Auto Repair in Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA

Dometic Auto Repair
Foreign Auto Repair
Engine Repair & Rebuild
Transmission Repair & Rebuild
Brake Repair, Pads & Rotors
Exhaust & Emission
Steering & Suspension
Auto AC & Heating Repair
Cooling System & Radiator

Computer Auto Diagnostics
Check Engine Light Repair
Auto Electric Repair
Fuel Pump & Fuel Injection Repair
BG Fuel & Air Induction Service
Ignition Repair
Starter Repair & Alternator Repair
Wheel Alight
Tire Rotation & Balance

Engine Repair & Rebuilding

Our professional gas and diesel engine mechanics can quickly and accurately pinpoint troubles under the hood of any vehicle. If your car or truck is suffering from performance issues, an illuminated check engine light, increased exhaust smoke, oil leaks or other symptoms of engine trouble, come see us right away. We'd be happy to provide you with a quote for the cost of engine repair or engine rebuilding in Vancouver, WA or Portland, OR.

A man in a red shirt is working on a car engine

Computer Diagnostics & Check Engine Light

We’ve equipped our local auto shops with the latest computer-aided diagnostic equipment. These tools ensure our techs can quickly identify troubles that cause the check engine light to come on, trouble that ranges from a loose gas cap or failed sensors to a malfunctioning catalytic converter. These scanners also identify problems that cause other dash warning lights to come on. We can solve issues that trigger the TPMS light, battery light, oil light, engine temp light and more. Contact us to schedule professional automotive diagnostics.

Computer Diagnostics & Check Engine Light

We’ve equipped our local auto shops with the latest computer-aided diagnostic equipment. These tools ensure our techs can quickly identify troubles that cause the check engine light to come on, trouble that ranges from a loose gas cap or failed sensors to a malfunctioning catalytic converter. These scanners also identify problems that cause other dash warning lights to come on. We can solve issues that trigger the TPMS light, battery light, oil light, engine temp light and more. Contact us to schedule professional automotive diagnostics.

Auto AC & Heating Repair

Being comfortable during your commute can be difficult if your car heater or car air conditioner fails. We offer expert auto heater repair and auto AC repair in Portland and Vancouver. This may include fixing the heater core, performing a Freon recharge/AC recharge, AC leak repair/Freon leak repair, fan repair, condenser repair or other associated services to restore the tempered airflow within your vehicle. Give us a call to request an estimate or an appointment.

Asian Auto Repair

We excel at servicing vehicles from Japan and Korea. You can count on us to care for your Honda, Acura, Toyota, Subaru, Kia, Hyundai, Lexus, Infiniti, Genesis, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan or other Asian vehicle.

Domestic Auto Repair

Our knowledgeable technicians provide expert domestic auto repair for all models of Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, Cadillac, Hummer, Saturn, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, RAM, Plymouth and other American cars and trucks.

Foreign Auto Repair

If you drive a vehicle from Germany, England, Italy or Sweden, we can fix that too. Our team provides expert service for most BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen (VW), Volvo, Saab, MINI, Jaguar, Land Rover, Fiat & Alfa Romeo vehicles. Give our Euro car shop a call to request an estimate for European auto repair.

A-1 Automotive - Vancouver, WA

8901 NE 117th Ave

Mon-Fri 7:30am-5:30pm

(360) 558-3502

Auto Repair Services in Washington Area including Vancouver, Battle Ground, Brush Prairie, Salmon Creek, Orchard, & Mill Plain

Don’t Ignore these Common Symptoms of Alternator Failure

By A1 Automotive • March 24, 2025

The alternator is a crucial component of your vehicle’s electrical system, responsible for keeping the battery charged and powering essential electronics. When the alternator begins to fail, it can lead to serious issues that may leave you stranded if not addressed promptly. At A-1 Automotive, we provide expert alternator replacement and auto electric repair in the greater Portland, OR area. Here are five common signs that your alternator may be failing. Warning Light on the Dashboard Most modern vehicles have a dashboard warning light that looks like a battery or has the letters ALT or GEN displayed. When this light turns on, it often signals a problem with the charging system, which includes the alternator. While this warning could also indicate a battery issue, it is often a sign that the alternator is not generating enough power to keep the battery charged. Dimming/Flickering Lights One of the most common signs of an alternator problem is dim or flickering lights. The alternator supplies power to your vehicle’s headlights, dashboard lights, and interior lighting. If you notice that your headlights are dimming when you accelerate or flickering while driving, it could indicate that the alternator is struggling to provide a consistent power supply. Difficulty Starting the Vehicle A weak or failing alternator can struggle to keep the battery charged, leading to difficulty starting the engine. If jump-starting the car temporarily resolves the issue but the battery keeps draining, the alternator could be to blame. Electrical Accessory Issues The alternator supplies power to the electrical components in the vehicle, including the radio, power windows, air conditioning, and dashboard instruments. If you experience electrical malfunctions with electrical accessories, your alternator may not be delivering sufficient power. Strange Noises from the Engine Bay A failing alternator may produce unusual noises, such as grinding, whining, or squealing sounds. These noises can be caused by a worn-out alternator bearing or a belt problem. If you hear unusual noises from under the hood, it’s essential to have your alternator inspected before it completely fails. Alternator Replacement & Auto Electric Repair in Portland, OR When you need auto repair in Portland, OR or Vancouver, WA, visit A-1 Automotive. At our nearby auto shop, we can expertly handle your car’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!

Don’t Ignore these Common Symptoms of Alternator Failure

By A1 Automotive • March 24, 2025

The alternator is a crucial component of your vehicle’s electrical system, responsible for keeping the battery charged and powering essential electronics. When the alternator begins to fail, it can lead to serious issues that may leave you stranded if not addressed promptly. At A-1 Automotive, we provide expert alternator replacement and auto electric repair in the greater Portland, OR area. Here are five common signs that your alternator may be failing. Warning Light on the Dashboard Most modern vehicles have a dashboard warning light that looks like a battery or has the letters ALT or GEN displayed. When this light turns on, it often signals a problem with the charging system, which includes the alternator. While this warning could also indicate a battery issue, it is often a sign that the alternator is not generating enough power to keep the battery charged. Dimming/Flickering Lights One of the most common signs of an alternator problem is dim or flickering lights. The alternator supplies power to your vehicle’s headlights, dashboard lights, and interior lighting. If you notice that your headlights are dimming when you accelerate or flickering while driving, it could indicate that the alternator is struggling to provide a consistent power supply. Difficulty Starting the Vehicle A weak or failing alternator can struggle to keep the battery charged, leading to difficulty starting the engine. If jump-starting the car temporarily resolves the issue but the battery keeps draining, the alternator could be to blame. Electrical Accessory Issues The alternator supplies power to the electrical components in the vehicle, including the radio, power windows, air conditioning, and dashboard instruments. If you experience electrical malfunctions with electrical accessories, your alternator may not be delivering sufficient power. Strange Noises from the Engine Bay A failing alternator may produce unusual noises, such as grinding, whining, or squealing sounds. These noises can be caused by a worn-out alternator bearing or a belt problem. If you hear unusual noises from under the hood, it’s essential to have your alternator inspected before it completely fails. Alternator Replacement & Auto Electric Repair in Portland, OR When you need auto repair in Portland, OR or Vancouver, WA, visit A-1 Automotive. At our nearby auto shop, we can expertly handle your car’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!

Read the Recent Customer Reviews for A-1 Automotive in Portland, OR!

By A-1 Automotive • February 24, 2025

At A-1 Automotive, we’re proud members of the Portland small business community. We strive to earn our customers’ total satisfaction by providing top-quality auto repairs and maintenance, friendly service, and fair pricing. No matter how big or small the job, our team will work diligently to complete it to the highest standards. And we’re grateful when our customers offer feedback about their experiences with us. Here’s a look at some of our recent customer reviews. “Got a couple fuel pumps, ignition module and some other preventative maintenance done through these guys and am happy with the work. I am even happier with their responsiveness. Both Bryan and Kory have helped me in a bind on my OSB Ford on multiple occasions. Even taking time out of their day to give me pointers via phone while I am doing a lot of the work myself on this project and learning as I go. Always extremely informative and transparent. These guys are super honest and will be my go to mechanics in the future when needed.” —Kiowa J. “This place was great. Diagnosed the problem and had it fixed in no time. Pricing was very fair.” —Mason B. “Truly professional. All businesses want to make money, but I feel like these guys weren't out to bankrupt me. Got my 4runner serviced here and the Toyota dealership in Clackamas was going to charge me $2,000 for what A-1 did for $550.” —Megan F. “Great service and wonderful business to support. Kory and team are always a joy to see.” —Jason V. “These guys are amazing. This is the best shop I've ever dealt with. Service? Amazing. Cost? Worth every penny and as for the people that work there? Best group of people I've ever dealt with. If you're looking for a place that's really there to help, then look no further, you just found it.” —Tony H. “A-1 has been fantastic for me twice now - friendly people (thank you Brian), quick and quality service. Would recommend to anyone!” —Alicia Auto Repair in Portland, OR When you need auto repair in Portland, OR or Vancouver, WA, visit A-1 Automotive. At our nearby auto shop, our reputable mechanics can expertly handle your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment!

What are some of the most common reasons that engines fail to fire up?

By A-1 Automotive • January 28, 2025

Few things are more frustrating than turning the key, only to find your car refuses to start. While this situation can feel maddening, understanding the common reasons behind it can help you explain the problem to the mechanic. At A-1 Automotive, our local mechanics are experts at identifying and fixing issues that prevent engines from firing up. Here are five common causes of no-start. Failing Starter Motor The starter motor is responsible for engaging the engine when you turn the key. If the starter motor fails, your engine won’t crank. Common signs of a faulty starter include a single clicking noise or complete silence when you attempt to start the car. Dead Battery A dead battery is one of the most common reasons for a car not starting. Batteries lose their charge over time or may drain due to lights or accessories being left on. Extreme weather conditions, particularly cold temperatures, can also weaken a battery. If you hear a clicking noise or get no response when you try to start the car, there’s a good chance that the battery is the culprit. Ignition System Problems The ignition system includes components like spark plugs, ignition coils, and the ignition switch. If any of these parts are damaged or worn out, your car may fail to start. Symptoms of ignition system issues can include engine misfires, rough idling, or difficulty starting the car. Regular maintenance can help prevent these problems. Faulty Fuel Pump The fuel pump delivers fuel from the tank to the engine. When the pump malfunctions, your engine won’t receive the necessary fuel to start or run. Signs of a failing fuel pump include sputtering and reduced power. Bad Alternator The alternator charges the battery and powers electrical components while the engine is running. If the alternator fails, the battery will quickly drain, leaving your car unable to start. Signs of a failing alternator include dim lights and electrical accessory malfunctions. Replacing the alternator is crucial to prevent further electrical issues. Auto Repair in Portland, OR When you need auto repair in Portland or Vancouver, WA, visit A-1 Automotive. At our local auto shop, we can expertly handle your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment!

Don’t Ignore these Signs that Transmission Fluid Is Leaking

By A-1 Automotive • December 20, 2024

Transmission fluid is essential for the smooth operation of your vehicle's transmission system, enabling proper lubrication, cooling, and fluid pressure for gear shifts. When a leak occurs, it can lead to serious damage if left unaddressed. At A-1 Automotive, we provide expert transmission fluid leak repair in the greater Portland area. Here are four warning signs of a transmission fluid leak. Puddles of Fluid Under the Vehicle One of the most obvious signs of a transmission fluid leak is the presence of fluid pooling underneath your vehicle. Transmission fluid is typically reddish in color, although it may appear brown if it’s old or degraded. If you notice a fluid puddle after your car has been parked, it’s important to identify whether the source is the transmission or another system. Promptly addressing the issue can prevent further complications. Low Transmission Fluid Levels A sudden drop in transmission fluid levels is a clear sign of a leak. If you need to top off the fluid frequently, it’s a strong indication that there’s a leak somewhere in the system. Fluid leaks often form due to issues like faulty pan gaskets and damaged transmission lines. Difficulty Shifting Gears A leak in the transmission system can result in insufficient fluid, leading to difficulties when shifting gears. You may notice hesitation, rough shifts, or even an inability to engage certain gears. These symptoms occur because the transmission lacks the necessary pressure and lubrication to function properly. Ignoring these issues can lead to more severe transmission damage. Burning Smell While Driving A burning smell while driving could indicate that transmission fluid is leaking onto hot engine or transmission components. This is often accompanied by low fluid levels, which cause the remaining fluid to overheat due to increased friction. If you detect a burning odor, it’s crucial to investigate the source immediately, as overheating can severely damage internal transmission parts. Transmission Repair in Portland, OR When you need auto repair in Portland, OR or Vancouver, WA, visit A-1 Automotive. At our nearby auto shop, we can expertly handle your car’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!

Auto Repair Services in Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington