During smoke season, your cabin air filter can become overloaded with ash, soot, and microscopic particles much faster than normal, clogging your vehicle’s filtration system.
Engine Performance
Summer Towing in Washington: Protecting Your Transmission and Cooling System
Proper maintenance, fluid checks, cooling system inspections, and paying attention to your vehicle’s towing capacity can dramatically reduce the risk of overheating and mechanical damage.
7 Most Common Summer Car Issues – Know Before You Go
Research consistently shows that common summer car issues are heat-related failures clustering around a few repeat offenders: cooling systems, tires, batteries, and air conditioning systems.
Why a Summer Oil Change Matters: Protecting Your Engine During the Hottest Months
In summer, high temps put added stress on the engine. A summer oil change circulates clean oil through the engine, reducing heat & preventing premature wear.
Inside the Timing Belt: The Quiet Part That Keeps Your Engine Timing in Sync
Engine timing keeps the car moving. The pistons move, the valves open and close, fuel and air ignite—all in a precise rhythm.
Engine Misfire Symptoms: What Does a Misfire Feel Like?
An engine misfire feels like your car is stumbling, shaking, or briefly losing power, especially when accelerating or idling. Don’t ignore it.
9 Surprising Reasons Your Car Dies—And How to Stop It Early
Many people wonder about the reasons their car dies. Regular maintenance helps improve engine performance and prevents car breakdowns.
Why Is My Check Engine Light On? A Tacoma Driver’s Guide to That Pesky Dashboard Warning
Picture this: You're cruising down I-5 through Tacoma, maybe heading to Point Defiance Park for the weekend, when suddenly that dreaded orange glow appears on your dashboard. Your check engine light is on, and your heart skips a beat. Don't panic! While that little...
Get That Check Engine Light Taken Care of at Courtesy Auto of Tacoma
Has the daunting “check engine light” flared to life on your dashboard? Despite its name, this indicator can signal issues with various components of your vehicle, not just the engine. The check engine light is a warning sign that something isn’t working properly....
What Does Coolant Do? And How to Check It
Your vehicle’s engine is a marvel of modern engineering, but like any complex machine, it requires careful maintenance to keep it running smoothly. To power your car, the engine also generates a lot of heat. That’s why it needs coolant. At Courtesy Auto Service...









