Andy’s Tips

Stranded Car in Madras, Oregon

2021-12-22T07:19:39+00:00Towing Services in Jefferson County, Towing Services in Oregon, Towing Services in Wasco County|

While driving from Madras to Hood River, Oregon, one customer’s engine light came on and the engine starting running rough.  Greentree Automotoive Towing was able to bring the car into the shop and with one quick and easy repair, the customer was back up and running.  

Greentree Automotive Towing, we make the effort to serve you as if you’re family.  

For towing service call/text 541 806 5044.
If we don’t answer, do leave a message.
We call back ASAP

Towing Car from Maupin, Oregon (Wasco County) Success Story

2021-12-22T07:20:55+00:00Towing Services in Oregon, Towing Services in Wasco County|

A delightful couple from Idaho were driving through Oregon when their transmission gave out.  It was a rainy evening and Greentree Automotive was one of the only towing services willing to do a long distance tow.  We had them safely aboard our flatbed tow truck and the couple was able to enjoy happy hour at their destination.  

Greentree Automotive Towing, we make the effort to serve you as if you’re family.  

For towing service call/text 541 806 5044.
If we don’t answer, do leave a message.
We call back ASAP

About Our Team

2021-12-22T07:47:20+00:00About Greentree Automotive|

I’d like to highlight and thank my crew:

  • Dave, who brings 25 years of Toyota experience to the group
  • Sean, with  20 years of a heavy combination of Subaru Honda Toyota experience
  • Harlin, who knows the internals of Subaru engine better than just about any one. He has an amazing natural mechanical gift and personal drive that is nothing but stellar.
  • Guy, who is new to us but has 30 years of general automotive background we are happy to have him on board
  • And me (Andy) started with Subaru in 1991 and a hefty knowledge of everything Subaru has on the road today

We have an amazing mix of skills in our team that really make both of our shops shine when it comes right down to diagnosing and repairing every part of your Subaru and the most popular Asian cars in the Gorge.

 

 

Car Repair Costs Same in Washington as in Oregon

2020-05-21T22:57:22+00:00Car Repair Tips, Maintenance Tips|

Sales tax in Klickitat county (I’m not in city limits) is 7%.  My cost of operations in Hood River, in a zero tax state, is about 30 to 35% higher than operating in White Salmon. Start with a property and building that’s only 40% the size as the one in White Salmon but cost me 70% more to buy or lease.  Next utilities are 40% higher even though I’m heating and powering a building that’s only 40% the size. And then there’s personal income tax on all my employees working in Oregon myself included. These are all factors.

I have customers who want to have a repair done in Hood River to save sales tax. I get that.  However we have just balanced the scales to make repairs done at either shop the same price.  If a given repair is $100 in White Salmon with sales tax, it’s $100 in Hood River without.  So bring your car to whichever shop will either be able to handle the repair faster or is more convenient to you. Most larger repairs are actually done at the White Salmon shop anyway, even if you drop them off in Hood River.

GAP Insurance

2021-12-22T07:37:27+00:00Car Repair Tips|

 

Winter Tire Tips

2021-12-22T07:40:50+00:00All About Tires|

Let’s talk about winter tires. The recent storm has made me think I should share some tips and thoughts about winter driving and the tires you should have on your vehicle.

Winter tires

If you have just installed an aggressive set of studded winter tires do not think you’re invincible–you’re not even if your car seems to be like superman. Things didn’t turn out that well for him. LOL

Things to avoid with winter tires.

Aggressive driving. Stopping taking off and stopping in an aggressive manner. This wears your tires faster than normal tires and damages or even rips studs out. Aggressive driving lessens the lifespan of winter tires drastically. They’re made of softer rubbers than summer tires.

Choosing the right tire for winter here is tough. We have such a weird mix of winter weather and even weirder drive cycles and roads. Given that we bounce in and out of freezing till May, there are a variety of things to consider.

Local drivers that don’t do a lot of highway driving but do commute early in the morning when it’s icy. Drivers who have steep hills/driveways or ski benefit most from studded winter tires.

People that commute to Portland, The Dalles, or do just a lot of highway driving may want studdless winter tires. They have a quieter, smoother feel at higher speeds and do not wear our roads out as fast. They still deliver a modest amount of traction when it’s really bad.

Drivers that can avoid driving when it’s really bad often times are just as well off with an aggressive all season tire that fits their particular type of car and driving habits. And an all-wheel drive car like a Subaru might be a wise choice.

Studded Tires pros and cons

Studded winter tires wear the road surface and have a noisy, rough ride. There’s also a degree of loss of traction in hard rain. They do however offer the best in traction on ice—period. Many drivers’ studded tires are the best choice. Hood River has some nasty dark areas on steep grades that only studded tires perform well on at times.

Studdless winter tires

There is such a wide variety of tires here you really need the right one for your drive cycles. Aggressive ones perform well in snow and rain but lack the heavy siping that provides better traction on ice. Most of these are a medium level of softness so they perform ok in our temp ranges. Some however have really heavy siping and silica in the rubber which offers the best traction in ice short of studded tires. The down side is most perform poorly in rain and slush and wear extremely fast. The biggest problem I see with these is they perform horribly when they are in their last 40% of tire life. And their extremely soft rubber compounds are not safe as summer tires in the summertime. I’m not a big advocate of these tires for most drivers, but some find them a good fit. Talk with someone before purchasing true studdless winter tires. But there are so many types and styles of studdless tires, we can find one that is a good fit for your needs.

All-season tires

Some people do well with the right all season tire. If you can avoid travelling when it’s really bad or don’t leave for work when the roads are icy early in the morning, there are a lot of tires to choose from. Combined with the all-wheel drive of your Subaru many never have issues with all-season tires,
For people that rarely are forced to deal with early morning ice, don’t ski, and can avoid really bad weather, an aggressive all season tire may perform well enough to get you around if you have an all-wheel drive vehicle.

Gas Mileage

2012-06-03T18:51:49+00:00Performance Tips|

Here are some tips about getting good gas mileage:

  1. Forget about all the gadgets and additives that make incredible promises.
  2. Don’t accelerate quickly.
  3. Slowing down will help.
  4. Keep your windows closed at highway speeds.

Scheduled Maintenance

2012-06-03T18:51:49+00:00Maintenance Tips|

We realize it’s hard to figure out what maintenance your car needs.  We have access to all manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedules and can advise you when your car needs what.  Give us a call and we’ll help you out.

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