Walnut Creek Auto Repair

Tire pressure monitoring sensor (TPMS) is a device that alerts your vehicle’s computer if the tire pressure falls below designated threshold – usually if it is down over 20% - 25%, you will notice TPMS warning light on the dashboard. But sometimes, even though the tires are fine, the TPMS warning light still comes “on” – this usually indicates problem with the sensor itself. At Frank’s Auto Service and Repair we can inspect your vehicle’s tires and determine if it’s the sensor or if one or more tires are indeed underinflated. Underinflated tires are a potential safety hazard, so we strongly suggest not ignoring the TPMS warning light. When it is safe to do so, we recommend stopping the vehicle and visually inspecting the tires. If you have a portable tire pressure gauge, this is a good time to check all four tires. If the gauge indicates low tire pressure, a portable air pump, powered from the cigarette lighter in your car, could get the ... read more

If you drive a Honda CR-V, you know the importance of a vehicle that performs reliably. At Frank’s Auto Service and Repair, we are highly skilled at maintaining and repairing Hondas, including Honda CR-Vs. We combine decades of auto repair experience with friendly, personalized service, to make your visit to our Walnut Creek auto repair facility both pleasant and productive. Whether your CR-V needs a routine oil change, brake pad replacement, or a more complex diagnostics and repairs, our team of ASE-certified technicians is ready to help. Using advanced diagnostic equipment and a commitment to high-quality workmanship, we often complete repairs, usually the same day, so you can get back on the road with minimal delays. While Honda CR-Vs are known for their reliability, like any vehicle, they can have “off” years. Common issues include battery failures in the 2012 model, loud roaring noises during cold starts in 2014 models, and occasional AC or heater problems in e ... read more

The timing belt is a specially formulated (reinforced) rubber belt with teeth that keeps your engine’s camshaft and crankshaft perfectly in sync. This precise timing ensures that your engine’s valves open and close at just the right moments during the intake and exhaust strokes. If the belt slips, stretches, or breaks, pistons and valves can collide—causing severe engine damage. Without a properly functioning timing belt, your engine simply won’t run.  That’s why this component is critical to your engine’s health and why replacing it before it fails is far cheaper than repairing the damage after a failure. When Should You Replace the Timing Belt? Most automobiles require timing belt replacement every 90,000 to 100,000 miles, or approximately every five years. However, certain driving conditions or engine designs may call for earlier service. It's best to consult your owner’s manual and speak with one of our technicians during your r ... read more

Frank’s Auto Service in Walnut Creek provides full range of automotive services, including wheel alignment. Just like the oil change, wheel alignment is an unsung hero of auto maintenance. Proper wheel alignment not only extends tire life, but also provides better mileage, better vehicle control as well as a more comfortable ride. Wheel alignment is performed on computer controlled alignment machines that can catch misalignment so small as to be invisible to the naked eye. There are three angles in adjusting wheel alignment. First is camber, which refers to the angle of the wheel when viewed from the front or rear of the vehicle. Second, toe, refers to the angle at which the wheels point relative to the vehicle's centerline when viewed from above ( or from below). Lastly, caster, refers to the angle of the steering axis when viewed from the side of the vehicle. Wheel alignment should not be confused with tire rotation. Tire rotation serves to even our tire wear, but wheel ... read more

Majority of the newer vehicles are designed to use the environmentally friendly R1234YF refrigerant. But not all auto repair shops have purchased the new equipment necessary to work with R1234YF. At Frank’s Auto Service we can offer both the new R1234YF refrigerant as well as the old R134a recharge for your convenience. If you are unsure which refrigerant works with your car, bring your vehicle to our Walnut Creek auto repair shop, knowing that no matter which refrigerant is needed, Frank’s Auto Service can get the job done right. In order to prevent cross contamination of the refrigerants, the new equipment has different fittings, and specials sensors that prevent wrong refrigerant form being used. When you bring  our vehicle for an auto a/c recharge, we will test the a/c system to make sure there are no leaks, and then refill it with the correct refrigerant. While the winter/spring weather has been with us a lot longer than usual, the summer heat is sure to come, s ... read more