Contra Costa – Auto Repair

Before you drop off your car, truck or van at a local Contra Costa County auto repair shop or have it towed in for repairs, call the shop’s service manager to verify that they offer the repair services or auto diagnostics you need. It’s wise to have a list of questions prepared and to write down the answers the auto technicians give you while you’re talking to them.

Use the following sample questions:

• Has your auto repair shop earned and maintained a Diamond Certified rating?
  
• Are your auto technicians certified?
  
• Does your car repair shop specialize in the car repairs my vehicle needs (auto engine repair, car brake repair, vehicle transmission repair, new auto parts, transmission replacement, etc.)?
  
• How often do you repair vehicles like mine (i.e. Ford, GMC, Toyota, Lexus, Dodge, BMW, Honda, Chrysler, etc.)?
  
• Is this a common car problem for my vehicle make and model?
  
• What kind of replacement car parts do you use? (OEM / Original Equipment Manufacturer auto parts, aftermarket vehicle parts used parts or salvaged parts?)
  
• If you use aftermarket auto parts, salvage car parts or used auto parts, will you guarantee them?
  
• Does your Contra Costa County automotive repair shop honor manufacturer warranties?
  
• Will the needed car repairs affect my manufacturer's warranty?
  
• Will you give me a written estimate?
  
• How do you charge for auto repairs? (i.e., time and materials or flat fee pricing?)
  
• What guarantees do you offer on car repairs done in your facility?
  
• Are there any auto repair warranty exceptions I should be aware of?
  
• I live in _____ (Concord, Richmond, Pleasant Hill, Pittsburg, Walnut Creek, San Ramon, Brentwood, Antioch, etc.). Do you offer courtesy cars or rental vehicles?
  
• How long has your Contra Costa County car repair shop been open?

How can you trust auto repair facilities in Contra Costa County to live up to their promises?

That’s where independent research and scientific surveys come in. All Diamond Certified auto repair shops have passed an in-depth ratings process that most other companies can’t. If you want quality car repairs in Contra Costa County from a good auto repair shop, you’ll have confidence when choosing a Diamond Certified company. You can read detailed Diamond Certified reports on all certified companies, including verbatim survey responses. And you’ll never be fooled by fake reviews because all research is carried out by live telephone interviews of a large, random sample of real customers.

If you can’t find a Diamond Certified car repair shop within reach, you'll need to conduct some research of your own. Even if you’re in a hurry, it is still a good idea to check references. If you do, good auto repair shops in Contra Costa County should be willing to give you a list of recent customers you can call. Keep in mind, though, that references provided by the shops are not equal in value to the large random sample of previous customers surveyed during the Diamond Certified ratings process. That’s because shops often cherry-picked their best customers and give those names as references, rather than randomly selecting customers, so many shops likely give you only the numbers of a few satisfied customers.

To avoid this, ask for a list of the vehicle repair shop’s 10 most recent customers. When you call the references, ask general questions about their experience and the auto mechanics as well as questions about the car repairs they had done and their impression of the outcome. Sample questions you might want to ask include:

• What car repairs did _(auto repair shop name_) do on your vehicle?
  
• Were you satisfied with the automotive repairs from this Contra Costa County auto repair shop?
  
• Was your auto shop willing to tow your car or truck to their auto repair garage if you live out of town or in a smaller town such as Bay Point, Lafayette, Los Medinos, Maltby, West Pittsburg, Moraga and Alamo?
  
• Were you pleased with the turn-around time?
  
• Did the auto mechanics and service writers listen to you and communicate well with you?
  
• Was the price was fair for the vehicle repairs you had done? Did the final price reflect the estimate they initially provided you?
  
• What did you like best about this Contra Costa County auto repair shop?
  
• Would you go back to this car repair facility if your vehicle needs additional work in the future?
  
• Would you recommend this auto repair garage to friends and family?

Emergency car repairs don’t have to be a major setback. The fact that you’ve found a local Contra Costa County auto repair shop you trust for regular maintenance should give you peace of mind even if your future car repairs are unexpected.

First, meet with the service writer and explain what the problem is. Use the notes you took so you can accurately describe what you’re experiencing and the concerns you have. Be as detailed as possible, and remember, the mechanic or service writer should never rush you. It’s important to answer their questions and listen to their suggestions and observations, just as it’s important for them to listen to you and answer your questions. Ask for an explanation if you don’t understand what the repair shop representative is telling you or if they’re using language and terms you can’t understand. You should to completely comprehend the problem and the solutions before you sign an agreement or leave the shop.

Sometimes a thorough diagnosis is needed before a shop can give you an accurate auto repair estimate. In this case, the estimate you sign may include just the cost of the car repair diagnosis and estimated labor cost. However, if the actual auto repair costs end up being more than the original estimate, the technicians must contact you before they move ahead with the repairs.

By law, all auto repair estimates must be provided in writing before the work begins. This estimate must include the total estimated cost for parts and labor, an itemized list of all parts needed and a description of the method of repair. For your protection, never sign a blank work order.

Sign a Contract with the Contra Costa County Car Mechanics for Auto Repair Work
Sign the estimate and service agreement when you’re satisfied with the information your Contra Costa County repair shop has given you and all your questions are answered. The shop must get your approval for any repairs or additional work, or if the actual repair costs exceed the estimate, and it can slow down or even stop your repairs if they can’t reach you, so verify that your repair shop has a working phone number where they can reach you at all times.

Most mechanics in Contra Costa County including the larger cities of Concord, Walnut Creek, Richmond, Antioch and Pittsburg will allow you to see the damaged auto parts once they’ve identified the problem or needed repairs. Remember, it’s your legal right to have any and all old parts returned to you. You simply have to ask the car repair shop for them when they’re writing the service request.

When the car repairs are completed, your mechanic is required by law to give you a written invoice that includes:

• The name and physical address of the shop.
• The shop’s state auto repair registration number.
• A list of all completed work, including warranty repairs done at no charge.
• An itemized list of all replacement parts. This must state whether the parts installed were new auto parts, used, salvaged car parts, reconditioned, or rebuilt vehicle parts.
• The total cost for your auto repairs, including the amount charged for labor.
• Hazardous waste disposal fees and the shop’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) number.
• The vehicle’s odometer reading at drop off and pick up, if you asked for the confirmation of the numbers before signing the service agreement.

You have the right to have original car parts returned to you, but you must ask for them when you sign the estimate. Vehicle mechanics may not be able to return parts that are under warranty as they may need to ship them to the auto parts supplier for warranty purposes, but you always have the right to see the parts to verify damage.

Car repair shops in Contra Costa County provide all types of maintenance and automotive repair services for vans, trucks, cars and minivans. The following are the most common requests handled by local auto repair shops in Contra Costa County, including those in Antioch, Pittsburg, Walnut Creek, Concord, El Cerrito, Danville and Richmond and the surrounding areas.

Auto Electrical Repair
Auto electrical repairs become more common as vehicles become more computerized and complex. Most auto electrical repairs in Contra Costa County are for alternator repairs, the component that continually charges your car battery. Vehicle starter repairs are also common. Experts recommend checking your entire auto electrical system every two years and whenever you experience drivability problems that may be electrical in nature.

Routine Vehicle Maintenance
Routine vehicle maintenance is the regular check-up schedule recommended by vehicle manufacturers at 30,000, 60,000, and 90,000 mile intervals. Routine maintenance for cars usually involves replacing fuel filters, cabin filters, air filters, spark plugs and other heavy-wear items. Many good car mechanics in Contra Costa County will also check and refill auto fluids and ensure that the engine, exhaust and electrical systems are functioning properly. Routine vehicle maintenance checks, also known as a car tune up, help prevent expensive car repairs by fixing small issues before they become big problems.

Automobile Brake Repair
Brake repairs are a common request made of local auto repair mechanics in Antioch, Martinez, Brentwood and all throughout Contra Costa County. This is because brakes wear down as you use them. Most brake repairs are simple replacements of the brake pads, and are relatively inexpensive. Because you rely on them to stop your car on time, brakes should be checked regularly, especially if you experience any of these signs:

• The brake pedal feels hard when you step on it
  
• Low or spongy-feeling brake pedal
  
• The brake warning light stays on continuously
  
• Squealing or grinding sounds when you brake

Vehicle Brake Replacement
Like brake repair, auto brake replacements are common car repairs in Contra Costa County. Full brake replacements, including the brake disc, drum and rotor can be costly, but may be necessary if you’ve been driving with worn or damaged brakes that have warped or damaged the brake system.

Auto Engine Repair
Often signaled by a lit check engine light, vehicle engine problems can also present as sputtering, choking, fast or rough idling, slow acceleration or the vehicle not starting even though the ignition turns over. Because there is such a wide range of engine problems that can cause these symptoms, you’re wise to not attempt do-it-yourself engine repairs. Instead, call one of the many good automobile mechanics throughout Contra Costa County that specialize in automotive engine repairs.

Auto Belt and Hose Repair and Replacement
Vehicle belts and hoses including the drive belt, fan belt, serpentine belt, timing belt, heater hose and fuel hose keep your engine and other vehicle systems running smoothly. Signs that may indicate a problem with belts and hoses include squeaking noises, leaks, warning lights and engine overheating.

Mobile Auto Repair (Mobile Mechanic)
Mobile mechanic shops in Contra Costa County including those in Piedmont, Livermore, Antioch and Castro Valley are increasingly popular. Instead of having vehicles towed to repair shops, many customers opt to have licensed mechanics come to them. From tune-ups and routine maintenance to auto electrical repairs and belt and hose replacement, mobile mechanics come to your home or place of business by appointment to service your vehicle.

Auto Ignition System Repairs
Automobile ignition system repairs include battery, starter and car ignition replacements. Starters and ignitions can be expensive, but they are necessary in order to guarantee your car will start reliably.

Auto Electrical Repairs
Auto electrical problems can be as simple as blown fuses or burned-out headlights or serious enough electrical problems to keep you from safely driving your vehicle. Because these auto repairs demand special equipment, tools and repair methods, most auto electrical repairs are best left to automobile electrical repair technicians in Contra Costa County.

Auto Fuel System Repairs
Clogged fuel pumps are a common problem for Contra Costa County drivers who regularly run on less than ¼ tank of fuel. Other auto fuel system problems include clogged fuel filters, engine flooding and choking sounds. Auto fuel system repairs are usually best handled by professional car mechanics who have the experience and tools to clean, repair and replace fuel system components.

Below are key auto repair terms used at most Contra Costa County car repair shops, including descriptions that will help you navigate your way through your auto's repair.

air filter
A paper or synthetic filter that blocks dust, dirt and debris as air enters the engine.

Also known as: auto air filters, car air filter, performance air filter, car air filter replacements, auto cabin air filters

aftermarket auto parts
Auto repair parts not made by the original manufacturer. Aftermarket parts are made to fit and function the same as the original parts, but they’re often less expensive than OEM parts. Some aftermarket auto parts are redesigned to increase performance.

Also known as: aftermarket parts, functionally-equivalent auto parts, off-brand auto parts, off-make auto parts, performance aftermarket parts

auto repair shop
An automotive repair shop that maintain and repair the internal working parts of automobiles. Some Contra Costa County auto repair shops specialize in specific repairs, such as auto electrical repair shops, automobile brake shops, muffler repair shops and automobile engine repair shops. Other vehicle repair centers in Contra Costa County are general repair garages that do all types of maintenance and service repairs.

Also known as: car repair shop, automobile repair shop, auto mechanic shop, car mechanic shop, auto repair garage

all-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive systems increase wheel traction on slippery roads and during off-road driving. All-wheel drive is different from 4-wheel drive because drivers cannot disengage AWD systems.

Also known as: AWD, allwheel drive

anti-freeze
Liquid in cooling systems that dissipates heat is known as anti-freeze. Antifreeze prevents freezing during winter, cools the engine in summer and protects the cooling system from rust and corrosion.

Also known as: coolant

auto electrical repair
Auto repairs to the electrical system of a vehicle. Auto electrical repairs may include alternator repair, auto starter repair, ignition repair, and auto electrical wiring repairs or replacement.

Also known as: automobile electrical repair, automotive electrical repair, car electrical repair, auto electrical service

catalytic converter
A vehicle’s catalytic converter isolates exhaust particles and burns them before they leave the tailpipe.

Also known as: cat, catcon

chassis
The undercarriage of a vehicle is known as the chassis. The chassis carries all power train and suspension parts.

Also known as: framework, auto case, auto frame, auto undercarriage

control arms
The moving suspension components mounted between the vehicle frame and the wheels.

Also known as: car wishbone, auto double wishbone, vehicle suspension

crankcase
The largest engine section, the crankcase contains the crankshaft.

Also known as: crank case, crank-case

crankshaft
The rod that transfers power from the engine to the transmission.

Also known as: crank shaft, crank

differential
The differential is gear system that allows one wheel to rotate faster than the other, and it is important for steering, turning and cornering.

Also known as: rear differential

domestic auto repair shops
Auto repair garages in Contra Costa County that specialize in repairs on domestic vehicles are known as ‘domestic auto repair shops’. General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler (also known as The Big Three) are considered domestic vehicle manufacturers.

Also known as: repair for domestic cars, American-made car repairs, domestic automobile repair

flooded engine
When too much fuel is in the cylinders and makes starting difficult or impossible.

Also known as: engine flooded with gas, car flooded, engine stall, flooded vehicle

foreign auto repair shops
Foreign auto repair shops in Contra Costa County perform repairs and maintenance on vehicles manufactured by foreign car companies, including some automobiles built in the United States, including BMW, Toyota, Honda and Lexus.

four-wheel drive
4WD is a drive system that powers all four wheels and provides better traction during off-road use and poor weather conditions.

Also known as: 4WD, 4x4, four by four, sport utility vehicle

front-wheel drive
A driving system that powers the front wheels of the vehicle. Front-wheel drive systems can be automatic or manual shift.

Also known as: FWD, front wheel drive, frontwheel drive

fuel injection repairs
The fuel delivery system where injectors (also known as nozzles) spray fuel into the cylinders, giving better fuel control and efficiency.

Also known as: electronic fuel injection (EFI), fuel injection system repairs

hesitation
The momentary loss of power on acceleration that causes a vehicle to hesitate when gaining speed.

Also known as: engine hesitation, engine sputtering, auto stumbling

horsepower
The amount of energy produced by a vehicle’s engine.

Also known as: HP, mechanical horsepower, car horsepower, vehicle horsepower, electrical horsepower

idle
The term used to describe a vehicle that is motionless and running.

Also known as: idling, slow idle, fast idling, automotive idling, fast motor idle speed, fast idling, car idling fast

mechanic
An auto mechanic is a professional who repairs and maintains vehicles.

Also known as: auto mechanic, automobile mechanic, auto repair technician

mobile auto repair
Contra Costa County mechanics who repair vehicles on-site are considered mobile auto repair services. Mobile auto repair shops in Concord, Richmond, Walnut Creek, Pittsburg and Antioch can often do minor and major repairs and tune-ups.

OEM auto parts (original equipment manufacturer)
Auto parts made by the vehicle manufacturer. While they may cost more than aftermarket auto parts, OEM parts usually fit better, last longer and are covered by warranties.

Also known as: Original Equipment Manufacturer parts, stock vehicle parts, stock parts, stock auto parts

power loss
When an engine runs at reduced speed or requires more throttle to maintain speed.

Also known as: auto power loss, low power output, automobile hesitating

power train
The term referring to the transmission and engine, the parts that deliver power to the vehicle.

RPM
The speed at which the engine crankshaft is turning.

Also known as: revolutions per minute

rebuilt auto parts
Rebuilt auto parts are used auto parts that have been remanufactured, reconditioned and restored.

Also known as: salvage auto parts, salvage car parts, salvaged parts, used auto parts, replacement parts, used car parts, refurbished auto parts, rebuilt auto parts

rough idle
Rough idling is when the engine shakes and vibrates while the vehicle is running and stationary.

Also known as: vibrations, auto choking, engine sputtering, engine idling roughly, rough engine idling, rough idle repairs

salvage auto parts
Auto parts taken from recycled vehicles are called salvage auto parts. These are often inexpensive auto repair parts, but they usually don’t come with warranties because they haven’t been repaired or altered so their reliability can’t be guaranteed. Salvage auto parts are often a last resort for vehicle owners looking for hard-to-find parts for rare or older vehicles.

Also known as: salvage parts, salvage car parts, salvaged parts, used auto parts, replacement parts, used car parts

serpentine belt
Serpentine belts are also called multi-vee or multi-rib belts. They are a long, continuous belt that runs several automotive engine components, indulging the alternator, power steering pump, air pump and water pump.

Also known as: multi-vee belts, multi-v belts, multi-rib belts

shimmy
The term for a side-to-side motion that causes a vehicle’s tires and steering wheel to shake.

Also known as: car shaking, vehicle vibrations, auto shimmying

sluggish performance
When a vehicle does not accelerate smoothly or quickly enough it’s said to be sluggish or have sluggish performance.

Also known as: auto hesitation, vehicle loss of power, sluggish automotive performance

suspension
The shock absorbers and springs that create a smoother ride by dampening the motion of a vehicle as it drives.

Also known as: suspension system, auto suspension

timing belt
The timing belt is a toothed belt that is operated by the crankshaft and drives the camshaft in a vehicle. Broken timing belts cause valves to remain open and can cause engine damage when the valve is struck and bent by a piston.

undercarriage
The underside of a vehicle that supports the car and creates the framework.

Also known as: automobile framework, car body, auto frame, vehicle chassis, car undercarriage, automotive undercarriage, undercarriage repairs

vacuum hose
A hose that creates vacuum suction force in the engine. Vacuum hoses move fluids from one part of the engine to another.

water pump
The pump that moves coolant (antifreeze) through the radiator and engine.

Also known as: car water pump, car coolant pump