Walnut Creek Auto Repair

Brakes are your primary line of defense against vehicle accidents or collisions on and off the road. If you're like most drivers here in Walnut Creek, CA, you probably only get your brakes inspected once you've noticed that something's wrong. You should have a professional check out your braking system from time to time to catch any issues before they start to make scary noises or fail. A simple way to remember is to get them inspected each time you go in for an oil or filter change at Central Automotive. Not maintaining your brakes is a danger to both you and other motorists on the road. Here are some of the most common symptoms of malfunctioning brakes that we see at our shop!   Grinding or Screeching Noises Whenever You Press On the Pedal Cause: Unusual sounds usually signal that your brake pads are worn down and need to be replaced pronto. Drivers should never take the grinding and screeching lightly. Neglecting to have your brake pads replaced will result in se ... read more

The summertime is a period where many families and friends like to get out of their homes. That also means that people are going to depend on their cars more than before. Whether it's a road trip to the beach or a quick ride to grab dinner, the hot weather can heavily affect our vehicle's condition. The simple answer is: YES, you should get car maintenance. To avoid your chances of a vehicle breakdown this summer, you need to give your vehicle the proper attention it deserves. You might wonder what car components you need to have inspected before summer is in full swing. Here are the four parts of every car that you should regularly examine this summer.   Air-Conditioning System  With the high temperatures on the rise, the most unfortunate thing that could happen to you is to have to drive without AC. If your air conditioner is older, then it may leak freon. If you notice a leak, bring your vehicle to Central Automotive. We are equipped with state-of-the-art tools ... read more

Even though a cabin air filter doesn't directly affect whether your vehicle can drive doesn't mean you should push off getting a replacement. Changing your cabin air filter is just as important as getting an oil change or tire alignment. It is an essential part of regular vehicle maintenance, and ignoring the air filter will negatively affect your vehicle.    What are the dangers of having a dirty cabin air filter?   Personal Health at Risk - A functional cabin air filter is essential in keeping the inside of your car free of pollutants. An air filter that is filthy or clogged won't filter those contaminants, causing problems for those who suffer from allergies or have breathing impairments. A new cabin air filter will block pollen from making its way into a vehicle and provide fresh, clean, breathable air.    Poor Function of HVAC System - A cabin air filter left beyond its life span will make a vehicle's HVAC system work significantly ha ... read more

At some point, it's bound to happen to all of us car owners. The dreaded 'flat' battery as you try to start the engine. You may have gone away on an extended overseas holiday, or perhaps you've been working from home more lately during the pandemic and not using your car so much. Opting to get your groceries home delivered instead. For a lot of people nowadays, the 'morning commute to the office' is being done in slippers and a gown. Any car that sits idle in a garage for a lengthy time can result in the battery losing its charge. That doesn't mean the battery is necessarily 'dead' or faulty and there's usually a quick DIY fix; as long as you have access to a second car and a pair of jumper leads. Follow these simple steps and you should be on your way in no time. Prepare both vehicles Start by parking the 'live' car as close as possible to the 'dead' one. This is to ensure the jumper cables can reach between each car's bat ... read more

Compressed right between the engine block and the cylinder head, a head gasket is a small component that is essential to the efficient functioning of your car. Without a gasket, the motor oil and the coolant will keep mixing together as they move through the casting ports of the engine block and the cylinder head. Additionally, the internal combustion chamber will not seal properly, leading to reduced power from the combustion process. A blown head gasket means the cylinder block is cushioned properly from the cylinder head, and the engine fluids will start mixing and leaking to other parts of the engine. But what could lead to a head gasket leak? The following are some causes that may result in a head gasket leak. Overheating The billowing of clouds of white smoke is the utter indication of an overheating engine. Overheating causes the metal present in the engine to expand and loosen the grip on the sealing of the head gasket. The gasket material gets tampered with and can no lon ... read more