Berkeley Auto Repair

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