Inland Sales & Service Blog

Winter in Spokane can be unpredictable, bringing snow and icy roads. These harsh conditions can take a toll on your vehicle and make driving more challenging and dangerous. Preparing your car ahead of time helps ensure you stay safe and warm, even when weather gets nasty. At Inland Sales & Service, we provide expert winter auto maintenance in the greater Spokane area. Here are five tips for getting your vehicle ready for the Spokane winter. Get Your Battery Tested Cold weather puts extra strain on car batteries. Low temperatures can make it much harder for your battery to start the engine. If your battery is more than three years old or if you’ve noticed slow starts lately, have it tested by a professional who can check its charge, inspect the terminals for corrosion, and replace it if necessary. A strong, reliable battery will help you avoid being stranded on a freezing Spokane morning. Have Your Brakes Inspected When roads are slick, properly functioning brakes are especially important for maintaining control and avoiding accidents. If your brake pads are worn or your rotors are uneven, your stopping power will be reduced—especially in slippery conditions. Before winter arrives, schedule a professional brake inspection. A technician can check your pads, rotors, and brake fluid to make sure everything is in optimal condition. Addressing brake issues early can make all the difference in stopping safely when the roads get treacherous. Check Your Heater and Defroster A working heater isn’t just about comfort—it’s also about safety. Your defroster is critical for keeping your windshield clear of condensation, frost, and ice. Before temperatures drop, test both systems to ensure they’re blowing warm air and working properly. Reliable heating and defrosting make winter driving far more comfortable and help maintain clear visibility. Replace Worn Wiper Blades Between snow, ice, and slush, your wiper blades will get a serious workout during a Spokane winter. Old or cracked blades can leave streaks that impair your visibility. Replacing them before winter ensures you’ll have clear sightlines through heavy precipitation. Consider using winter-specific wiper blades designed to perform better in icy conditions. Use Winter-Grade Wiper Fluid Standard wiper fluid can freeze in low temperatures, leaving you unable to clear your windshield when you need it most. Switching to winter-grade wiper fluid prevents freezing and helps remove precipitation more reliably. Auto Maintenance in Airway Heights, WA When you need auto maintenance in Airway Heights and the surrounding Spokane area, contact Inland Sales & Service at (509) 202-4025. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment for car care in greater Spokane, WA!

Keeping your brakes in excellent condition is essential for safe driving. With regular care, you can help extend the life of your brakes and ensure they’re ready when you need them most. At Inland Sales & Service, we provide expert brake service in the greater Spokane area. Here are four ways to keep your brakes performing at their best. Schedule Regular Inspections The best way to maintain healthy brakes is to have them inspected regularly by an experienced mechanic. During an inspection, technicians check the brake pads, rotors, calipers, and fluid levels to ensure everything is in good condition. Catching wear or leaks early allows for quick repairs that prevent more serious problems. Even if your brakes seem fine, regular checkups provide peace of mind that your system is safe and reliable. Replace Brake Pads on Time Brake pads wear down over time and need to be replaced before they reach a dangerously thin level. Driving with worn pads can damage your rotors and reduce stopping power, leading to more expensive repairs. Keeping track of pad wear and replacing them when recommended helps preserve the braking system. Keep Brake Fluid Clean and Topped Off Brake fluid plays a crucial role in transmitting the force from your foot on the pedal to the brakes themselves. Over time, moisture and contaminants can degrade the fluid, leading to spongy brakes and reduced effectiveness. Having your brake fluid replaced at recommended intervals helps ensure your braking system stays responsive and reliable. Don’t Ignore Warning Signs of a Brake Issue Strange noises, vibrations, or a soft brake pedal are all signs that your brakes need attention. Ignoring these warnings can turn minor issues into serious problems. By addressing them right away, you protect your safety and avoid higher repair costs. Staying alert to how your brakes sound and feel can ensure that small problems are resolved quickly before they severely compromise performance. Brake Service in Airway Heights, WA When you need brake service in Airway Heights and the surrounding Spokane area, contact Inland Sales & Service at (509) 202-4025. Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment for car care in greater Spokane!

An overheating engine is one of the most stressful problems a driver can face. If ignored, it can cause severe damage and even lead to complete engine failure, making timely attention critical. While modern vehicles are built with advanced cooling systems, problems still occur that can leave your car on the side of the road. At Inland Sales & Service, we provide expert cooling system repair in the greater Spokane area. Understanding the most common reasons automobiles overheat can help you address issues before they become catastrophic. Low Coolant Levels Coolant is essential for regulating your engine’s temperature. If levels are too low, heat cannot be absorbed and dispersed efficiently, causing the temperature gauge to climb quickly. Leaks in hoses, the radiator, or the water pump are frequent culprits behind coolant loss. Regularly checking coolant levels and addressing leaks promptly can help prevent overheating. Malfunctioning Thermostat The thermostat is a vital component that regulates the flow of coolant into the engine. If it becomes stuck in the closed position, coolant cannot circulate, and the engine temperature rises rapidly. A failing thermostat often causes fast overheating, which is why it should be replaced immediately at the first sign of trouble. Radiator Problems The radiator dissipates heat from the coolant, making it a critical component of the cooling system. When the radiator is clogged, leaking, or its fan isn’t working properly, it cannot perform effectively. This results in heat buildup and eventual overheating. Routine inspections and maintenance help ensure your radiator stays in good working order. Water Pump Failure The water pump pushes coolant through the engine and radiator, keeping temperatures stable. If the pump fails, coolant circulation slows or stops entirely. A faulty water pump is a common cause of overheating and often requires immediate replacement to prevent further damage. Cooling System Repair in Airway Heights, WA When you need auto repair in Airway Heights and the surrounding Spokane area, contact Inland Sales & Service at (509) 202-4025. 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 for car care in greater Spokane, WA!

Your vehicle’s suspension system plays a crucial role in keeping your ride smooth, safe, and under control. It absorbs shocks from the road, keeps the tires in contact with the pavement, and helps ensure that your car handles properly. When your suspension begins to fail, it can significantly impact your comfort and safety. Recognizing the early warning signs of suspension trouble can help you address the problem before it leads to more costly damage. At Inland Sales & Service, we provide expert suspension repair in the greater Spokane area. Here are four common signs of a suspension issue. Your Ride Feels Bumpy or Unstable One of the most noticeable signs of suspension trouble is a bumpy or shaky ride. If your vehicle starts to bounce excessively over minor bumps or feels unstable at higher speeds, your shocks or struts may be wearing out. The suspension is designed to dampen these motions, and when it’s no longer doing its job, even small bumps become much more noticeable. Uneven Tire Wear When your suspension system is failing, it can cause your tires to wear unevenly. Instead of wearing down evenly across the surface, the tread may appear more worn on one side. This uneven wear can shorten the lifespan of your tires and negatively affect traction. If you spot strange wear patterns, it’s wise to have both your alignment and suspension checked. One Corner of the Vehicle Sits Lower If one corner of your car appears to sit lower than the others when parked on level ground, you may have a failing spring. A damaged or sagging spring can’t support the weight of the vehicle properly, leading to an uneven stance and compromised handling. You Hear Noises When Driving Over Bumps Clunks, rattles, or squeaks when driving over bumps often point to suspension problems. These sounds could come from worn-out shocks, loose components, or deteriorated bushings. While noises alone don’t always confirm a suspension issue, they’re a good reason to have your vehicle inspected before things get worse. Suspension Repair in Airway Heights, WA When you need auto repair in Airway Heights and the surrounding Spokane area, contact Inland Sales & Service at (509) 202-4025. At our nearby auto shop, we can expertly handle your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!

Your vehicle’s alternator plays a vital role in keeping the electrical system functioning properly. It charges the battery while the engine is running and powers essential systems such as the lights, radio, and air conditioning. When the alternator begins to fail, your car will often show clear warning signs before the system gives out completely. At Inland Sales & Service, we provide expert alternator replacement and auto electric repair in the greater Spokane area. Knowing what to watch for can help you catch alternator issues early and avoid bigger problems. Flickering/Dimming Lights One of the most common signs of alternator trouble is inconsistent lighting. If your headlights or dashboard lights begin to dim or flicker while driving, it could mean the alternator is struggling to provide a steady electrical supply. Warning Light on the Dashboard Most vehicles have a warning light on the dashboard that signals a problem with the charging system. This light often appears as a battery icon or may say ALT or GEN. If this light comes on while you’re driving, it could mean that your alternator is not functioning properly. This warning shouldn’t be ignored, as it could mean that your car may soon stall if the alternator isn’t addressed. Strange Noises Under the Hood A failing alternator can produce unusual sounds, such as whining, grinding, or squealing. These noises may result from worn bearings or a misaligned belt. If you notice any strange sounds coming from under the hood, it’s best to have your vehicle inspected by a professional to identify the cause before further damage occurs. Electrical Accessory Issues The alternator powers your vehicle’s electrical systems, so when it begins to fail, you may notice problems with your car’s accessories. Power windows may move more slowly, dashboard gauges might behave erratically, or the radio may cut out. These issues suggest that the alternator is not supplying enough power to keep everything functioning as it should. Dead or Weak Battery If your battery is frequently dying or weak even after being replaced, the alternator may not be recharging it properly. This is especially likely if the battery tests fine but still can’t hold a charge. An alternator that isn’t delivering enough power will leave the battery depleted, leading to frustrating starting problems. Alternator Replacement & Auto Electric Repair in Airway Heights, WA When you need auto repair in Airway Heights and the surrounding Spokane area, contact Inland Sales & Service at (509) 202-4025. 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!






