Olympia Auto Repair

When it comes to your car's performance, few things are as critical as the transmission. It's the complex system responsible for smoothly shifting gears and transferring power from your engine to the wheels. And at the heart of this operation lies transmission fluid.  Transmission Fluid Transmission fluid is a specialized lubricant that serves multiple crucial roles in your vehicle's transmission system: Lubrication: It reduces friction between moving parts, preventing excessive wear and tear. Cooling: Transmission fluid helps dissipate heat generated during operation, preventing overheating. Sealing: It maintains proper sealing to prevent leaks and ensure airtight operation. When to Change Transmission Fluid The frequency of transmission fluid changes depends on various factors, including your vehicle's make and model, driving conditions, and manufacturer recommendations. In general, here are some guideline ... read more

If you've ever experienced the sensation of a vibrating pedal combined with some odd sounds, you might be dealing with a common issue known as rotor warping. This is where rotor resurfacing comes into play – a process that can restore your braking system's harmony and your driving confidence. Rotor resurfacing, also known as rotor machining or turning, is a method used to restore the smooth and even surface of your brake rotors. Brake rotors, also called brake discs, are crucial components that work in tandem with your brake pads to create the friction necessary to slow down and stop your vehicle. You'll need this form of brake repair when your brake rotors develop irregularities or imperfections on their surfaces. Over time, factors like heat, friction, and wear can lead to uneven surfaces or "hot spots" on the rotors. These irregularities can cause vibration and pu ... read more

Owning your first car is exciting, and the first thing most people think about is hitting the open road to test their driving skills. In the heat of excitement, you need to consider your safety by staying aware of your surrounding and familiarizing yourself with traffic laws. A week into owning your car, you may notice there is more to owning a car than fueling. Here are a few maintenance tips to help prolong the lifecycle of your vehicle. Check the Owner's Manual Reading the owner's annual may seem like a boring endeavor but may prove invaluable down the road. This document contains important information related to operating and maintaining your car for optimal performance. While most of the information may be considered general knowledge by some people, it's best to take note of key details, including frequency of oil changes, correct tire pressure, and tire rotation. With this information, you can know when to visit your mechanic. Check Oil and other Fluids Checking ... read more

The very first question to answer is, can you drive with a nail in your tire? The answer to this question is yes. You can drive with a nail in your tire as long as the tire is not flat. However, should you choose to do it and for how long? We'll break down al of this in this article, so keep reading. How Long Can You Drive with a Nail in Your Tire So, it is totally okay drive with a nail in your tires and you can do this for as long as the tire is not flat. So how long you can drive with a nail in your tire all depends on how severe the nail puncture is on the tire and quickly your tire is losing air. If air loss is slow then you can probably drive on for a couple of miles before needing to change the tire. With that said, it is not recommended that you choose to keep driving on for long distances with a nail in your tire as it can begin to damage your side walls and eventually worsen the puncture. So dealing wit the problem promptly is a good idea. This is also because it is no ... read more

Have you ever wondered about the intricate mechanisms that allow your wheels to spin smoothly and effortlessly? Enter the underdog of the automotive world: wheel bearings. If you want to learn more about wheel bearings, their purpose, and why they play a crucial role in your vehicle's performance and safety, keep reading. What Are Wheel Bearings? Wheel bearings are compact yet mighty components nestled within the hubs of your vehicle's wheels. Their primary function is to facilitate the rotation of the wheels with minimal friction, ensuring a smooth and controlled driving experience. By allowing the wheels to spin freely, wheel bearings not only enhance your vehicle's handling but also contribute to overall fuel efficiency. These small marvels consist of an inner and outer ring separated by a set of steel balls or rollers. The design allows for the transfer of load and motion between the wheel hub and the axle, reducing friction and enabling efficient wheel rotation. Pro ... read more

As fuel prices rise dramatically, it would be best to find ways to reduce how much you spend on gas. Getting the most out of the fuel in your car is an excellent idea. You not only save money, but you also save the environment by reducing emissions. The following are tips to increase your car's fuel efficiency: Fix Your Tires The state of your car's tires significantly influences fuel efficiency. Most people use more fuel than they should because they have improperly inflated tires. Therefore, you should regularly check your tires' pressure to ensure it is optimal. If there are any tire pressure issues, resolve them immediately for better fuel economy. Balancing and rotating your tires will also help with fuel economy. Lose The Junk The weight of your vehicle determines how much fuel it consumes. Therefore, you should remove any unnecessary items in the car to reduce its weight. Reducing the car's weight benefits fuel efficiency and your vehicle's components ... read more

Your brakes are the #1 most critical safety feature on your car, SUV, or truck. And it can be quite alarming if you notice that your brake pedal feels spongy or soft. A soft brake pedal often means that there is an issue with your brake system that requires repairs. Below are some common reasons why your brake pedal may feel spongy: Air in the Brake Lines: Air bubbles can form in your brake lines, which can cause your brake pedal to feel spongy. The brake lines can become compromised when the brake system is opened up for repairs, or if the brake fluid level gets too low. Bleeding the brake lines can remove air bubbles and restore the proper brake pedal feel. Worn Brake Pads: Over time, your brake pads can wear down and become thin, which can cause your brake pedal to feel spongy. It makes your brakes work harder to create enough friction with the brake pads to slow your car.  Leaking Brake System: If there is a leak in y ... read more

Engine knocking is a common problem that many drivers experience at some point. It is a loud tapping or knocking sound that can come from your engine when you're driving. If you hear an engine knocking, it's crucial to get it checked out by an experienced mechanic as soon as possible, as it can indicate a severe problem with your engine. What Causes Engine Knocking? There are many reasons why your engine might start knocking. Some of the most common causes include: Low-quality fuel: If you're using low-quality gasoline or diesel, it can cause knocking in your engine. As the fuel burns unevenly, it can cause pressure waves that create a knocking sound. Overheating: When your engine gets too hot, it can cause the metal parts to expand and contract, creating knocking sounds. Incorrect ignition timing: If your spark plugs are firing at the wrong time, it can cause knocking in your engine.  Worn or damaged en ... read more

Headlights can stop working very often because of their constant use. If you are driving and someone is flashing their high beams at you, they probably want to let you know that one of your headlights is not working. It can go unnoticed that happens more often than you think but don't worry. Here are several headlight problems you might experience and what they mean. Dim Headlights Working but dim headlights? The problem may lie in either insufficient power or foggy lenses. A dying car battery can cause electrical malfunctions like headlight dimming, which can be resolved by recharging or changing the battery at a repair facility. On the other hand, there are a couple of ways you can fix foggy lenses. You can have them changed, polished, sanded, or swap the whole headlight if needed. We advise you to visit a mechanic if you suspect any other symptoms of a dying batter because it might get more serious. One Headlight Is Not Working If only one of the headlights is not working ... read more

Every car is fitted with a cooling system that prevents it from overheating and damaging your engine. It usually restores and maintains the right and optimum operating temperature in your engine block. The cooling system comprises the radiator, fan, thermostat, fan, water pump, freeze plug, and other vital components. When to get your Cooling System Repaired Your vehicle progressively heats when you start the engine, and the cooling system is critical in ensuring it remains healthy without any exposure to damaging heat. However, the cooling system components may malfunction and cause problems. Ensure it's repaired if you notice the following signs of cooling system trouble. Smoking This is usually the most significant sign of a car overheating. When you notice smoke coming out under the hood, you should pull over immediately to a safe place and check. It's a common sign of overheating, indicating cooling system trouble. Low Coolant Level When you notice a drop in your co ... read more