Tri-Diablo
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Tri-Diablo
New customers receive $25 off any maintenance, service, or repair excluding oil change, alignment, or. Diablo Auto Specialists in Walnut Creek offers superior auto service, maintenance, diagnostics and repairs for your Import and Domestic vehicles. Our qualified staff will help you with any auto repair or auto service that you need.

Our technicians and mechanics stay up to date with the latest technology and education to better service your vehicle. Whether you drive a car, truck, SUV, or Hybrid, our service bays welcome you. Since 1979, Diablo Auto Specialists has provided the best Walnut Creek auto repair and service.
Services
Established in 1979 as one of the first Independent Honda Repair shops in the area, Diablo Auto Specialist quickly gained a following. People spread the word that our outstanding customer service and technicians repaired and serviced cars better than the dealerships. Over the years, we added educated technicians to our Honda specialist team, and now Diablo Auto Specialists are qualified to service all Japanese makes and models.
For over 30 years, Diablo Auto Specialists has provided Walnut Creek, CA, and the surrounding areas with superior auto service and auto repair. Our Certified Green service center is fully equipped with state-of-the-art tools and staffed only by ASE Certified mechanics and technicians. We understand that auto repair can be inconvenient.
Tim and his technicians found a small gasket problem that Ford missed at my last oil change. Now that we're off the warranty, Diablo Auto Specialists will keep our vehicles running in top condition. Their estimate for the work was spot on. We enjoy taking our Ford Edge on long travel vacations and Tim's crew keeps the car in great shape.
Avoid high speeds. We know this is almost impossible to resist but you can improve your gas mileage by up to 15 percent driving at 55 mph rather than 65 mph. If your car is equipped with overdrive gearing use it as soon as your speed is high enough. Improve the intake/output system. By allowing gas to get in and exhaust out of your vehicle you will improve the vehicle's overall performance and gas mileage.
The failure of a timing belt in many cars can result in major engine damage. The cost of repairing an engine with a broken timing belt is much greater than the cost of a timing belt replacement. There are many sensors and computerized components that manage your vehicle's engine performance and emissions.
Reviews (25)
Doug Messer
Doug Messer
Dec 30, 2021
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I have used Diablo Auto Specialists for several years now. It is comforting to find an auto shop that you can trust. They are honest with their assessments and I know they are very fair on their pricing. I will continue to use them for all my auto care needs.
Service: Engine repair
Les Howard
Les Howard
Nov 24, 2021
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Positive: Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality, Value
Tim the owner is great and his staff professional and talented. Estimates are accurate for both time and cost. Will continue taking my cars to them.
Services: Tuning, Oil change, Brakes
Christina Lewis
Christina Lewis
Nov 23, 2021
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This place is a gem! Very friendly, professional, and they really care about their customers and their cars. Tim is highly knowledgeable about cars and I really appreciate that he is willing to explain and describe car stuff to me. Down to earth and seems very honest. Thank you Diablo Auto Specialists. It is a really good feeling to have a mechanic you can trust!
Al Danielson
Al Danielson
Nov 19, 2021
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Positive: Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality, Value
Diablo Auto Specialists have been servicing our cars for the last 36 years. They have kept our cars running in excellent condition. Our last visit they serviced our 1992 Honda Accord and it runs like new. Thanks to Tim and his team!
Service: General repairs & maintenance
Chris G.
Chris G.
Nov 02, 2021
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I've never had a car mechanic experience as good as the one I had at Diablo Auto before. It never felt like I was inconveniencing them. Whether we were talking in person or on the phone the customer service was top notch and it didn't feel like they had better things to do (like with other places). Price was reasonable and they did a great job on my car. Would recommend!
D. H.
D. H.
Oct 28, 2021
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Positive: Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality, Value
I've been taking my car here for a few years. Tim is a wonderful trustworthy person. Honesty is hard to find in this business. Great Service!
Service: General repairs & maintenance
David Birnbach
David Birnbach
Oct 24, 2021
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An overdue review in praise of and in thanks to Tim and Diablo Auto Specialists for the service I've received from them over the years. I found Tim through Yelp and Car Talk reviews shortly after I moved to CA in 2009. I concur with every favorable review that's been written about him and his crew. What else can I say? Tim is a prince among the auto guys I've dealt with in my 65 years of driving.
Sean McNamara
Sean McNamara
Oct 02, 2021
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Recently moved to Walnut Creek and needed to find a new shop for maintenance. I called several different locations trying to gather information on a brake job for one of our vehicles. Tim was very professional and upfront on the phone and was the only person who actually gave his name when taking my call. I also dealt with Tim when dropping off/picking up my vehicle and he was just as forthcoming and friendly. Diablo Auto Specialists did a great job, for the price quoted, within the time frame stated, and with a smile. Couldn't ask for anything more and I will be utilizing Tim and his shop for
Amanda Pinkham
Amanda Pinkham
Sep 15, 2021
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Positive: Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality, Value
I have been taking my infiniti to Tim at Diablo Auto for 4 or 5 years. They are always very professional, honest, and have done a great job. I have always felt that I could trust that they're not selling me on more than I need. Highly recommended!
Helen L.
Helen L.
Jul 22, 2021
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My car needed new belts and Tim the owner was very responsive, and was able to take me in quickly. He was very informative during service and let me know how things were going. And was reasonably priced. I will be going back to the shop for my additional car needs o
Jordan H.
Jordan H.
May 16, 2021
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I have a German car that was overheating. The first mechanic I took it to could not diagnose the problem. Then I called Tim at Diablo and he said he'll be glad to take a look at it and quoted me $90 for a diagnosis.

The issue turned out to be a really nasty blown head gasket that took a couple days to diagnose. Tim kept me in the loop each day and informed me of what was going on. He could have easily settled on what he THOUGHT the problem was; instead, he took his time and ensured he was diagnosing the problem correctly and accurately.

His team surely spent a lot of time to exactly pinpoint
Norman F.
Norman F.
Mar 02, 2021
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Recently had service work done on my Nissan Xterra, and have been going to Tim for a little over 2 years. Even though I moved to Sacramento in Jan '21, I still made an appointment to have my car worked because I highly value Tim's work, and want to keep my car going to 300,000 miles, currently at 221,000. Thank you Tim!!
Fritzic A.
Fritzic A.
Dec 14, 2020
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Tim is incredible and super customer-focused. I scheduled an appointment and Tim offered the flexibility to adjust my time of arrival, and even taught me a few things about my car that I had yet to learn. Tim is beyond honest, knowledgeable, and has me ready to return for my next scheduled maintenance. I really landed on a gem here, and recommend Diablo Auto Specialists. I wish I could leave 10 stars for this review.
Mark C.
Mark C.
Sep 22, 2020
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I can always count on Diablo Auto Specialists to give me an appointment promptly, explain what needs to be done, and charge me a fair price. I recommend them highly!
Charles L.
Charles L.
Sep 05, 2020
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Once again Tim has exceeded my expectations. He is honest and trustworthy and genuinely cares about his customers. All of my family cars will come to Tim and his staff for our service needs. As a retired Air Force aircraft maintenance specialist, I know the importance of expert service. Thanks Tim !
Sarah C.
Sarah C.
Feb 20, 2020
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I have been bringing my car to Tim for years. He's very friendly, honest and straightforward with you regarding what is needed for your car and doesn't try to sell you any unnecessary services or parts. Communication is excellent and he always calls with an update if your car needs something unexpected or will take longer than initially quoted. His prices are extremely reasonable and fair - I recently took my car to the dealership (I know, I know) for an oil change and was (unsurprisingly) quoted thousands for all these services my car "needed" but I brought my car to Diablo
Janet M.
Janet M.
Feb 11, 2020
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Tim at Diablo Auto Specialists, the best. After receiving a very expensive diagnostic test from a honda dealer, I took my car to Tim, he did the work for half the price and didn't do all the unnecessary repairs recommended by the dealer. Saved over $1000, thank you Tim!
Alicia Y.
Alicia Y.
Feb 11, 2020
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Super friendly and knowledgeable! I trust them. They always give me a complete overview of what was done that was standard, what should be done that isn't standard, and what can be either put off or left alone because it's not detrimental to the car.
Janet K.
Janet K.
Jan 29, 2020
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Brought my 16-year old Sonata in for oil and wipers change, and to replace low-bean headlamp (this car seems to eat them about once/year). Tim understood that I did not want to spend a lot as this is an old car that I hope to replace soon, and did not attempt to oversell. In fact, he and his staff did several extras at no charge (unlike most other dealers I've ever been to, who seem eager to take advantage of presumed auto-ignorance of female owners). Prices were very fair.
He was very respectful and provided sound advice as to likely future of my car. Turnaround was quick, and Tim kept
Derek N.
Derek N.
Jan 07, 2020
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This place is great. Went in for a quick battery change and they made sure it was quick. In and out in less than 15 minutes. The owner was very friendly. No BS. Great price. Above and beyond what you usually get at a auto repair shop.
Chris H.
Chris H.
Dec 05, 2019
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Tim is the best mechanic I have ever found! He is extremely knowledgeable and knows his stuff. He is honest and straight forward about your car needs and the urgency of them. You can tell he has been in the business for a long time and knows exactly what he is talking about. And when you have questions he has no problem answering them and explaining things. Thank you for taking the time today and diagnosing my car's check engine light. He is honest and his prices are very fair. I think anyone that goes into his shop will realize they are in great hands and he does great work. Thanks again
Man R.
Man R.
Aug 23, 2019
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Where to begin? I bought a 12 year old Mercedes, and it needed some major work done. After reading the glowing reviews, I decided to check out Diablo Auto. Tim agreed to 30 mins of work to do an evaluation on some problems I was having. Turned out, there was lots more to evaluate. It would have take a coiuple of hours to just assess. But at billing time, he insisted on our initial 30 mins. What a sweet guy! Mild mannered, and very un-pushy.
The diagnosis on the Mercedes took a couple of days, and he did a thorough job with the repairs. Moderate pricing. I'm very impressed at his
David J.
David J.
May 31, 2019
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The original review was in 2011. The car is still running fine 8 years later. Whatever this character is selling--you should not be buying it--David J
Dynamic D.
Dynamic D.
Aug 18, 2018
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Tim took great care of my car ( it not longer makes angry noises) and offered suggestions to save money. This is my go to auto shop while in town.
Emily J.
Emily J.
Jul 01, 2018
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Time for a review update, simply to share that, 8+ years later, Diablo Auto Specialists remains the only shop my husband and I completely trust with our cars. Making appointments is super easy via their online system and they always confirm promptly. Tim is incredibly nice and always upfront about the work that is being done. He is also great about giving us an idea of what we may need to anticipate doing a year or two down the road. Bonus is that they are located walking distance from the Iron Horse Trail and downtown Walnut Creek so I can squeeze in a run, caffeine, and food while my car is getting