Orinda Auto Repair

Photo by Parvez AzarQaderi on Unsplash But how do you know when? Each component of your vehicle has a vital role, including your timing belt. Your engine is full of various pieces and parts, and each of these components will need to be replaced eventually. Before we begin answering this question, we will first discuss what exactly is a timing belt, and why it matters to your vehicle’s overall condition. You can always check with our auto repair team at Orinda Motors to see if your vehicle is equipped with a timing belt or a timing chain. Your timing belt is a toothed belt composed of reinforced rubber that wraps around pulleys and tensioners. Your engine’s crankshaft pulley drives the timing belt. Your timing belt provides rota ... read more

Classic car enthusiasts, rejoice! The popular Orinda Classic Car Show is adjusting to the COVID-era and this is good news.    Prepare yourselves for some mobile fun by participating in The 2020 Orinda Classic Car Tour on September 12, 2020.    Isn’t this exciting news? If you want to enter your car in The 2020 Orinda Classic Car Tour, click here to register: https://www.orindacarshow.com/bring-your-classic-to-the-show/   Space is limited and we are only able to include the first 100 cars that register for this event. If you have questions, email [email protected]. Drivers/riders will arrive in their vehicles between 9:00 and 10:00 AM and depart by 10:30 AM. Passengers are welcome to join in. After the Tour everyone will return to the Orinda Village.   But wait, there’s more for Spectators, too! &n ... read more

An owner’s love for their classic car usually runs deep, as they’ve grown attached to their vehicles. They appreciate the more nuanced features and appearance of their classic car, holding their vintage vehicle close to their heart. At Orinda Classic Car Center, we understand this attachment. We have helped restore and service vintage vehicles fulfilling many of our clients’ dream of owning a classic car.  Here is what it is a sneak peek of what it is like owning a classic car:  Classic cars have a complete style of their own. When you are driving your classic car, you will feel yourself completely, as your vintage vehicle is practically an extension of yourself. Classic cars are an expression of yourself.    Expect to receive attention. People will ask numerous questions about your classic car, so be ready to answer their questions and bask in the glow of your vintage vehicle. Your classic car will be the subject of drooling. Owning a classic ... read more

Orinda Motors has proudly served the Lamorinda area since the 1920s, and we know a thing or two about how to keep your car cool during the Summer months. That is why were inspired to share the top five ways you can stay cool this Summer.   Schedule an appointment for your vehicle’s air conditioning service. Let’s first start with the obvious. If you want to stay cool while driving your car, you should bring your vehicle in for air conditioning system service at Orinda Motors. As a Bay Area Green Business, we take the extra cautionary steps to protect the environment when we perform air conditioning service for motor vehicles. In fact, California is known for its strict emissions requirements, so we follow the EPA regulations regarding refrigerant, service certifications, and recycling. Because we love our planet and want to do our best to protect it, we encourage our clients to maintain their vehicle’s air ... read more

It’s easy to make resolutions for ourselves and our family, but what about for our car and driving? We drive somewhere every day, either to make it to that morning meeting or to drop your daughter off at the soccer game, so why not think of some New Year’s resolutions for better driving? Not sure where to start? We have a few suggestions:   Of course, it goes without saying: never drink and drive, and also don’t drive while under the influence of medications either. Put your cellphone down. It’s so tempting to pick your cell and reply to that text message but refrain from doing so. Studies have shown that the results of texting and driving are the same as driving drunk. Yikes! Make sure to signal! For many us, we think we have outgrown signaling for safety, but that’s not true. Many, many accidents could have been prevented by signaling. Come to a complete stop at the stop sign. Rolling through stop signs not only can get you a ticket but can ... read more

We consider our customers and therefore their vehicles members of our extended family, and when we are looking to add someone to our circle, we have to go through several precautions, including a pre-purchase inspection. A pre-purchase inspection is imperative to make sure that your potential vehicle is reliable and safe. When you bring this car to our auto repair shop, a technician will perform a thorough examination, leaving no stone unturned. We will look for both cosmetic and mechanical issues and anything else that may jeopardize the safety of your vehicle. The power of a pre-purchase is not to be underestimated, as this can prove extremely helpful in the buying process. Armed with this knowledge after a pre-purchase inspection, you can either decide to pass on the vehicle or go back to the seller with a counteroffer, especially if our technicians have come across any issues that will need to be fixed now or in the future. Without a doubt, a pre-purchase inspection is the most ... read more

Orinda Motors is a full-service, family-owned and team-operated auto repair facility in the heart of Orinda. We service and maintain all makes and models of vehicles, both new and old. We strive to be your one-stop solution for all things auto repair, from new car maintenance to classic car restoration.  At Orinda Motors, we make it our mission to be able to provide you with a stress-free, positive experience from the moment you walk through our doors. If you own a newer Honda Accord, for example, our technicians will provide thorough and accurate service. We also are able to service and repair your classic Ford Thunderbird. With us, you can expect to receive the best of both worlds: cutting-edge technology for the service and repair of both new and older cars.  Here are a few examples of the services we provide to vehicles of all ages (from vintage classics to brand new cars):  Scheduled Maintenance  Preventative Maintenance  Computer control Coolin ... read more

Sometimes, our car is known to make an unusual sound every so often, and it can be stressful when we hear our beloved vehicle whining around a turn or grumbling every time we start it. But most of our vehicles are going to make an unusual noise from time to time. The auto mechanics at Orinda Motors are excellent at deciphering what those noises mean, how we can fix the problem, and have you back on your way in no time. Here are some unusual car noises our technicians have experience troubleshooting and fixing:   A humming or groaning noise originating from your tires: If you are hearing something along the lines of hum or groan coming from your tires, it could indicate premature wear along the inside of your tires. This wear could expose the steel belts on the tires, which puts your tire at greater risk of falling apart. Growling when turning: Do you hear a growling noise coming from your vehicle? This noise could be an indication that your front wheel bearing is defective ... read more

With winter behind us, it is the perfect time to clean your vehicle. After dealing with the dredges of winter, your car is going to need a little extra TLC inside and out. Our team at Orinda Motors will ensure your car is performing in tip-top shape, and our team at Orinda Auto Detail will make sure your vehicle is shining in the spring sun. Bring your car to Orinda Auto Detail, and our vehicle appearance specialists will get rid of that winter mess. Using the best products, we will polish, wash, and condition your car. We can offer full-service interior cleaning and full paint correction. If the winter elements have wreaked havoc on your car, our team at Orinda Auto Detail will restore it to its former glory. Have you ever heard of the saying “April showers bring May flowers?” If your answer is yes, then it’s important to get your car ready for the onslaught of spring showers. Our team can eliminate any side of the effects of the winter season with these detailin ... read more

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, so we imagine you are already planning the big day. However, we don’t want you to forget about your classic car. Let’s make sure to show your classic car some love this Valentine’s Day, and Orinda Classic Car Center is here to help give your vehicle so much needed TLC.   It doesn’t matter if your classic car or even truck needs complex engine work, authentic restoration, or auto detailing. We can handle virtually anything your vintage vehicle needs, as our team possess the experience and finesse to service your car with the precision and accuracy it needs. Just tell our team at Orinda Classic Car Center your dream for your classic car this Valentine’s Day, and we will figure out to turn your vision into reality. With us on your side, Valentine’s Day for your classic car will be a success.   At Orinda Classic Car Center, we aim to do whatever it takes to complete a project, whether that ... read more