Walnut Creek Auto Repair

You recently noticed that your car wasn't running correctly. It has problems starting up, the engine is constantly overheating, and you notice blue smoke from the exhaust. After asking around, someone mentioned that you might have a head gasket leak. However, you don't know what that means. This article will help you understand what a head gasket leak is, including the signs to look out for and what to do in case of a head gasket leak. What Is A Head Gasket Leak? A head gasket is a seal found between the engine block and the cylinder head. The primary purpose of this seal is to prevent engine fluids such as oil, coolant, and compression from escaping. A head gasket leak occurs when this seal breaks and coolant, oil, or combustion gasses start leaking into your cylinders. Symptoms of a Head Gasket Leak Blue Smoke One of the first signs of a gasket leak is that blue smoke starts coming out of the exhaust. This blue smoke usually indicates that excess oil from lubricating ... read more

A timing belt is an engine's part that least comes up in auto conversations, and many people tend to ignore it. However, when it breaks, it can have serious repercussions on your car and cause detrimental damage to the engine. But what's a Timing Belt? A timing belt is an engine's component that facilitates synchronized rotation between the camshafts and the crankshaft. It controls the opening of the engine's cylinder valves during intake and exhaust stroke. Older cars utilized belts in the latter operations, and thus the name timing belt, however, modern cars use chains. Even so, breaking of a timing belt or chain can cause significant damage to your engine. What are the Consequences of a Timing Belt Breaking? The extent of damage that occurs when a timing belt breaks depends on an engine's configuration pattern. If a car is utilizing an interference engine, the damages are more detrimental. This is because apart from timing belts synchronizing rotation between ... read more

There are component in a car that are easily unappreciated and easily forgotten. Windshield wipers happens to be some of this components. Windshield wipers are very essential components in a vehicle that helps with visibility on the road in different conditions of weather. Symptoms That Indicate Your Wipers Need To Be Replaced It is easy to spot the signs of faulty windshield wipers. The tricks and tips can be of great help to evaluate the best time to have them checked to avoid inconveniences on the road. Below are some of the signs that indicate its time to change your windshield wipers: Metal corrosion Skipping blades Shredding of the rubber material on the blades Squeaking or chattering sounds Broken frame or adapter where the wiper arm attaches to the blade This are some of the signs that tells you your vehicle need to be checked by a certified mechanic. Sometimes the mechanic might consider refills of a rubber on the blade arms or repair the damaged parts only. However th ... read more

While many of the fluids that leak out of your car are normal, there are some that might cause problems. Here, we'll go over the many automotive fluids that can cause your automobile to leak Oil Spill An oil leak is usually indicated by a dark puddle or smear. Oil leaks are most typically seen in the oil pan and in engine gaskets. If you have an oil leak that is coming from under your automobile, it signifies that your gasket is leaking and has to be replaced. A coolant leak Coolant, also known as antifreeze, is most likely to be leaking from your car if it is a neon green, orange, or pink color. Modern cars are much more designed to keep coolant from leaking, so if your car is leaking coolant, you may have an issue with the vehicle itself. Leaking transmission fluid If you see a pink or red stain or pool under your car, it is quite likely that your transmission fluid is leaking. To avoid any transmission problems, it's critical that you get your vehicle's transmissio ... read more

Brake pads will naturally wear out over time. However, there are some ways that you can ensure that they'll last longer. Understanding what causes brake pads to wear out more quickly, while making sure you know how to check them, and how often to, can help you prevent needing to change them as frequently. Here are some tips for helping you make your brake pads last longer and how to know when they need replacing. What causes brake pads to wear out There are several reasons why your brake pads can wear out. Here are some of them: 1) Driving habits - Harsh driving and braking can cause brake pads to wear out faster, whereas smooth driving and gentle breaking will make them last longer. 2) Driving conditions - City driving requires more start-stopping and therefore a greater need for braking. Generally, driving on long, flat roads such as motorways helps improve the lifespan of brakes, whereas driving in the city often is more likely to wear them out quicker. 3) ... read more