Posted on 9/2/2025
Let's face it: auto upkeep can add up. But what if you could maintain your vehicle operating well with less cost? Turns out, a few good habits make a lot of difference. Here's how to save on car maintenance and repair expenditures while still riding worry-free. Be Proactive: Small Steps, Big Savings Regular oil changes, fluid top-ups, tire rotations, and following the manufacturer recommended maintenance schedule can keep small issues from snowballing into expensive nightmares. Don’t wait until something breaks—nip it in the bud (especially when it comes to the check engine light – driving around with the check engine light can result in catalytic converter damage and need for catalytic converter replacement – a very expensive repair in California). Find a Good Shop Once you find a good auto care shop – stick with it. Quality matters, and so does ability to get in at a moment’s notice. If you are a regul ... read more
Posted on 5/9/2025
Summers temperatures are already here. We have had a number of days in the high 80s, and the official start of the summer is more than a month away. So it’s time to bring your vehicle to Diablo Auto Specialists for a pre-summer checkup. Our Walnut Creek auto care facility provides full range of auto air conditioning services – from coolant refill to radiator replacement to those pesky blower motor issues. Our nationally ASE-certified technicians can inspect your vehicle’s a/c system and fix any problems we encounter. Diablo Auto Specialists provides comprehensive automotive a/c services. At Walnut Creek auto repair facility we employ highly skilled specialists who can rapidly diagnose and repair ac issues, restoring the cool, refreshing air flow to you daily commute, as well as those weekend (or longer?) trips into mountains and deserts of California. Auto AC systems are pretty complex - they are an interplay of hoses, pumps, motors, relays, sensors – any one ... read more
Posted on 1/31/2025
Toyota Camry is a great option for a roomy and comfortable ride, while providing legendary Toyota quality and reliability. At Diablo Auto Specialist you will find not only friendly customer service, but Toyota maintenance and repair expertise that’s second to none. Our nationally ASE certified technicians will keep your vehicle in top shape. We offer OEM or better quality parts, and back our work with an industry leading 3 year / 36,000 mile warranty. While your Camry is undeniably one of the most reliable vehicles on the roads, it is important, especially as it ages, to provide regular maintenance and occasional repairs. Our Walnut Creek car care facility offers full range of Camry maintenance services, diagnostics and repairs. If you choose to become our client, our systems will remind you when it’s time for next service visit. We can also provide your Toyota with a broad choice of tires and tire related services. At Diablo Auto Specialists in Walnut Creek you can expec ... read more
Posted on 12/10/2024
At Diablo Auto Specialists in Walnut Creek we offer complete brake system maintenance and repairs. One question that often comes up is the difference between brake bleeding as opposed to brake flushing. While there are some nuances and variety of recommendations, it all boils down to: Bleeding Brake System: Brake bleeding involves pumping enough fresh fluid through your brake lines to remove any air that may have entered the system. Each of the vehicle's four brakes is bled one by one to ensure that air is cleared from the lines. Air bubbles in the lines can cause “spongy” brake feel, and can increase braking distance. Bleeding brakes is most often preformed after brake pad change, or because the brake pedal feels “spongy”. Flushing Brake System: It really means brake fluid replacement. Brake fluid is highly hygroscopic – it attracts moisture from the environment. Over time, brake fluid may absorb so much moisture th ... read more
Posted on 11/30/2024
As summer winds down and families get back from vacation, it’s time to get ready for the cooler weather. Fall brings changes that can affect your car’s performance, so make sure your vehicle is ready for the season. Even though this year we had unseasonably sunny autumn, we all know that the winter rains are coming. At Diablo Auto Specialists in Walnut Creek we offer comprehensive auto maintenance services, and we highly recommend fall check-up for your vehicle. In addition to engine oil and coolant check, we also perform tire pressure check and adjustment (if adjustment is necessary), and can check the tires for tread wear, uneven tread wear, or age-related tire damage. Tire tread check is particularly important as driving with bald tires on wet roads can lead to loss of vehicle control. It is also important to check car’s light and signals, as it gets dark sooner, so we spend more time driving with the lights on. We also check wiper blades and top off ... read more