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

Interstate Automotive • April 16, 2025
A close up of a car dashboard with a warning light and a rpm gauge

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!

4 Maintenance Tips for Keeping Your Engine in Great Long-Term Health

By Interstate Automotive • August 21, 2025
Keeping your engine in great condition is essential for reliable performance and long-term value. Neglecting engine maintenance can lead to costly repairs, poor fuel-economy, and even complete engine failure. Fortunately, consistent care can keep your engine running smoothly for many miles to come. Here are four basic maintenance tips that will help preserve your engine’s long-term health. Change the Oil and Filter Regularly Oil is essential for lubricating the engine’s moving parts and preventing excessive wear. Over time, oil breaks down and becomes contaminated with dirt and debris, which can cause friction and damage. Following the manufacturer’s recommended oil change schedule is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your engine. Always replace the oil filter during each oil change to ensure your engine receives clean, effective lubrication. Replace the Air Filter When Needed Your engine needs a clean air supply for efficient combustion. A clogged or dirty air filter restricts airflow, making the engine work harder and reducing fuel-efficiency. Replacing the air filter at regular intervals helps maintain optimal performance and protects your engine from harmful contaminants. Stay on Top of Spark Plug Maintenance Spark plugs ignite the air-fuel mixture inside the engine’s cylinders, playing a vital role in engine operation. Worn or fouled spark plugs can cause misfires, rough idling, and reduced fuel-economy. Depending on your particular vehicle and spark plug type, spark plugs typically need to be replaced somewhere between 30,000 to 100,000 miles. Keeping them in good condition helps ensure efficient combustion and smooth engine performance. Address Warning Signs Early If your check engine light comes on, your engine starts making unusual noises, or you notice a drop in performance, don’t ignore the symptoms. Small issues can quickly become major problems if left unchecked. Regular inspections and timely repairs are key to keeping your engine running strong for years to come. Engine Repair & Maintenance in Olympia, WA For an experienced mechanic 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!

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!