4 Signs that Your Car Needs Brake Repair Now

Interstate Automotive • October 24, 2025
Close-up of a car's brake disc and caliper, showing wear and tear, and mechanical details.

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!

Does my car need a wheel alignment? Watch out for these signs

By Interstate Automotive • January 22, 2026
Proper wheel alignment plays a major role in how your car handles, how evenly your tires wear, and how safe your vehicle is on the road. But over time, potholes, curb impacts, and rough road conditions can cause alignment issues. At Interstate Automotive, we provide expert wheel alignment in the greater Olympia area. Here are four indications that it’s time for a wheel alignment. Your Vehicle Pulls to One Side One of the most noticeable signs of wheel alignment trouble is your car pulling to the left or right while driving on a straight, level road. If you find yourself constantly adjusting the steering wheel just to keep your vehicle moving straight, misaligned wheels may be the cause. This pulling can make driving tiring and unsafe, especially at higher speeds or on long trips. Uneven or Rapid Tire Wear Improper alignment often causes uneven tire wear. You may notice the inner or outer edges of your tires wearing down faster than the rest of the tread. In some cases, one tire may wear much more quickly than the others. Uneven wear not only shortens tire life, but also reduces traction. Crooked Steering Wheel While Driving Straight A steering wheel that sits off-center when you’re driving straight is another common warning sign. If your wheel is tilted even though the car is moving in a straight line, it usually means the alignment angles are off. This can affect steering precision and make it harder to react quickly to sudden changes in traffic. Steering Wheel Vibrations Although vibrations can stem from several issues, misaligned wheels are a frequent contributor. If you feel consistent vibrations through the steering wheel, particularly at higher speeds, it may indicate alignment problems. Wheel Alignment in Olympia, WA For wheel alignment in Olympia and the surrounding area, contact Interstate Automotive at  360-505-7292  . At our nearby auto shop, we can expertly address your car’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment!

Common Indications that Your Vehicle Needs Its Shocks to Be Replaced

By Interstate Automotive • December 16, 2025
Healthy shocks absorb bumps, help maintain tire contact with the road, and promote proper handling in various driving conditions. Over time, shocks wear out from constant use, and when they do, the effects can impact everything from comfort to safety. Recognizing the warning signs early can prevent costlier repairs and dangerous situations on the road. At Interstate Automotive, we provide expert suspension repair in the greater Olympia area. Here are four warning signs that it’s time to replace your shocks. Excessive Bouncing While Driving One of the most noticeable signs of worn shocks is excessive bouncing. If your vehicle continues to bounce after hitting a bump or pothole, the shocks may no longer be able to absorb the impact effectively. This can make your ride feel rough and unstable, especially at higher speeds. Nose-Diving During Braking When shocks begin to fail, the front of the vehicle may dip or “nose-dive” when you apply the brakes. This happens because the shocks can no longer properly support the vehicle’s weight during deceleration. Nose-diving not only reduces braking efficiency, but can also increase stopping distance, putting you at greater risk during emergency situations. Replacing worn shocks helps restore proper braking stability and keeps you safer on the road. Poor Handling/Steering Response Worn shocks affect the way your vehicle handles, especially during turns or lane changes. You may notice that the vehicle feels less responsive, sways more than usual, or leans excessively when cornering. This makes driving more unpredictable and can compromise your control over the vehicle. Shocks that no longer function properly allow too much body movement, potentially creating a dangerous imbalance that should be addressed immediately. Uneven Tire Wear When shocks are worn, they can no longer keep the tires firmly planted on the road. This causes the tires to bounce excessively, leading to uneven tread wear. Uneven wear reduces tire lifespan and can increase the risk of blowouts. If you notice unusual wear patterns on your tires, it’s a potential indication that your shocks are failing and need to be replaced to protect both your tires and your safety. Suspension 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 for car care in Olympia!