Berkeley Auto Repair

Automatic shutoff is designed to stop fuel flow the instant your tank reaches a safe level. Most of the time, it works perfectly. Still, drivers occasionally experience overflows, splashback, or a nozzle that will not stop when expected. Here is what actually happens inside the nozzle, why rare failures occur, and the simple steps you can take if a pump misbehaves. How Automatic Shutoff Is Supposed To Work Inside every nozzle is a tiny sensing port near the tip. As fuel flows, air is drawn past this port and up a small tube by a Venturi vacuum inside the handle. When rising gasoline covers the port, airflow changes, the vacuum spikes, and a diaphragm trips the latch to close the trigger. That click you hear is the mechanical shutoff doing its job. Normal Click-Offs Versus Malfunctions Early click-offs are common and usually not a failure. Foam, a twisted filler neck, or fast flow can fool the nozzle into thinking the tank is full. True malfunction ... read more

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";} Keeping your Chrysler in top condition means enjoying a ride that’s smooth, powerful, and safe every day. Whether you own a practical Pacifica for the family or a Chrysler 300, consistent maintenance helps prevent costly problems and keeps your vehicle performing the way it was designed to. At Oceanworks Berkeley your Chrysler is cared for by skilled professionals committed to quality service.   All vehicles need regular maintenance, and so does your Chrysler.  Our ASE-certified technicians use advanced diagnost ... read more

Tesla vehicles are marvels of modern engineering, in particular the regenerative braking system. Not only does it recover some of the energy during braking, but it is also easy on the brake pads and the braking system in general. But there is one aspect of the braking system that will need regular maintenance – brake fluid. Brake fluid needs to be replaced with some regularity. Tesla recommends brake fluid testing and replacement every four years. We disagree – brakes are vital to your safety, and Tesla, like all EVs, is a heavy vehicle (the high voltage battery is very heavy). So brakes need to be in optimal shape. The reason for brake fluid replacement is twofold. First and foremost, brake fluid is hygroscopic – it attracts and absorbs moisture from the environment. When the water content of the brake fluid exceeds safe levels, brake fluid must be replaced, or you are risking sub-standard braking, or in extreme cases, an outright brake failure. The second reason ... read more

If you keep topping off between oil changes, your car is trying to tell you something. Modern engines are efficient, but steady oil loss is not normal. When the dipstick reads low well before the next service, it usually points to wear, a leak, or a ventilation issue that needs attention. Below are the most common causes, what to watch for, and when it is smart to schedule an inspection. Worn Piston Rings or Cylinder Walls Piston rings seal the gap between the pistons and cylinder walls so combustion stays put and oil stays out. As those rings wear or the cylinder walls get scored, oil can slip past and burn inside the cylinders. A classic clue is blue or gray smoke from the tailpipe, especially during hard acceleration or after a long idle. Even if you do not see constant smoke, the engine may still be burning oil faster than it should. Valve Seal Leaks Valve seals keep oil from dripping into the combustion chamber. Age and heat can harden the s ... read more

Your Subaru’s brakes are one of its most important safety systems. Whether you’re navigating Bay Area traffic or heading out for a weekend drive, healthy brake pads give you the stopping power you need when it matters most. Over time, those pads wear down with every stop, making regular inspection and timely replacement essential for your safety and your vehicle’s performance. At Oceanworks in Berkeley we help Subaru owners keep their vehicles braking smoothly and safely—with expert service, quality parts, and quality repairs. Brake pads don’t last forever, and catching early warning signs can prevent costly repairs later on. Here are a few clues that it’s time to schedule a replacement: Squealing or grinding noises when you press the brakes Vibration or pulsing when braking Spongy brake pedal sensation or longer stopping distances If you notice any of the above symptoms, call Oceanworks for an appointment. Driving with worn brake pads can damag ... read more

Your Cadillac is designed for refined comfort and effortless control — but even the best-engineered vehicles need regular care to stay that way. Over time, your suspension system endures thousands of bumps, potholes, and rough roads that can wear out its components. When that happens, your ride quality and handling can be negatively impacted. At Oceanworks in Berkeley, our ASE-certified technicians have extensive experience in Cadillac repair, including suspension repairs. Your vehicle’s suspension system isn’t just about comfort — it’s critical to your Cadillac’s overall safety and performance. Proper suspension maintenance ensures: Better control and stability: A healthy suspension keeps your tires firmly on the road, improving traction, steering precision, and braking performance. Even tire wear: Worn shocks and struts cause uneven tire pressure and tread wear, leading to premature tire replacement. Enhanced comfort: A well-maintained suspensi ... read more

Oceanworks is pleased to announce that we can now provide a variety of Tesla services. As Tesla service centers struggled to keep up with demand, Tesla had made repair information and parts available to independent auto repair shops.  As a result, we can now offer Tesla owners regular maintenance and repair services. While Tesla vehicles don’t need oil changes, they do require regular maintenance. Tesla recommends tire rotation every 6000 miles or so. Brake pads replacement, even though less frequent than on internal combustion engine vehicles, are still a necessity. Brake fluid replacement every 2 years is recommended. Tesla recommends yearly brake caliper cleaning and lubrication. And if your Tesla needs new control arms – our nationally ASE-certified technicians can complete control arms replacement in a single day. So bring your Tesla to Oceanworks Berkeley – whether it needs tire rotation (very important for EVs due to their weight), new rotors, or s new w ... read more

Hearing a loud clunk when shifting your car into drive is not something to ignore. While it might be tempting to assume it’s just “one of those noises,” this kind of sound often points to underlying issues that can worsen over time. Whether it’s happening occasionally or every time you shift gears, finding out what’s causing the clunk is the first step to protecting your transmission and drivetrain. What Does the Clunk Mean The clunking sound is usually a sign of stress or play somewhere in the drivetrain. When components like mounts, joints, or gears aren’t operating as they should, the sudden transfer of torque from the transmission can cause a loud mechanical impact. It’s a signal that something isn’t absorbing the force the way it’s supposed to. Some drivers notice the clunk only when shifting into drive from a complete stop. Others hear it when switching between drive and reverse. Either way, it suggests tha ... read more

Seeing your Hyundai’s check engine light flicker on can turn a calm drive into a moment of stress. While it’s tempting to ignore the warning, that little amber light is your car’s way of asking for help. At Oceanworks, the premier Berkeley auto repair shop, we’ve helped countless Hyundai owners understand what’s behind that glow — and how to fix it before it becomes a bigger problem. The check engine light can point to a wide range of issues, from something as simple as a loose gas cap to something as serious (and expensive to fix) as a failing catalytic converter.  Many Hyundai drivers encounter OBD-II codes such as: P0171 – System Too Lean (often linked to a vacuum leak or faulty mass airflow sensor) P0300 – Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected P0420 – Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (commonly a catalytic converter or oxygen sensor issue) P0456 – Evaporative Emission System Small Leak (sometimes jus ... read more

Spark plugs play a small but crucial role in keeping your vehicle running smoothly. Their job is to create the electrical spark that ignites the air-fuel mixture inside the engine cylinders. Without that spark, your engine won’t start, and if the plugs are weak or worn, your engine’s performance can suffer. Because spark plugs work in a high-pressure, high-temperature environment, they wear down over time. Replacing them at the right intervals can improve your car’s performance and fuel efficiency, while also preventing costly engine problems. How Worn Spark Plugs Affect Performance When spark plugs start to degrade, they may not ignite the fuel mixture completely or at the right time. This can cause several noticeable issues: Slower acceleration Engine misfires Rough idling Reduced power during uphill driving These symptoms happen because the combustion process becomes less efficient. Instead of converting fuel into usable energy, more fuel ge ... read more