Winter is well underway, but it won’t be long before warmer weather starts creeping back in to Tumwater, Washington. When spring does arrive, it’s important that your vehicle has the proper auto maintenance! Even minor changes in temperature can have a big impact on your car or truck. That’s why you should always schedule a routine appointment with an auto technician as the seasons change. At minimum, you should plan to complete the following auto maintenance tasks before spring arrives in Tumwater. 

Fluids Check

One of the most important spring auto maintenance tasks is a fluids check. Because liquid evaporates over time, it’s important to have your auto shop top any fluids off, as necessary. It’s also a good idea to schedule an oil change prior to warmer months. 

Tire Inspection

It’s also a good idea to schedule a tire inspection. While always a good idea, this spring auto maintenance task is particularly important. A temperature shift of only ten degrees can drastically impact your tire air pressure.

Battery Check

You should also ask your auto maintenance expert to check your battery voltage. Temperature changes can put a strain on your battery, which needs extra attention during warmer months. Proper maintenance now can help you avoid expensive auto repair later.

Need Auto Maintenance in Tumwater?

Do you need to schedule some spring auto maintenance for your car or truck in Tumwater, Washington? Now that you know what tasks are most important, it’s time to find a reliable auto shop in your area. The technicians at Interstate Automotive Inc. in Olympia always provide expert advice, quality workmanship, and unbeatable customer care. Our team of specialists has the knowledge and skills necessary to handle all of your auto maintenance and repair needs. We also offer quality diesel repair, transmission repair and RV repair services.

Spring Auto Maintenance Experts in Tumwater

Serving customers in Olympia, Lacey, & Tumwater

Winter is here, but is your car or truck really ready for what these cold months have in store? For drivers in Lacey, Washington, it’s absolutely imperative that you have winter tires on your vehicle. Because inclement weather can make roads extremely hazardous, driving without appropriate equipment can have serious consequences. To prepare for safer driving this season, talk with an auto technician about seasonal auto maintenance. This includes discussing which winter tires would be best for your car or truck in Lacey. Keep the following tips in mind.

Always Get Winter Tires

If you’ll be driving on roads with snow and ice, you need to invest in winter tires. Talk to a specialist at your local auto shop to find out which tires will suit your specific driving needs best.

All-Season Tires Aren’t Sufficient

Do you already have all-season tires? Any winter tire expert will tell you that these aren’t ideal for snowy or icy conditions. You should buy new tires for this specific purpose.

Avoid Tire Chains and Pavement

Chains are a good option for people in areas with constant snow. They are not, however, functional on snow-free pavement. Your auto repair specialist can advise whether chains are necessary when you have your winter tires installed.

Need New Winter Tires in Lacey?

Do you need new winter tires for your vehicle in Lacey, Washington? Now that you are more familiar with winter tires and how important they really are, it’s time to speak with a specialist in your area. Contact the professionals at Interstate Automotive Inc. in Olympia to receive expert tire advice, quality workmanship and unbeatable customer care. Our team of highly-trained and experienced technicians is capable to handling any and all of your auto maintenance and repair needs. You can also count on us for diesel repair, transmission repair and RV repair services.

Winter Tire Experts in Lacey

Serving customers in Olympia, Lacey, & Tumwater

Is your car engine overheating in Olympia, Washington? If you’ve never dealt with an overheated vehicle before, the experience can be quite startling. This is something you should take seriously, because ignoring an overheated car or truck engine can result in significant damage. While an auto technician can examine your vehicle, identify the underlying issue, and repair it, this doesn’t help you when your engine overheats. At that moment, you need to know how to handle your vehicle. Take the following steps when your car engine overheats in Olympia.

Turn Your Car Off

The first step in dealing with an overheating car engine is to stop driving and turn off your car. You may be tempted to drive to the nearest auto shop for assistance, but don’t. Continuing to drive now could have disastrous and expensive consequences for your vehicle. Continue Reading →

Are you experiencing problems with your vehicle’s transmission in Ferndale, Washington? You may need transmission replacement or repair. Continuing to drive your car or truck with a failing transmission can be extremely damaging and may result in even more expensive auto repair down the road. If you notice an issue, it would be wise to have an auto technician assess it as soon as possible. Bring your vehicle in for transmission replacement or repair if you notice any of the following signs in Ferndale.

Chronically Slipping Clutch

If you drive a car or truck with a standard transmission, you’re already familiar with how a clutch is supposed to function. This mechanism is what allows drivers to shift gears while accelerating or decelerating. When the clutch fails, or “slips,” you may be unable to smoothly shift gears. Depending on the extent of the damage, your auto shop may be able to repair it. Otherwise, transmission replacement might be needed. Continue Reading →

Is it time to purchase a new car or truck in Blaine, Washington? The first factor to consider when picking a new vehicle is the transmission. Do you want a manual or an automatic transmission? You don’t have to be an auto technician to determine which will suit your personal driving style and preferences best. Automatic cars and trucks are extremely popular among drivers, but they aren’t for everyone. Keep the following reasons to choose an automatic transmission vehicle in mind as you make your final purchase decision in Blaine.

Easy Gear Transitions

The number one reason drivers opt for vehicles with an automatic transmission is the ease of changing gears. Drivers don’t have to worry about manually shifting or manipulating the clutch. Continue Reading →

You’re driving down the road on your way to work or to pick your kids up from school. That’s when you notice the dreaded check engine light activated on your dashboard. Whether you’re in a hurry or not, there’s never a good time for car trouble. It’s important, however, to have a professional auto technician inspect your vehicle as soon as the check engine light comes on. There are a number of potential issues the light may be alerting you to. Some of them can cause serious damage to your car if you don’t address them promptly. To prepare you to speak with your auto repair specialist, here are a number of reasons your engine light may have activated.

Oxygen Sensor

Oxygen sensors keep track of the amount of oxygen burned while your car is running. A malfunctioning oxygen sensor is a relatively common car maintenance issue, but one that should still be addressed quickly. Continue Reading →

How much do you really know about the car or truck you drive in Everson, Washington? While there are certainly exceptions, many women depend on others to complete the majority of their auto maintenance needs. In certain situations, however, this can be both inconvenient and dangerous. You may not need to know as much as a trained auto technician, but a basic understanding of simple vehicle mechanics can be extremely helpful. To ensure you don’t get stuck waiting for a tow truck unnecessarily, take time to learn these essential auto maintenance tasks in Everson.

Changing a Tire

It’s almost a guarantee that you will have at least one flat tire during your lifetime. Fortunately, a flat tire doesn’t usually require an auto repair specialist. In fact, you should have everything you need to complete the change in your car or truck. This auto maintenance process is simple, but it does take some practice.

Replacing Windshield Wipers

There’s nothing worse than being caught in a thunderstorm without functioning windshield wipers. Scenarios like this are dangerous for you and the other drivers on the road. In most cases, mechanics will check and replace wipers during routine auto maintenance, but it’s a good idea to have an extra pair on hand as well. Continue Reading →

Has one of your vehicle’s dashboard warning lights recently come on in Lynden, Washington? It’s time to schedule auto repair! While your car or truck has warning lights for most issues, you’ll need a trained auto technician to determine the specific cause of the problem. In particular, you should watch out for the following most common warning lights. If one activates, schedule auto repairs right away in Lynden.

Engine

If you notice a dashboard warning light shaped like a car engine, it means there’s a problem with your engine. This light can indicate any number of issues. You should schedule diagnostics and auto repairs right away to avoid additional damage to your car or truck.

Oil

If you change your oil regularly and as directed, this dashboard warning light will probably not activate. It is possible, however, so you should always schedule the necessary auto repairs right away. Continue Reading →

Are you having trouble with your car or truck in Ferndale, Washington? Don’t assume the problem will just go away. It’s important to speak with an auto repair specialist right away, because small issues can quickly develop into hugely expensive auto repairs. Ask your new auto repair specialist these questions before accepting service in Ferndale.

Have you worked on my vehicle’s make and model before?

Since not every vehicle is made the same, experience really does make a difference. Always ask whether the auto repair specialist in question is familiar with your vehicle, especially if you drive a classic or European car.

Are you a member of any auto associations?

Membership in auto associations, such as AAA and the Automotive Service Association, show that the auto shop and its auto repair specialists are in compliance with certain standards. While not necessary, these memberships are a testament to the company’s reliability. Continue Reading →

Are you experiencing issues with your vehicle in Lacey, Washington? You may need engine maintenance or repair. It can sometimes be difficult to know when it’s time to take your car or truck to the auto shop. While it’s always best to seek assistance from a trained and experienced auto technician, the following signs can indicate that your vehicle needs engine maintenance in Lacey.

Loud Noises

Your car or truck shouldn’t make loud noises. If you notice knocking sounds as you accelerate or slow down, you probably need engine maintenance.

More Exhaust

The production of some exhaust is normal. If, however, your vehicle begins creating increased amounts of exhaust, or there’s a change in its color, you should head to an auto repair shop for engine maintenance as soon as possible. Continue Reading →