Valley Automotive Repair

06/16/2026

When you drive through a swarm of bugs, your windshield isn’t the only thing taking a hit—your radiator grille is acting like a giant net! Your radiator relies on a steady stream of fresh air flowing through to keep your engine from overheating in the summer. If your grille and radiator get completely caked in bugs, dirt, etc., it can act like a blanket, causing your engine temperatures to climb.

The Fix: Next time you're washing the car, use a hose to give your front grille a thorough spray from the inside out to clear debris.

If your temperature gauge has been creeping up lately, swing by the shop and we’ll check your cooling system airflow!

06/14/2026

Inside your car, June temperatures can skyrocket to dangerous levels in just a few minutes! If you want to keep your interior looking brand new, it’s time to take a few simple precautions.

According to the article, these are some highly effective, low-cost tricks to shield your cabin from brutal UV rays:

1️⃣ Condition Your Leather: The sun's heat quickly dries out leather, causing it to crack and fade. A quality conditioner keeps it soft and moisturized.
2️⃣ Use a Windshield Sunshade: It's the absolute best way to block direct sunlight from baking your steering wheel and dashboard.
3️⃣ Seek out the Shade: Whenever you can, look for a parking spot under a tree or building overhang to keep internal temps down.

Check it out to learn more. If you want a second opinion on anything, our team is always happy to assist.

The summer sun and heat can cause considerable damage to your car’s interior and exterior. Start protecting your car from sun damage with these tips.

06/11/2026

★★★★★
"Easy to schedule an appointment, kind and friendly staff, and great communication! Also, their after-hours pickup/drop-off option is a huge plus!"
- K. A.

06/11/2026

June is National Safety Month, and we want to share our favorite no-cost driving safety tip: The Three-Second Rule. ⏱️

When the car in front of you passes a fixed object (like a sign or a tree), you should be able to count to three before your front bumper reaches that same spot.

Why it matters to us: In stop-and-go summer traffic, tailgating is the #1 cause of fender-benders. Giving yourself space protects your brakes, reduces panic stops, and keeps your car out of our repair bays! Let’s keep our community roads safe this summer. Share this tip with a new driver in your family!

06/10/2026

Still putting off that service appointment?

The small things matter when you’re relying on your vehicle every day. Whether it’s routine maintenance, a warning light, an odd noise, or a repair you’ve been meaning to handle, now is the time to get it checked.

Valley Automotive in Covington makes it easy to schedule service so you can get ahead of problems before they turn into stressful, expensive surprises.

Book your appointment today.

06/09/2026

Not all heroes wear capes... some wear grease-stained uniforms! 🔧 It’s National Automotive Service Professionals Week, and we just want to say a massive THANK YOU to our crew. They keep the wheels turning, the engines purring, and our customers safe on the road. ❤️

If you see them working hard in the bays this week, give 'em a wave! 👋

06/08/2026

Check engine light on? Brakes making noise? Vehicle not driving like it should?

Don’t guess. Let Valley Automotive take a look.

Every vehicle receives a comprehensive inspection so you can clearly understand what’s going on, what needs attention, and what can wait.

Our ASE-certified technicians service everything from oil changes and brakes to diagnostics, A/C, tires, engines, electrical concerns, and transmission service.

Serving Covington, Maple Valley, Black Diamond, and nearby communities.

Request your appointment today.

06/07/2026

Thinking about trying one of those "pay-as-you-go" insurance plans to save a few bucks? As mechanics, we need to give you a quick heads-up about a hidden side effect!

A recent article by CarBuzz breaks down how these programs track your driving. One popular method involves plugging a small telematics dongle directly into your car's OBD-II port (under the dash). While it's highly accurate, these devices draw power directly from your vehicle’s 12-volt battery system. ⚠️ If your car sits idle for a couple of weeks, that little device can drain your battery.

Read the pros and cons before you plug anything in!

Our ways of driving are continuously changing, so why should your insurance stay the same?

06/04/2026

🌡️📈 Did you know that for every 10-degree jump in outside temperature, the air pressure inside your tires can increase by 1 to 2 PSI?

As June heats up, the pavement can get brutal. If your tires were already slightly over-inflated, that extra expansion can put you at risk for a summer blowout. If you need a tire inspection, contact our team for assistance. 🛞⚠️

06/02/2026

Is your car celebrating a milestone? 🎂 Once your odometer hits 75k miles, it’s officially entered its " prime." At this stage, your engine's seals can start to lose their flexibility, which can lead to tiny oil leaks on your driveway or to oil burning that wasn't there before. High-mileage oil is specifically formulated with seal conditioners that help swell and rejuvenate those old gaskets, keeping the oil inside the engine where it belongs.

Need an oil change with a high-mileage oil option? Turn to our team to get the ultimate oil change service.