Orinda Auto Repair

Each year vehicle manufacturers release new safety features designed to keep you and your family safe. From automatic high beams to lane keep assist, the future is bright for automotive technology, and the team at Orinda Motors has captured the best and brightest safety features on the horizon for 2019.  Pre-Collision Systems: This safety system includes a forward-facing camera along with a radar that is engineered to alert the driver if the distance between their car and the vehicle ahead is closing too quickly.  Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): If a collision is impending, your AEB system will automatically begin to brake, hopefully preventing you from crashing into another vehicle.  Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Working as cruise control should, maintaining your requested speed on an open road, ACC also goes a step further, adjusting your rate to match a vehicle ahead of you to keep a safe and healthy distance between your car and the other.  Lane Departur ... 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

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

Orinda Motors is delighted to have a new division to serve our customers: Orinda Classic Car Center. At our facility, we truly enjoy working on vintage vehicles, and we think our passion shows in the work we perform. We think the honest and heartfelt reviews left by our clients are a testament to our actions. Take a look at this recent review from one of our beloved customers, who frequents Orinda Classic Car Center:   “The Appraiser said my fully restored stunning Aquamarine 1960 Thunderbird was a "Cream Puff Extraordinaire ". You can't get a higher rating than that, right? Thanks, John V. and Staff for getting me to the finish line on my dream car restoration. I feel like Doris Day driving over the Golden Gate bridge in one of her movies. Nice. Spoiled. Just Spoiled. I tell John V. what I want and please keep me on a budget and 3 days later he has 3 or 4 ideas of what needs urgent attention for safety and throws in some glamour as well. My rear view mirror ... read more

Summer is officially here, which means it is time for some summer fun. Because we live in such a beautiful area, a summer road trip is an excellent way to pass the time with your family. When it comes to the safety of you, your passengers, and your car, we think it is always better to be safe than sorry. Before you embark on your summer road trip, we recommend thoroughly preparing your car.   Let’s make sure your car is prepared for your summer adventure. One of the first tasks we recommend is scheduling an appointment for a checkup at Orinda Motors. Our team will thoroughly inspect your car for signs of impending or current problems, along with performing basic maintenance, such as topping off fluids and taking a look at your headlights. Along with a comprehensive inspection, we recommend browsing through our checklist we have put together:   Be prepared for everything and anything. Pack an emergency kit, in the case of a medical emergency or accident. It would b ... read more

Spring is officially here, and we absolutely enjoy seeing the shining sun, blooming flowers, and the budding trees. Spring is definitely a welcome relief from winter weather. However, we have to be wary of spring showers. April is known for the downpour of rain. In fact, the popular saying “April showers bring May flowers” is practically ingrained in our mind. In order to prepare for Mother Nature’s downpour, we need to make sure your windshield wipers are working in tip-top shape.   Rain results in decreased visibility, a slippery road, and overall, disconcerting driving conditions. Your vehicle’s windshield wipers are your first line of defense against the rain, so we have to make sure they are properly performing. If your windshield wipers are in need of replacement, you will experience any one of the following symptoms:   The rubber on your windshield wiper blades is cracked or broken. Your windshield wipers are leaving behind streaks. Wh ... read more

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Do you know what you are getting for the car lover in your life? To help answer that question, we have compiled a list of the perfect gifts to get your car enthusiast:   Air Vent Cell Phone Holder: Nowadays, we use our phones for just about everything, including GPS. With a cell phone holder mounted to the car vent, you are able to easily follow the GPS directions, while keeping your eyes safely locked on the road.​ Personalized Garage Sign: If your car lover loves to spend time in the garage, then a personalized sign for their garage is absolutely perfect. Whether that says their name or even car model, it is an excellent addition to any car lover’s garage. Automatic Cordless Tire Inflator: We all know that properly fueled tires have numerous benefits, including better fuel efficiency and a smoother ride. This tire inflator is ready to go without the hassle and inconvenience of a cord. It makes taking care of your vehicl ... read more

With winter upon us, you may be wondering which type of tires is right for you. Most likely, you are struggling to decide between all season or winter tires. The team at Orinda Motors is here to help. After reading this, we hope you will be able to decide between all-season and winter tires.   Winter roads are dangerous, to say the least. You can experience black ice and heavy snowfall all in one trip. As you can imagine, ensuring your vehicle is outfitted with the right tire is essential. Winter tires are armored with certain weapons against wintry roads, including:   Flexible tread rubber, which is designed to allow your vehicle to grip the road better. Thicker tread depths, which reduce the buildup of snow in your tires. Biting edges, similar to small slits, which provide traction when driving on the ice. When your car leaves the factory, it is typically outfitted with all season tires. All season tires are both durable and versatile. You can drive in several wea ... read more

Tires are often neglected and overlooked by the people who drive on them every day. A daily visual inspection is ideal to make sure the tires are in good shape. But in today’s busy world, most people don’t pay that close attention to their tires until the following happens:   The car sensors detect that tire pressure is low. The driver “feels” something going on with the tires or how the car is not driving smoothly. The steering wheel pulls to the left or the right. A loud pop or explosion is heard while driving (Not good!). Another driver is desperately trying to get your attention and point out that your tires are dangerously low.   So the question is:  Do your tires pass the safety test?   First, let’s establish what is “safe”. Safety can mean several things, such as:   Safe level of tire tread: You have more that 2/32 of an inch of tread depth remaining. This means your probably don’t need new tires ... read more

The 12th Annual Orinda Classic Car Show is almost here, and you don’t want to miss this fun community event on Saturday, September 10, 2016.   Here are the top 10 things you should know about the 12th Annual Orinda Classic Car Show: The purpose of the Orinda Classic Car Show is to raise money for local charities including the Seniors Around Town transportation program,  Educational Foundation of Orinda, and the Orinda Historical Society. Over the past 11 years, more than $360,000 has been raised for local charities. The weekend kicks off on Friday, September 9th, with the popular Dancing With The Cars party, which is always a great event. The 2016 theme for the Dancing With The Cars party is: “The Italian Job”. You’re invited to come mangia, mangia ... read more