Berkeley Auto Repair

Firestone did a study of over 9 million cars that were brought to their centers, and found that 42% suffered from underinflated tires – and that’s a national average. When broken out by states, California came in at the third worst position with 57% rate. Since underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, Firestone calculated that US drivers waste over $18 billion per year on additional fuel. Underinflated tires may seem like a minor issue, yet if you consider all the effects of underinflated tires, it can have consequences that go far beyond your wallet.  Here are the issues you may encounter when driving with underinflated tires: Increased fuel consumption Handling difficulty Increased braking distance Less stability when cornering or making emergency maneuvers Uneven tire wear which often results in premature need for tire replacement Increased risk of blowouts Steering feels unresponsive Suspension stress Driving in the rain: increased probability of ... read more

Today’s cars are more than just mechanical machines. They’re rolling computers with complex software systems managing everything from how the engine runs to how your transmission shifts. At the center of it all is the powertrain control module, or PCM. This small but powerful computer is responsible for coordinating the behavior of the engine, transmission, and other drivetrain components to ensure smooth, efficient performance. Over time, as manufacturers discover ways to improve performance, fuel economy, or emissions, they release updated software for the PCM. Reprogramming your PCM installs these updates. Think of it as downloading the latest version of an app on your phone, but in this case, it can improve how your car drives and prevent future problems. What Exactly Does the PCM Control The PCM processes input from dozens of sensors located throughout your vehicle. These sensors monitor variables like engine temperature, air intake, throttle positi ... read more

If one day you turn on your vehicle’s a/c (or heat) and there is no air coming in at all, or the fan shuts off without rhyme or reason, there is a good chance that the blower motor relay is malfunctioning. This tiny switch can wreak havoc with your vehicle’s ac or heating. The blower motor relay is an electronic switch – it controls power coming to the blower motor. When you turn on a/c or heat, or change fan speed setting, blower motor relay ensures that the blower motor gets just the right voltage to run as desired. When the relay starts to malfunction, a variety of symptoms may appear – no air at all, or intermittent fan failure, or just one fan speed – all of them implicate the blower motor relay. However, while the relay may be implicated, it takes a professional mechanic to verify and find the true cause of the problem – for example, if no air comes out of the vents, it could be the relay, but it could also be the blower motor itself that&rsq ... read more

Hundred years ago, in June 1925, Walter Chrysler founded the Chrysler Corporation. It was one of the more innovative automotive companies of the era when all automotive companies were highly innovative. Today, when we think of PT Cruiser, Chrysler 300 or the award winning Chrysler Pacifica minivan, we are seeing hundred years of automotive tradition embodied in modern Chrysler vehicles. At Oceanworks Auto Repair in Berkeley we are fans of Chrysler vehicles, and even though PT Cruiser and Chrysler 300 are no longer manufactured, we continue to service and repair these vehicles. Naturally, we also service and repair Chrysler minivans: the Pacifica and the Voyager. At our Berkeley auto repair shop we offer regular service for your vehicles, as well as diagnostics and repairs - if your Chrysler should need those. As your vehicle gets older, regular oil change becomes crucial. Oil change extends engine life, and every time we perform this service, we also get to inspect other systems of yo ... read more

When your mechanic recommends a major repair, it’s natural to feel uncertain, especially if the estimate is high or the explanation seems vague. In moments like these, getting a second opinion is a way to protect your vehicle, wallet, and peace of mind. At Oceanworks Berkeley, we offer no-cost second opinions because we believe drivers should feel confident about their car care decisions. Here's when seeking a second opinion really makes sense, and why it's often the best move before approving any big repairs. The Diagnosis Doesn’t Seem to Match the Symptoms If the symptoms you're experiencing don’t seem to align with the recommended repair, that’s a red flag. For example, if your car is simply idling a little rough but you're being told you need a full transmission replacement, it’s worth having another technician take a look. While the first shop may be right, there’s also a chance that the issue ... read more

Automotive air conditioning system is a marvel of engineering–we normally don’t give it much thought, yet it’s quite a feat to be able to have a blast of cold air – at will – while traveling 60 miles an hour. In reality, the a/c system in your automobile is a complex interplay of liquids/ gases, hoses, sensors and electro-mechanical devices. So when it comes to auto a/c system service and repair, there are plenty of potential points where something can go wrong. Fortunately, at Oceanworks we employ highly skilled, nationally ASE-certified technicians, who can service your vehicle’s air conditioning system, as well as diagnose and repair any problems it may exhibit. Some of the issues we have diagnosed and repaired in the past are listed below (this is not an exhaustive list!): Coolant leaks ... read more

Planning a road trip? Whether you’re heading up the coast, through the mountains, or across the desert, one thing’s for sure—your car needs to be ready for the miles ahead. Even the most reliable vehicle can run into trouble if it hasn’t been checked over before a long drive. A little preparation goes a long way in making your trip smoother, safer, and a lot less stressful. Here’s how to get your car road trip ready without overthinking it. Start With a General Health Check Before anything else, you’ll want to give your car a basic once-over—or, better yet, schedule a pre-trip inspection. This should include checking the following: Oil and fluid levels Tire tread and pressure Brake function Lights and signals Windshield wipers and washer fluid It’s about confirming that all the essentials are in good shape and funct ... read more

Welcome to Oceanworks Berkeley. Our family owned and operated auto repair shop provides complete automotive maintenance and repair services, including comprehensive brake service and repair. Brake system reliability equals safety for your passengers, for you, and for other motorists and for pedestrians.  Our nationally ASE-certified technicians are equally comfortable working on disc brakes as well as drum brakes, so no matter what brake system is used by your vehicle, we can get it serviced and/or repaired. Brake services and repairs we perform most often include replacing brake pads, testing and changing brake fluid (aka brake fluid flush), brake shoe replacement, finding the cause of squealing brakes, and ... read more

Toyota has a well-earned reputation for building reliable vehicles, and its V6 engines are often praised as some of the most dependable in the industry. But is this reputation justified, or is it just a case of brand loyalty? If you’re considering buying a Toyota with a V6 or already own one, understanding what makes these engines so reliable—and where they might have weaknesses—can help you make informed decisions about maintenance and longevity. What Makes Toyota V6 Engines So Reliable Toyota’s V6 engines are known for their durability, and this isn’t just luck. The company follows strict engineering and manufacturing standards to ensure long-term reliability. One of the biggest factors is Toyota’s conservative engineering approach. Instead of pushing the limits of power output at the expense of reliability, Toyota designs its V6 engines with a focus on longevity. The materials used in key components, such as the pistons, timing ... read more

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