Don’t Overlook these Common Warning Signs of Engine Trouble

Interstate Automotive • September 20, 2025
Car in auto repair shop, hood open, beige car in foreground, mechanic in background.

Your car’s engine is its heart, and when something starts to go wrong, the sooner you recognize the signs, the better. Ignoring potential engine trouble can lead to breakdowns, costly repairs, or even complete engine failure. While modern vehicles are built to be durable, they still need prompt attention when problems arise. At Interstate Automotive, we provide expert engine repair in the greater Olympia, WA area. Here’s a look at four common warning signs of engine trouble that you shouldn’t ignore. 


Strange Noises

Engines are designed to run smoothly, so if you begin hearing unusual sounds such as knocking, grinding, or ticking, it’s a red flag. Knocking noises often signal worn-out bearings, while grinding may indicate a lubrication problem. Any strange or persistent sound under the hood deserves prompt attention from a mechanic to prevent more serious damage.


Warning Lights

The check engine light is one of the most common indicators of a problem, but other dashboard lights may also point to engine issues. While it can sometimes be triggered by something minor, such as a loose gas cap, it often signals issues with components like the oxygen sensor, catalytic converter, or ignition system. Ignoring warning lights can allow small problems to escalate into costly repairs.


Discolored/Excessive Exhaust Smoke

Your exhaust can tell you a lot about your engine’s health. Blue smoke may indicate oil burning, white smoke can signal internal coolant leaks, and black smoke often means too much fuel is being burned. Any unusual or excessive exhaust is a clear warning sign that your engine needs professional attention.


Rough Idling 

Engines should idle smoothly, so if your car shakes, sputters, or stalls when stopped, there may be an issue with the fuel system, spark plugs, or airflow sensors. While it might start as a minor annoyance, rough idling can lead to more serious engine problems if ignored.


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 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!

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!