Walnut Creek Auto Repair

Hybrid vehicles seem “old” compared to EVs, but they have been around for only a quarter of a century. Toyota Prius, the most famous of them all, was first sold in the US in the year 2000. Fuel efficient, low emissions, fun to own, hybrids still need regular maintenance and occasional repairs - like any vehicle. Frank’s Auto Service in Walnut Creek is the premier family owned and operated independent hybrid repair shop in Walnut Creek. Our nationally certified technicians combine extensive experience with the latest training, including high voltage technology. Surprisingly, many shops are still hesitant to work with high voltage batteries – at Frank’s Auto Service, it’s our daily bread and butter. Many drivers think of hybrids as low maintenance cars, but regular checks and occasional repairs are essential to protect the battery, electric motor, the inverter, and other high voltage components. Our Walnut Creek auto care facility provides complete h ... read more

Seeing your Ford’s computer turn on the check engine light is not a fun moment. Fortunately, it does not automatically mean major problems or expensive repairs. If the light is steady, not blinking, and the vehicle drives normally, you can get back home and call your trusted mechanic to make an appointment. If the check engine light is blinking, it is recommended that you pull over as soon as it is safe to do so, and turn off the engine. We recommend getting your Ford towed to a Walnut Creek mechanic – if you drive your vehicle while the check engine light is blinking, it is likely to cause expensive damage. Fortunately, many of causes of the check engine light (and there are thousands of conditions that can trigger this light) do not involve major repairs. As a matter of fact, out of top 10 causes of the check engine light, only catalytic converter replacement is a major expense. Another two – gas cap replacement and spark plugs replacement – are to be expecte ... read more

Why does your Toyota suddenly turn on the check engine light? The simple answer is that it encountered a condition that the onboard computer systems cannot correct – and so it’s warning you of a problem. NOTE: if the check engine light is blinking, you should pull over when it’s safe to do so and turn off the engine. Tow the vehicle to a repair shop. There are plenty of conditions that the onboard computers can handle. Modern cars are “self-tuning” – that’s why you rarely hear the term “tune up” anymore. Dozens of sensors monitor various subsystem and provide computers with information necessary to act. For example, mass airflow sensor measures air entering the engine, while the oxygen sensor measures the amount of un-burned oxygen in the exhaust  - that information allows the ECU (engine control unit) to on-thy-fly adjust the air-fuel mixture that’s sent into the engine. The check engine light can be turned on because ... read more

Excellent fuel efficiency is the hallmark of hybrid vehicles. Honda hybrids are no exception. Whether you drive Honda Civic Hybrid, hybrid CR-V, Accord Hybrid, or the sporty Honda CR-Z, you have reaped the benefits of the hybrid design when the gasoline prices spiked above $6/gallon again.  At Frank’s Auto Service in Walnut Creek we support owners of hybrid vehicles with comprehensive maintenance and repair capability. If your Honda hybrid needs tender, loving care, call our Walnut Creek car care facility to make an appointment. Whether your Honda faces issues specific to the hybrid system, or one of the many mechanical or electrical problems that can pop up in any vehicle – brake issues, 12 volt electrical system problems, suspension issues, a/c blowing warm air, whether it needs transmission service or it has turned on the infamous check engine light, our nationally ASE certified technicians will diagnose the root cause, and we will present you with options to get t ... read more

Hyundai has spent decades improving its vehicles – both quality and style. Today Hyundai hybrids provide car owners with modern cars designed with the latest technology. At Frank’s Auto Service we offer comprehensive Hyundai hybrid vehicle maintenance and repairs. Hyundai offers a wide range of hybrid vehicles – from the compact Elantra hybrid which rivals Toyota Prius when it comes to mileage per gallon, to the stylish Sonata hybrid, a midsize sedan that still delivers around 51 miles per gallon, to the hybrid SUVs – Tucson, Santa Fe, and the Hyundai Palisade hybrid with its 500+ mile range. Hybrid vehicles achieve these numbers by combining electric motors and gasoline engines. As all vehicles, they require regular service and maintenance to keep both gasoline and electric propulsion in working order. Our Walnut Creek auto care facility offers comprehensive hybrid services – this includes oil changes, spark plugs replacement, brake pad and rotor replac ... read more