Berkeley Auto Repair

Kids are going back to school and the nights are getting colder – the Fall is upon us, and with it comes time for the rainy season checkup. At Oceanworks we offer comprehensive car care, including seasonal checkups.   Fall driving brings rainy days and cold mornings, so it’s important to check that the tires still have plenty of thread (necessary to evacuate water and prevent hydroplaning), that the brakes and the brake fluid are ready for sudden stops, that the car battery is strong enough to get the car started on a cold morning (cold weather weakens batteries), and that the windshield wipers can clear the view, and that the defrosting system rapidly defrosts the windshield – this is important not only for the driver, but also for the ADAS systems, some of which rely on cameras that are mounted behind the windshield.   Our Berkeley auto repair facility offers convenient appointments, so call us to schedule one. And if the checkup reveals items that nee ... read more

An exhaust leak can be obvious, like a loud rumble from under the car, or subtle enough that you only notice a ticking sound during a cold start. Some leaks affect noise more than anything else, while others can interfere with oxygen sensor readings, increase emissions, or allow exhaust gases to enter areas where they do not belong. Finding the exact source is important because exhaust noise can travel through pipes and body panels. The place that sounds loudest from the driver’s seat is not always where the leak actually is. Repair shops use a combination of visual checks, listening, pressure or smoke testing, and inspection of joints and components to narrow it down before recommending a repair. We Start by Listening to the Sound The sound itself can give useful clues. A sharp ticking near the engine often points toward an exhaust manifold, manifold gasket, or connection close to the cylinder head. A deeper rumble farther underneath the vehicle may come from ... read more

If your car suddenly stalls, has trouble starting or loses power on the highway it can be a sign of a failing fuel pump. Whether total failure, or intermittent fuel delivery problems, fuel pump failure is a serious issue. At Oceanworks we offer full fuel pump diagnostics, and if necessary, fuel pump replacement. How do mechanics know when a fuel pump is bad? We start with computer trouble codes – the road signs for further diagnostics. Warning code does not guarantee a bad fuel pump. Codes like P0087 or P0191 can indicate a fuel pressure problem, but the actual cause requires further testing – it could be clogged fuel filter, a bad fuel pressure sensor, pressure regulator problems, injector leak, wiring issues or a fuel pump that is truly going bad. At Oceanworks we take the time to accurately pinpoint the real culprit behind the symptoms and trouble codes. As a result, we can get your vehicle fixed right on the first try.  Our nationally ASE-certified technicians co ... read more