Diamond Certified Resource Car Repairs and Maintenance Guide
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Read MoreALBANY — One of the first questions you might ask when looking for an auto shop is, “What’s your labor rate?” While this is good information to have, it’s far from the most important question you can ask, and it certainly shouldn’t be the determining factor in your decision. The truth is that a shop’s labor rate means almost nothing—it has little to do with the actual cost of the job and even less to do with the quality of the work. Consider the following example. One mechanic tells you their labor rate is $200 an hour and gives an estimate of $200 for the job. Meanwhile, the mechanic down the street says their labor rate is $50 an hour and quotes the same total cost for the job. Read more
SAN FRANCISCO — A car’s tires may be “where the rubber meets the road,” but another important aspect of a vehicle’s traction is its shocks. Unfortunately, unlike tires, shocks tend to be overlooked, which is why the first time you typically hear about them is when they’re leaking, at which point they’re already well beyond their useful lifespan. However, due to the critical part they play in vehicle operation, it’s important to be proactive about inspection and replacement. Most people think shocks are primarily there to make driving more comfortable, but in reality, they have a far more versatile function. For example, shocks’ role in controlling vehicle body movement also translates to safety and stability while driving, Read more
ANTIOCH — Much like a “quick stop” oil change, a transmission flush provides a fast and affordable means of maintaining a vital vehicle component. However, upon closer inspection, this convenient service may not be as good an idea as it appears. The problem with a transmission flush is it only addresses the fluid itself, which means components like the filter and gasket are ignored. While the fluid gets changed, any debris buildup inside the transmission case gets left behind, most of which becomes trapped in the filter. Over time, if the filter becomes plugged up with debris, it can result in a worse issue with the transmission than existed previously. For this reason, Read more
The “check engine” light may be the most commonly known dashboard warning light, but it’s also the most misunderstood, and for good reason: Not only can any number of issues cause it to come on, it can also signify anything from a minor issue to a major emergency. The most important thing to know about your “check engine” light is how to tell the difference between a minor concern and a major one. Fortunately, this is easy to do. If the light stays on steady, the issue isn’t an emergency; you can continue to drive your vehicle until you get a chance to bring it to a repair shop. If, on the other hand, Read more
ROHNERT PARK — You’re probably aware that your home’s furnace has a filter that keeps your indoor air relatively clean. But did you know there’s a similar situation in your car? In fact, your vehicle likely has not one but two types of air filters. First, there’s the cabin filter. Just as a furnace filter provides clean air for the home’s inhabitants, a cabin filter provides clean air for the vehicle’s driver and passengers to breathe. Since the air on the roads and freeways can be saturated with smog and other noxious elements, a cabin filter is a valuable asset for driver and passenger health. Cabin filters are typically located at the front of the vehicle interior (below the dashboard or behind the glove compartment) and can be removed and replaced as needed. Read more
