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!

Why it’s Worth Having Your Vehicle Professionally Inspected Before a Road Trip

By Interstate Automotive • May 20, 2025
A road trip can be one of the most enjoyable ways to explore new places and spend quality time with loved ones. However, before you hit the highway, it’s essential to make sure your vehicle is ready for the journey ahead. Even if your car seems to be running fine, a pre-trip inspection by a mechanic can help prevent unexpected problems and keep your adventure on track. At Interstate Automotive, we provide expert auto maintenance in the greater Olympia area. Here are four reasons to schedule a vehicle inspection before heading out on a road trip. Prevent Unexpected Breakdowns It’s very frustrating to be stranded on the side of the road in an unfamiliar area. The mechanic can spot potential issues—such as worn belts, low fluids, or battery problems—that might lead to a breakdown. Catching and fixing these problems early can save you from major inconveniences, tow truck expenses, and delayed travel plans. Maximize Road Safety Safety should always be the top priority when planning a long drive. A professional inspection includes checking critical systems such as the brakes, tires, suspension, lights, and steering. These components are vital to keeping you and your passengers safe on the road. Even minor issues like uneven tire wear or low brake fluid can pose a danger when traveling at high speeds or on unfamiliar terrain. A mechanic’s trained eye can help ensure everything is working as it should. Improve Fuel-Efficiency When your vehicle is properly maintained, it runs more efficiently. A pre-trip inspection can uncover simple fixes that improve fuel-economy, such as replacing a dirty air filter or inflating the tires to the correct pressure. These small adjustments can make a big difference over a long journey, helping you save money at the gas pump and reduce your environmental impact. Helps You Enjoy a Stress-Free Trip One of the best reasons to have your car inspected before a road trip is the peace of mind it provides. Knowing that a professional has looked over your vehicle and given it a clean bill of health allows you to enjoy your journey without constantly worrying about what could go wrong. With your car in reliable condition, you can focus on making memories and enjoying the ride. Auto Maintenance in Olympia, WA For auto maintenance in Olympia and the surrounding area, contact Interstate Automotive at  360-505-7292  . Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!

What caused my check engine light to come on? Here are 5 common triggers

By Interstate Automotive • April 16, 2025
Seeing your check engine light illuminate on the dashboard can be alarming, but it doesn’t always mean your car is about to break down. The check engine light is designed to alert you to potential issues that range from minor to major. Addressing the problem early can prevent more costly repairs and keep your vehicle running smoothly. At Interstate Automotive, we provide expert check engine light diagnostics and repair in the greater Olympia area. Here are five of the most common reasons your check engine light may turn on. Faulty Oxygen Sensor Your car’s oxygen sensor monitors the level of unburned oxygen in the exhaust and helps regulate the air-fuel mixture. A failing oxygen sensor can lead to poor fuel-efficiency and increased emissions. Replacing a faulty oxygen sensor as soon as possible helps maintain fuel economy and engine performance. Malfunctioning Mass Airflow Sensor The mass airflow (MAF) sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine and helps adjust fuel injection accordingly. A malfunctioning MAF sensor can cause poor acceleration, rough idling, and reduced fuel-efficiency. If the sensor fails, the car may even stall or have trouble starting. Worn or Failing Spark Plugs and Ignition Coils Spark plugs and ignition coils play a crucial role in igniting the fuel mixture in your engine. When these components wear out, your car may experience misfires, rough idling, or difficulty starting. Replacing spark plugs and ignition coils at the recommended intervals helps ensure smooth engine operation. Failing Catalytic Converter The catalytic converter reduces harmful emissions by converting pollutants into less toxic gases. A failing catalytic converter can lead to poor fuel-efficiency and reduced engine performance. With a bad catalytic converter, you might notice a smell similar to rotten eggs. Loose or Faulty Gas Cap One of the simplest and most overlooked reasons for a check engine light is a loose or faulty gas cap. The gas cap helps seal the fuel system. If it’s loose or missing, fuel might evaporate before your engine gets the chance to run on it. Check Engine Light Repair in Olympia, WA For engine repair in Olympia and the surrounding area, contact Interstate Automotive at  360-505-7292  . Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!