Orinda Auto Repair

Orinda, CA:  National Tire Safety Week is coming up, May 24 - 30, 2015. This is an annual event sponsored by the Rubber Manufacturer’s Association to improve safety out on the road. Here are some helpful safety tips offered by the RMA:   Check your tires with a penny to see if the tire tread is thick enough. If the tire tread does not cover Lincoln’s head, it’s time to replace your tires. Not only can the proper tire pressure save you money on gas, but tire pressure maintenance can extend tire life. To make certain your tire pressure is correct, check your Owner’s  Manual for the optimal air pressure range. You could be flushing money down the drain by under inflating your tires, making them wear out faster. Again, check your Owner's’ Manual for the recommended air pressure. There are several benefits to using nitrogen for tire inflation, which include increased fuel economy, longer tire life, and increased safety.   To celebr ... read more

Orinda Motors has had a long love affair with classic cars, and the communities within Lamorinda know it well. From our smaller Classic Car Show that is par of the Orinda Association 4th of July Parade, to the large Orinda Annual Classic Car Show in September, Orinda Motors loves to show off the Classic Cars we service, repair, and maintain.   But what drives us?   Is it because these classic cars remind us of our younger years? Yes. Is it because they don’t make them like they used to? Yes. Is it because we love the camaraderie of the Classic Car community? Yes. Is it because our obsession over Classic Cars feeds our love for investing, art & design, nostalgia, and therapy? Yes, yes, yes, and yes!   Lucky for us, we know we are in good company.   According to Allen Pennebaker, the owner of Orinda Motors, “We have been fully engaged in the classic car service and repair business for 15 years. Orinda Motors Service Manager, John Vanek, wa ... read more

When your Check Engine Light comes on, what should you do? Should you panic? Should you ignore it? Here’s a look at why your Check Engine Light may come on and why you need to bring your vehicle in for service soon after it becomes illuminated. When the Check Engine Light comes on and holds steady, it means there is likely a minor malfunction going on within the engine system. Fortunately, many vehicles are built with sophisticated computer sensors that are sensitive enough to alert the driver of minor issues before they become major ones. From a loose gas cap to a part that needs to be replaced, the Check Engine Light will come on if any of these issues are detected by your vehicle’s sensors.   The Check Engine Light notifies the driver of issues that need to be resolved, but how serious can the problem be? Is a steadily illuminated Check Engine Light minor or major? Honestly, it’s hard to say without looking at the diagnostics. Your vehicle is equipped with ... read more

So, you bought a new car. Congratulations! Whether it’s a brand new car or a “new” used car, chances are good that it comes with a factory warranty. Factory warranties are great because if you have any trouble with your vehicle, you can take it to the dealership and, depending on what the issue is, they will fix it at no cost to you. However, there are various items not covered by your vehicle’s factory warranty, such as wear and maintenance items like these: Tires Oil Change Filters Fluids Brake Linings, Rotors, and Drums Clutch Linings Belts Hoses Wiper Blades So, if your vehicle needs an oil change and you know they won’t do it for free at the dealership, what are your options? Well, you can always take it to Orinda Motors or a similar, highly-rated auto repair facility. For non-warranty items, there is no problem in taking your vehicle to an independent dealership alternative like us. However, what happens if you take your warranteed vehicle in for minor or major service ... read more