Are you searching for auto repair in Lacey, Washington, at a low cost? Perhaps you need general maintenance or specific services like transmission repair. Either way, it’s important that you avoid overpaying for auto repair. However, this can be easier said than done since price ranges can be all over the place. This is why you should always perform research before settling with an auto shop. Here are some tips to guide you along your search.

Look Up Local Averages

Research the cost for the maintenance or repairs you need in your specific locality. Price points can vary even between neighboring counties. If you need diesel repairs, for example, then research the cost of this service within your county. Don’t look up the cost in a city two counties over.

Schedule Consultations

An estimate over the phone is not the most reliable. The only way to get an accurate quote is to schedule an appointment at a shop. Once the mechanic performs an inspection, he/she will be able to determine the labor and parts required. The shop will then be able to provide the estimate in writing. The initial inspection should be free or available for a small fee.

Compare Your Options

Even though the goal is to look for affordable auto services, you shouldn’t necessarily go with the shop with the lowest cost. If company A has a more solid reputation than company B, then it may be worth choosing company A even if it charges slightly more than company B.

Are You Overpaying for Auto Repair Near Lacey?

Were you or have you been overpaying for auto repair near Lacey? It may be time to switch to another automotive shop. Contact Interstate Automotive Inc. in Olympia for vehicle service that’s reliable and affordable. Our services are diverse and include RV repair and other specialty work among others.

Avoid Overpaying for Auto Repair Near Lacey

Serving customers in Olympia, Lacey, & Tumwater

Posted on May 20, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Are you searching for a reputable auto shop in Olympia, Washington? Perhaps you require auto maintenance or auto repair services. Either way, it’s essential to adequately prep for the pending appointment. Here are some repair preparation tips to follow to ensure a smooth process at the auto maintenance shop.

Clean Out Your Vehicle

As your appointment nears, be sure you clean the vehicle cabin. It doesn’t have to be spotless, but you should actively remove clutter. This is the courteous thing to do and makes the mechanic’s job easier. Remove anything in the seats, dash, or floor that may get in the way.

Have Questions Ready

You’re likely to have questions regarding your vehicle’s problems. Prepare your questions in advance. Often, people have multiple questions and end up forgetting to ask some of them. Writing your questions down ensures you get all of your inquiries answered by a qualified professional at the shop.

Ask for an Estimate

Most shops provide an estimate free of charge. However, it’s also acceptable for shops to charge a small fee, especially if the technician has to remove some parts to diagnose the issue. In any case, you should always get a quote in writing with a breakdown of the cost according to parts, labor, etc.

Make Auto Repair Preparation in Olympia

Do you notice issues in your vehicle that requires professional diagnosing? Make an appointment with Interstate Automotive Inc. in Olympia today. Our services are expansive and include transmission repair and diesel engine maintenance among others. Our crew has the qualifications, hands-on experience, and the tools of the trade to perform all repair work to the highest industry standards. Some repair preparation on your end will also make the process run more smoothly for all parties involved. 

Auto Repair Preparation in Olympia

Serving customers in Olympia, Lacey, & Tumwater

Posted on April 20, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Spring is in full bloom. This means a shift in weather. This is a time of year to make new changes. Make this the season of car care by bringing your vehicle in for spring auto maintenance. Here are some auto services that we recommend as part of spring vehicle care.

Fluids Check

Fluids gradually evaporate even when not in use. They may also leak through an opening in the hoses. Schedule maintenance with a mechanic to examine your fluid levels and top them off if low. It’s especially a good idea to perform a motor oil check and a possible oil change before summer.

Tire Inspection

Tire health is especially important now that temperatures are rising. A mere 10-degree increase in temperature is enough to affect tire pressure. Check the psi of each tire to confirm they’re at least within five psi of the manufacturer’s recommended psi. Be sure to also check the treads for excessive wear and balding.

Battery Check

Have a technician perform a voltage check on the battery. Temperature fluctuations can stress the battery fluids. With winter over and spring in full swing, the battery may abruptly fail, especially if you had it for several years. Battery care can offset major auto repairs. It also ensures you don’t end up stranded because your car refuses to start.

Need Spring Auto Maintenance Near Tumwater?

Are you ready to schedule spring auto maintenance for your car or truck near Tumwater? Make an appointment with Interstate Automotive to bring your vehicle to our shop. Our technicians will perform the appropriate examinations and perform tune-ups where necessary. Aside from conventional automobiles, we also perform repair work on diesel vehicles. Make this spring the season to give your car the extra attention it deserves.

Spring Auto Maintenance Experts Near Tumwater

Serving customers in Olympia, Lacey, & Tumwater

Posted on March 20, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

How familiar are you with your car or truck Near Everson, Washington? More specifically, if there was a malfunction, would you be able to address the issue? You don’t have to have the degree of mechanical knowledge as a professional technician. However, you should be able to take care of fundamental automotive tasks at least to some degree on your own. Here are some of these tasks motorists of all backgrounds should know.

Changing a Tire

All it takes is driving over a nail or sharp object to end up with a flat tire. Do you know how to remove the flat tire and replace it with a spare tire? If you have never changed a tire, or it has been years since the last time you did it, take some time to practice in your garage. Not being able to change a tire may result in having to call a tow service.

Replacing Windshield Wipers

Most parts replacements should be left to an auto service. However, windshield wipers are one of the items that car owners can replace themselves. Windshield wipers are also inexpensive and available at your local auto store. Most wipers have changing instructions on the package. Practice removing the existing wipers and putting them back in place. Continue Reading →

An overheating engine mid-commute can happen suddenly and be a distressing situation in Olympia, Washington. If smoke is blowing out of the hood, then the vehicle clearly needs attention from an auto technician. However, what do you do at the moment right as you begin noticing smoke? Learn how to properly respond when the engine gets too hot.

Turn the Car Off

The first thing to do is to pull over when safe to do so and turn off the car. Preferably, this should be at a parking spot, though you may have to settle for the side of the road. Some people may be tempted to locate the nearest auto service station. However, don’t do this if it means driving longer than necessary. Continue Reading →

Are you in the midst of purchasing a new vehicle in or near Blaine, Washington? Most drivers opt for automatic transmission over manual transmission. This makes sense given the former is far easier to handle without having to manually change gears. Here are a few additional reasons such transmissions are advantageous for the majority of commuters.

Easy Gear Transitions

Driving a manual transmission vehicle requires your full attention, not to mention both arms and both legs for shifting gears and applying the clutch. It’s just extra work most drivers would rather not have to deal with, especially in longer commutes. Continue Reading →

You’re cruising down the road when you abruptly notice the check engine light has activated on the dashboard. This is an indicator that something is not right with your vehicle. You’ll need to have a professional auto technician assess your automobile for check engine light diagnostics right away. The light comes on because it’s alerting you of a serious issue. Here are three common reasons the light flashes on.

Oxygen Sensor

Oxygen sensors monitor the level of oxygen consumed while the car is in operation. A faulty oxygen sensor is a fairly typical car maintenance problem, and it should be addressed without delay. Continue Reading →

Has one of your car’s dashboard warning lights abruptly lit up near Lynden, Washington? The worst thing you can do is ignore this and continue to drive like everything is fine. You need to have the car looked at by a professional auto technician to determine what’s going on. Be mindful of the following and common warning lights and their implications.

Engine

If you see this dashboard warning light, in the shape of a car engine, it means there’s an issue with the engine. This light can be a warning of any number of problems. You’ll need to make arrangements for auto repairs ASAP to prevent existing problems from exacerbating.

Oil

You shouldn’t have any oil issues provided that you follow oil change intervals. Nevertheless, if this light comes on, then have the motor oil looked at right away. There may be an oil leak, or the oil may be eroding and turning into sludge. Continue Reading →

Are you having recurring issues with your vehicle in Ferndale, Washington? Whatever the problem, don’t assume it’ll just magically go away. It’s imperative to talk to an auto mechanic ASAP because minor problems can evolve into more cost-prohibitive auto repairs. We suggest asking these auto repair questions before agreeing to services.

Have You Worked on My Car’s Make and Model Before?

What’s under the hood of a vehicle can differ drastically depending on the model and year. Inquire whether the mechanic has any direct experience working on your particular model and year. This is especially important if your vehicle is an older model or of a luxury brand.

Are You Affiliated With Any Auto Associations?

Membership in auto associations, such as AAA and the Automotive Service Association, lends credence to the shop. To acquire membership, shops must meet rigorous industry standards. While not mandatory to join, it certainly gives the shop some extra credibility. Continue Reading →

Are you having problems with your car in Lacey, Washington? You may require engine maintenance or repair. It can be tricky knowing when your car is due for a checkup at an auto shop. While it’s always ideal to get help from a licensed auto technician, the following symptoms can alert you of engine irregularities that require professional diagnosing.

Loud Noises

Your vehicle shouldn’t make loud sounds beyond the steady hum of your engine. If you hear what sounds like a metallic knocking during acceleration, then something is wrong with the engine.

Increased Exhaust

Some exhaust output is normal. If, however, your car starts to produce more and more exhaust, or there’s a change in the smoke’s color, you should bring your vehicle to an auto repair shop right away.

Continue Reading →