Walnut Creek Auto Repair

Potholes are more than just a nuisance. Hitting a big one can throw off your car’s alignment, damage your tires or wheels, and even bend suspension components. Unfortunately, most drivers don’t see it coming until it’s too late. If you’ve recently hit a large pothole, there are a few steps you should take right away to protect your vehicle and avoid further damage. While some pothole impacts cause immediate flat tires or bent rims, others do more subtle damage that shows up days or weeks later. That’s why it’s important to know what signs to look for and how to respond after the hit. Step One: Check for Obvious Damage After hitting a pothole, pull over to a safe location and do a quick inspection. Start with your tires. Look for bulges in the sidewall, low pressure, or visible cuts. A sudden jolt can also crack or bend wheels, especially if they’re aluminum or aftermarket. If your tire looks fine but the car is pulling to o ... read more

Seeing the check engine light pop on can be stressful—especially when everything seems to be working fine. Is it just a loose gas cap, or something more serious? The truth is, your check engine light can mean many different things. Some are minor, while others could lead to long-term engine damage or unsafe driving conditions if ignored. So, should you be worried? That depends. Here’s how to better understand your check engine light and what to do next. What the Check Engine Light Really Means The check engine light is part of your car’s onboard diagnostics system. When it detects something unusual in the engine, emissions, or drivetrain systems, it turns on to alert you. This doesn’t always mean something is critically wrong, but it does mean the system has identified a problem worth checking out. Some issues trigger a steady light, while others—especially those that require immediate attention—may cause it to flash. St ... read more

Spending long hours behind the wheel can leave you feeling stiff and sore, but an improperly adjusted seat can make it even worse. Many drivers don’t realize how much their seat position affects their comfort, leading to back pain, muscle fatigue, and poor posture. Whether you’re on a daily commute or tackling a long road trip, adjusting your seat correctly can make a huge difference. So, what’s the best way to set up your seat for maximum comfort? Poor Seat Positioning When your seat is not adjusted correctly, your body is forced into unnatural positions that put excessive strain on muscles, joints, and the spine. Sitting too far from the pedals, slouching, or leaning forward can lead to discomfort that builds up over time. Poor posture while driving may also reduce blood circulation, causing stiffness and fatigue, especially on longer trips. One common mistake is reclining too far back. While a slight recline can be comfortable, excessive reclini ... read more

You check your tires, and one of them keeps losing air—but there’s no visible puncture. It’s frustrating, right? A slow drop in tire pressure without an obvious cause can be puzzling and even dangerous if left unchecked. While most drivers immediately think of a nail or screw lodged in the rubber, there are actually several other reasons your tires might be deflating. Identifying the cause early can help prevent a flat tire, improve fuel efficiency, and keep you safe on the road. Temperature Fluctuations and Air Loss One of the most common, yet least concerning, reasons for tire pressure loss is changing temperatures. As the air inside your tires heats up or cools down, it expands and contracts. This is especially noticeable during seasonal shifts or when you park your car outside overnight. For every 10-degree drop in temperature, tire pressure can decrease by about 1-2 psi. If you’ve noticed that your tire seems fine during the day but lose ... read more

If your car is feeling sluggish or not performing like it used to, a tune-up might be just what it needs. Think of it as a wellness check for your vehicle, designed to keep everything running as it should. But what exactly does a car tune-up include, and why is it so important? The Basics of a Car Tune-Up A car tune-up is a comprehensive service that focuses on optimizing your engine’s performance. Over time, components in your engine wear out or become less efficient, which can lead to reduced fuel economy, sluggish acceleration, or even engine misfires. During a tune-up, your car undergoes several checks and adjustments to address these issues. While the specifics can vary depending on your vehicle’s make and model, a tune-up typically includes replacing worn-out parts, cleaning critical components, and ensuring everything is in proper working order. The goal? To keep your car running reliably and efficiently. Key Components Checked During a T ... read more