Walnut Creek Auto Repair

Your spark plugs are what help keep your vehicle's motions in check. Spark plugs have a main function, and that is to keep your engine running smoothly and efficiently. Spark plugs are made to ignite the air and to blend the fuel within your combustion chamber. They do this in order to take the burden off of the engine so that it can do the simple task of starting up and running your car. Plus, a good set of spark plugs should be able to protect your combustion chamber from harm by directing heat away from it by bringing it into a water cylinder for cooling. In short, spark plugs may be small but their mission is big. But like any other car parts, these tough little guys can wear out over time. Corrosion, wear and tear impact even the best set of spark plugs and can cause major issues for your car down the road. So what are the signs of spark plug failure? The first one is when you start to notice a rattling sensation during idling. Your car starts to vibrate and shake when you ... read more

Cars are obviously noisy because they're these big metal machines, but not all of the noises you hear are signs that your vehicle is running in smooth condition. Here are some of the sounds you should be listening for in case something is wrong with your car. Emergent Noises Not every sound your car makes is an emergency, but you should still pay attention because some things do need to be looked at immediately. If you hear hissing under the hood, it may mean that something is leaking. Also, if you hear a humming or a whining noise, it could be an issue with your transmission and you may want to get a professional opinion relatively quickly. Non-Emergent Noises You may not need your car looked at right away every time, but it's still a good idea to be familiar with the sounds your car can make. Squealing when you brake is a pretty common one that may mean your brake pads need to be replaced soon. As long as you don't hear a grinding noise, though, it's not an emerge ... read more

The vehicle transmission is responsible for transferring power from the engine to your wheels. After many miles and years of driving, your car will ultimately need transmission repair. In severe cases, it may even need to be rebuilt or replaced altogether, depending on the nature of the problem. Fortunately, your vehicle will usually warn you of its impending failure so that you can bring it to a trusted mechanic. The sooner you have a professional inspect and repair your transmission, the sooner you can get back on the road again.   Signs You Need Transmission Repair Problems Shifting Gears - Since you rely on your transmission to shift gears, the initial issues will be most noticeable in your gear changes. You may experience hesitation, jerking, and sometimes falling out of gear, all of which are pretty dangerous. Grinding or Shaking - If your vehicle makes a grinding sound or shakes when shifting gears, it can be a sign of a worn clutch or other transmission problem. We hig ... read more

If you're stumped on what to do with your significant other or don't feel comfortable going out due to the pandemic for Valentine's Day this year, we've got some great ideas for you. All you need is your trusty car. These are our top romantic car date ideas. Drive-In Movie A drive-in movie is always a classic of all these car date ideas. Get cozy with your partner and enjoy a movie you've been dying to watch. Lastly, don't forget to bring each other's favorite snacks. If you don't have a drive-in theater available near you, you can easily DIY one. Mini Road Trip Who doesn't love a mini road trip? You and your partner can cruise along a nearby coast, national park, lookout, or landmark. Put on your favorite road trip and whisk away on the open road.  Stargazing An all-time favorite for many couples is to go stargazing. There is just something so romantic about looking up at the open universe while you sit together in the car. Make it a chal ... read more

It's no mystery that regular oil changes are necessary to maintain your engine and vehicle health. While you've probably undergone an oil change before, you should make sure they're always on time. Unfortunately, some drivers lose track of their last change or ignore their oil reminders altogether. To be better with your vehicle maintenance, here are a few ways to tell whether it's time for you to schedule an oil change in Walnut Creek, CA.  The engine oil has become dark and gritty. As a responsible motorist, it's essential to check your engine oil every now and then to make sure it's at a healthy level and confirm you have no leaks. While the amount of motor oil is necessary to get the best performance, so is the quality of the solution. Healthy engine oil is almost always a light brown or amber and has a smooth fluid consistency. If it has become gritty and dark, it's time to come into Central Automotive for an oil change.  There are strange ... read more