Olympia Auto Repair

New cars feel tight, quiet, and trouble-free, so it is easy to assume they will not need much attention for years. Service reminders show long intervals, salespeople talk about “lifetime” fluids, and there are fewer old school items like distributor caps to worry about. That can make it sound like maintenance is optional until something breaks, which is where a lot of owners get into trouble. Brand-New Cars And The “Maintenance-Free” Myth Modern cars are built better than older ones, but they are not maintenance-free. The parts that fail may be different from those of twenty years ago, yet they still wear, age, and get dirty. Fluids still break down, rubber still dries out, and filters still clog. The main change is that many components last longer, so problems show up a bit later and sometimes all at once. Some of the confusion comes from how smooth a new car feels. No noises, no vibrations, no leaks, and a dash that stays dark for a while ... read more

Modern vehicles are better than ever at protecting themselves, yet many owners are surprised by what the transmission actually monitors. Some cars will alert you when temperatures climb, but far fewer can tell you the fluid level is low. Knowing what your dash can and cannot warn you about helps you react the right way on Olympia’s hills and highway ramps. What Modern Cars Do (and Don’t) Monitor Most late-model transmissions track temperature, gear ratio errors, and clutch slip. They do not always have a dedicated fluid level sensor. Many are “sealed” designs that rely on correct fill at a specific temperature rather than a dipstick. Your dashboard may show a generic powertrain or wrench light instead of a clear transmission icon. That means you could have a low-fluid problem with no direct message, only symptoms like delayed engagement or a flare between gears. Common Warning Lights and Messages If your vehicle supports it ... read more

When your car’s transmission starts slipping, you can usually feel it. The engine revs higher than it should, but the vehicle doesn’t respond the way you expect. Maybe it takes longer to accelerate, or you feel an odd surge during cruising. These aren’t just driving quirks — they point to a problem inside the transmission that needs to be addressed before it leads to more serious trouble. What Does a Slipping Transmission Feel Like Most drivers notice transmission slipping when there’s a delay between pressing the gas and the car moving forward. You might also feel the transmission shift too early or too late, or it may change gears unexpectedly while driving. In some cases, the car feels like it’s in neutral for a second before catching. On hills or while towing, slipping becomes more obvious because the transmission is under more load. Why Automatic Transmissions Slip Over Time Automatic transmissions rely on ... read more

That uneasy vibration in your steering wheel or brake pedal when you slow down isn’t just annoying. It’s usually a sign that something in your braking system needs attention. Many drivers assume the problem is minor, but persistent shaking while braking can affect both safety and vehicle performance. There are several reasons your car might shake when you apply the brakes. Some are simple fixes. Others may require professional repair. Either way, ignoring the signs can lead to more expensive problems over time. Warped Brake Rotors Are a Common Culprit The most common reason for brake-related shaking is warped rotors. Brake rotors are the round discs your pads press against to slow the car. When they’re new, they’re smooth and flat. But after thousands of miles of use, especially if you drive in traffic or down hills, they can begin to warp from heat and pressure. A warped rotor doesn't provide a flat surface for the brake pads, causing u ... read more

Your engine produces an enormous amount of heat every time it runs. Without a system in place to regulate temperature, the engine would overheat within minutes, leading to severe internal damage. The cooling system’s job is to circulate coolant, absorb excess heat, and release it through the radiator. When this system begins to fail, it doesn’t just risk overheating—it also starts to affect how well your engine performs. How Cooling Issues Impact Performance When coolant circulation slows down or the temperature runs too high, the combustion process inside the engine becomes less efficient. You may notice reduced power, sluggish acceleration, or rough idling. Overheating can also cause the engine’s computer to enter a “limp mode” to protect itself, limiting performance and speed until the problem is fixed. Even if your car doesn’t reach the point of full overheating, minor inefficiencies in the cooling system can gradually r ... read more

Spark plugs might be small, but they play a vital role in your engine’s performance. They create the spark that ignites the air-fuel mixture inside each cylinder, powering your vehicle. Over time, spark plugs wear out and can cause a range of problems if not replaced on schedule. Understanding how often to replace them and the signs of wear can help keep your engine running efficiently and avoid unexpected breakdowns. The Typical Lifespan of Spark Plugs Most modern vehicles use long-life spark plugs made from materials like platinum or iridium, which can last anywhere from 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Older vehicles or those using standard copper spark plugs may require replacement every 30,000 miles. However, driving conditions, engine type, and how you maintain your vehicle all influence how long your spark plugs actually last. Why Regular Replacement Is Important Worn spark plugs can’t provide a strong, consistent spark, which affects t ... read more

There’s nothing quite like the cool relief of a properly working air conditioning system on a hot summer day. But when that cold air starts to fade or disappears entirely, many drivers realize too late that they’ve neglected an important part of their vehicle’s health. Servicing your A/C has a significant impact on your vehicle's overall performance and your safety on the road. If you're wondering whether it’s time for an A/C service, the answer might be “yes” even before obvious signs appear. Regular service can prevent more serious problems and help you avoid expensive repairs down the line. How Your A/C System Works Your car’s air conditioning system is a closed loop that circulates refrigerant to absorb heat from inside your cabin and release it outside. The key components include the compressor, condenser, evaporator, expansion valve, and a network of hoses and seals. Over time, refrigerant levels can decrease ... read more

Modern vehicles are more advanced than ever, and one area that has seen rapid change is the automatic transmission. Where 4-speed and 5-speed transmissions were once standard, it’s now common to see 8-speed, 9-speed, and even 10-speed gearboxes in newer vehicles. These additional gears promise smoother shifting and better fuel economy, but are there any downsides to having so many? While there are definite benefits, there are also a few trade-offs that drivers should understand. Here’s what you need to know about the potential disadvantages of high-gear-count transmissions. More Gears, More Complexity Each additional gear adds complexity to the transmission’s design. That means more clutches, more valve body components, and more computer controls to manage gear selection and timing. This added complexity increases the potential for something to go wrong over time. Compared to older 4-speed transmissions that were relatively simple and durable, mod ... read more

When it comes to routine car maintenance, most drivers are familiar with engine oil changes and the importance of replacing the oil filter. But when you start thinking about your transmission, things can get a bit murkier. It’s easy to assume the systems work the same way—but do they?  Transmission problems are expensive and harder to diagnose, which makes understanding how your transmission stays clean even more important. If you’ve ever wondered whether there’s a filter in your transmission like there is for your engine, you’re definitely not alone. Automatic Transmissions If your car has a traditional automatic transmission, it likely has an internal filter. This filter is designed to trap metal shavings, clutch debris, and other contaminants that accumulate as the transmission fluid cycles through the system. Over time, these contaminants can affect how smoothly your transmission shifts, cause slipping or even trigger overheat ... read more

Flickering headlights might seem like a minor annoyance, but they can be a sign of an underlying electrical issue in your vehicle. A quick flicker when you start your car isn’t unusual, but if it happens frequently or while driving, it could point to a weak battery, a failing alternator, or a problem with the wiring. Ignoring it could lead to dimming lights, trouble starting your car, or even complete electrical failure. Tracking down the cause early can help you avoid more expensive repairs later on. Battery Problems That Cause Flickering Headlights Your car’s battery is responsible for supplying the power needed to start the engine and run electrical components. When the battery is weak, voltage fluctuations can cause the headlights to flicker. Over time, batteries lose their ability to hold a charge. If your battery is more than three years old and your headlights flicker when you start the car, it could be time for a replacement. A failing battery ca ... read more