1. Central Auto Service

    1. Central Auto Service

    0

    Alameda, CA

    Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Central Auto Service

    4.4 (72 reviews)
    Closed 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

    Services - Central Auto Service

    Oil changes

    Routine automotive maintenance

    Smog check

    Central Auto Service Photos

    You might also consider

    More like Central Auto Service

    Recommended Reviews - Central Auto Service

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Central autos Have
    Trason B.

    Excellent service prompt service Very Friendly People they make me feel like family and not like a customer

    Loved it LOT THEY ARE AMAZING. I RECOMMEND. TO GO. And they do such a good job they are so kind and they gave us a discount

    Steve D.

    This review is for the STAR Test and Repair Station for smog tests. Thank You very much for helping me get my car to pass Smog! It's always best to seek the help of a professional who knows what they're doing! I have a small car I drive around on weekends. Awhile ago it needed a new battery, so I went ahead and replaced it. I didn't know my next DMV registration renewal would require a smog test. Opps! Disconnecting that battery erased the driving history in the on-board computer, which is needed to pass a smog test. First, I took it to a "Test Only" Smog Station, and the O2 sensor failed the test. The tech suggested I drive it around 100-200 miles and perform the "drive cycles." I did it and the O2 sensor still failed to go "green." So I was thinking that the O2 sensor was bad and needed to be replaced. So I decided to go to Central Auto Repair. They said I had two choices, continue to drive it around or pay them to do the drive cycles in their garage. You ever go in a smog station and see those huge rollers on the floor? They can "drive" your car without going anywhere. They said if it fails, I don't pay. Almost like saying they guarantee success. So I agreed to the service, and they put 20 miles on my car without leaving the station. O2 sensor went to green, and I passed the Smog Test! Great service, and they clearly communicate with me the choices and options. Was this review too technical? Not if you're going thru this problem right now. Performing drive cycles can be frustrating, maybe have a pro do it and just get it done right! Central Auto Repair is at the gas station at Central Ave x Sherman. Good Luck, and Support Local Business!

    A tree

    See all

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ashley G.
    19
    12
    14

    2 months ago

    Very good service, Good work, will come back many times, works quickly. highly recommended. speak Vietnamese also.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Fast friendly and very efficient. Been going here the last 5 years even though I no longer live in alameda I remain loyal.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    These guys are legit. I had work done on both my Tacoma and Ram here. Unbeatable rates for a shop also. Give em' a try. Tough to beat.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 35
    Thanks 0
    Love this 23
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Service with courtesy and humor. Smog check performed quickly for a reasonable fee. Recommended!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Alux C.
    3
    22
    29

    3 years ago

    Smogged numerous cars of mine over the years. Great place, friendly and quick. Can't ask for more really. Thank you Central Auto service !

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Danny V.
    241
    95
    4

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sal F.
    36
    3
    0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Central Auto Service

    Review Highlights - Central Auto Service

    The mechanics there (specifically Sunny) are really excellent at diagnosing and repairing my late model Mercedes.

    Mentioned in 12 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Auto Repair 65,032 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Car Care Service

    Car Care Service

    4.8
    (213 reviews)

    Brett and his garage repair shop is great/top-notch! The best mix of high quality and rate around!…read more(trust me, I've called around to 35 shops for their labor rates) I've been taking my cars to Precision Auto Care, but I recently bought a cheap 20 year old used car (hey, it only had 107k miles on it!), so I didn't need any premium pricing costs towards its maintenance. So I went about searching for the best deal around (considering I didn't want to put in too much into a car that are in its last years). After an exhaustive search, you can trust me in saying you won't find better (mix of still high quality, but not premium high quality price cost to go with it) -- you ain't gonna beat his/their rate & quality at $120/hr. Brett is an earnest, eager guy who wants to do all he can to help you out. So I imagine the rest of his team/shop is reflective of that. He's on the younger side compared to other mechanics who run their own shop -- who end up really set in their ways and many have become complacent or too presumptive to be open to anything else or more. I brought in that used car to get a good look over and to confirm what the Pre-Purchase Inspection observed about it. He was able to confirm some things, and clear out some other concerns after taking a closer look at it. Most importantly; he was able to catch the things that he should've, and didn't fabricate more merely to pad on costs -- ultimately making/exampling him as trustworthy. He has since fixed/troubleshooted the car having trouble starting (he diagnosed/figured replacing/upgrading the spark plugs; which did the trick), replaced headlights, and simple oil change. In all, I saw that he properly charged the time appropriately with partial to his per/hour rate -- which, again, speaks to his integrity & trustworthiness (as many sleazy underhanded shops would charge a full hour's work even if it took a fraction of the time). He instilled confidence & faith so much that I brought my brand new 2026 SUV to him (which, I imagine, I would've brought to Precision Auto Care in San Leandro normally to do the high end care) to get the catalytic converter shield installed. His guy did a good job (at the very least I have no complaints, but I'm not so knowledgeable to know much more of a difference). My only qualm about it is I was quoted 2 hours of work, but I did end up having to hang around and wait for 3 hours. But, again to speak to impressive work ethic & integrity, was charged 2 hours. His place processes with impressive paperwork, listing every single aspect looked at and worked on, pricing, cost break down. What makes me a bit nervous is that when I sign for the estimate, it doesn't show cost on it; so if any disputes, any prearranged pricing/cost wouldn't be binding. If he gave less of a trustworthiness vibe, it would be best to insist it be on the estimate. But I get the feeling that I imagine if there was any dispute, Brett would do his absolute best and bend backwards to understand, accommodate, and make it right (even if it would go against established practices). Parking is very challenging. If you can't simply pull in, I suggest calling and talking to him to figure out how he wants it (it's what I've had to do each time). A few times, he would move his VW car from the street parking spot in front of his shop to place my car, others he had used the unused parking lot around the corner (which has since been fenced off; so that's a no-go any longer), and last time he moved a car at the front of the garage to have my SUV enter -- if you aren't confident or new to your car, I HIGHLY urge & suggest you simply have him bring it in; I know for sure I would damage my car (after I initially gave an attempt), while he successfully did it with confidence/experience. And when the car was done, they placed the car in the aforementioned unused parking lot (no-go anymore), or this last time around the corner down a whole block. I drive the 8 miles just to bring it to Brett and Car Care Service; because he offers the best quality service at the best rate around -- being eager to help, decent, high work ethic/trustworthiness, capable, and I know I don't have anything to worry about with him/them.

    I took my car in to get the brakes done after being told by the dealership that I was gonna need…read morethem done soon. The employees at car care service said that they would take a look and then call me with a quote. I got a call about 20 minutes after dropping it off saying that I really did not need my brakes done yet. They explained to me when the best time to get them done is, what to look out for, etc. I can't express how much I appreciate the honesty of the employees at car care service. They told me, I'm not gonna sell you something you don't need. When money is tight and expenses are high, that type of honesty can really make someone's day, week, or month! Thank you Car Care Service!!!

    Tire Choice Auto Service Centers

    Tire Choice Auto Service Centers

    3.0
    (380 reviews)

    Car had a bolt in the front tire and luckily it was parked in front of the house. Had to remove the…read moretire because the car couldn't be driven plus the spare tire had a wheel lock. The car was my father's and it was given to me because he passed away. I remembered seeing the wheel lock package and wondered why he had it and now I know. For the life of me I can't remember where I put it. It was Memorial Day weekend and I had limited options to repair the flat. I drove to Tire Choice and found out they were open Sunday and Monday. I spoke to Jack about the issue and he said he only two technicians working and I asked if Monday would be better. He said yes because there would be three technicians working. Brought the tire in on Monday and Jack was surprised that I came back. He looked at the tire and said it could be repaired because the bolt was embedded in the tread. He told me that he would call me when the work was done. Within a half hour he called and said I could pick up the tire. I arrived and paid for the work which was very reasonable. Jack got tire and put it in the car and thanked me for my business. If you have a flat that needs repair I recommend you take it here and work with Jack who has great customer service skills.

    I tried giving them a chance given the poor commentary on yelp and yeah don't go to this place of…read morebusiness. I had a disappointing experience with customer service. When I called to ask about the timing of my next oil change, he had an attitude until I asked him to pull my information from the system. Additionally, when I arrived in person, I personally overheard a staff member say he was "sweating like a slave who stole something." This was an Asian man saying this. Hearing this firsthand was uncomfortable and highly inappropriate, especially in any setting. Comments like this are offensive and create an unprofessional, unwelcoming atmosphere. Overall, I hope management takes steps to improve both customer service and staff professionalism moving forward.

    15 Minute Smog Test & Repair

    15 Minute Smog Test & Repair

    4.9
    (1.3k reviews)

    It's been 11 years since I had to do a smog check because I purchased a new hybrid car, so I never…read moreneeded one. I ended up going back to the exact same guy I used 11 years ago , Carlos at 15 Minutes Smog Test & Repair. Same guy, same professionalism, same incredible service. I was literally in and out in 15 minutes and paid only $40. Eleven years ago, I paid $35. In California, where prices have doubled and tripled on everything, this is honestly unbelievable. I called around before going, and everywhere else was quoting me anywhere from $60 to $80+. Carlos knows exactly what he's doing, which is why this place constantly has 5-star reviews. Super proactive, super professional, and they even cleaned my windshield while I was there. Seriously, don't waste your time chasing coupons or dealing with nonsense shops. If you need a smog check, go here. Carlos was phenomenal. A++ service. I honestly don't even understand how anyone else is still in business at this point.

    This is my go to spot for smog checks!…read more I like to make an appointment because they work on your car as soon as you get there. I've been there before without an appointment and other cars with appointments are worked on before mine. No big deal, since they're fine with walk ins. But if I can save 15 minutes, I'll save 15 minutes! Jose is efficient and quick! He's also friendly and appears to remember me - maybe because I've been going there for awhile! $40 for our cars, cash or credit. There's a cafe a block away but I check my email onsite and my car is ready! I should time him next time. I think it's been as fast as 12 minutes.

    Central Auto Service - autorepair - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...