The auto repair service is top notch! Also this is the most honest business. The original owner provided great auto repair which has been passed down to his son. If your vehicle needs repair this is the facility to do the job. I highly recommend this business. read more

This place is amazing. It's a shame I moved. I don't want to use any other services except for this place. Their quality of work is on point. It don't get any better than Kano automotive. read more

Kano Automotive has consistently proven reliable and honest. They could not replicate an issue with my car and, so, charged nothing. Worked all day at no charge. Asked me to bring it back as soon as the issue returned. The work they have done has consistently been thorough and far less expensive than any dealership. read more

I have a Toyota pick up with 355800 mile on it . Well it needed a little work and help . (clutch , valve job and the inevitable idiot light . I bought it to KANO AUTO and got it diagnosed and returned promptly . I can't say enough good things about that Shop , the repair ,the price and technical/diagnostic ability of the mechanics is top notch . I must admit I prefer to do business with a family run business then a dealer ship ...''THUMBS UP TO KANO'' read more

I have traveled over 220,000 miles in my Toyota Sienna because of the excellent care it has received over many years at Kano Automotive for both the car's regular maintenance and needed repairs. Calvin Kano and Matthew, his son and new owner, are impressively knowledgeable about everything to do with auto repair. They can expertly diagnose any car's problem, repair it at a fair cost, and send you safely back on the road. Like his father before him, Matthew is consistently reliable for getting repairs done correctly, conscientious about the work he does, and honest as well as trustworthy. He is always available to answer your questions and to address your concerns. I learned the importance of reliability in an auto mechanic from an incident a few years back. I was out of town and my car needed a repair. I took it to a local repair shop where the mechanic replaced a front lower control arm. Afterwards, the car started to make a loud clunking, banging sound. I took it to Matthew who promptly diagnosed the problem as a defective, aftermarket control arm that was installed by the previous mechanic. Since this incident and before any trip, I take my car to Kano Auto. I am confident that Matthew and his highly trained mechanics will always provide me with the reliable and trustworthy service that will keep me safe on my travels. Giselle, who manages the front desk, is unfailingly friendly, courteous, and helpful. She is very knowledgeable about automobiles as well. The team at Kano Automotive have the knowledge and skills to provide your car with the care it needs to run soundly and safely for maximum miles. The team also keeps this driver stress free and happy that her car is in the best hands possible! J Lee read more

Had a quirky thing with my Chevy blazer. Everything worked ok 1st thing in the am. Weather and engine warms up, wham, the gauges went out, door locks, radio, etc. Went to Kato's on a recommendation from Bob Reeds service around the corner, as Kato's is especially good with electrical problems. I thought it may be in or around the fuse box under the hood.....only a guess on my part. It was a plug under the fuse box that was making only intermittent contact. Fuse was ok. Tech installed plug correctly, tested. All ok. No parts used, labor was minimal cost, was in at 8am, out by 3 pm. PLUS you get a1 year warranty on parts AND labor. Fast, honest, and doesn't stick you for anything you don't need. Every body there very friendly, (including a dog I would dog knap in a heart beat.) 5 plus stars!!! read more

Family business in San Mateo providing excellent customer service and quality workmanship.

Great service & honesty. The first time I've ever left a mechanics shop and my bill was significantly LESS than the original quote. Matt was very transparent with me, and is a genuinely nice person. Go to Kano for your automotive servicing and needs. read more

I have been coming to Kano automotive in San Mateo for the past 30 years. Cal (the owner) has always treated me fairly and with great skill. Recently Cal retired and his son, Matt took over. Matt, is an outstanding mechanic and very decent person, I cannot say more than 10 stars!. I actually enjoy coming here. Recently, I had done some engine work on my 2001 Camry, it was not a complicated job but exremely tedious. When I put it all back to gether, the engine rpm did not resume to its previous value. I attributed this to a n incorrect IAC valve that was sold to me. the serial numbers did not match the old IAC valve, which was dtotally wierd . the dealer assured me that I had the correct I AC valve, So, since my repair job involved a multitude of other parts and the engine light came on. I decided the best thing to do first was to get the code read and then focus on that part of the engine. I went to Kano and told Matt what the issue was and my repair. Matt took the car and some time int he after noon, they told me that the issue was the throttle body gasket was not installed correctly. I was pretty embarassed as I have done this repair many times before. So when I got the car it ran perfectly . Thanks so much Matt!! Amillion thanks!!. P.S. no charge to solve a problem that had nothing to do with Matt 's work only my stupidity. read more

COME HERE FOR HONEST & AFFORDABLE AUTO REPAIR! I've been having my cars serviced and repaired here for the past 16 years. I trust them. It's relatively informal compared to a dealer's service department, and Cal never tries to sell you an unnecessary service. They don't have luxuries (no: shuttle service, wi-fi, fancy waiting room, weekend hours) but they are dependable, honest (which is truly valued), and complete the job done correctly. read more

First: Cal's KANO AUTOMOTIVE is AAA Approved (I believe in AAA). KANO's specializes in Smog * Air Conditioning * Electrical Carburetors * Fuel Injection. Now, on to my personal experience... My "MAINTENANCE REQUIRED" light had been coming on for the past week. On top of that, my car had been "shaking" and "vibrating" (severely) when I would brake at higher speeds. (My previous "mechanic" (to whom I was referred by a friend) told me he could fix the shaking/vibrating for $600. I just couldn't afford that cost. This particular "mechanic" told me if I chose not to fix it at that time (4 months ago), it would not hurt anything until I could save up.) My ex uses KANO's for all his auto needs, and told me he trusted Cal. I am SO glad my ex and I are friends (I believe in my Ex)! Yesterday, I took my 2010 Toyota Camry SLE to Cal. Cal did a complete tune-up, changed my air filter, replaced the (much more expensive) synthetic oil in my Camry AND completely fixed the shaking/vibrating (the rotors needed to be turned) for - ARE YOU READY?????? - a total of $264!!!!! Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus! I love sharing great feedback when it is due and (selfishly) almost didn't want to post this for Kano's because I knew it meant other women would want to go to him, possibly making it more difficult for me to get an appointment! I have a feeling that Cal will take care of my needs no matter what! He's an HONEST, ETHICAL, NO CHI-CHAT kind of a guy and a VERY GOOD man. Can't find many of those today, can you? Bottom Line: You won't find better service or better prices! Theresa read more

I have to say, after being raked over the coals by various mechanics (seriously, because I am a woman does not mean I know NOTHING about cars) I am so HAPPY I found Kano's. If you want a FAIR and HONEST mechanic, this is your guy. This is the ONLY place I bring my car and I trust him 100% - that is saying a lot for a car mechanic! If he says it needs to get done, it needs to get done. He may be slightly more expensive than the Jiffy Lube places, but he does a much better job and you know it will be done right. If you need your car repaired, go here. You won't regret it. read more

A few years ago, I was a recent transplant, learning my way around......a colleague referred me to Kano. Cal was the first person who drove my trusted ole' 1992 Corolla. I have to say I felt assured from the get go! Lil things that are gut instincts!! While most shops asked me to buy a new car etc, he reassured me and said, "this guy will hold you in good stead!" Which it did...for a few years until it gave way naturally. He never quoted outlandish/ exorbitant prices. from a brake light bulb to Brake pads, to oil change to servicing....everything about Kano was/is honest! Do go! read more

Great service always. Kano Auto is always reliable, fair and honest. The owner is a great guy and you can count on him to not oversell - if you don't need it he will tell you. Been bringing my cars to Kano for over 16 years. Wouldn't trust anyone else. Great service, great owner read more

Agreed with review by G.R http://www.yelp.com/biz/kano-automotive-san-mateo#hrid:kvflMRdlKBpjgbQA-UQFYQ I tried other places with mechanics not so knowledgeable, so for now I always ask Kano for estimate before he fixes it ..unitl i find a reliable mechanic. read more

I've been lucky and haven't had to have any major repairs in the last few years! Well within the last 4 weeks I've had to get a radiator replaced and some parts for my gear shifts replaced. I was referred to Kano by another mechanic who told me these were guys were "the real deal and very honest". I found Kano's prices to be very fair and above all he explains what the exact issue is and the best and most inexpensive route to repair. He's not out to gouge people. My radiator repair was a bit above average but again I had a car that was no longer in production and they had to special order it. The only reason I didn't give them 5 stars is that because they are in demand so you may have to wait a bit longer than usual for your car. Again, this is not a dealership shop so don't expect a fancy waiting room with waters and etc. read more

No one knows cars like Cal does! I think he actually enjoys the challenge of a unique problem...no matter what the noise or what the glitch, you can always count on Calvin to figure it out! I've been coming to Kano's for over 25 years, and they have always provided thorough, affordable, and friendly service! They are truly the best shop in town! read more

Kano Automotive is awesome. We have been coming here for years to service our Lexus GS300 and our Yukon Denali. Cal and Matt and their guys do great work at really good prices. They only fix what needs fixing and don't try to sell or add unnecessary add-ons. They are fair priced and very honest. I will always have my cars and trucks serviced here. read more

Solid shop. Took the time to test and verify an intermittent problem that could not be solved by the dealer. More than once i've had a fairly unusual problem diagnosed and fixed here. read more

I was so pleased with the work and repairs they did for my car. I had gone to another shop in Burlingame when I had owned a previous car. That shop in Burlingame disappointed me beyond belief with their estimate, and pushing me towards selling my car!!! Granted it's a 2000 Mercury Sable, but it has less than 83,000 miles. Either, they didn't want to do the work, or they hadn't even looked at it. And gave me an estimate of $2,000.00!!!!!!!! On my brother in laws recommendation, I brought it to Kano, and it's back in good form. I did ask Kano to call me first with an estimate, and they did call me before they did the work, and I couldn't be happier! Found my new shop! read more

My first time taking my car to Kano auto. My father in law who is extremely picky swears by them. I had some concerns about my car I voiced to Matthew, the owners son, who discussed and wrote everything onto a computerized file . He performed a complete inspection and completed all work as specified. As a Women feeling valued and not ripped off is huge, Kano automotive has my future work. In addition work was done in a very timely manner as in the next day . Very Satisfied. read more

Cal and Matt are great. They have been working on my car for years. They get my car repaired promptly. They are reasonably priced and very sweet. I definitely recommend them. read more

Was recommended by a friend. Told him about problem of shaking at higher speeds , , the light bulb shakin, and oil change. Got an estimate from someone else for $675. The owner took care of everything, changed the brake pads and rotated my tires. Stopped the shakin, even changed the air filter and wiper blades. For a whopping $450. Are you kidding!!!! Even recommended purchasing new tires. Said it was up to me! But I had a little time to look for a deal! Hard to find a mechanic worth trusting ! I found mine!!!! read more

They will do good work, but they will just start "fixing" things and charge you for it without a phone call or any authorization. Took the car in and asked for an oil change, then went to pick it up and they told my wife the bill was $142 and said they replaced a few things. Did all of it when it was not asked for, and did not call to ask if we would like it done. Would not recommend. read more

What a find! It is so hard to find an honest mechanic and I'm so glad i found one. Kano's is one busy place, with loyal customers returning over and over, so it helps to call in advance to make sure they're not swamped. But that's always a good sign when almost all their customers is by word of mouth -- since the place is not the easiest to find. Checkout Consumer Checkbook who did a review - best in San Mateo. read more

No parking at all. No dropbox. Prices were fair close to dealer though. Got my car back all greasy and half my

I was visiting CA from out of town and the motor on my driver side window broke. These men came to my rescue and fixed the window in just a couple of hours! They are very helpful and reasonably priced. Quick, quality service. read more

I initially had a good experience at this location. The owner is friendly and the garage quite large. I returned for a second visit however because my car engine would sometimes die while driving. I left my vehicle there in the morning and the owner was supposed to contact me once they found what was wrong with the car and inform me of an estimate of repair costs. Instead I get a call in late afternoon saying the car is already fixed. When I go to get the car, I get a $450 repair bill. I asked the owner why he didn't contact me FIRST with the estimate BEFORE the work was done (which I believe is a law in California) and he replies that he fixed it because he figured I'd want to get the car repaired anyway. Sorry buddy but that is NOT how you do business when you're in automotive repair. The car is older and I would have appreciated at least having the option of having it repaired or not. I will never go back nor will I recommend to anybody. read more

Years ago I had a repair shop tell me the noise coming from my engine was a cracked exhaust manifold. I didn't have time to have it repaired at the time. A few weeks later I dropped off my car at Kanos and told Cal it needed a new exhaust manifold and to go ahead and replace it. When I picked up the car that afternoon I asked how much it was and he said "nothing". I was shocked! It turned out that two of the bolts holding the manifold tight had come loose. He tightened them up and it has been quiet ever since. I was so impressed with his honesty I have been going ever since and have referred many others there. I think Cal is one of the most trustworthy mechanics you will ever encounter. Especially if you are a woman or someone who doesn't know much about cars. I'm surprised by the review from RG ? I have had Cal replace a short block on one of my trucks, and he was willing to locate a used rear end for a Suburban and replace it. I don't think you can go wrong taking a car there. read more

Kano continues to be great. I've recommended them to workmates and they've come back with happy reviews

Kano was prompt, turned my car around in the same day, and even stayed a little late to wait for me to get to the shop to pick it up. As a first time customer, I even got a little discount! Very satisfied with their work. read more

My family has been going to Kano's for all our auto needs for 20+ years. Cal, the owner, is like a friend of the family instead of just our mechanic. He takes care of us always. Kano's is a good place to go for your car needs. read more

I learned about this shop last year from AAA. I needed to get a smog check so I took my car to Kano. I was happy with the service. When I needed my front brakes replaced on my car a few months ago, I took it back to Kano. They had the job done the same day and it was very reasonably priced. I plan on taking my car back for any future repairs instead of getting gouged by the Subaru dealership. Cal, the owner, is a character. Both times I've been in there long time clients have been there as well and that's a good sign. read more

Cal Kano is the best. Family has been going to him for over thirty years! Does excellent work, prices are fair and I have NEVER been upsold to buy something I didn't need, even when I thought I did. With so many money vacuums out there, it's been a pleasure dealing with someone who is, and has always been, right, reasonable and fair. read more

The owner and the mechanics are friendly, knowledgeable and dependable. The costs of repairs are reasonable. If they can inform of estimates before the repairs then it would be perfect. read more