Winter is near, but is your vehicle prepared for the increasingly cold weather? The Lacey region isn’t the coldest in the country, but it does get cold enough for light snow and ice to form on the road. This is why winter tires may be beneficial to ensure proper control on otherwise dangerously slippery roads. If you’re contemplating making the switch, discuss this with your local mechanic during your next seasonal auto maintenance. The technician can install the appropriate tires for your car type. Here are factors that may help you decide whether winter tires are the right choice.

Always Get Winter Tires

Do you anticipate driving under a lot of snow and ice? If so, then we highly recommend making the switch. This is even more important if you expect to drive under these conditions daily and for long periods.

All-Season Tires Aren’t Sufficient

Is your vehicle currently fitted with all-season tires? As suggested in its name, these tires are designed for year-round temperatures. While they can hold up under some ice and minor snow, they may not provide optimal traction under heavier ice and snow.

Avoid Tire Chains and Pavement

Chains are a good choice in regions with constant snowfall. The issue, though, is that chained tires cannot function under snow-free roads. While they’re usually unnecessary, an auto repair specialist can advise you whether they’re required.

Need New Winter Tires Near Lacey?

Do you suspect you may need winter tires for the impending weather around Lacey? Now that you understand the value of this seasonal tire, talk to a professional at Interstate Automotive Inc. in Olympia for further guidance. We install tires for all car types, including diesel vehicles. We can make a professional recommendation based on your vehicle model and commuting habits.

Winter Tire Experts Near Lacey

Serving customers in Olympia, Lacey, & Tumwater

Posted on November 20, 2023 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

You’re driving in or around Tumwater as usual when out of the blue an icon on your dashboard lights up. A dreaded feeling creeps in whenever this happens. There’s never an opportune time for vehicle troubles. However, this is an issue that cannot be ignored. This is the car’s way of telling you something isn’t right and you may need auto repair right away. The next step is to make an appointment for check engine light repairs. Here are what some of the icons indicate.

Oxygen Sensor

Oxygen sensors monitor the oxygen level burned while the vehicle is in motion. A faulty oxygen sensor is a typical car maintenance issue. If this part isn’t operating normally, it can lead to a host of other issues, such as decreased fuel economy and potential engine and transmission troubles.

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Brake maintenance is an essential component of regular car care. This is something you must schedule as part of a regular auto service. Learn why brake upkeep matters and the consequences of not giving this all-important part the attention it needs.

Improves Stopping Power

Over time, the brakes begin to wear with use. This means stopping distance increases as well. This can be dangerous especially if you need to immediately stop in response to a road hazard in an emergency. An increase in stopping distance occurs gradually and may not be so noticeable, so it’s important to have a technician examine the brakes.

Extends Brake Life

The brake pads and rotors are the two main components that need to be replaced, every 50,000 miles and 70,000 miles respectively. If you continue to drive with either of these parts compromised, it can cause premature wear to the brakes as a whole.

Improve Fuel Efficiency

Unbeknownst to most car owners, well-maintained brakes can also enhance fuel efficiency. When brakes are worn, the vehicle must expend more energy to get itself to come to a complete stop. The additional energy expenditure reduces fuel economy, albeit in a more indirect manner.

How Often to Service Your Brakes

A routine scheduled inspection includes an examination of the brakes. As long as you schedule maintenance in accordance with your vehicle’s user manual, then your brakes are in good hands. However, if you notice the brakes appear less responsive, then schedule maintenance right away.

Leave the Brake Maintenance in Olympia to Us

Schedule your next brake maintenance in Olympia at Interstate Automotive. We perform auto repairs if an inspection reveals key areas that require fixing or a parts replacement. We provide free towing if you can’t safely operate your vehicle.

Expert Brake Maintenance in Olympia

Serving Olympia, Lacey, and Tumwater

Posted on September 21, 2023 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

The undercarriage is an immensely important part of the vehicle. It comprises all the components beneath the cabin. It also performs more functions than most car owners realize. It protects the vehicle from road debris and houses critical parts like the steering system, gas tank, and exhaust system, among others. Here are the signs that may indicate car undercarriage damage near Lacey. These symptoms warrant a visit to an auto repair center right away.

Heavy Dents

Being exposed to road debris, the undercarriage is naturally going to incur superficial damage. Small denting is normal and to be expected. However, if you see deep inward denting, then the dented part may be compromised.  This could place more sensitive components like the bearings and exhaust system at risk of damage.

Rust

Exposure to water and snow can lead to rusted metal in the undercarriage. If serious enough, the rust can thin the metal enough to create holes in the surface. This puts the inner layers of the undercarriage parts at risk of exposure to the elements.

Leaks

An inspection may reveal green or blue-like residue. These are signs of fluid leak and can occur if the undercarriage surface incurs damage from the aforementioned dents and rust. A leak can lead to the loss of vital fluids, such as transmission or brake fluids.

We Address Car Undercarriage Damage near Lacey

Don’t ignore the signs of car undercarriage damage near Lacey. A compromised undercarriage can lead to wear of critical components. This requires the attention of an auto service center. A technician from Interstate Automotive can pinpoint the damage and take the appropriate next steps. Our repair specialties are diverse and include the suspension and associating parts.

Don’t Ignore the Signs of Car Undercarriage Damage Near Lacey

Serving customers in Olympia, Lacey, and Tumwater, WA

Posted on August 20, 2023 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Though not as common nowadays, there are still quite a number of vehicles on the street with a manual transmission. Operating these cars requires the handling of a clutch and stick shift. Over time, the clutch may wear out and become less responsive. Here are the signs that your manual transmission car or truck may be in dire need of clutch repair near Lacey.

1. Spongy Clutch Pedal

When you engage the clutch pedal, it may feel what some drivers’ have described as a sponge-like feel. It may also feel loose, and some have also reported a vibration that they can feel travel through their foot. The sponge-like sensation is especially common in older cars and high-performance vehicles.

2. Grinding Sound

It’s also not uncommon to hear a grinding noise when engaging the clutch pedal. This may be a symptom of a defective clutch pressure plate or throwout bearing. There may also be a loose part inside the clutch plate or disc.

3. Stiff Clutch Pedal

Conversely, just as you may experience a sponge-like sensation, it’s also possible that the clutch pedal feels stiffer than normal. This may point to an issue with the master clutch cylinder. In any case, there’s a good chance the problem can be attributed to the clutch pressure plate.

4. Clutch Pedal Remains on the Floor

When you engage the clutch pedal, does it remain on the floor after your foot disengages? This is dangerous and can prevent you from properly shifting gears. This warrants auto repairs immediately.

Need Clutch Repairs Near Lacey?

A failing clutch can seriously impact your vehicle’s operation. If you suspect an issue, bring your car to Interstate Automotive for a proper diagnosis. We provide free towing if your car isn’t serviceable. This may be the case if you require clutch repair or other major automotive servicing.

Professional Clutch Repair near Lacey

Serving customers in Lacey, Olympia, and Tumwater

Posted on July 21, 2023 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

The vehicle suspension is an integral component that’s often overlooked. This is the part that helps the vehicle absorb impacts and bumps in the road. Issues with the undercarriage can lead to other issues like compromised tires and a less responsive steering wheel. Here are the car suspension problems that might indicate abnormalities. Recognizing any of these signs warrants a trip to an auto service station near Tumwater without delay.

Car Pulls to One Side

You may notice the car gradually drift to one side even if the steering wheel is straight. This is usually a sign of an issue with one or more parts of the suspension, such as the tires, shock absorbers, or brakes. This may also be a sign of improper tire alignment.

Feeling the Bumps

You may start to fully feel the bumps of every pothole and speed bump. This may indicate that the shocks and struts are wearing out. One way to really test these parts is with the simple bounce test. With the car parked, place your hands on the hood and put all your body weight on it before letting go. If the car bounces more than once, then the shocks are worn.

Car Is Uneven

With a damaged suspension, one corner of the car may also be noticeably lower than the other corners. This may point to a damaged spring. If the car makes a squealing sound if you push down in the corner of the car, then there is likely a faulty spring.

Let Us Treat Your Car Suspension Problems Near Tumwater

Don’t Ignore the signs of suspension problems near Tumwater. Take action and make an appointment with Interstate Automotive right away. We perform suspension diagnosis, maintenance, and repairs for most vehicle types, including RVs, and diesel vehicles.

We Diagnose Car Suspension Problems Near Tumwater

Serving customers in Olympia, Lacey, and Tumwater

Posted on June 20, 2023 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Are you having recurring car issues? Perhaps your vehicle needs a tune-up, or maybe a specific repair like transmission repair. Whatever you need, it’s important that the technician is trustworthy, and the shop has a solid track record. There are also many local shops to choose from, making a final selection even trickier. Here are some tips when you need reliable auto repair in Olympia. This simplifies the selection process significantly. 

Get Recommendations

A simple starting point is to ask people you know. Many adults are car owners, so chances are high that some of them have required auto repair or maintenance in recent history. The people you can ask include family members, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. Asking around should yield a good handful of references. Continue Reading →

Do your brakes feel less responsive than usual? This may be a sign that the brakes are gradually starting to wear. This can be dangerous, especially if it increases your total stopping distance. The following are other brake repair indicators to be mindful of. You need to schedule an appointment with an auto repair technician near Lacey if any of these symptoms become apparent. Prolonging repairs will only exacerbate the issue over time.

Grinding Sounds

An early sign you need brake repairs is a constant grinding sound that becomes audible as your vehicle comes to a stop. Have this issue addressed by a technician right away. The longer you ignore it the more unsafe your vehicle may be for driving.

Less Responsive Pedal

Do you notice you have to engage your brake pedal more than normal to get the car to come to a full stop? This is a sign of worn brake pads. Have a technician examine the pads. This part usually needs to be replaced every 40,000 to 50,000 miles.

Vibrations

Vibrations can be a sign of a number of problems; brake failure is one of them. Warped brake pads may be the cause, though a technician will need to accurately diagnose the issue. 

Need Brake Repair Near Lacey?

Have any of the above brake repair indicators become apparent? If so, your vehicle may not be fully safe for day-to-day commuting. Less responsive brakes can be a safety hazard, especially in the event you need to come to an abrupt stop in response to a road hazard ahead. Bring your vehicle to Interstate Automotive Inc. for an accurate diagnosis. We carefully examine brakes for signs of wear and tear. We perform this for most vehicle types, including RVs. If you have other lingering auto servicing needs, leave them to us.

Brake Repair Indicators Near Lacey

Serving Olympia, Lacey & Tumwater

1. Posted on April 20, 2023 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Do you have reason to believe your car may have a faulty transmission? Depending on its age, it may require a transmission replacement in Olympia. If you continue to drive, it could lead to further damage that spreads to the engine and other components. In addition, it also puts you at a safety risk on the road. If you have reason to suspect your transmission may be worn, then it’s time for professional auto repair. Here are the signs that point to a failing transmission.

Slipping Clutch

If your vehicle has a manual transmission, then you likely understand the basics of how a clutch works. This is the component that allows you to change gears as you speed up or slow down. When the clutch begins failing, you may notice it slipping. When this happens, transitioning to the next gear may not feel quite as smooth. Continue Reading →

Your car transmission is an essential component of your vehicle near Tumwater. Transmission repair and rebuilds are quite expensive, which is reason enough to keep wear to a minimum. While your local auto technician can perform small-scale repairs as they come up, prevention measures are the best course of action. Here are easy and inexpensive ways to extend transmission life.

Flush Your Transmission

You don’t need a transmission flush as often as an oil change. Nevertheless, it’s a necessary task that should be performed in accordance with your vehicle’s user manual. This removes most contaminants and impurities from the transmission’s internal system.

Select Synthetic Fluids

Synthetic fluids are best for most modern transmissions. However, always consult with a technician regarding the best motor oil options for your automobile make and model. Synthetic oils may cost more, but their higher heat tolerance makes them a more effective solution for maintaining smooth engine and transmission performance. Refer to your car’s instruction manual to find out what oil type is recommended by the manufacturer.

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