4 Warning Signs That Your Vehicle Needs a Wheel Alignment

Interstate Automotive • October 15, 2024
A black car is driving down a road on a cloudy day.

Proper wheel alignment is essential for maintaining control over your vehicle, optimizing fuel-efficiency, and promoting even tire wear. Misalignment can result from regular driving, hitting curbs or potholes, or after an accident. Ignoring the warning signs can lead to bigger issues, so it’s important to promptly address misalignment. At Interstate Automotive, we provide expert wheel alignment in the greater Olympia area. Here are four signs that it’s time for a wheel alignment.


Your Car Pulls to One Side

One of the most noticeable signs of misalignment is when your car consistently pulls to one side of the road. If you're driving on a flat, straight surface and you have to keep adjusting the steering wheel to stay in your lane, your wheels may well be misaligned. This pull can be subtle or strong, depending on how severe the alignment issue is.


Uneven Tire Wear

When your wheels are out of alignment, it affects how your tires contact the road. Misaligned wheels often cause uneven tire wear, meaning one side of the tire will wear down faster than the other. Regularly checking your tire tread can help you spot this early. Uneven wear can lead to reduced tire life, meaning you'll need replacements sooner than expected.


Steering Wheel Is Off-Center

Your steering wheel should naturally return to a straight, centered position when driving straight. If you notice that your steering wheel is crooked or off-center even when driving on a straight road, it’s a good indication that your wheels need alignment. This issue not only affects your driving comfort, but also your vehicle's overall handling.


Vibrating Steering Wheel

A misaligned suspension or wheels can cause your steering wheel to vibrate. While a vibrating steering wheel can also indicate other issues, alignment should be checked if this symptom arises.


Wheel Alignment in Olympia, WA

For wheel alignment in Olympia and the surrounding area, contact Interstate Automotive at 360-505-7292. At our local auto shop, we can expertly address your car’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment!

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!