Walnut Creek Auto Repair

Just like any other machine, your car needs all its parts to play their role for it to work smoothly. If your catalytic converter becomes wonky, you can tell from other parts of the car as well. Here is what to look for if you suspect your catalytic converter is faulty; Engine Check Light The warning light, which is one of the most visible symptoms of a problem with your vehicle, is also one of the clearest indicators of a faulty catalytic converter. When scanned with a suitable OBD scanner, it will display a catalytic converter-related fault code, which must be deciphered using the operating handbook. A Car emissions test failed. Because the catalytic converter is a component of your car's emission system, it stands to reason that a failed exhaust emission test would indicate a damaged catalytic converter. Normally, you must get your car emissions tested once a year. Because the catalytic converter is the primary component responsible for safe car emissions, the test will tell ... read more

While the time and mileage between service intervals varies between manufacturers, all vehicles driving on the roadways will need "tuning-up" at some point. How Often Does My Car Need a Tune-Up? Cars and trucks with fuel injection systems may go for longer intervals between tune-ups. Automotive experts say the majority of older vehicles will need a tune-up around every 10,000 - 12,000 miles. Getting a tune-up for your car or truck is like getting a regular wellness exam from your medical provider. Certified automotive mechanics complete a visual inspection of key engine components like fuel filters and fuel injectors to check for clogs and damage. They also check spark plugs, PVC valves, ignition timing and coolant levels for performance or wear and tear. If the results of the visual inspection are satisfactory, your mechanic will let you know what (if any) additional services they recommend. A less than satisfactory tune-up inspection requires repair or replacement of ... read more

In short, yes. It is very important for vehicle owners to have their wheels balanced when necessary. If your car is showing the following signs or experiences the following circumstances, then your car probably needs a wheel balance: Excessive shaking or vibrationsNoisy tires - humming or buzzingWorn tiresHitting large obstructions like potholes or curbsRight after getting new tires When a tire is out of balance, it cannot properly grip and drive on the road. As a consequence, you experience those annoying vibrations. Not only can getting a wheel balance correct the symptoms above, but it can promote a smoother ride experience.    There's no doubt that tires and wheels are very heavy. When you get new tires, it is imperative that they are balanced before being mounted. During a wheel balancing service at Diablo Auto Specialists, one of our professional mec ... read more

In any driving, your attention is key. Apart from keeping your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel, it's also important to know what's going on in your car. Your dashboard has warning lights to keep you aware of your surroundings and make sure you remain in control of the car. These indicators let you know when something is going on that might not be good. This article will explain what each dashboard warning lights mean and how you can use them to keep yourself safe.   1. Engine Warning Light   This Light is usually red or orange and appears on your dashboard when there's an issue with your engine. If this light is on, it's a good idea to pull over as soon as possible so that you can figure out what's wrong with your car. You don't want to risk driving a car that could cause serious injury or damage to yourself or others while trying to fix the problem.   2. Electrical System Fault Warning Light   This is usually red and app ... read more

While you may know the importance of oil changes, did you know that coolant is just as crucial for your engine's operation? Antifreeze/coolant is a vehicle fluid that helps cool the engine down. It is a part of the cooling system and is in charge of drawing excess heat away from the engine. Otherwise, your engine would overheat all the time from its strenuous activities.   It is important for drivers to pay extra attention to their coolant during the spring and summer because vehicles are more likely to overheat with climbing temperatures. Besides its cooling abilities, coolant also has anti-corrosive, anti-foaming, and deposit-resistant properties. Therefore, it is highly important that you check your coolant levels regularly. Additionally, it would help if you had it changed or flushed when necessary.   Coolant comes in many different colors, so it can be tricky to locate for some. Good and effective coolant should be vibrant in color and free of any contaminants. W ... read more