Berkeley Auto Repair

  As car enthusiasts, we've all been captivated by the sheer thrill of rear-wheel-drive (RWD) vehicles, those machines that gracefully dance through corners and deliver power to the pavement with unrivaled finesse. But with great performance comes great responsibility, and today, we dive into a topic that often swirls in the minds of RWD aficionados – "Do rear-wheel-drive vehicles need extra maintenance?"  The short answer is yes. They do need a few extra procedures and maintenance tasks to be as safe as possible. While advances in technology have proven RWD cars as safe as their other counterparts, it’s better to be safe than sorry and go the extra mile. Differential Fluid Checks The heart of any RWD vehicle lies in its differential. This component distributes power to the rear wheels while allowing them to rotate at different speeds during turns. To keep this vital part in top shape, regular differential fluid checks and change ... read more

Foggy and yellow headlights are a common issue faced by many drivers, and the culprit is often oxidation. Just as metals rust when exposed to the elements, your car's headlights can oxidize over time. This oxidation, caused by UV rays, pollutants, and other environmental factors, leads to a cloudy appearance on the surface of your headlights. As a result, the clarity of your headlights diminishes, reducing their effectiveness in illuminating the road. Hazy headlights aren't just an aesthetic concern; they can compromise your safety on the road. Diminished visibility due to oxidized headlights reduces your ability to see obstacles, pedestrians, and other vehicles clearly, especially during night driving or adverse weather conditions. Furthermore, foggy headlights can also reduce your visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of car accidents. The good news is that you don't have to live with foggy headlights forever. Headlight restoration is a professional service d ... read more

Spending time at the beach is a great way to enjoy summer. It may be enjoyable and adventurous but may harm your car. If you don't clean sand and saltwater properly from your car, you may have problems. How To Clean Your Car A clean car is essential to avoid potential damage from sand clogs. You can get rid of salt water and sand from your car in the following ways: 1. Rinse Thoroughly It's essential to rinse off accumulated sand or saltwater from your car immediately after spending time at the beach. A pressure washer or hosepipe can help you clean effectively. When spraying water, focus on the undercarriage, wheel wells, and grille. These areas accumulate sand easily. 2. Hand Wash Carefully Once rinsed off, hand wash your car using a mild detergent designed for automotive use. Avoid using household detergents as they can strip away protective coatings on your vehicle's paintwork. 3. Don't Forget About the Undercarriage Saltwater can cause corrosion in metal co ... read more

When it comes to navigating tough terrains and adverse weather conditions, having a vehicle with enhanced traction and stability is crucial. This is where all-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) systems come into play. While these terms are often used interchangeably, it's important to understand their differences to make an informed decision when choosing your next vehicle.  Let’s delve into the differences between AWD and 4WD. Power Distribution The key disparity between AWD and 4WD lies in how power is distributed to the wheels. AWD systems typically send power to all four wheels simultaneously, adjusting the distribution based on road conditions. On the other hand, 4WD systems are designed to deliver equal power to both front and rear wheels, with an option to switch between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive when needed. Traction and Control AWD is best suited for enhancing traction on regular road surfaces, providing better control and stability in v ... read more

One essential aspect of car maintenance is the regular inspection of the suspension system. You can do this by performing the bounce test - a simple yet effective way to assess your car's shocks and struts.  The bounce test is a visual and tactile method used to evaluate the condition of your vehicle's suspension system. It helps identify potential problems like worn-out shocks, which can impact your vehicle's stability, handling, and overall ride comfort. By detecting suspension problems early on, you can address them promptly, preventing further damage and ensuring a safer driving experience. Steps to Perform the Bounce Test Park your car on a flat and level surface. Ensure that the parking brake is engaged and the engine is turned off. Press down firmly on the front or rear of the vehicle. Apply your weight and force on the bumper, and push the car down with all your strength. Release the pressure and observe the vehicle's response. Pay attention to how ... read more

If you cannot answer this question – worry not. At Oceanworks Berkeley we are one of the few Bay Area shops that offer both the old refrigerant, the R134a, as well as the new R1234YF refrigerant. R1234YF is specially formulated to be friendly to the environment. Equipment designed to work with the new refrigerant has different fittings and special on-board sensors to prevent R134a from contaminating the new R1234YF refrigerant. So if you are not sure which refrigerant your car uses, make an appointment with Oceanworks Berkeley. We will check manufacturer database to determine which refrigerant is required by your vehicle, and will get your car’s ac serviced the same day. We made a conscious choice to offer ac services regardless of which refrigerant a vehicle may need. We purchased equipment that allows us to services vehicles using the old as well as the new refrigerant. So no matter which refrigerant your vehicle requires, we can complete ac service and provide you wit ... read more

When it comes to maintaining a safe and smooth ride in your vehicle, tire balance and wheel alignment are key. But which service do you actually need? Let's explore the differences between these two services so that you can know what is best for taking care of your car. What Is Tire Balancing? Tire balancing is the process of ensuring that your tires are spinning and rotating evenly. This helps to prevent vibrations while you drive. A tire balance will involve placing weights around the wheels' rims so that they can spin or rotate freely without producing any disruptive vibration or noise. It is important to balance your tires because an imbalance can lead to premature tire wear or worse, the tire detaching from the rim. What Is Wheel Alignment? Wheel alignment, on the other hand, is the process of adjusting the angles of your vehicle's wheels to make sure they are properly aligned. This helps to keep your car in a straight line and prevent uneven tire wear. It also he ... read more

Belts and hoses may not be the most glamorous parts of your car, but they are essential for its overall operation. From the serpentine belt that powers your engine's accessories to the radiator hoses that keep your engine cool, your vehicle's belts and hoses are critical components that require regular maintenance and inspection. Here's what you need to know about the belts and hoses that make up your car: Types of Belts Serpentine Belt: The serpentine belt is your engine's longest and most critical belt. It powers many of your engine's accessories, such as the alternator, power steering pump, water pump, and air conditioning compressor. Timing Belt: The timing belt controls the timing of your engine's valves, which ensures proper combustion and engine performance. If the timing belt fails, it can cause irreversible engine damage. Drive Belts: There are several other belts in your engine that are additional power accessories, such as the f ... read more

The PCV valve, or Positive Crankcase Ventilation valve, is a vehicle emission control system component. It assists in regulating the pressure inside the engine's crankcase, reducing dangerous emissions and preventing damage to other engine components. The PCV valve works by allowing a controlled amount of crankcase gases to escape into the engine's intake manifold, where they can be burned in the combustion process. This helps to prevent the buildup of pressure inside the engine, which can cause oil leaks and other problems. Over time, the PCV valve can become clogged or malfunction, leading to a variety of problems, including decreased engine performance, increased emissions, and even damage to the engine itself. It's important to have your PCV valve checked and replaced as needed to ensure that your vehicle is running smoothly and efficiently. If you notice any of the following warning signs, it may be time to have your PCV valve inspected: Poor engine performance: A ... read more

It's easy buying a car when you know what you are looking for. But what if you have no clue what to get? It can be confusing with all the makes and models on the market. Depending on your needs, you will find a couple of options that might work for you down below. Spacious And Comfortable Options Tired of bumpy rides or need a lot of space in your vehicle? The answer you are looking for is a truck or SUV. The difference between the two is that the truck has an open bed for storage at the back, and the SUV has extra seating, which can be converted into a trunk. Both of them offer a very comfortable driving experience with a variety of power options. Sporty But Family Friendly If you want to combine having fun and picking up the kids from school, you should look at sedans and wagons. They offer a wide range of engine configurations, interior specs, and extras, so you can pick whichever works best for you. In this range of vehicles, there are some very luxurious and powerful ones ... read more