5 Signs That Your Car Needs Engine Repair

Interstate Automotive • September 20, 2024
A car with its hood open in a garage

Engine issues often escalate quickly, making it important to get to the shop at the first sign of trouble. At Interstate Automotive, we provide expert engine repair in the greater Olympia area. Here’s a look at five warning signs that you need engine repair.


Check Engine Light Is On

One of the most common signs that your car needs engine repair is when the check engine light comes on. This light serves as an early warning system that something isn't right under the hood. While it doesn't necessarily mean there's currently a catastrophic issue, ignoring it could lead to more severe damage, so it's important to get your vehicle checked as soon as possible.


Strange Noises

If you start hearing unusual sounds coming from your engine, it's often a sign of trouble. Knocking, tapping, or grinding noises can indicate a variety of engine issues, including worn-out bearings or insufficient lubrication. These noises are a strong indication that your engine needs professional attention.


Discolored/Excessive Exhaust Smoke

The color and quantity of your car's exhaust smoke can give you valuable clues about your engine's health. Blue smoke indicates that oil is burning. White smoke suggests an internal coolant leak, and could mean you have a blown head gasket. Black smoke commonly points to the engine burning too much fuel. Any unusual exhaust smoke should be checked out by the mechanic right away.


Poor Performance and Reduced Power

If you notice that your car is struggling to accelerate, feels sluggish, or has lost its usual power, there could be an engine problem at play. Poor performance can result from a variety of issues, including fuel system and ignition system problems. Regardless of the cause, a drop in performance is a red flag that your engine needs attention.


Engine Stalling or Misfiring

Frequent engine stalling or misfiring can be a sign of a serious problem. These issues could be caused by faulty spark plugs or fuel delivery problems. If your engine stalls when you're driving or misfires regularly, it's crucial to get it inspected. 


Engine 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!

Why is my car struggling to start? Here are 4 common culprits

By Interstate Automotive • July 21, 2025
It’s incredibly frustrating to turn your key, only to find that your car is struggling to fire up. A car that struggles to start is not only inconvenient, but can also be a warning sign of underlying mechanical issues that need immediate attention. At Interstate Automotive, our local mechanics are experts at diagnosing and resolving problems that cause no-start. Here are four common reasons why cars struggle to start. Weak or Failing Battery One of the most frequent causes of startup issues is a battery that’s low on power or nearing the end of its life. Batteries tend to degrade over time, especially in extreme weather conditions. If you hear a clicking noise or the engine cranks slowly, your battery may not be delivering enough voltage to start the car. Corroded terminals or a loose battery connection can also prevent proper power flow. Testing and replacing the battery when needed is a simple and cost-effective way to restore reliability. Worn Out Starter Motor The starter motor is responsible for turning over the engine when you initiate ignition. If the starter motor is faulty, your engine may not crank at all. This issue often presents as a single click or no sound at all when you try to start the car. Since the starter is essential for engine ignition, a malfunctioning unit will likely require replacement to get your car back on the road. Fuel Delivery Issues Without proper fuel delivery, your engine can’t start. Problems with the fuel pump, clogged fuel filter, or a failing fuel injector can prevent the engine from getting the fuel it needs to smoothly fire up. If your car cranks but doesn’t catch, or it starts and immediately stalls, a fuel system issue may be to blame. Ignition System Problems Faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or wiring issues in the ignition system can interfere with your engine’s ability to ignite the air-fuel mixture. If spark plugs are worn or misfiring, the engine may crank but fail to start smoothly or consistently. Keeping up with scheduled spark plug replacements and inspections helps maintain a dependable ignition system. Auto 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!

Helpful Tips for Keeping Your Transmission in Excellent Health

By Interstate Automotive • June 21, 2025
Your vehicle’s transmission is one of its most important components, responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels. If the transmission isn’t properly maintained, it can lead to costly repairs or even a complete failure. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to help extend the life of your transmission and keep your vehicle performing at its best. Shift Smoothly and Responsibly One of the easiest ways to protect your transmission is to shift gears carefully. Whether you're driving a manual or an automatic, avoid aggressive acceleration or sudden shifts from drive to reverse or vice versa. Abrupt gear changes put unnecessary stress on internal components and can cause premature wear. If you drive a manual, be sure to match your engine speed with the correct gear to reduce strain. Avoid Overloading Your Vehicle Overloading your vehicle can significantly increase the strain on your transmission. Towing more than your vehicle’s rated capacity or hauling heavy loads on a regular basis makes the transmission work harder to deliver power. Excessive weight increases heat and pressure, which can lead to overheating. Always follow the manufacturer’s weight limits to avoid putting your transmission under undue stress. Keep an Eye on Warning Signs Your transmission will usually give you clues when something isn’t right. If you notice delayed shifting, slipping gears, grinding noises, or unusual vibrations, these could be early signs of a problem. Addressing transmission issues early on can often prevent more extensive damage and costly repairs. Stay on Top of Fluid Changes Transmission fluid plays a critical role in lubricating moving parts, regulating temperature, and enabling smooth gear shifts. Over time, the fluid can become dirty, reducing its effectiveness. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended service interval and have the fluid changed as needed. Schedule Regular Inspections Even if your vehicle seems to be running fine, it’s wise to have the transmission inspected during regular maintenance appointments. Mechanics can identify potential issues before they become serious and ensure that fluid levels, seals, and filters are in good condition. Preventive care can help your transmission last beyond the average lifespan. Transmission Service in Olympia, WA For transmission service in Olympia and the surrounding area, contact Interstate Automotive at  360-505-7292  . Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment !