Berkeley Auto Repair

Hyundai vehicles have undergone vast changes over the decades – from the economical Hyundai Excel (have you seen the 2-pack commercial for the Excel that aired in the 1988?), to the super-modern and stylish hybrids we see every day around Berkeley. Oceanworks offers complete Hyundai vehicle maintenance services and repairs – including Hyundai Hybrids. Hyundai has expanded its hybrid offer to include passenger cars like Elantra or Sonata hybrids, as well as SUVs – Palisade, Santa Fe and Tucson. Elantra hybrid rivals Toyota Prius when it comes to fuel efficiency, while the Palisade hybrid offers 500+ mile combined range.  All vehicles require regular service – and hybrids are no exception – as a matter of fact, you can expect some additional work – like high voltage battery replacement (typically after 150,000 – 200,000 miles), as well as occasional cleaning around the fan that cools the hybrid battery. Your Hyundai Hybrid will also benefi ... read more

In February we wrote on our Google Business Profile about getting your auto a/c checked and refrigerant refilled before the summer rush starts. Well… the summer rush has started. Three consecutive hot days in the Bay Area really drove home that the summer is upon us. At Oceanworks we offer comprehensive automotive air conditioning services and repairs. Auto a/c systems are a complex maze of various electro-mechanical and fluid and gas systems – refrigerant, lines that conduct refrigerant in its liquid and gaseous state around the system, evaporator, expansion valve, condenser, compressor, blower motor, to name just a few. Problem with any one of these components can result in subpar a/c performance. Our Berkeley auto care facility offers auto a/c diagnostics and repairs – whether your vehicle uses the old R-134a refrigerant, or the newer R1234YF environmentally friendly stuff. So if you find out that the a/c in your car fails to provide the cold air you expect, cal ... read more

Has your vehicle illuminated the check engine light? The bad news is that you should bring your vehicle to a “mechanic near me” – and naturally we recommend Oceanworks in Berkeley. The good news is that the check engine light does not necessarily mean major repairs. As a matter of fact, one of the most frequent causes of the check engine light is a faulty gas cap – an easy, fast and inexpensive repair. Other check engine light repairs may include spark plugs replacement – something your vehicle needs regularly, ignition coil replacement, or a sensor replacement (most frequently oxygen sensor, mass airflow sensor or wheel speed sensor). Are there expensive repairs associated with the check engine light? Yes, catalytic converter replacement being one of them, fortunately, catalytic converter theft is down significantly, and catalytic converters rarely fail on their own. There are, literally, thousands of conditions that can cause the check engine light to ... read more

Jeep is an iconic brand that dates back to 1941 – Jeep Willss MB was produced by Willys-Overland, and delivered to US armed forces for use as lightweight four-wheel-drive reconnaissance vehicle. After the war, the first civilian version was released in 1945. The rest, as they say, is history. At Oceanworks Berkeley we offer complete Jeep care – diagnostics, maintenance services, repairs – whatever your Jeep needs, our nationally ASE-certified mechanics will get it fixed and ready for future service. When fixing your vehicle, we use quality parts, and all repairs are backed by 2 year / 24,000 mile warranty. Our team understands the engineering behind the brand, and we use advanced diagnostic tools to pinpoint issues accurately before we make any repairs. Whether you drive a rugged Wrangler or a comfortable family-friendly Grand Cherokee, a modern Jeep requires skilled mechanics that can use advanced digital diagnostic tools and are at home with dozens and dozens of s ... read more

Driving a hybrid in Berkeley is cost-effective and environmentally friendly, but like any vehicle, your hybrid requires regular maintenance, as well as attention to some additional systems that are not present when driving a gasoline-only powered vehicle. At Oceanworks Berkeley our nationally ASE-certified technicians can provide your hybrid with comprehensive maintenance services, diagnostics, and repairs. Many hybrids, like Toyota Prius, are super reliable, but even Prius needs regular maintenance. Oil changes, brake fluid replacement, brake pads replacement – they will need to be performed at regular intervals. Hybrid-specific work also has its own intervals – some maybe more frequent, like the famous Prius high voltage battery cooling fan issue – it can get clogged with pet hair, and so may need regular cleaning, or hybrid battery replacement. Others, like the Honda Hybrid inverter issues, are non-scheduled, fix-when-it-brakes items (though with the inverter, reg ... read more

Brakes are the most important safety system in your vehicle, yet we rarely think about brakes until something feels “off.” That’s why Oceanworks offers brake inspections that can catch small issues before they turn into costly repairs or an unsafe driving situation. Our Berkeley auto repair shop offers both comprehensive brake inspection and brake repairs – from brake pads replacement, to calipers, brake rotors, master brake cylinder repairs, to ABS system. Here are some, though not all, warning signs that your vehicle’s brakes need professional attention: 1. Brake System Warning Light - If the light comes on, the on-board computer is telling you that something is not right with the braking system. It’s time to get your brakes inspected by a professional. 2. A Soft or Spongy Brake Pedal - If your brake pedal sinks too easily or feels unusually soft, it might indicate air in the brake lines or a brake fluid leak. W ... read more

When your Honda Ridgeline is due for an oil change, or when it needs major diagnostics and repairs call Oceanworks in Berkeley. Our mechanics know Honda vehicles at an expert level, so whether your Ridgeline  needs minor service or major repairs, we can get your vehicle repaired and those repairs are covered by our 24 month / 24,000 miles warranty. Our Berkeley auto care facility is dedicated to providing a top-notch service and repair experience, just as the Honda is dedicated to providing high quality and high reliability vehicles. When you bring your vehicle to our auto repair shop, we offer broad range of Honda services and repairs - from manufacturer recommended services, to brake service, a/c refill (including R-1234YF refrigerant service), electrical system diagnostics and repairs, transmission service, suspension repairs, as well as check engine light diagnostics and engine repairs. Our shop offers friendly customer service, we offer OEM quality parts, and for your peace ... read more

The Mazda CX-50 is built for drivers who want comfort during the week and adventure on the weekends. Whether you’re navigating city traffic Berkeley or the Bay Area, or heading out for longer drives, regular service plays a big role in keeping your CX-50 reliable. Skipping maintenance may not cause problems right away, but over time it can lead to reduced performance and expensive repairs, and regular maintenance is a requirement to keep manufacturer warranty in force. Routine Mazda CX-50 service usually starts with oil and filter changes, tire rotations and general inspections. We recommend oil changes every 5,000 miles or about twice a year, depending on driving habits. During these visits, our technicians will other subsystems of your vehicle, to catch early any developing problems. With passage of time, and increased mileage, your Mazda will need more care. Cabin and engine air filters will need replacement. Spark plugs are another important item, transmission fluid service ... read more

Your Honda Pilot can serve in multiple roles – from weekend family trips to daily commutes to school and to work. Given the sorry state of the Bay Area roads, chances are its suspension will be put under undue strain. From potholes to uneven pavement, the suspension keeps your ride smooth and steering predictable. When parts begin to wear, comfort and safety can suffer without much warning. That’s why regular Honda Pilot suspension service is so important. At Oceanworks auto care shop in Berkeley we help Honda Pilot owners stay ahead of suspension problems.  We can inspect key components such as shocks, struts, control arms, bushings, and wheel bearings. These parts naturally wear over time, so regular inspections are highly recommended. If the parts are at the end of their useful life, or sustained damage, we can perform shocks and struts, bushings or control arms replacements. .One of the most common suspension-related repairs on the Honda Pilot involves worn shock ... read more

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 diagnostic equipment to quickly identify issues and carry out repairs using quality parts. This in turn allows us to provide you with 2 year / 24,000 mile warranty.   Over time, your Chrysler will need many services, and hopefully few repairs. Here are the ones we see a lot as we work on Chrysler vehicles:   Engine Diagnostics & Repairs – If your check engine light turns on or your vehicle starts acting differently, our experts will loca ... read more