I stopped here for gas on a Friday afternoon. I carry a Conoco/76 gas card, and it got declined at the pump. Hmm, it says expires in 2031. The pump says "see cashier," so i go inside the Circle K store. BTW, this is a 76/ Circle K gas station, there's no smog/repair shop here anymore. The cashier says my card is declined, I ask why, and she says "I don't know, pay with other card." So I paid with another card, and I'm on my way. I get home and call up 76 card services, and they insist my 76 card is active and ready to use. Very strange. The pumps are branded 76, but didn't accept my 76 card. Maybe it's just THAT pump. read more

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While heading to visit a friend in the Bay Area, I stopped at the 76 gas station located at Alvarado Boulevard and Dyer Street to refuel. After filling up my tank, I noticed that two of my tires had low pressure. I went inside and spoke with the attendant, who appeared to be of Indian descent--possibly Sikh--and politely asked him to activate the air pump. He nodded but then began speaking in Punjabi, saying something along the lines of "go get your air," followed by calling me a "POS." I responded calmly, letting him know I understood what he said and reminded him that I had asked respectfully. It was shocking and disappointing to be insulted after purchasing a full tank of gas. Initially, he insisted I pay for the air, but I informed him that under California law, gas stations are required to provide free air and water to customers who purchase fuel. read more

No longer does smog checks after renovation to a Circle K. Calling the station just results in a mailbox full.

Alvarado 76 has a nice smog station set up. adequate gas pumps. the snack shop is just tiny, with racks of chips, gums, snacks & a few cool units of soft drinks, energy drinks & bottled covfefe, lotte tics, cigs. drink: OKF "famer's Aloe Vera" fake mango flavored drink (16.9 oz) 2.49 -contain 0% juice, 20% aloe, 50 calorie per serving, small: 2 serving per bottle -tasted nasty from use of frutose. korean made -the convenience store is almost as anemic as chevron's/ 2 stars for the snack shop. read more

Alvarado 76 - "Farmer's aloe Vera" fake mango juice (2.49) nasty fructose taste. - Gas Stations Near Me - Union City, California

I came here to smog my truck as I've done with my other vehicles many times before. I do my best to leave only positive reviews on Yelp, but my latest experience warrants one that is extremely poor. The smog tech improperly propped up my hood, using an incorrect location. The result: THE HOOD LATCH SLIPPED AND SCRATCHED MY HOOD! These guys pop hoods for a living! I've never seen this level of negligence for something so simple. The owner thought buying a small can of touchup paint would fix things, but I'm not having it. I'll be looking to have my paint repaired correctly and have this establishment foot the bill. The tech responsible is named "Singh." Avoid him at all costs. read more

Alvarado 76 - The hood scratches due to the tech (named singh) improperly propping up my hood. The hood latch slipped and made several scratches. - Gas Stations Near Me - Union City, California

This please don't even deserve 1 star. But had to so I can write the review The owner wanted to take my whole seat out of my car to change a battery that was located under the seat and the owners manual clearly that the was not Necessary to do read more

THEY DO NOT ACCEPT THE YELP $5 OFF SMOG COUPON. I tried using it today and the cashier who is always there stated they do not take the coupon. I used to be a loyal customer, now this place sucks. After today, I will be taking my business elsewhere with any of my automotive needs. I will still pump gas here because they can't mess that up. It really bums me out because this location was so convenient to where I live. I could drop my car off and walk home, when they finished I would just walk back. Over the past decade I have been a loyal customer and would have given this place a 5 star review. This place did everything for me; from simple oil changes & tire rotations to major services like timing belts or when I had valve leaks. But now me thinks not! The quality of the service has changed drastically and the people there now can't do simple automotive tasks. I first noticed that the auto mechanics - the good ones - were always in and out, they seemed to always have issues with the owner, Ken. I get it. Now both of those mechanics are gone and the people they've replaced don't know the difference between a socket and allen wrench. I went here a few years ago because it was getting difficult to shift gears. I informed them that and they found nothing wrong with my car's manual transmission. 2 weeks later, my transmission blew and I went elsewhere and they had to do a complete tranny swap. I figured, maybe this place should only do simpler services like oil changes and smog. Today I went here for a smog check - which took four hours to complete. That was the last straw. I went here this morning at 10:15am and they were busy with smog checks. There were 3-4 cars in front of me and they said it was going to take a while (about an hour) and it was best if I just drop the car off or come back later. I understood that it was Monday, so fine. Well around 1:40pm I am wondering what is taking so long so I call. The cashier answers and asks them how much longer. They were having some issue with the internet and couldn't give me a timetable, I found that odd, and all I could get was that they will call when the vehicle is ready. I was fed up so I started walking and on my way there a little before 2pm, I get a phone call that its done. Funny how in the 20 minutes all of a sudden my car is finished. I wonder if there really was an internet issue, or if they just take cars that show up and let mine sit there. Either way, 4 hours for a smog check is way too long. If they do it in the order received, 2 hours tops. Once I got there I try to use the yelp $5 off coupon and the cashier/owners looks at me crazy and states they don't accept the coupon. It was like he never saw the coupon before. I paid a little less than $50 for the smog certificate and moved on. Overall, now I would never go here other than getting gas and candy. The auto mechanics have no idea what they're doing and seemingly wasted my time. To top it off they don't follow their yelp coupons! read more

Alvarado 76 - $5 off not accepted - Gas Stations Near Me - Union City, California

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I've been coming here for many years if I need to get something done to my car (oil changes, brake service, etc.) They have a pretty quick turn around, reliable, and prices are competitive. I usually try to time it just right when I go to make sure they're not too busy and can get to my car right away. Great service every single time! read more

I went there to get a smog check and refuel my gas tank. The technician was very friendly. Very quick! It took him less than 10-15 minutes and it was done! He gave me some magazine and newspaper to ready while I'm waiting. But $69 for a smog check is just too expensive, I hope the Governor of California can lower the fee. read more

Alvarado 76 - The Technician was friendly! The smog check was done in less than 10-15 minutes. - Gas Stations Near Me - Union City, California

There's a Valero and Chevron right across the street from this 76. Although this isn't the nicest 76 gas station out there, we were in the area and between the 3 gas stations we chose this one because it was the cheaper than Chevron across the street. However, the Valero was cheaper, but we don't use Valero Gas anymore...haha. When we arrived at the station, we were the only car pumping gas. There was a guy standing outside the Convenience Store, most likely taking a break or smoking. Later on, a few cars started coming to pump some gas. There are nicer looking 76 gas stations out there but overall, gas is gas. So, can't really give it higher than a 3. read more

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Fast service. They do not redeem discount codes. So don't come to this place thinking you will get a discount. There is only one guy performing the smog check. read more

Their overall service is excellent! I been going to this shop since i have had my car and they always maintain it and keep it running. They help out many other customers and they are trustworthy. They are nice employees who gets the job done. For an affordable price as well. I highly recommend this shop to anyone who needs their car maintain. One of the best shop in union city read more

2 Stars because I got my smog check and it passed the first time which is always good. BUT not 4 or 5 Stars because of the hard time I was given with redeeming the gas station's check-in offer of $5 off a smog check on YELP. Ultimately, it was honored, but not before the technician declined to accept it because he informed me it cannot be redeemed on Saturdays and that I needed to present it before the Smog Check was conducted. NO WHERE on the redemption offer does it state it CANNOT be redeemed on Saturdays or that I needed to present it before the check was done. Because the price of the smog check for an SUV was NOT clearly stated in writing at the station, my standard practice is to wait until I get the final bill before presenting coupons or offers in order to avoid merchants from increasing prices in order to offset these discounts. It wasn't until I expressed my discontent that the technician called the owner and got his approval to honor it. According to Mark G's review 10 months ago, they did NOT accept the offer then either, so I am doubtful that they will update the language on their Yelp offer and will continue to decline the use of it with others. Anyone else come across a similar situation? read more

The folks who work at the shop have been here a while. Might seem a little curt but they are really good guys. I did 2 smogs tests and they were fast and efficient and passed my cars. Cheers to that. They are also better than Valero across the street for gas. For some reason, it always seems like I need more gas to fill up the tank at Valero than here. Very suspicious. read more

I went to Alvarado 76 to check the oil for my van. I do that because I need to make sure that my van is running good. In addition, if there is any problems of my van, I bring it there and show it to Ken, who is an expert automobile mechanic. read more

Alvarado 76 - I went there to get the oil change for my van. - Gas Stations Near Me - Union City, California

When I arrived the guy told me the waiting time is 30 mins and cost $68.70 for my '98 Toyota Camry so he gave me the clipboard to fill out all the information. I told him I'll be back in 30mins so I drove off. When I came back 30' later, he said there's another car before me. " "What the fuck was that!" He didn't even bother to call me (it was in the paperwork). Waste of time and gas! Never again fu€k3rs!!! read more

My son needed his car to be smog for his registration. He did his smog check here 2 years ago and decided to come back. Prices were still the same. Will be back in another 2 years. read more

WATCH OUT!!!! These guys have there pump already set at 91 premium gas without the option to select your choice when you use your card at the pump! That was lowdown sneaky! I had to let the cashier know I didn't want the higher premium. He didn't even say a word! He just adjusted the grade!! Buyer Beware!!! read more

This shop is pretty good for smog and repairs Pretty cool guy karimi has really good service and is very knowledgeable about cars he helped me out I will definitely send all family members here from now on 5 stars all day read more

I used my credit card here to fill up gas and then 10 minutes later, someone (NOT ME) used my card number to buy something at Best Buy - Union City just around the corner. I have no idea how this credit card "skimming" technology works, and when I called the gas station to let them know what happened, they couldn't have cared less. I understand that I'm potentially luring more thieves to this location with this review, but if not posted here, where else am I supposed to warn people? Do NOT use your credit card at the pump to fill up gas at this location. read more

Do not get your smog test here EVER! I live nearby and stopped by for smog test and was surprised that it was only 40. My car has less than 90K miles and great condition so was very surprised. The technician told me he was "not sure" carelessly and said I should get it diagnosed. Today, after 3 hours spent at the dealership and 100 dollars later, the dealership told me that my car is actually very clean and that nothing is wrong. He said if they hadn't failed me as gross polluter that he could have passed me on the spot. After another 1 hour spent and 70 dollars later, I finally got another smog test and passed with flying colors. Basically he mentioned that unfortunately he sees this from time to time where people will offer cheaper services but will fail you (to account for performing these for counting reasons). They basically did this way too hastily and did not even do it correctly as they were way off. Don't ever go here. read more

I've been going to this shop ever, when my children were still in grade school. They are all working now and we are all still going to this shop. That's how much we trust them read more

5 stars for the cool mechanic who told me about a little known program called the Smog Check Consumer Assistance Program, which helps you if your car doesn't pass the "test only" smog test. The state of California will pay up to $500 of your repair costs that bring your emissions up to state standards. You have to pay a $100 deductible. The mechanic also gave me some pretty solid advice as to what to do to get an extension with the DMV while I wait for the application to be processed and the work on my car to be done. I should have got this man's name because he was so informative! read more

I have been coming to this location off and on for years. The reason I go to another place for car repairs is because I compare repair estimates and most of the time the other place is cheaper. I really only come here because it's located near home. I completely trust the guys at the other place because the mechanics used to work with my cousin. The only reason I don't go to them exclusively is because they're located in San Mateo. Anyway, after all of the times I've taken my cars here (Alvarado 76 gas station) to be repaired, he's misdiagnosed the problem several times. He is Ken, the older Indian man and head mechanic. Like I said, I've given them several chances just because they are conveniently located. This time I've had enough of him overcharging for problems that he couldn't find the first time. My daughter brings her car in last Friday because it's leaking water/coolant. He said he pressure tested it and couldn't find a leak. He ended up charging her $138 for a new radiator cap. When I looked at the receipt, she was charged for a brake inspection that she didn't request and some other inspection that I couldn't read. That's ridiculous. She drove it for a few days and noticed it was still leaking. Today, I asked her to start the car while I looked underneath. There was coolant dripping from the front right side. I called Ken and told him the car is still leaking. My daughter and her boyfriend brought the car back and he pointed out where the leak is coming from. When they dropped off the car, Ken told them he didn't spend much time looking for the leak and that's why he didn't find it. A few hours later, Ken called my daughter and said it needs a new water pump and the estimate was around $330. My daughter wasn't happy with it and called me. We both thought he should at least deduct the $138 because he couldn't find the leak and said the issue was the radiator cap. I called him and asked about the $138 or at least a discount because it's the 2nd time we had to bring the car in. He went on about how much time he spent looking for the leak and how his pressure test should have found the leak. He told my daughters boyfriend the opposite of what he's telling me. After all the years I've been coming here and went through this same scenario with my other vehicles, he didn't care. He didn't budge. This incident today just showed me he doesn't care about repeat customers or customer service/satisfaction no matter how long you've been coming here. He's only concerned about making money. I've had enough of him and his crews' misdiagnosis of car problems. Their skills and quality of work are questionable and almost makes you wonder if they're certified. Like I said, I've been coming here for years because I was trying to support local business. I thought I built a good relationship with Ken, but obviously his motto is that he's always right. He won't hesitate to put additional charges on your bill without you knowing if the service was rendered. Over the years, I've seen several good mechanics come and go from here. Guys that know what they're talking about and can clearly explain it. They don't have that anymore. Ken must treat his employees the same way he treats his customers. The review about his mechanic Singh is spot on. They don't pay attention to details and won't own up to mistakes. I'm finally fed up, you guys had this review coming. read more

A gas, smog test and auto repair shop all in one. I come here mostly for auto repair. Alvarado 76 does oil change, front and rear break pads, smog test, rotor change, battery change, maintenance service--you name it. . The technicians I've dealt with are professional and seem to be of good moral character, which is very important to me. You can sense when a business is trying to sell you more service than necessary to increase revenue; and it's enlightening to know that Alvarado 76 doesn't practice any of that (at least not in my experience). Quick, friendly, easy, dependable, and affordable service. What more could you ask for? read more

Came here for an oil change and I wish the guy gave me clear directions on what to do and where to go. He handed me a piece of paper, didn't tell me how long, I had to walk back and forth from the front desk to the mechanic for 5-8 minutes to find out what's going on, when do i pay and how long it's gonna take. However, they were able to do the job within 20 minutes. I was able to go across the street to Cam Huong and grab myself a small bite and when I got back, everything was smooth. It's pretty cheap compared to other places I've been to, so I can't complain too much lol. read more

I needed to get air for one of my tires. I always carry a little pressure gauge to check. As well as the light for my tire went on in my car. This gas station actually has a free air pump for all customers and non-customers. It's located right next to a bush where they do smog checks. Myweber if you plan to use it bring your own pressure gauge because the device or pump doesn't have a gauge to measure your exact PSI read more

I've been going to this local Union 76 for my smog checks and have had no problems in that regard. But when it came time to service a car, I don't think I got honest service from them. I was told I had to replace the car's starter at the cost of hundreds of dollars. I trusted them, so I went ahead and did it. Months later I had the same problem with the part that they replaced. Apparently, it wasn't the starter that was the problem, it was a loose connection. I find it hard to believe that they would have not known that upon inspection of the vehicle during diagnostics. For some reason, the cable just comes loose and all you have to do is plug it back in and you're good to go. No need to buy a new starter or pay all that money for labor. I felt duped and won't go here anymore for anything other than free air for my tires. read more

This 5-star review belongs to the gentleman who works in the garage. He performs simple repairs and smog checks. I'm sure more difficult repair/maintenance jobs would be cake for him as well, but not sure if he'd be able to accomodate. He's also got quite nice long hair with a highly respectable sheen to it. Good honest man. Reliable work for a fair price. Hit em up! read more

This gas station is pretty good! I like how there are 2 other gas stations in the intersection, so the traffic at each gas station disperses. The price of gas is usually in the middle. It goes Valero - 76 - Chevron usually. I usually judge the cleanliness of a gas station by the cleanliness of the buttons when you insert your zip code! This one is just mediocre. However, the location is convenient! read more

This gas station is pretty dope for what it is. They have gas for an ok price. I like this gas station better than Valero because the Valero next door has a messed up card reader. The card reader will scan your card and your card will be hacked in and you would need to cancel your card because someone is gonna buy some random items from Arkansas. The only problem with the gas station is that they don't have a car wash and that the mini shop is kind of small. 3/5 will fill Coke White again. Byip Outtttt read more

Check the expiration date on their drinks before you buy them, because they don't! The starbucks coffee I bought from there was over 5 weeks past its expiration, and had nice tasty white chunks floating around in it. The guy I talked to, Ken, also has no integrity. He tried to tell me the "expiration date" was the "production date" on a consumable product lol. Consider your establishment reported. read more

I come here often for gas and car repairs. I recently needed a smog check, I asked the staff if there was anyway they could do a last minute smog check at 5:50pm knowing they had to close at 6pm. They were more than accommodating! The smog check was only $39.95. Since my car passed, a fee for the smog certification was around 8 dollars. Total I paid a little less than $50. I would totally recommend this place and wouldn't think of going anywhere else in the future. read more

Tight space and bad customer service. Made it seem like such an inconvenience to pay for things.

Quick, fast, friendly and easy.... I pulled up to the tech while he was servicing an SUV, asked him, "how long to smog my car?" He said.. "go ahead and pull it into the stall, I have a smog tech ready now." 20 mins later, I was driving home. Thanks! read more

Got a smog check and everything went smoothly and I passed! About a 50 dollar smog check(I think) I would recommend going here and going here again if I need another smog check. Unless if any of you yelpers suggest me another smog station in the Union city area for a cheaper price ill give that a shot ahaha read more

I went there to do smog check. I presented $5 coupon from yelp. Guy over there told me it is only valid on weekdays. I told it does not say anywhere. He said sorry we can't do anything. How do I let yelp know about this scam!! read more

I agree with some other reviewers that this is an honest place to take your business. I came in solely for a smog check, but I suggested that an oil change might be needed to help it pass because it has been a year since the last oil change. The mechanic who waited on me told me that makes no difference whatsoever in a smog reading. Only in older cars it might be an issue. The whole thing was completed within 30 min. while I waited across the street at Starbucks. He called me when it was done and it cost me $48 something for everything. I highly recommend. read more

Thanks to my friend essa at Alvarado 76 I finally got my smog done they are the best 5 stars

The 1 star is actually for the smog place that's attached to the gas station. Yesterday 5/26/16 brought me car there. And the guy tried to make every excuse he could just so he didn't have to smog my car. Now my car is kinda a POS right now (Since I let other people use that car as I have another car that I use and people just don't take care of it) I'm pretty sure that's why he was making excuses. He kept telling me that I have an aftermarket air filter and I need to switch it with the OEM air filter. Then when I confronted him about it and said I had this car well over 4 years and took it to 3-5 different smog places and it passed with that air filter every time. He said "well maybe there not very good smog technicians where you went before" the he started to point at some loose wiring near my battery and said "I don't even know what that is but it's not gonna pass with that" (it was lose wiring from the alarm system that was never put back right). And while I kinda was still talking he said hey you wanna waste the money go ahead no refunds no retest. And walked away before I could even finish what I had to say. It's a shame too. I went here 3 years ago for another car I own. Another guy helped me and he was very nice and upfront. And I passed that smog check. And the price was good as well $39.99 plus the $8.25 smog certificate. I thought they took care of me last time. But I guess 3 years is a long time and it's different now. I'm never going there again! read more