Berkeley Auto Repair

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

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

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

Kia Sorento is a comfortable and versatile vehicle that will take you places – if you keep it well maintained. At Oceanworks Berkeley auto repair shop we provide high-quality service designed to keep you Kia Sorento in top shape for the lifetime of the vehicle. Whether it’s routine maintenance, brake inspections, suspension adjustments, transmission service, a/c refrigerant refill, or complex engine diagnostics and repairs, you can trust us to keep your Kia Sorento ready for both the everyday commute and road trip adventures. At Oceanworks, we follow factory-recommended schedule of services, as well as use advanced diagnostic tools to ensure every system in your Sorento is running at peak performance. Regular maintenance is essential to enhance safety, fuel efficiency, and the long-term value of your Kia. Here is just a small sample of the services your Kia can receive at our Berkeley auto care facility: oil and filter change, brake inspection and service, transmission fl ... read more

A few years ago catalytic converter theft became prevalent accross not just the Bay Area but the entire US. At the time we wrote about it and about the steps that could be taken to protect your vehicle from the thieves. Well, it turns out that those thefts were not just driven by local individual thieves commiting an "crime of opportunity" - it turns out there were big actors who created organizations that crossed state lines and  took the catalytic conveter theft income to a whole new level. On July 21st 2025  US Department of Justice issued a press released about a New Jersey resident who pleaded guilty in federal court in Oklahoma to being in charge of a multi-state criminal organization, which mascaraded as New Jersey-based  company called D.G. Auto Parts . The operation purchased and transported "large quantities" of catalytic converters stolen in ma ... read more

Keeping your Kia Soul running at its best requires specialized care and expertise. Choosing a service and repair facility with deep knowledge of Kia vehicles is key to your car running smoothly and reliably over time. At Oceanworks Berkeley we offer comprehensive Kia Soul service and repair solutions to address the mechanical and electrical needs of this Kia model. Whether your Kia Soul is due for an oil change, for scheduled maintenance, or has mechanical or electrical issues, our team of ASE-certified technicians applies industry-leading standards and latest diagnostic tools to every service or repair. All repairs performed by our technicians carry a 24,000 mile / 24 month warranty. Our Kia Soul service and repairs cover all major mechanical, electrical, engine and fluid issues, including not just oil changes and manufacturer recommended maintenance, but also suspension work, electrical system diagnostics and repairs, car battery replacement, starter replacement,  engine repai ... read more

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