever wondered how a vehicle’s different types of brakes? Are you unsure of what types of brakes your vehicle has? We are here to help you learn all there is to know about the basics of passenger vehicle braking systems. Read along with...

For those of you who drive a vehicle with a manual transmission, you know how essential the clutch is to (literally) getting where you need to go. Your clutch is what allows the driver in a manual to shift gears. In an automatic, this process is...

Summer is on the horizon, that means it’s time to plan for a road trip!  To ensure traveling is free of unforeseen mechanical issues, it's a great idea to make sure your vehicle has a trip inspection. This is a great idea because an ounce of...

It’s officially winter next month and that means colder freezing temperatures, rain, and maybe even snow. And just like the summer season can affect how your car runs, cold weather can do the same. As we enter the coldest months of the year it’s...

Kids are the pride and joy of many of our lives.  This week is child passenger safety week, and our team here at Courtesy Auto and Tire Repair of Tacoma wants to highlight best practices for keeping our little ones safe. It can be easy to...

Fall Maintenance Checks to Keep You Safe Fall is just around the corner here in Tacoma. You can feel it in the air. The weather is cooling down, the leaves are starting to get that faint red hue, and no doubt you’ve noticed buses are back on the...

If you’ve got plans to hit the road this summer it’s a good idea to make sure you’re prepared! In addition to maintenance, tire pressure, and fluid level checks, it’s a great idea to make sure you have the basic necessities in case of an emergency....

Have you ever gotten busy with life and forgotten to change your oil? If you have, you're not alone. Depending on driving conditions, make, and model, oil changes should be between 3,000 and 10,000 miles. But what happens when you don't get an oil...

Here's a scenario. You're driving on a dark backroad somewhere on the outskirts of Tacoma trying to escape I-5 traffic. But you get lost. There are no street lights. There's a chill in the air. Your headlights are flickering, but you're more...

Are you living in the Tacoma area and experiencing issues with your cruise control? Here are some of the possible reasons why. What is Cruise Control? Cruise control is a helpful way for you to maintain speed while on the road. Your cruise gives...

A failing transmission is never a good thing. Your transmission is the part of your car that allows the gears to shift as you drive. Whether automatic or manual, it is essential to making your car move and letting you control the speed you drive...

It can be tricky trying to understand what what you’re actually getting when you look at the auto services menu. To make it easy on you, we’ve constructed this comprehensive list of what each of our auto services entail. What Our Auto Services...

Like most things, your brakes will eventually have to be replaced. But if you're smart about how you drive and take care of your vehicle, you can make them last longer. Certain driving habits can lead wear your brake pads down quickly. Here are...

If you haven’t heard, now is the time to consider using synthetic motor oil in your car. Why?  Synthetic motor oil maximizes engine power and fuel economy. Synthetic motor oil is a better alternative to petroleum based oil. It doesn’t gel or...

Since driving requirements and lifestyles differ among Tacoma drivers, some vehicle manufacturers issue two auto maintenance schedules: the regular schedule and the severe service schedule. Which schedule should Tacoma auto...

Every Tacoma car owner who has taken their car in for an oil change has been told that their engine air filter is dirty. But why does it matter anyway? Why a Clean Engine Air Filter Matter Think about a dirty furnace filter in your home. When it’s...

Over the years, the price of a new car has skyrocketed. With new cars becoming more expensive, many people in the Pierce County area are driving their cars longer, making the knowledge of maintaining your older car vital. The average car household...

Tips like changing oil regularly (seen above) are essential when learning how to make your vehicle last. Even though times have changed, sometimes fixing things is better than replace them. Knowing how to make your vehicle last can save you time...