Happy Holidays | Diablo Auto Specialists

Yearly Archives: 2023

Cost of Operating Electric Vehicles Is Going Up

For the Q4 2022, as reported by Anderson Economic Group, drivers of a typical mid-priced electric vehicle paid between 31 cents to 3 dollars more for electricity to drive 100 miles than drivers of a typical mid-priced internal combustion engine vehicle paid for fuel to drive the same distance.  Electric car owners who charged their vehicles at home paid 31 cents more, while those charging at the commercial stations paid up to $3 more to drive 100 miles. These are national averages, so chances are if you own an electric vehicle in Walnut Creek, you are paying less than owners of gasoline powered cars. But that’s not because you costs are lower – we all see our electric bills – but rather because gasoline is much more expensive in California than in other parts of the country. It is somewhat disconcerting, though, to see cost of operating electric vehicles going up. Inflation takes a bit out of everyone. What concerns us even more is that as electric vehicles bec ... read more

Audi Coolant Leak Repair in Walnut Creek, CA

Diablo Auto Specialists in Walnut Creek offers full range of Audi repairs, including coolant leak repairs – we can discover the source of the leak and have it fixed, often the same day. When you start your Audi, the engine generates tremendous amount of heat. Without properly functioning cooling system, the engine would overheat, sustaining serious damage. Unfortunately, sometimes the cooling system fails, especially if it develops a coolant leak. Signs your Audi has a coolant leak We recommend a thorough cooling system inspection every 20,000 miles or so, though sometimes your vehicle may give warning signs that there’s a problem, like a coolant leak. Here are the top signs to look out for. Puddle under your Audi Puddle of any kind under your Audi should be a source of concern as it’s rarely good news. If the fluid is not colorless, contact Diablo Auto Specialists.   Engine overheats The purpose of the coo ... read more

Audi Battery Replacement in Walnut Creek, CA

Audi Battery Replacement in Walnut Creek, CA

Audi Battery Replacement in Walnut Creek, CA Your Audi’s battery is responsible for providing power to start the engine, and also for powering electrical devices when the engine is turned off. Typically a car battery will last about 4-5 years, though towards the end of that time period it will start to weaken and will eventually need to be replaced. Diablo Auto Specialists in Walnut Creek offers Audi battery testing and replacement among the many Audi services we provide. Car batteries rarely fail outright – there is usually a period when the battery weakens, and there are noticeable symptoms that tell the owner that the battery is about to fail – if you notice any of the symptoms listed below, it’s time to bring your Audi to our Walnut Creek car care facility. Our nationally ASE certified technicians will test the battery and let you know what needs to be done to remedy the symptoms you noticed. Some of these symptoms may be caused by other co ... read more

Audi Timing Belt Replacement in Walnut Creek, CA

Timing belt’s function is to synchronize the rotation of the engine’s camshaft and crankshaft, regulating the opening and closing of the valves and the movement of the pistons. Due to old age and long usage, the timing belt will need replacement. While the timing belt rarely physically brakes, most often a tooth will sheer off (it’s a toothed belt), which throws off valves’ timing and can cause engine damage.   At Diablo Auto Specialists we offer timing belt inspections and timing belt replacement. Sometimes a timing belt will age prematurely and an inspection by a professional mechanic will reveal need for timing belt replacement. But it most cases, it should be replaced at the time interval recommended by Audi for your particular model. Most newer cars come with timing chains, but there are still plenty of Audi vehicles that use timing belt ( BTW: timing chains can also require replacement – in theory a timing chain should last for the lifetime of ... read more

Audi Catalytic Converter Replacement in Walnut Creek, CA

Catalytic converter helps to remove carbon monoxide (and other toxic gases) that your Audi produces. It performs this function by converting harmful emissions into safer compounds. Catalytic converters rarely fail, but it does happen occasionally, and it has to be replaced. Failure to replace the catalytic converter will not only cause your Audi to pollute the environment but also will prevent it from passing smog check and being registered. In extreme cases, engine damage may result from driving with a failed catalytic converter. Signs your Audi needs converter replacement While it’s unlikely that your vehicle’s catalytic converter will fail, it helps to know the warning signs of a failing converter: Rotten egg smell The number one way to know that your catalytic converter is failing is when you notice a pungent, nasty odor that can be likened to rotten eggs. Sulphur is one of the compounds in gas, which is converted to odorless compo ... read more