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Best Auto Repair Shops in Berkeley, CA

Our Recommended Top 14

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
  • Mystery Shopping Calls

Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Berkeley Auto Repair Shops on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

35Reviewed

26Curated

14Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

2285 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA 94702
WebsiteLicense: 299681

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.5 (188)
Google
4.8 (153)
Facebook
5.0 (9)

Why choose this provider?

Patti's Auto Care caters to car owners in Berkeley whose vehicles need repairs. The services include routine maintenance checks at 30,000-mile intervals like oil changes, fluid replacements and top-ups, and tune-ups. The team diagnoses problems found by computer diagnostic systems and remedies the wear-and-tear on anti-lock brakes and suspensions. Patti's Auto Care is a woman-owned shop that has experience working on automobiles made by foreign and domestic brands such as Mitsubishi, American Motors, and Toyota.

  • State Inspection

2871 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94702
WebsiteLicense: 279307

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.5 (301)
Google
4.8 (127)
Facebook
4.3 (26)

Why choose this provider?

Art's Automotive is a Berkeley-based repair shop that has been serving vehicle owners in the metro for over four decades. Its team of technicians services various Japanese brands, such as Subaru, Honda, and Toyota, with a focus on hybrid vehicles. They perform complete engine overhaul, oil and fluid treatment, heating and cooling repair, and preventive maintenance solutions. The professionals also handle car security diagnosis and programming services using Techstream, SSM4, CONSULT, IDS, and HDS software.

  • ASE Certified

1340 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA 94720
WebsiteLicense: 220440

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.4 (46)
Yelp
4.5 (40)

Why choose this provider?

Autometrics of Berkeley is an automotive repair center that caters to car drivers in the metro. The shop works on various vehicle components, such as climate control, check engine lights, alternators, brakes, batteries, and belts. It also offers axle replacement, fuel and engine management, and oil change services and works on powertrain systems and filters. Autometrics of Berkeley has been operating in the industry for more than four decades. It also installs catalytic converter shields for Toyota Prius.

  • ASE Certified

2300 Fourth St, Berkeley, CA 94710
WebsiteLicense: 292206

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.1 (186)
Google
4.8 (143)

Why choose this provider?

H & B Karmakanix has been providing auto care services to clients in Berkeley and the neighboring cities for more than four decades. Its team of ASE-certified master technicians repairs automobiles with damaged engines, such as cooling systems, fuel injections, belts and hoses, ignitions, timing belts and chains, and ignitions. The shop is also available to serve business owners needing fleet services, such as preventative maintenance, pre-purchase inspections, and semi and commercial truck repair solutions. H & B Karmakanix handles Audi and BMW vehicles.

  • BMW Service Center
  • Audi Service Center

1346 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA 94702
WebsiteLicense: 75831

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.5 (78)
Google
4.9 (40)

Why choose this provider?

Precision People's Car Repair serves the residents of Berkeley. The independent shop offers a wide variety of automotive repair and maintenance solutions, such as air conditioning system diagnostics, pre-purchase inspection, and Sprinter V6 oil cooler resealing. In addition, its team of technicians works with motor vehicle parts like front and rear brake pads, rotors, and Subaru head gaskets. The locally owned facility has five decades’ worth of industry experience. It also specializes in repairing cars that have been victims of catalytic converter theft.

  • Volkswagen Service Center

1060 Harrison Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
WebsiteLicense: 146301

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (75)
Yelp
4.7 (44)

Why choose this provider?

Walsh Brothers Automotive Inc. repairs domestic and import vehicles owned by the residents of Berkeley. The shop has a team of ASE-certified mechanics who work with customers looking for safety and emissions inspections, computer diagnostics, and 30k to 120k mile services. They also handle standard auto services such as brake and suspension repair, filter replacement, oil changes, and fluid solutions. To keep its supply of original auto parts, the shop maintains its affiliation with manufacturers such as WorldPac and O'Reilly.

  • Smog Inspection

1239 Fifth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
WebsiteLicense: 294983

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.6 (154)
Facebook
4.4 (129)
Yelp
2.5 (39)

Why choose this provider?

G&C Auto Body - Berkeley is a family-owned and family-run business that started in the automotive industry in 1972. Its technicians hold I-CAR Gold Class certifications, providing structural frame analysis, collision repair, and auto body painting for brands like Acura, Chevrolet, Ford, Kia, Tesla, and Volvo. They undergo multiple training programs, including manufacturer certifications, allowing them to restore damaged vehicles to pre-accident conditions according to factory specifications. Currently, G&C has 28 locations serving many California counties.

  • ASE Certified

2203 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA 94702
WebsiteLicense: 285672

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (90)
Google
4.7 (83)
Facebook
5.0 (9)

Why choose this provider?

Holland Service addresses automobile-related problems of motorists in Berkeley. With the mission to help vehicle owners get back on the road quickly and safely, its ASE-certified technicians use advanced diagnostic equipment and top-quality car components in maintenance and repair services. They inspect tires, brakes, gears, hoses and belts; change oil and filter; and work on fluid replacement needs. Holland Service also offers suspension and steering repair and transmission, heating, and cooling services for local and import vehicles.

  • ASE Certified

2920 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94705
WebsiteLicense: 290866

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (617)
Yelp
4.8 (170)
Facebook
4.6 (19)

Why choose this provider?

The Model Garage is a Berkeley-based auto repair company. Since 1981, it has been specializing in the diagnostic and routine maintenance of foreign car makes, such as Toyota, Subaru, Volvo, Scion, Lexus, Volvo, and Honda. The company also services hybrid cars. Its five-technician crew troubleshoots alternators, brakes, engines, batteries, AC, and suspension. They also handle wheel alignment, engine light inspection, and fuel and transmission system tune-ups. For clients in need of additional protection, they can install catalytic converter anti-theft kits.

  • Toyota Service Center

2132 Dwight Way, Berkeley, CA 94704
WebsiteLicense: 289188

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.5 (167)
Google
4.6 (48)

Why choose this provider?

Henry Chin's Auto Care takes care of the repair needs of car owners in Berkeley. It provides full-service car care for any make and model of vehicle, utilizing the latest equipment in vehicle diagnostics. The shop’s technicians are all ASE-certified mechanics, specializing in engine overhauls, tire replacement, transmission repair, and suspension services. It has more than 40 years of experience in the auto repair industry. In addition to auto repair, it provides follow-up and towing services to assist clients on the road.

  • State Inspection
  • Smog Inspection

2705 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94702
WebsiteLicense: 287987

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.5 (89)
Google
4.8 (68)

Why choose this provider?

Berkeley Bob's is an independent small garage delivering repair and maintenance services to automobile owners in the metro. Its crew, which includes ASE-certified mechanics, repairs various makes, especially foreign brands like Volvo, Toyota, and VW. They inspect and test brakes, upgrade engines, program key fobs, and replace clutches, hoses and belts, and door panels. Co-owner and ASE-Certified Master Technician, Sean Stephens, was formerly in the army and has over 26 years of experience in the automotive industry.

  • ASE Certified
  • State Inspection

2703 Tenth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
WebsiteLicense: 294835

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (192)
Yelp
4.4 (114)
Facebook
4.2 (14)

Why choose this provider?

Oceanworks Berkeley has been serving clients in the metro and surrounding areas for more than two decades. Its ASE-certified technicians provide clients with auto repair services using OEM parts and specialized equipment and technology. It also performs factory maintenance, inspections, and diagnostic services, and offers a 24-month maintenance plan. In addition, the shop is an eco-friendly facility that works to dispose of hazardous parts properly and products and tries to rebuild parts first before replacing them.

  • Acura Service Center
  • ASE Certified
  • Cadillac Service Center

1809 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA 94702
WebsiteLicense: 275475

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.9 (164)
Google
4.8 (71)
Facebook
5.0 (21)

Why choose this provider?

Nate's Green Garage caters to drivers of Japanese, hybrid, and electric vehicles in Berkeley. It offers a wide array of repair and maintenance services, including cooling system and engine repair, transmission rebuild, and steering system service. The business encourages the use of green cars and long-term carbon footprint reduction by providing services that help keep green cars running for as long as possible, such as regular fuel efficiency tune-ups. Some of the car makes it works on are Lexus, Acura, Subaru, Honda, Toyota, and Mazda.

  • BMW Service Center
  • Acura Service Center

1485 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA 94702
WebsiteLicense: 284981

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (544)
Yelp
4.5 (104)

Why choose this provider?

Argonaut Garage is a family-owned car care company in Berkeley. From basic to advanced maintenance procedures, its services include computer diagnostic and troubleshooting engines, brakes, and steering and suspension systems. The auto repair shop takes care of oil changes, battery replacements, and transmission and AC tune-ups. Its ASE-certified technicians handle standard gasoline, hybrid, and electric vehicles. They also perform Tesla inspections and performance upgrades. They observe green practices, such as utilizing eco-friendly tools and minimizing discharge, liquid, and spray can use.

  • Smog Inspection

Compare our Top Auto Repair Shops

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
Patti's Auto Care
2285 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA 94702
Art's Automotive
2871 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94702
Autometrics of Berkeley
1340 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA 94720
H & B Karmakanix
2300 Fourth St, Berkeley, CA 94710
Precision People's Car Repair
1346 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA 94702
Walsh Brothers Automotive Inc
1060 Harrison Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
G&C Auto Body - Berkeley
1239 Fifth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
Holland Service
2203 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA 94702
The Model Garage
2920 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94705
Henry Chin's Auto Care
2132 Dwight Way, Berkeley, CA 94704
Berkeley Bob's
2705 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94702
Oceanworks Berkeley
2703 Tenth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
Nate's Green Garage
1809 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA 94702
Argonaut Garage
1485 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA 94702

FAQs

  • Introduction

    Automobiles have increasingly become a necessary convenience. They can also be extremely frustrating when not operating properly. Knowing the basics of car maintenance can help you make informed decisions as you move forward.

    One key point to understand is the difference between auto body and auto repair shops. Auto body shops focus only on the body, or the nonmoving parts of the vehicle. Auto body technicians repair dents in doors and fenders and replace broken windshields.

    Auto repair shops handle the components that contribute to powering the vehicle or making it stop. Auto mechanics maintain and repair components, such as electrical wiring, engines, transmissions, and brakes.
  • What maintenance does a car need annually?

    Some routine maintenance, such as an oil change, is recommended every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, and other services, such as belts, hoses, and fuel filters, should be addressed quarterly. Annual upkeep includes brake and suspension checks. Specific maintenance depends on the miles driven and the vehicle's age. Consult the car's service manual for more detailed guidelines.

  • What does it mean when your car says maintenance is required?

    The vehicle's maintenance required light comes on at specific mileage intervals. If the car's been driven more than 4,500 miles, it might illuminate to remind you that an oil change is necessary to maintain optimal performance. The maintenance required alert differs from the check engine light, which appears for specific operating issues that need to be addressed.

  • How much should I budget for car maintenance?

    While AAA recommends setting aside $1,200 a year ($50 a month to cover auto maintenance and another $50 for repairs), much depends on the make and condition of the specific vehicle. A basic oil change and filter is approximately $50. However, the same service for a Mercedes-Benz costs as much as $200, according to The Detroit Bureau.

    Keeping up with routine maintenance will help prevent some major repairs, but components such as timing belts and brakes ultimately need to be replaced, putting a $400 to $900 dent in your wallet.
  • What kind of maintenance do electric cars need?

    Monthly maintenance should comprise checking the tire pressure and windshield wiper fluid. At 7,500 miles, the battery, power inverter, cabin heater, and charger modules' coolant levels need to be checked. A visual inspection of the vehicle's other moving parts, such as the power steering and suspension, should also be included.

  • Can you negotiate car repairs at a dealership?

    Dealerships use a sales or service writer management team to estimate parts and labor repair costs. Their mechanics focus on repairing the vehicle. While it's possible to negotiate a more palatable rate with dealerships, their preset pricing systems are more structured than independent shops. It pays to be prepared with cost comparisons.

  • Is car repair insurance worth the cost?

    Car repair insurance typically covers the repair of mechanical breakdowns, such as air conditioning, electrical and fuel systems, engines, and transmissions. The caveat is that a standard car repair insurance policy only covers a vehicle up to 72,000 miles, according to Forbes. Few vehicles experience major mechanical problems under 100,000 miles, and if they do, they're usually covered under warranty.

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