Walnut Creek Auto Repair

Brake fluid is an integral element of a vehicle's braking system, as it transfers the force of the brake pedal to the brakes. It's important to maintain the brake fluid to ensure that the braking system works properly and safely.  Over time, brake fluid can absorb moisture and "water down," leading to decreased brake effectiveness. Moisture can also cause corrosion of the brake lines, which can result in brake failure. Lastly, old or contaminated brake fluid can also cause problems with the ABS (anti-lock braking system). Signs of Brake Fluid Problems There are several signs that your vehicle's brake fluid needs attention. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it's best to have your brakes inspected by a professional: A spongy or soft brake pedal A brake warning light on the dashboard A grinding noise when you brake A burning smell coming from the brakes Brake Fluid Maintenance Tips Check the brake fluid level regularly. The brake fluid rese ... read more

A driveshaft is an important component in a vehicle's drivetrain that connects the transmission to the rear differential. It plays a pivotal role in transmitting power from the engine to the wheels, allowing the car to move. Here's what you need to know about driveshaft repairs: What Are the Symptoms of A Bad Driveshaft If your car is experiencing vibration or shaking while driving, it could be a sign of a failing driveshaft. Other symptoms include a loud clunking noise when shifting gears, difficulty steering, and uneven tire wear. What Are the Common Causes of Driveshaft Failure There are several reasons why a driveshaft might fail. One of the most common causes is worn universal joints, which can cause vibration and noise. Other causes include damage to the shaft itself, such as from a collision, or wear and tear from age and use. How to Prevent Driveshaft Failure To avoid driveshaft failure, it's important to have your car inspected regularly. A mechanic will be a ... read more

Every part of your car plays an important role. You might think that something like a cooling system is not as important until it begins to malfunction. How Does the Cooling System Function To appreciate how a well working cooling system can help you avoid problems, you must first learn how your cooling system operates. Excessive hot air trapped under the bonnet might cause serious difficulties for your vehicle. To assist mitigate this, your car's cooling system distributes excess heat onto the surrounding environment. When your conditioning system isn't working properly, it can't dissipate heat as well as it should, increasing the likelihood of engine failure. What is the Source of Vehicle Overheating? A spike in heat reported by your vehicle's dash digital thermometer warns you that your engine is overheating. A car frequently overheats because insufficient coolant is circulating between the engine and the radiator. This could occur in a vehicle that is ... read more

Battery problems are difficult to escape from. Like the batteries in our TV remote and cell phone, vehicle batteries don’t last forever. They weaken over time from wear and tear and exposure to extreme temperatures. How do you know when to replace it? Here are several key ways to tell: Sign #1: Battery Is Old When batteries are 3+ years old, they tend to have issues. Most vehicle batteries in cars, trucks, and SUVs don’t last longer than 5 years. If you aren’t sure how old your battery is, you can find it by looking up its special code online.  Sign #2: Slow Starts A battery doesn’t just die out of the blue unless it is experiencing a different problem. If your vehicle struggles to start your engine, you should take that as a sign to have your battery tested. Eventually, it will get worse. We recommend having it changed out soon. Sign #3: Clicking Sounds on Start-Up If you hear a clicking noise when you turn the key in the ignition, it indicates a slo ... read more

Are your car headlights on the dirtier side? It's probably time to clean it. It's important to have clean headlights so that you can see clearly at night and especially if the weather is bad! Read on to see how to clean it and why it's important to keep it clean! How to clean the headlights Cleaning your car's headlights is an important part of keeping your vehicle in good working order. If you aren't sure how to do it, here are some easy steps to follow: 1. First, remove the lens cover and any dirt or grime that's built up around the edges of your headlights. 2. Next, wipe down the headlight with a lint-free cloth dampened with warm water and mild soap. 3. Then rinse off any residue left behind by the soap on your headlight with clean water and dry off afterwards with another lint-free cloth. 4. When you're done cleaning both headlights, replace their covers and admire how great they look! You can also use the following materials to clean the headlights ... read more