Your suspension system is one of the hardest-working and least-appreciated parts of your vehicle. At Heavy Metal Motors, we see countless Portland drivers who don't realize their suspension is failing; Understanding what your suspension does, how it fails, and what symptoms to watch for can save you money and keep you safe on Portland's challenging roads.

“here's the reality: our unique climate presents winterization challenges that are different from—not easier than—other regions. The constant rain, temperature fluctuations, and proximity to severe winter conditions just outside the city make winterization essential.”

The holidays should be about joy, family, and celebration—not automotive anxiety and inflated repair bills. Yet in December at Heavy Metal Motors, we see the same disheartening pattern: Portland drivers come to us stressed, confused, and suspicious after receiving shocking repair estimates from shops that see the holiday season as an opportunity rather than a time for honest service.

At Heavy Metal Motors, we believe cars are more than transportation—they're time capsules of American culture, design, and dreams. This holiday season, we're taking a nostalgic cruise through the decades, exploring the most coveted Christmas gifts alongside the legendary vehicles that dominated driveways during each era.

Portland proper might see mild winters, the roads Portlanders love to travel—the Columbia River Gorge, Mount Hood, and the Cascade passes—become genuinely treacherous this time of year. We break down silent hazards that turn familiar roads into danger zones, and demand both driver skill and a properly prepared vehicle.

At Heavy Metal Motors, we see a predictable surge in emergency tow-ins right before and during the holidays. The common thread? Issues that could have been prevented with a simple pre-trip inspection.

Don't let a breakdown turn your holiday memories into a horror story. Here's your expert guide to making sure your vehicle is as ready for the journey as you are.

Portland's pothole problem isn't just an inconvenience. It's doing serious damage to our vehicles, and the numbers tell a sobering story.

“some surprising data that doesn't get enough attention in the mainstream conversation about EVs. According to J.D. Power's 2022 Initial Quality Study, hybrid and electric vehicle owners reported significantly more issues and defects than gas powered vehicle owners—240 and 239 per 100 vehicles respectively”

From possessed automobiles to the getaway cars of slashers, certain cars have become just as legendary as the horror films they star in. Let's take a closer look at some of the most notorious vehicles to ever grace the horror genre.

We've seen plenty of cars roll into our shop with autumn-related issues, so we figured it was time to break down the top 5 road hazards you'll face this fall. Because a little knowledge goes a long way when it comes to keeping your ride safe!

the Trail Blazers are embarking on an exciting new chapter. Yang Hansen, the 7-foot-2 center from China, was acquired by Portland through a draft trade in June 2025. At just 20 years old, Hansen is the ninth Chinese player drafted to the NBA and the third-highest draft pick ever from China.

The drivetrain is essentially the system that takes the engine's power and sends it to the wheels. While it might sound like a technical detail, your drivetrain choice affects everything from fuel efficiency to how your car performs on a rainy highway.

The most expensive car isn't the one with the highest purchase price—it's the one that costs you a fortune in surprises you didn't see coming.

We all know the zombie apocalypse probably isn't happening this October (probably). But these five parts represent the most common catastrophic failures that can leave you stranded in the real world, too.

We still require it, we still make you drive to a testing station every two years, but if you pay attention to what's actually happening during your test, you might scratch your head and wonder: "Wait, are they actually testing my emissions?"

when it comes to buying a car for a young driver, there’s no better option than a quality used vehicle. New cars come with a high price tag, and the moment you drive off the lot, their value starts to depreciate. Buying used allows you to get a reliable, safe, and stylish car without breaking the bank. Here, we’ve rounded up the top 5 used cars for young drivers, all based on their affordability, safety features, and overall appeal.

For families and commuters in Portland, fall means more time behind the wheel—whether you’re navigating the school drop-off line or battling I-205 during rush hour. A quick check-up now can keep your ride running strong all season long!

The tragedy isn't that cars became complex – it's that they became disposable. Your 8-track player was objectively terrible technology, but when it broke, you could fix it. Your modern infotainment system is a marvel of engineering, but when it fails, you replace the whole unit for $3,000.

The next time you see a lifted truck in Portland, don't dismiss it as compensation or flamboyance . Consider that it might be connection – to our past, to our landscape, to a way of life that values getting there as much as being there.