Are you and the family traveling over the holidays? If you are, it’s important that you schedule a pre-trip inspection. Taking your car to an auto technician regularly should be routine practice, and doing so prior to a lengthy commute is highly recommended. Here are some car maintenance service items to have your auto repair specialist inspect before you head out.

Tires

If you’re traveling, inspecting your tires is paramount, particularly if you know you’ll be on the road for long stretches of time. Make tire inspections and possibly a rotation and an alignment check a part of the maintenance before you depart.

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You’re driving down the road on your way to work or to pick your kids up from school. That’s when you see the dreaded check engine light flash on your dashboard. There’s simply never a good time for car trouble. It’s vital, though, to have a mechanic diagnose your car as soon as the check engine light comes on. There are numerous possible issues the light may be warning you of. Some of them can lead to long-lasting damage to your car if you don’t address them ASAP. To prep you for discussing the situation with your auto repair specialist, here are several reasons the engine light may have activated.

Oxygen Sensor

Oxygen sensors keep tabs of the oxygen level burned while your car is in operation. A malfunctioning oxygen sensor is a common car maintenance issue and one that requires immediate repairs. Continue Reading →

Are you experiencing car trouble? Do you need to bring in your vehicle for general maintenance? Whether you need repairs or basic servicing, you’ll want to take your car to a trustworthy auto technician. With so many shops to select from, though, how can you be sure which one to choose? Here are several useful tips to help you identify an auto repair and service in Olympia.

Get Recommendations

Do you need an auto repair technician or are looking for somewhere to get basic car maintenance? The optimal way to find a reliable shop is to ask your friends, neighbors, coworkers, and relatives for referrals. It’s likely someone you know is familiar with an auto repair and service shop they used in the past. They’ll be happy to point you in the right direction. Continue Reading →

Transmission Repair in Olympia

Most motorists find it challenging to know when their car needs transmission repair. It’s important to be aware of the signs of a troubled transmission so you can get your vehicle looked at ASAP. Be cognizant of these symptoms that hint at a faulty transmission.

1. Car Vibrates While in Motion

Do you experience vibrations or shimmying sensations while driving, especially at a particular speed or during acceleration? These can indicate a problem with the transmission.

2. Transmission Slips or Hesitates

If you hear the engine rev up, but do not experience an increase in speed, the transmission may be slipping. This may be especially noticeable when starting the car for the first time on a cold morning. Continue Reading →

Are there indicators there’s something wrong with your vehicle’s brakes in Lacey, Washington? It may be time to schedule brake repair with an auto service technician in your area. With inclement weather still possible this winter, it’s imperative to keep up with auto maintenance and repair issues as they arise. Roads can be dangerous enough without a failing brake system. Contact a professional right away if you notice any of the following indicators:

Grinding Sounds

An early indicator that it’s time to schedule brake repair for your car or truck is a grinding sound. You’ll notice this most when stopping your vehicle, but it can be present at other times as well. Strange noises should always be addressed by an auto repair specialist.

Spongy Pedal

Do you have to push down really hard on your brake pedal to cause a response? This is a sign your brake pads are worn down. Talk to an auto repair shop about brake repair options as soon as possible.

Vibrations

Vibrations can be indicative of a number of vehicle issues, but a common cause is brake system failure. A brake repair specialist can determine the cause of the shaking. Warped pads are often the culprit.

Need Brake Repair in Lacey?

Do you need to schedule brake repair for your car or truck in Lacey, Washington? If you’ve noticed any of the above-mentioned issues, make an appointment with a professional right away. The pros at Interstate Automotive Inc. offer a wide variety of superior vehicle maintenance and repair services, including diesel repair, transmission repair and RV repair. Our highly-trained technicians have spent years establishing an excellent reputation in the region. With years of experience in the industry, we have the knowledge, skills and equipment to address all your maintenance and repair needs. Contact us today with questions or to schedule an appointment.

Brake Repair Experts in Lacey

Serving Olympia, Lacey & Tumwater

Are you worried there’s something wrong with your car or truck in Olympia, Washington? If you’ve noticed whining/clunking sounds, burning smells or your engine warning light has activated, transmission repair may be necessary. While consistent auto maintenance can help prevent auto repair issues from developing, it can’t prevent them entirely. Don’t ignore the signs your car or truck is giving you. Take these preparation steps to ensure that you’re ready for your upcoming appointment.

Ask Questions

You should always ask your auto service technician questions about the transmission repair before work begins. Request a thorough explanation of the issue and ask how it can be avoided in the future. Take time to ask about shop experience, OEM parts and warranties as well.

Request Estimates

No matter what, you should always request a transmission repair estimate in writing beforehand. Also request that the auto repair shop inform you if additional services are needed before performing them. You can ask for estimates from multiple shops if necessary.

Clean Out Your Vehicle

You also need to clean out your vehicle before your transmission repair. The technicians may need access to the interior of your vehicle. Clutter and trash can get in the way and slow down repairs.

Ready to Schedule Transmission Repair Services in Olympia?

Are you ready to schedule transmission repair services for your car or truck in Olympia, Washington? Now that you know which preparation steps to take, you can be ready for your appointment. The pros at Interstate Automotive Inc. have offered superior auto services, including diesel repair and RV repair. Our highly-trained technicians have a reputation for providing expert advice, quality workmanship and unbeatable customer care on every job. With years of experience in the industry, we have the knowledge, skills and equipment to address all your maintenance and repair needs. Contact us today with questions or to schedule an appointment.

Transmission Repair Experts in Olympia

Serving Olympia, Lacey & Tumwater

Are you worried there’s something wrong with your car or truck in Tumwater, Washington? Depending on what you’re experiencing, transmission repair may be necessary. While consistent auto maintenance can help prevent the need for auto repair of all kinds, problems do still occur. Ignoring the signs can be a very expensive mistake because the damage to your vehicle will worsen over time. Take your car or truck to a specialist right away if you notice any of the following issues:

Whining and/or Clunking Sounds

Whining and/or clunking sounds can be an early sign that your vehicle needs transmission repair. Always take your car or truck for a checkup by an auto service technician when you hear noises coming from your transmission.

Burning Smells

Similarly, strange smells warrant an immediate trip to an auto repair shop. A burning scent is often associated with the need for transmission repair. In most cases, this means your transmission fluid is overheating, which can cause serious damage to your vehicle down the road.

Engine Light Activation

Another sign you need transmission repair is the activation of a check engine light. While your engine light can indicate a number of malfunctions, one of the most common is involves your transmission.

Time for Transmission Repair in Tumwater?

Is it time for transmission repair in Tumwater, Washington? If you’ve noticed any of these issues, it’s time to talk with a professional. Contact Interstate Automotive Inc. in Olympia with questions or to request an estimate. Our highly-trained technicians are committed to providing expert advice, quality workmanship and unbeatable customer care on every job, large or small. With years of experience working with all vehicle makes and models, our team has the skills and equipment to address all your maintenance and repair needs. Our company also provides superior diesel repair and RV repair services!

Transmission Repair Experts in Tumwater

Serving Olympia, Lacey & Tumwater

Do you and your family have big travel plans this holiday season in Lacey, Washington? Don’t drive off before scheduling the necessary pre-trip auto maintenance services for your vehicle! A breakdown is never ideal, but it’s especially inconvenient when you’re far from home. Taking the time now to have your vehicle thoroughly checked out can help you avoid the need for expensive and time consuming auto repairs down the road. Have a professional make the following checks before you hit the road!

Tires

Having the appropriate tires is absolutely imperative, especially with the chance of inclement weather just around the corner. Ask your auto service technician to check the tire pressure and tread as part of your pre-trip auto maintenance.

Battery

Batteries hold a charge better during warmer months. Now that cold weather has arrived, it’s important to have an auto repair shop check that yours still has the juice it needs to get you from point A to Z and back again.

Brakes

Another important pre-trip auto maintenance task is checking your brakes. A professional should verify they are functioning and make any repairs before you begin your travels.

Time for Pre-Trip Auto Maintenance Services in Lacey?

Is it time to schedule auto maintenance services for your vehicle in Lacey, Washington? With the holidays just around the corner, it’s imperative that your car or truck be ready. Contact Interstate Automotive Inc. in Olympia with questions or to request an estimate. Our highly-trained technicians have years of experience and have served the Lacey community for many years. We’re committed to consistently providing expert advice, quality workmanship and unbeatable customer care on every job. You can rest easy knowing our team has the skills and equipment to address all your auto maintenance and repair needs quickly and efficiently. Our company also provides superior transmission repair, diesel repair and RV repair services!

Auto Maintenance Experts in Lacey

Serving Olympia, Lacey & Tumwater

Has your check engine light recently activated in Olympia, Washington? Don’t wait to schedule auto service for your vehicle. There is a wide variety of possible reasons these warning lights activate, and many of them quite serious. Continuing to drive without addressing the problem could result in extensive damage and potentially expensive auto repairs. While an auto maintenance professional will need to run a diagnostic test to identify the underlying cause the check engine light illuminated, some of the most common causes of activation include:

Damaged/Missing Gas Cap

Fortunately, some problems are easy to fix. A damaged or missing gas cap, for example, will take little time for an auto service technician to identify and remedy.

Faulty Spark Plug

Spark plugs are small, but they’re extremely important. If one or more spark plugs are broken, your check engine light may activate. An auto repair shop should be able to replace the plug(s) quickly.

Oxygen Sensor Malfunction

Depending on diagnostic results, an auto service technician may need to repair or replace your vehicle’s oxygen sensor. Continuing to drive with this problem decreases gas mileage and can damage your car or truck.

Need to Schedule Auto Service in Olympia?

Is your check engine light on in Olympia, Washington? While there are several possible causes, it’s never a good idea to postpone auto service. Take time to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Contact Interstate Automotive Inc. in Olympia for assistance today. Our highly-trained technicians have served the community for many years and always provide expert advice, quality workmanship and unbeatable customer care. Simple or complex, you can trust our team to have the knowledge, skills and equipment to get your vehicle on the road again in no time. We’re also the area’s number one solution for transmission repair, diesel repair and RV repair services!

Auto Service Professionals in Olympia

Serving Olympia, Lacey & Tumwater

Should you schedule auto maintenance services for your vehicle more frequently in Tumwater, Washington? Proper auto maintenance can help extend the lifespan of your car or truck. It can also help you notice potential problems before they become expensive and time consuming auto repairs. Keep the following auto maintenance scheduling tips in mind to ensure that your vehicle remains on the road longer.

Track Mileage Checkpoints

There are important auto maintenance tasks that you should complete when you reach various mileage checkpoints. Take time to become familiar with these and schedule appointments with an auto maintenance technician as necessary.

Make an Appointment Every Season

You should schedule auto maintenance periodically throughout the year. In fact, it’s recommended that you take your vehicle to an auto repair shop at least once every season for a checkup. This is especially important before the summer and winter seasons begin, because even minor temperature fluctuations can cause problems.

Change Drivers

Another good maintenance tip is to occasionally change drivers. Ask someone you know to take your car or truck out for a spin. Problems can develop gradually over time without your noticing. A family member or friend, however, may notice an issue you’ve overlooked.

Need to Schedule Auto Maintenance Services in Tumwater?

Do you need to schedule auto maintenance services for your vehicle in Tumwater, Washington? Now that you know what it takes to keep your car or truck on the road longer, it’s time to speak with a professional. Contact Interstate Automotive Inc. in Olympia to schedule a consultation today. We’ve served the Tumwater area for years. Our highly-trained technicians consistently provide expert advice, quality workmanship and unbeatable customer care. With years of experience in the industry, you can trust that we have the knowledge, skills and equipment to address all your maintenance needs quickly and efficiently. You can also rely on us for quality transmission repair, diesel repair and RV repair services!

Auto Maintenance Professionals in Tumwater

Serving Olympia, Lacey & Tumwater