Berkeley Auto Repair

Across the nation, it's been an exciting winter, and here in California we've certainly had our share. While the entire state didn't feel the effects of the “Polar Vortex”, it did make it cold for some of us! I'm sure you're as happy as I am to see warmer weather coming our way! Before we get into spring, it's a good time to check the fluids in your vehicle and make sure they are where they should be. It's also time to begin thinking about the seasonal needs of your car or truck; from filter service, to oil change, to any other services you may have missed in the last few thousand miles. Come on in, and let us get your vehicle ready for spring and summer

The new year is here, so it's time to make those resolutions to help keep the car in better shape next year. In the spirit of 2019, here are 19 car care tips to help you make this year the best yet! Get to know your owner's manual. There's valuable information in there, like tire pressures, maintenance schedules, and other manufacturer recommendations. Since we mentioned “maintenance schedule,” set one up at with us, now you'll be alerted to upcoming items that need attention, and you'll have scheduled inspections to prevent on-the-road breakdowns. Watch your tire pressures. The amount of air (or today, nitrogen) in your tires can affect how your car drives, the fuel mileage, braking distance…and of course, tread wear. So, keep pressures where they should be, and your ride will be safe, and smooth. Inspect your air filter regularly and replace it if it's dirty or decomposing. If you're in a dry, dusty area, or wet conditions often, you ... read more

We're now well into the holiday season, and we all have many places to go, and people to see! But, weather is now a factor and a vehicle that isn't “weather-ready” can cause delay or even lost opportunities to get where you want to go. We can do a simple inspection to make sure your car can get you to your destinations. Some of the items that should be inspected are your cooling system, fuel system, tires, brakes and the age and condition of your serpentine belt. Once you know the condition of these items, you can decide what needs attention NOW, and what can wait until your next service. This will give you the peace of mind that keeps you on the road, instead of sitting at home, or even worse, being stranded out in the cold. Be proactive and KNOW where you stand! A quick appointment will make sure your holidays are trouble-free when it comes to your vehicle, and your peace of mind might be a real gift that lasts well into the new year

November is Car Winterizing Month If you live in a climate that sees extensive rain or snow and cold temperatures, you need to consider Winterizing your vehicle. This is a series of steps that are designed to make driving safer for your family during these colder months. It can even make your car less likely to be in an accident caused by someone else! The areas that require attention are: Brakes: Your brakes need to be inspected for fluid leaks, and for amount of useful pad life. Tires: Tires should have adequate tread depth, and should not show any cracks or broken belts. Tire pressure should be checked, and should be checked once a week. Cooling System: Flush, and refill system with new antifreeze. Make sure thermostat and other components are operational. Charging System: Check for operation, and make sure battery is in great shape. Filters: Start with new oil and filter, and have your tech check all other filters, too. Engine Tune: Make sure your engine is operating proper ... read more

With forest fires being a constant possibility, preparedness is vital. It's important to have your cabin air filter inspected and changed regularly by Oceanworks Berkeley, a good rule of thumb is to change your filter during every other oil change! This simple, yet important, service will help ensure vehicle longevity as well as clean air inside the car. With the amount of smoke and debris caused by forest fires in the Berkeley area, it is very likely that cabin air filters in the local area will be severely affected. Cabin air filters are the first line of defense against contaminants that reduce vehicle cabin air quality. A cabin air filter should NOT be cleaned and reinstalled. Instead, it should be replaced every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or per the owner's manual, or more frequently in areas experiencing heavy smoke, debris and contaminants, such as areas closer to the woods. The cabin air filter is responsible for cleaning the air entering the passenger compartment. Under ... read more

An inspection of your vehicle during fall months will go a long way toward ensuring safety and dependability when temperatures drop, and severe winter weather strikes. A routine maintenance program also makes financial sense, extending useful vehicle life and helping avoid costly repairs down the road. When you schedule with Oceanworks Berkeley, we will examine these top 10 items in your vehicle: Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering, brake, and transmission as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant. Check the hoses and belts to make sure they are not cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or showing signs of excessive wear. Check the battery and replace if necessary. Make sure the connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free. Check the brake system annually and have the brake linings, rotors and drums inspected at each oil change. Inspect the exhaust system for leaks, damage and broken supports or hangers if there is an unusual noise. Exhaust leaks c ... read more

School is back in session, that means carpooling is a big deal, follow this check-list for an easy school year! Check lights and wipers for visibility. With shorter days and inclement weather ahead, make sure lights and wipers function properly so that you can see and be seen. Check the exterior and interior lights and replace any that are dimming, rapidly blinking or not functioning. Check wiper blades for signs of wear and replace if necessary. Check tires for under inflation or excessive wear. Check tire pressure and refill underinflated tires, including the spare, and look for uneven wear and check tread depth. An easy way to do the latter is by placing a penny head-down in the tread groove. If the tread does not cover Lincoln's head, it's time to replace your tires. Consider a back-up detection device. Consider having a back-up detection device installed that provides rearview video or warning sounds when moving in reverse. While drivers should not rely solely on these ... read more

With the hot summer temperatures on the rise, knowing the symptoms of a sick cooling system are critical to your car's survival, since cooling system failure is a leading cause of vehicle breakdowns. The most noticeable symptoms include overheating, leaks, a sweet smell of antifreeze and repeatedly needing to add coolant, according to Oceanworks Berkeley. The primary job of the engine's cooling system is to remove the heat that is generated during the combustion process. The coolant temperature can be well over 200 degrees and that heat has to go somewhere, otherwise engine components are going to start failing. The key parts of the cooling system remove the heat from the engine and automatic transmission and dispel it to the air outside. The water pump circulates coolant through the engine. The coolant absorbs heat and returns it to the radiator where heat is dissipated. The thermostat regulates the coolant temperature to keep it consistent for efficient engine operation. A ... read more