Columbia Auto Repair and Sales

08/12/2026

Dreaming of tearing around a 1/2 mile oval track, screaming past your competition, but can't make it happen because you don't have something to haul your car and tools in? Continental Cargo has just what you need! If this doesn't fit your style, or your budget, they can customize your trailer to fit your needs.

Reach out today for more information!

Columbia Auto Repair and Sales
518 E. 2nd St, The Dalles, OR

08/08/2026

Our very own Kati O'Brien has her first entry in her first car show, at the 2026 Cruise the Gorge Show in the Shade here in The Dalles. We are incredibly proud of her for her first entry and wish her all the luck in the "Under Construction" category.

07/02/2026

CLOSED ON FRIDAY, JULY 3RD

We wish everyone a safe and Happy 4th of July! Please be responsible with any kind of fireworks. Let's NOT set the area on fire. See you all on Monday, July 6th.

06/15/2026

Kenny Catlin was a pillar in our community, not only as a business owner and chef, but the heart of Beachwoid Eatery. He and his crew took The Sugar Bowl and gave it a new life, and his warmth and generosity for our community will be sorely missed.

Ride free, good sir! To the Catlin and McKay families, and the Beachwoid family, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

If you are able to help support Kenny’s family during this incredibly difficult time, please consider contributing to their GoFundMe link below. Every bit of love helps a grieving family pull together.

❤️ Support the Legacy:

Dear friends, family, and our wonderful The Dalles community, We are reaching … Terry McKay needs your support for Support Kenny Catlin’s Fight for Health

06/13/2026

Trailer sway can be an incredibly stressful scenario, even for seasoned tower operators. If you ever encounter this situation, keep this phrase in mind:

✅ Gas off
✅ Brake off
✅Steer straight
✅ And WAIT

DO NOT attempt to control sway by turning the steering wheel as it will only make the issue worse. If you have a brake controller, gently apply only the trailer brakes. For more tips on safely driving with a trailer, visit https://buff.ly/3C7u45l

📝 We've put together a list of things you should . 📝

Visit: www.TrailerSafetyWeek.com/driving-tips

The driver is responsible for selecting the right tow vehicle and trailer for the load, hitching the unit, loading, steering, speed, and braking. All components of the tow vehicle and trailer effect towing. Safe and proper driving is a critical piece of trailer safety. Drivers should be focused and

06/12/2026

Understanding the many components that make up your trailer is important to ensure you are ready to tow safely. It is essential to understand the importance of adequate brakes, properly inflated and rated tires, crossed safety chains, and working lights in order to tow safely. 🚨⛓️ Learn more about the many components that make up trailers here: https://www.trailersafetyweek.com/trailer-components.

06/11/2026

Improperly secured cargo can cause weight redistribution that could cause trailer sway or additional stress on the trailer and tow vehicle as well as the possibility of losing cargo on the roadway, creating a danger for other drivers. ⚠️

Learn more about cargo securement here: https://www.trailersafetyweek.com/cargo-securement. ⚠️

Improperly secured cargo can cause weight redistribution that could cause trailer sway or additional stress on the trailer and tow vehicle as well as the possibility of losing cargo on the roadway, creating a danger for other drivers.

06/10/2026

🚗 Properly loading and distributing cargo in your tow vehicle and trailer is crucial for safe and smooth travels! Here are some tips to improve control:
✅ Balance weight from side to side
✅ Distribute cargo evenly along the trailer's length or heavier in the front
✅ Secure items to prevent shifting
✅ Adjust tow vehicle/trailer interface height
✅ Consider load-leveling hitch bars if needed

Remember, your trailer and tow vehicle should be level or slightly depressed at the hitch during travel. Check your manuals for specific guidelines! 🛣️

06/09/2026

Ready to take on the roads with confidence? 🚛💡 Follow this step-by-step guide by our TSW partner, CURT Manufacturing, to ensure your trailer hitching is nothing short of secure and reliable. Because when it comes to towing, safety isn’t an option, it’s a necessity.

From inspecting your hitch components to double-checking your brake lights, each step is a crucial piece to a safer journey. Let's honor Trailer Safety Week not just with words but with proactive measures that keep us and others safe as we embark on the road.

For more hitching tips, visit www.TrailerSafetyWeek.com

The three most common types of hitches are:

👉 Weight-carrying hitch: Weight-carrying hitches are designed to carry all of the trailer’s tongue weight.

👉 Weight-distributing \(or load equalizer\) hitch: Weight-distributing hitches are used with a receiver hitch and special parts that distribute the tongue weight among all tow vehicle and trailer axles.

👉 Fifth-wheel hitch and gooseneck: These hitches are designed to mount the trailer connection in the middle of the truck bed.

When buying a hitch, use the tow vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations based on the trailer type and gross vehicle weight rating. Learn more about hitching here: https://www.trailersafetyweek.com/hitching/

Trailer Safety Week is an annual safety campaign that aims to increase awareness surrounding trailer safety knowledge.

06/08/2026

National Trailer Safety Week started June 7th, and we are proud to be a part of raising awareness about trailer safety and maintenance!

Did you know that what you tow a trailer with is very important?

Towing a trailer will impact how any vehicle drives. The larger the towed object in comparison to the tow vehicle, the greater the performance impact will be. Thus, knowing what your tow vehicle is capable of towing is just as important as selecting the right trailer.

Vehicle manufacturers provide a “tow rating” in their owner’s manuals which provides the maximum weight the tow vehicle can tow when fully loaded. The GVWR of the trailer should never exceed the tow rating of the tow vehicle, even if the trailer is not loaded to its maximum capacity. 🚗 Learn more here:
https://www.trailersafetyweek.com/towvehicle.

Towing a trailer will impact the operation of the tow vehicle. The larger the trailer and its cargo are in comparison to the tow vehicle, the greater the performance impact will be. Thus, knowing what your tow vehicle is capable of is just as important as selecting the right trailer. Vehicle manufac