Are you looking for a reliable auto shop in Olympia, Washington? Whether you need auto maintenance or auto repair services, it’s important to properly prepare for your upcoming appointment. Taking a few preparation steps now can make the process significantly easier and less time consuming. Keep the following tips in mind as you plan for your next trip to an auto shop in Olympia.

Clean Out Your Vehicle

As you prepare for your auto shop appointment, it’s really important that you clean out your vehicle. Trash and clutter can make it very difficult for your auto technician to do his or her job thoroughly. While this may not always be possible during emergencies, it’s definitely good practice for routine maintenance. 

Have Questions Ready

You should also be prepared to ask your auto shop any and all questions you have. This is especially important if you are scheduled to receive repairs. Understanding exactly what the technician will be doing to your vehicle ensures that you won’t be blindsided by unexpected costs afterward.

Ask for an Estimate

Most reliable auto repair shops offer free estimates before beginning work on a vehicle. If no one offers you an estimate, make sure you request one. It’s best to have written documentation that lists anticipated costs early in the process.

Looking for a Reliable Auto Repair Shop in Olympia?

Are you looking for a reliable auto repair shop in Olympia, Washington? Now that you know how to prepare your vehicle for service, it’s time to speak with a professional technician. Contact Interstate Automotive Inc. in Olympia if you want to receive expert advice, quality workmanship, and unbeatable customer care. Our highly-trained and experienced technician team 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.

Auto Repair Shop in Olympia

Serving customers in Olympia, Lacey, & Tumwater

While 2019 is moving right along, there is still quite a bit of winter left in Olympia, Washington. To prevent unnecessary vehicle repairs, it’s a good idea to schedule some winter auto maintenance. Cold weather can really do a number of your car or truck. A quick trip to see your favorite auto technician can save you a lot of time and money down the road. Keep the following auto maintenance tips in mind this winter in Olympia. 

Check Headlights and Brake Lights

Winter doesn’t just mean colder weather; it also means shorter days. When you stop by an auto shop for auto maintenance this season, have them check your lights, because you’ll be driving in the dark a lot more often. 

Check the Cooling System

You probably won’t use your air conditioner during the winter, but checking it is still a good auto maintenance procedure. If your vehicle’s coolant is too low or if it’s leaking antifreeze, the engine can freeze when temperatures drop.

Check the Battery Voltage

It’s also a good idea to have your auto mechanic check your vehicle’s battery voltage. Batteries work better when the weather is warm, which means you might run into issues during the winter. Checking now can help you avoid a trip to the auto repair shop later.

Need Auto Maintenance in Olympia?

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

Auto Maintenance Experts in Olympia

Serving customers in Olympia, Lacey, & Tumwater

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 →