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!

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 !