Don’t Ignore these Common Signs that Your Car Needs Suspension Repair

Interstate Automotive • January 21, 2025
A black ford edge is driving down a city street.

Your vehicle's suspension system plays a critical role in enabling smooth and safe driving. It absorbs shocks from the road, maintains tire contact with the pavement, and supports proper steering control. But as they get older, components of the suspension system can wear out or get damaged, leading to noticeable issues. Recognizing the warning signs early can prevent more significant problems. At Interstate Automotive, we provide expert suspension repair in the greater Olympia area. Here’s a look at five signs of suspension trouble.

 

Excessive Bouncing or a Rough Ride

If you start feeling every bump and dip in the road, your suspension may be to blame. A properly functioning suspension system should settle quickly after bumps. Worn-out shocks or struts can make your vehicle feel excessively bouncy or unstable, especially when driving over uneven surfaces.


Drifting or Pulling During Turns 

When your car leans heavily to one side during turns, it’s often a sign of worn-out suspension components. A failing suspension system can no longer keep the vehicle stable, making it harder to maintain control during sharp turns, which can pose a safety risk.


Uneven Tire Wear 

When the suspension system isn't holding the car evenly, it can cause inconsistent tire contact with the road. This can lead to one side of the tire wearing out faster than the other. If you notice unusual tread patterns or bald spots on your tires, it’s time to have your suspension checked.


Nose Diving When Braking 

If the front end of your vehicle dips excessively when you hit the brakes, it’s a sign of worn shocks or struts. A healthy suspension system should keep your car balanced during sudden stops. Nose diving can increase stopping distances and reduce braking efficiency, putting you at greater risk of accidents.


Strange Noises When Driving Over Bumps 

Unusual noises—such as clunking, knocking, or squeaking sounds—are often associated with suspension problems. These sounds usually occur when driving over rough terrain and may indicate worn-out bushings, broken springs, or damaged shock absorbers.


Suspension Repair in Olympia, WA

For auto repair in Olympia, WA and the surrounding area, contact Interstate Automotive at  360-505-7292. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment for car care in Olympia!

5 Warning Signs that It’s Time for Alternator Replacement

By Interstate Automotive • November 21, 2025
Your vehicle’s alternator plays a crucial role in keeping the electrical system running smoothly. It charges the battery and powers essential components like the headlights, dashboard lights, and power windows while the engine is running. When the alternator begins to fail, your car can quickly experience electrical issues and even lose power completely. At Interstate Automotive, we provide expert alternator replacement and auto electric repair in the greater Olympia area. Here are five common signs that it may be time to replace your alternator. Problems with Lights One of the most common signs of a failing alternator is dim or flickering lights. You might notice your headlights or dashboard lights growing noticeably weaker. Since the alternator powers your vehicle’s lighting system, inconsistent brightness often points to irregular power output. Weak or Dead Battery While batteries can wear out on their own, a weak or frequently dead battery can also be a symptom of a failing alternator. If you’ve replaced your battery recently but it continues to lose charge, your alternator may be the real problem. The mechanic can test your charging system to confirm whether the alternator is functioning properly. Unusual Sounds Under the Hood A failing alternator can produce unusual noises that indicate trouble. Grinding or whining sounds may come from a worn-out bearing or a belt issue in the alternator. Having the alternator inspected at the first sign of unusual noise can potentially prevent bigger problems. Warning Light on the Dashboard Modern vehicles often feature a dashboard warning light shaped like a battery or labeled ALT or GEN. When this light turns on, it’s a signal that your charging system isn’t working correctly. While this warning could indicate a battery problem, it frequently points to a malfunctioning alternator. Don’t ignore the light—have your vehicle checked by a professional to diagnose the issue before it worsens. Electrical Accessories Malfunctioning If your power windows, radio, or air conditioning begin to behave erratically, it could be due to inconsistent power supply from a bad alternator. The alternator may not be generating enough electricity to support all systems, especially when demand is high. When multiple accessories start acting up at once, it’s a warning sign that your alternator is no longer keeping up with your vehicle’s electrical needs. Alternator Replacement & Auto Electric Repair in Olympia, WA For auto repair in Olympia and the surrounding area, contact Interstate Automotive at  360-505-7292  . Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment!

4 Signs that Your Car Needs Brake Repair Now

By Interstate Automotive • October 24, 2025
Your vehicle’s brakes are one of its most critical safety systems, and any issue with them should be taken seriously. When brakes start to fail, stopping distances increase, handling becomes unpredictable, and the risk of accidents rises dramatically. Recognizing early warning signs can help you avoid costlier repairs and stay safe on the road. At Interstate Automotive, we provide expert brake repair in the greater Olympia, WA area. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it’s time to schedule professional brake service immediately. Strange Noises Unusual sounds coming from your brakes are one of the most common indications of trouble. A high-pitched squealing noise usually means the brake pads have worn thin. If the sound is more of a harsh grinding, it could mean the pads are completely worn out, and metal is scraping against metal. Continuing to drive with grinding brakes can damage rotors, so prompt attention is essential. Soft Brake Pedal If your brake pedal feels soft, spongy, or sinks quickly toward the floor when pressed, that’s a warning sign of a problem in the hydraulic system. This may be due to air in the brake lines or a fluid leak. A soft pedal means your brakes aren’t generating proper pressure, putting you at serious risk if you need to stop suddenly. If your car is leaking brake fluid, it’s a major safety hazard and best to get towed to the shop. Vibrations When you press the brake pedal and feel vibrations or pulsing, it often indicates warped rotors. This can happen from excessive heat buildup and uneven wear. Pulsing brakes reduce stopping efficiency, so it’s best to have a technician diagnose and resolve the issue as soon as possible. Warning Light on the Dashboard If your brake warning light appears on the dashboard, it’s your car’s way of alerting you to a potential issue. Even if the brakes feel normal, an illuminated light should never be ignored. A technician can run diagnostics to determine the exact cause and prevent a small issue from becoming a major one. Brake Repair in Olympia, WA For auto repair in Olympia and the surrounding area, contact Interstate Automotive at  360-505-7292  . Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment!