Walnut Creek Auto Repair

The function of the tie rods is to transfer power from the steering system to the wheels. At Diablo Auto Specialists we provide wide range of suspension services and repairs, including tie rod replacement. While tie rods rarely fail completely, when they do, the vehicle will become unusable, as the driver will lose the capability to steer the vehicle. But before the tie rods fail completely, they will give you warnings – knocking or clunking sounds, popping noises, excessive wheel play, vehicle vibrations – any one of these signs should motivate one to look for “mechanic near me” and to get the vehicle inspected. At Diablo Auto Specialists our nationally ASE certified mechanics will be happy to inspect your vehicle, and determine the cause of the symptoms you describe. Once we know the root cause of the problem, we will let you know what it will take to fix it. Most of the time, if you drop off your vehicle in the morning, we will be able to diagnose and fix t ... read more

Spring is coming, and with it comes warmer weather. Before we know it, auto air conditioning will be in use all over the East Bay, including Walnut Creek. If you own a Honda vehicle, now is the time to have the a/c system checked out and to have air conditioning refrigerant refill. In Walnut Creek hot summers are not a surprise, so making sure the ac system works correctly is a good idea. It’s also good to have it checked before the hot summer days – to avoid long lines, and potential supply chains issues with refrigerant availability. Thus we recommend ac check every spring, so your Honda is ready for the summer. While there are a variety of issues that could impact your Honda’s ac system, low coolant levels will definitely require a visits to a “mechanic near me”.  When the ac system is blowing cool air, but not as cold as you would expect, chances are that an a/c refill is in order. California has stringent auto ac refill rules, including a/c sy ... read more

Most late model vehicles come with timing chains, and Honda is no exception. But thanks to Honda legendary reliability, there are still plenty of Hondas that were built years ago and come with a timing belt. Typically Honda timing belt needs replacement every 90,000 - 105,000 miles, depending on the model of your vehicle – your Owner’s Manual should spell out the timing belt replacement interval. We highly recommend following Honda recommendations for the timing belt replacement – because timing belt failure can lead to serious engine problems. During the timing belt replacement, we will inspect related components, and may also replace pulleys and tensioner. We also check the water pump for any signs of problems – that’s because water pump replacement is relatively inexpensive when combined with the timing belt replacement – most of the labor necessary to get to the water pump has already been performed in order to replace the timing belt. Natural ... read more

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

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