Pre-Purchase Inspection in Vancouver, WA

Buying a new vehicle can be a very exciting time but it can also be overwhelming. It’s important to do your research before you go shopping. Regardless if you’re purchasing from a dealership or a private party, it’s essential to have a pre-purchase inspection performed. Spending a small amount of upfront could save you thousands in the long run.

Do I really need a Pre-Purchase Inspection done on a newer car?

Yes. Sadly, it’s not uncommon for a vehicle to be sold advertising a clean title after it’s been in an accident. Through an auto pre-purchase inspection, technicians at Ron's Auto & RV of Vancouver will look for signs of restored flood and accident damage. New cars are also not exempt from mechanical issues. Depending on how the previous owner maintained the vehicle it could have more wear and tear than its year suggests.

I’m buying from a dealership – I feel weird taking it offsite to have a pre-purchase inspection done.

A pre-purchase inspection is very common and any reputable dealership will have no problem with you getting a professional opinion. If someone is fighting hard to convince you a pre-purchase inspection is unnecessary you should ask yourself, “Why?”. Ron's Auto & RV serves Vancouver, Washington, Battle Ground, Washington, and surrounding areas – pre-purchase inspections are quick and can help you on the road to making an educated decision.

What will you look for during an auto pre-purchase inspection?

We look for signs to see if what you’re buying is what they’re advertising as well as underlying factors that could be trouble for you in the near future. The list below shows a small range of things we look at during a pre-purchase inspection.

Frame Damage – Has this vehicle been in an accident before?
Flood Damage – It’s more than the wet carpet we’re looking for. Most vehicles have many computers in them these days and flood damage will most certainly compromise them.
Repair work gone wrong – Does this vehicle have repairs done incorrectly on it that will cost you money?
Under the hood – We will look for any looming engine trouble as well take a look at the condition of the belts, hoses, and fluids.
Alignment -A vehicle’s alignment can have a serious effect on overall wear and tear, including the tires.
Answer your questions – Here at Ron's Auto & RV of Vancouver, our pre-purchase inspection service is designed to put your mind at ease so you can buy with confidence – or not!

Trustworthy Pre-Purchase Inspection at Ron's Auto & RV.

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Winterizing Your RV: A Complete Guide

May 12, 2026

How to Winterize Your RV If you’re putting your RV or motorhome into storage for the cold season, one of the most important steps you can take is proper winterization . Freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on plumbing systems, appliances, electronics, and batteries, leading to costly repairs when spring rolls around. Whether you’re a first-time RV owner or an experienced traveler, learning how to winterize your RV correctly is essential for protecting your investment. At Ron’s Auto & RV in Vancouver, WA , we’ve seen firsthand the damage that freezing weather can cause. To help you avoid cracked pipes, dead batteries, faulty tires, and fuel system problems, here’s a simple breakdown of the RV winterization process. Why Winterizing Your RV Matters Even one night of freezing temperatures can burst water lines, damage holding tanks, and ruin appliances like water heaters and pumps. Winterizing your RV ensures that: Water systems are fully protected from freezing Batteries stay charged and healthy Fuel remains stable for long-term storage Appliances and seals don’t dry out or corrode Skipping winterization or doing it incorrectly can lead to thousands of dollars in repairs , especially if water damage spreads inside walls or cabinets. Step-by-Step RV Winterization Checklist 1. Drain and Bypass the Water Heater Start by turning off the water heater and allowing it to cool. Drain all remaining water and switch the bypass valve so no antifreeze enters the heater during the next steps. 2. Empty Fresh, Gray, and Black Tanks Use an approved dump station to empty all holding tanks. Rinse them out thoroughly and add RV-safe tank treatment to prevent odor and buildup during storage. 3. Drain the Entire Water System Open all faucets, hot and cold, and flush out any remaining water. Don’t forget showers, toilets, and exterior wash stations . 4. Pump RV Antifreeze Into the Plumbing Using a water pump conversion kit or siphon tube, draw non-toxic RV antifreeze into the system. Open each faucet until pink antifreeze flows through. Pour antifreeze into drains, toilet bowls, and P-traps as well. 5. Protect Appliances Refrigerator : Clean, defrost, and leave the door propped open to prevent mold. Washer/Dryer : Run antifreeze through if applicable. Ice Makers and Outdoor Showers : Don’t forget to include them in your antifreeze cycle. 6. Remove or Maintain Batteries Cold temperatures drain batteries fast. You can either remove batteries and store them indoors or leave them connected to a smart trickle charger to keep them topped off. 7. Stabilize the Fuel System For gasoline or diesel-powered RVs , fill the tank and add fuel stabilizer . Run the engine and generator briefly to circulate the treated fuel through the system. 8. Seal and Secure Exterior Components Check for cracked seals, loose roof vents, or window gaps . Use RV-safe sealant where needed. Cover tires and consider a breathable RV cover to protect the exterior. Common Winterization Mistakes to Avoid Using automotive antifreeze instead of RV-safe antifreeze Forgetting to bypass the water heater Leaving water in outdoor shower hoses or low-point drains Failing to clean out food crumbs, which attract rodents Letting batteries sit disconnected without charging Even experienced RV owners sometimes miss hidden water lines or skip smaller appliances. If you’re unsure, it’s worth having a professional RV winterization service do it right the first time. Professional RV Winterization in Vancouver, WA At Ron’s Auto & RV , we offer complete RV winterizing services for travel trailers, Class A diesel pushers, Class C motorhomes, and fifth wheels. We also offer full diesel truck services . Whether you want a full-service winterization or just help with plumbing and fuel system protection, we’ll ensure your RV is safely stored all season long. For expert Auto and RV services in Clark County, WA, contact us today !