Blog

Dealer Service Isn’t Your Only Option. Here’s What Drivers Should Know: You’ve likely heard it before: “You need to bring your car to the dealership for factory-recommended service.” But here’s the truth: you don’t have to go to the dealership to keep your warranty valid or your vehicle properly maintained. At Bret’s Auto Repair in… [ Read More ]

Timing Belt Replacement: When to Do It And Why It’s So Important If you're like most drivers, the timing belt isn’t something you think about until it’s too late. But this one component plays a vital role in keeping your engine running smoothly, and replacing it at the right time could save you thousands in… [ Read More ]

A shiny used car might look like a great deal, until the transmission slips, the brakes grind, or the check engine light flicks on two weeks later. At Bret’s Auto Repair in Lynnwood, we’ve seen it all… and we want to help you avoid buyer’s remorse. Here’s your pre‑purchase inspection (PPI) checklist and why it’s… [ Read More ]

Your vehicle is one of the most valuable assets you own, and yet many car owners unknowingly shorten its life with avoidable mistakes. At Bret’s Auto Repair in Lynnwood, we regularly see damage that could have been prevented with simple care. Here are the 7 most common mistakes that wear down your vehicle faster than… [ Read More ]

Every car owner eventually faces the dreaded decision: should I repair this part or just replace it altogether? Whether it’s a failing alternator, a squealing belt, or a sluggish transmission, the answer isn’t always simple. At Bret’s Auto Repair in Lynnwood, we help our customers weigh their options every day, so here’s a practical guide… [ Read More ]

When it comes to taking care of your car’s transmission, there’s a lot of outdated, inaccurate, and flat-out wrong advice floating around. At Bret’s Auto Repair in Lynnwood, we regularly see customers come in with transmission problems that could have been avoided, if they hadn’t followed some old-school advice passed down from friends, forums, or… [ Read More ]

Why Fuel Efficiency Matters With gas prices fluctuating, who doesn’t want to stretch each tank a bit further? But fuel efficiency is about more than savings; it’s about reducing wear on your vehicle and lowering your carbon footprint. Here are practical, mechanic-approved ways to improve your gas mileage, brought to you by the team at… [ Read More ]

Those Mysterious Dashboard Lights We’ve all been there—cruising along when suddenly a light pops up on the dashboard. It’s tempting to ignore it, but those warning indicators are your car’s way of asking for help. Knowing what they mean can save you from expensive repairs and keep you safe on the road. At Bret’s Auto… [ Read More ]

Your brakes are one of the most critical safety systems in your vehicle — and when something’s off, you’ll usually hear or feel it. Whether you’re commuting down I-5, navigating the hills of Seattle, or just running errands, responsive brakes are essential to keeping you safe.At Bret’s Auto Repair, we specialize in brake inspections and… [ Read More ]

There’s nothing quite like stepping into a cool, air-conditioned car on a hot summer day. But if your car's A/C isn’t working like it used to, you could be in for an uncomfortable ride. At Bret’s Auto Repair, located in Lynnwood, we see a spike in A/C service visits every summer — and for good… [ Read More ]