Tom's Automotive Service

01/20/2022

Happy Thursday! May all of your dog kibble be free range!

Happy Thursday! May all of your dog kibble be free range!

01/18/2022

When Should I Get a Comprehensive Vehicle Inspection? - Tom's Automotive

Whether it’s your car, truck, SUV, or hybrid, a comprehensive vehicle inspection is warranted -and ideal- a few times.

We’re making this suggestion based on our 50+ years of experience, but take what makes sense and resonates with you.

What is a general informative vehicle service between a quick oil change and a big mileage-based maintenance appt? It's a comprehensive vehicle inspection.

01/17/2022

Bring the Heat(er), West Seattle! - Tom's Automotive

It was fun to see that a little (or lot) of snow didn’t stop our clients from popping in to say Hi and get their cars serviced. Shannon and her sweet pup Nahvi stopped by to drop off their car and opted to take a walk and enjoy all of the beauty that the snow brought with it. So brave!

Bring the Heat(er), West Seattle! Tom's Automotive

01/13/2022

Whether you’ve got a car, truck, SUV, hybrid or commercial vehicle, it absolutely needs regular oil inspections and changes.

Motor oil is an essential part of the vehicle. It lubricates, it cools, it keeps the engine running for an extended period of time without any issues.

If you have a newer vehicle, one made in the last year or two, you’ll actually need to inspect the oil more often, not less.

Whether you’ve got a car, truck, SUV, hybrid or commercial vehicle, it absolutely needs regular oil inspections and changes.

Motor oil is an essential part of the vehicle. It lubricates, it cools, it keeps the engine running for an extended period of time without any issues.

If you have a newer vehicle, one made in the last year or two, you’ll actually need to inspect the oil more often, not less.

01/11/2022

"These guys are the absolute best. Local, Honest and Professional. They’ve been working on our cars for years."

-Keith Loveless

"These guys are the absolute best. Local, Honest and Professional. They’ve been working on our cars for years."

-Keith Loveless

01/11/2022

Tom's Automotive Service | Coupons & Specials

Bring one of these coupons on your next visit to Tom’s Automotive Service and SAVE!

Our online coupon offers are updated on a regular basis, so be sure to check back to see what other vehicle services and repairs you can save money on!

Or, separately, join us in supporting the West Seattle Food Bank. Bring in 3 canned goods or non-perishable items and receive 10% off of your final bill….up to $20.00. This is a year-round food drive, so you’ll never miss it.

We take MC, Visa, Discover, Cash and Checks.

Check out our specials here:

Tom's Automotive Service - Coupons & Specials, save money on vehicle services and repairs, oil change, tire rotation, inspection

01/06/2022

Best practices are part of our daily processes. It feels good to be a part of a forward-thinking community regarding recycling and waste management. And it feels good to make a few simple efforts to further minimize our footprint.

We believe that small efforts add up. And recycling is one part of our effort.

Best practices are part of our daily processes. It feels good to be a part of a forward-thinking community regarding recycling and waste management. And it feels good to make a few simple efforts to further minimize our footprint.

We believe that small efforts add up. And recycling is one part of our effort.

01/05/2022

Smooth is what we want in a car, truck, SUV or hybrid, especially as you go from gear to gear. When it comes to gear-transition, we’re talking about the transmissions! This does include the clutch, whether you’re applying it manually, or your vehicle “does it for you” in an automatic vehicle.

In order to fully understand what’s happening with your vehicle’s transmission, your description is always helpful and we may also need to run a diagnostic test in order to get the full view of what may be happening, or not happening, with your vehicle’s transmission and/or clutch.

Smooth is what we want in a car, truck, SUV or hybrid, especially as you go from gear to gear. When it comes to gear-transition, we’re talking about the transmissions! This does include the clutch, whether you’re applying it manually, or your vehicle “does it for you” in an automatic vehicle.

In order to fully understand what’s happening with your vehicle’s transmission, your description is always helpful and we may also need to run a diagnostic test in order to get the full view of what may be happening, or not happening, with your vehicle’s transmission and/or clutch.

01/04/2022

Cars are advancing just as fast as any smartphone is right now. Manufacturers are coming out with new makes and models with new computerized features that each technician must learn about in order to properly service it.
You can easily see how the work is now more technical…hence, the more widely-used industry term “technician.” Some might even say, “automotive engineer”
Auto maintenance on a new vehicle is no longer a weekend hobby that anyone can learn by trying to take it apart and then put it back together.

Our technicians are getting new and updated training every single month in order to stay educated and informed about how vehicles are changing and developing.

Cars are advancing just as fast as any smartphone is right now. Manufacturers are coming out with new makes and models with new computerized features that each technician must learn about in order to properly service it.
You can easily see how the work is now more technical…hence, the more widely-used industry term “technician.” Some might even say, “automotive engineer”
Auto maintenance on a new vehicle is no longer a weekend hobby that anyone can learn by trying to take it apart and then put it back together.

Our technicians are getting new and updated training every single month in order to stay educated and informed about how vehicles are changing and developing.

12/30/2021

A BIG thank you to our community and customers! You are amazing and made our year special. We look forward to serving you for years to come!

A BIG thank you to our community and customers! You are amazing and made our year special. We look forward to serving you for years to come!

12/29/2021

The shock and strut mechanism is built in a way that actually pushes the tire to the ground for increased stability and traction.

Here’s what you’ll notice in the quality of your ride if your car, truck, SUV or hybrid is developing a shock or strut problem:

A generally bumpy or shaky ride, or rebounding more than once
Poor steering response, stiffness or noise when steering
Instability, or less stability, when braking
Swaying or leaning while turning or changing lanes
The “clunk”, which is the feeling of a heavy drop after a turn or a lane change

The shock and strut mechanism is built in a way that actually pushes the tire to the ground for increased stability and traction.

Here’s what you’ll notice in the quality of your ride if your car, truck, SUV or hybrid is developing a shock or strut problem:

A generally bumpy or shaky ride, or rebounding more than once
Poor steering response, stiffness or noise when steering
Instability, or less stability, when braking
Swaying or leaning while turning or changing lanes
The “clunk”, which is the feeling of a heavy drop after a turn or a lane change

12/27/2021

When Should I Change the Fluids in My Car? - Tom's Automotive

Part of good vehicle maintenance is fluid maintenance. Clean fluids are best and ought to be serviced regularly.

Why? Similar to clean water being great for our bodies, clean fluids are ideal for our vehicles. Plus, good fluid maintenance makes for less-expensive overall car care.

While it’s true that there are many mechanical elements, and even more technological elements that are in our modern vehicles, there’s still a number of fluids that are needed in order to make our cars, trucks, SUVs, and even hybrids work optimally.

Learn more here:

When Should I Change the Fluids in My Car? Tom's Automotive

12/24/2021

Happy Holidays!

12/21/2021

Why Don’t My Car Lights Work? - Tom's Automotive

Visibility and your car’s working lights get into the spotlight this month. More often than not, a bulb may be out if your car’s lights aren’t working.

Why don't my car lights work? More often than not, a bulb may be out if your car's lights aren't working. This comes down to visibility and safety for this month's post.

12/20/2021

I am so grateful for kind auto mechanics! John fixed a bad connection on my battery on the spot, so I didn't have to leave the car overnight. So appreciated!
-Amanda Engels

I am so grateful for kind auto mechanics! John fixed a bad connection on my battery on the spot, so I didn't have to leave the car overnight. So appreciated!
-Amanda Engels

12/16/2021

When the cookies disappear before the 24th!

When the cookies disappear before the 24th!

12/15/2021

We get lots of calls asking for “tune-up” services. But, do you really need a tune-up? Or, are you looking for an oil change?

Several times each week, people call up and say, “I need a tune-up for my car.” What does that mean? “Tune-up” is a commonly misunderstood term, based on the days when a tune-up was a regular service. But today, the term doesn’t translate so easily. “Mechanics” used to perform a tune-up, but now “technicians” do them.

Depending on your car, you might have this work done at the 30,000-mile mark. Then again, for other types of cars, trucks, SUVs, and hybrids, the mile mark is 90,000 or more.

This service includes replacing spark plugs, fuel and air filters, the PCV valve, cleaning the mass air flow sensor, plus many other inspections and tests.

We get lots of calls asking for “tune-up” services. But, do you really need a tune-up? Or, are you looking for an oil change?

Several times each week, people call up and say, “I need a tune-up for my car.” What does that mean? “Tune-up” is a commonly misunderstood term, based on the days when a tune-up was a regular service. But today, the term doesn’t translate so easily. “Mechanics” used to perform a tune-up, but now “technicians” do them.

Depending on your car, you might have this work done at the 30,000-mile mark. Then again, for other types of cars, trucks, SUVs, and hybrids, the mile mark is 90,000 or more.

This service includes replacing spark plugs, fuel and air filters, the PCV valve, cleaning the mass air flow sensor, plus many other inspections and tests.

12/13/2021

3 Best Ways To Defrost Your Windshield in Seattle, Plus the Single Worst Way - Tom's Automotive

When you wake up in a hurry and need to get somewhere quickly-how can you defrost your windows quickly?

We break it down here!

Seattle weather requires a few specifics regarding car, truck, SUV, and hybrid care. Sharing best (& worst) ways to defrost your windshield.

12/09/2021

Are your furry friends ready for the Holidays?

Are your furry friends ready for the Holidays?

12/08/2021

We love our community! Remember to let us know if you’re a senior citizen to take advantage of a discount just for you!

Thank you, Tom's Automotive Service, for helping to make Seattle a great place to grow up and grow old! https://seattle.gov/agefriendlydiscounts https://tomsautomotive.com/

12/07/2021

This Holiday season, make sure your car is prepared for those Family trips!

https://tomsautomotive.com/maintenance/you-may-be-ready-for-a-roadtrip-but-is-your-vehicle-ready/

This Holiday season, make sure your car is prepared for those Family trips!

https://tomsautomotive.com/maintenance/you-may-be-ready-for-a-roadtrip-but-is-your-vehicle-ready/

12/06/2021

Shocks and struts do offer more comfort in the way a vehicle drives, yes. But did you know they are also designed for safety and traction?

How they work?

The shock and strut mechanism is built in a way that actually pushes the tire to the ground for increased stability and traction.

Give us a call or stop in to talk about the nuance’s you’re noticing in your vehicle’s driving, braking and turning performance. Or, feel free to schedule an appointment so a technician can take a look for you.

Shocks and struts do offer more comfort in the way a vehicle drives, yes. But did you know they are also designed for safety and traction?

How they work?

The shock and strut mechanism is built in a way that actually pushes the tire to the ground for increased stability and traction.

Give us a call or stop in to talk about the nuance’s you’re noticing in your vehicle’s driving, braking and turning performance. Or, feel free to schedule an appointment so a technician can take a look for you.

12/02/2021

11/30/2021

Did you know it’s always battery season?
There’s no common time of year or activity to watch out for when it comes to your car’s battery life.
A battery can give out in the summer because of the heat, but it can also give out in the winter because it requires more cold cranking amps to turn over.

Overall life expectancy of a battery these days in Seattle, specifically, is about 52 months.

Did you know it’s always battery season?
There’s no common time of year or activity to watch out for when it comes to your car’s battery life.
A battery can give out in the summer because of the heat, but it can also give out in the winter because it requires more cold cranking amps to turn over.

Overall life expectancy of a battery these days in Seattle, specifically, is about 52 months.

11/29/2021

Tom’s Automotive Service also proudly supports and participates in the following organizations:

Rotary Club of West Seattle
West Seattle Food Bank
West Seattle YMCA
West Seattle P*e Wee Baseball
West Seattle Girls Softball
The Kenney
West Seattle Chamber of Commerce
Pencil Me In for Kids
East African Women’s and Children’s Center
Arthritis Foundation

Tom’s Automotive Service also proudly supports and participates in the following organizations:

Rotary Club of West Seattle
West Seattle Food Bank
West Seattle YMCA
West Seattle P*e Wee Baseball
West Seattle Girls Softball
The Kenney
West Seattle Chamber of Commerce
Pencil Me In for Kids
East African Women’s and Children’s Center
Arthritis Foundation

11/26/2021

Happy Thanksgiving!

#thanksgiving2021 #Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!

#thanksgiving2021 #Thanksgiving

11/24/2021

Hybrids have dual cooling systems. There are two separate cooling systems for the vehicle, one for the hybrid components plus the regular cooling system for the gasoline engine functions. Then there’s the air conditioner, which cools the people in the cabin, and there’s also the hybrid battery on some models.

Hybrids have dual cooling systems. There are two separate cooling systems for the vehicle, one for the hybrid components plus the regular cooling system for the gasoline engine functions. Then there’s the air conditioner, which cools the people in the cabin, and there’s also the hybrid battery on some models.

11/22/2021

The brakes systems in hybrids have a regular hydraulic system, same ones generally found in all the other vehicles on the road. (Fun Fact: most of the time the regenerative braking system recharges the hybrid battery.)

The brakes systems in hybrids have a regular hydraulic system, same ones generally found in all the other vehicles on the road. (Fun Fact: most of the time the regenerative braking system recharges the hybrid battery.)

11/19/2021

Happy Thursday!

Happy Thursday!

11/17/2021

3 Best Ways To Defrost Your Windshield in Seattle, Plus the Single Worst Way - Tom's Automotive

3 Best Ways To Defrost Your Windshield in Seattle, Plus the Single Worst Way - Tom's Automotive

Seattle weather requires a few specifics regarding car, truck, SUV, and hybrid care. Sharing best (& worst) ways to defrost your windshield.

11/15/2021

We employ only the best ASE/Emissions Certified Technicians and highly-trained solution-oriented Service Advisors.
The auto repair technicians on our team have access to the best parts available and receive regular, ongoing trainings to make sure your job is done right the first time.

Our employees are our most important asset in our business. We support and rely on their skills and abilities to satisfy our customers’ automotive service and repair needs.

It’s important to us to provide an enjoyable working atmosphere and to pay our technicians fair wages. We encourage their #1 focus to be repairing your vehicles and making them as reliable and as safe as possible.

On the front end, our knowledgeable and friendly service advisors are always ready and quick to help you.

It is a team effort at Tom’s.
And we appreciate the contribution and care made by each member of our staff.

Proud to be your “dealership alternative” in West Seattle.

We employ only the best ASE/Emissions Certified Technicians and highly-trained solution-oriented Service Advisors.
The auto repair technicians on our team have access to the best parts available and receive regular, ongoing trainings to make sure your job is done right the first time.

Our employees are our most important asset in our business. We support and rely on their skills and abilities to satisfy our customers’ automotive service and repair needs.

It’s important to us to provide an enjoyable working atmosphere and to pay our technicians fair wages. We encourage their #1 focus to be repairing your vehicles and making them as reliable and as safe as possible.

On the front end, our knowledgeable and friendly service advisors are always ready and quick to help you.

It is a team effort at Tom’s.
And we appreciate the contribution and care made by each member of our staff.

Proud to be your “dealership alternative” in West Seattle.