Berkeley Auto Repair

Your car’s heater core keeps you warm on cold mornings and helps regulate the cabin temperature. When it fails, you will notice cold air blowing from the vents, a foggy windshield that won’t clear, or even coolant leaking inside your vehicle. Knowing what causes a heater core to fail and how to fix it can help prevent bigger issues down the road. What Does the Heater Core Do The heater core functions like a small radiator, using hot coolant from the engine to warm the air inside your cabin. When you turn on the heat, air is blown through the heater core, absorbing warmth before it enters your vehicle. Because it’s connected to the cooling system, a failing heater core can also impact engine performance and temperature regulation. Common Causes of Heater Core Failure We’ve seen heater cores fail for several reasons, but th ... read more

CarMD’s list of top 10 causes of the check engine light for 2024 provides an interesting glimpse at the auto maintenance and repairs in 2024. At Oceanworks in Berkeley we full range of auto care, including check engine light diagnostics and repairs. Check engine light (CEL) can come “on” for hundreds of reasons, but here are the top 10 according to CarMD (which analyzes millions of reports every year):   1) Catalytic converter replacement – no, catalytic converters do not fail at a higher rate than before, but they still get stolen at a high rate, that’s why catalytic converter replacement is still first on the list. 2) Oxygen sensor replacement – oxygen sensors live in a difficult environment, and can fail, in addition, they are often damaged when thieves steal catalytic ... read more

No car owner wants to hear the words "engine trouble." Engine repairs are often among the costliest vehicle expenses, and in severe cases, they can rival the price of a new car. While wear and tear are inevitable, understanding the common reasons for expensive engine issues and how to prevent them can save you both time and money in the long run. Let’s explore five of the most expensive engine repairs and the proactive steps you can take to avoid them. Replacing the Timing Belt The timing belt plays a crucial role in keeping your engine’s valves and pistons operating in sync. If this belt fails, it can result in significant internal engine damage, including bent valves or a destroyed cylinder head. Repairs often involve replacing multiple components and can cost thousands of dollars, depending on the severity. To prevent timing belt failure, follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommended replacement intervals, usually between 60,000 and ... read more