We had an issue with a code that no other mechanic could fix. The code was for ABS breaker BUT our car didn't have ABS brakes. They were able to fix it quick and fast. read more

I think they do a good job. They always save parts that need replacement and walk me through their diagnosis. I don't always understand but it is helpful to know they aren't making stuff up. They have been in the neighborhood for a long time so it is good to support a local independent business. read more

I have two older cars and have been to this shop for service and repairs. The technicians are friendly and knowledgeable and do excellent work. The shop prices are reasonable and Kevin and his team communicate very clearly what services and repairs are needed and which can wait. This is an honest shop that does quality work and treats its customers well. I recommend them. read more

I was brought here when I lost my older mechanic. I have been more than pleased with this buisness. When something needs to be done to the car they always explain. And what I appreciate most of all as I knew auto repairs from long ago is how they explain the labor. And what they do when a difficult job is needed. Skilled labor is always worth the price. And courtesy towards customer I could not ask for more. In my experience I would not go elsewhere. Thank you Mr Hinkley and all the staff! read more

Auto Tech is a gem. Car service not much found today. Old fashion diagnosis and repair. read more

These guys are friendly, and know about cars and their problems! I always enjoy going over there to get my car problems fixed.

When it comes to find a mechanic shop, the main concern if I can trust that place. Kevin's shop is the place! Very professional,fast and incredibly honest team. I used them for the first time and it's my to go to shop. Thanks Kevin and team for taking care of my car. read more

Car was fixed on time that was promised and the price was great. See you soon for the other car .

Highly recommend. Honest and super knowledgeable. Has my go-to mechanic and smog guy for years for my family's vehicles.

I am pretty new to Kevin L Hinkley auto. Their technicians are extremely knowledgeable and patient. I ask a lot of questions. They took their time and explained things in detail. They are very fair price wise. A+ Service read more

My mechanic in Castro Valley closed his shop.... My car's engine light kept coming on. I took it to Hinkley Auto Tech and they went way above and beyond to take care of me. I dropped my car off as I was going to be out of town for a week. I was under the gun because I needed to get my car smogged. They diagnosed and completely fixed the problem (the code it threw was a small gas leak). However it failed smog because the code takes x amount of miles or cold starts to reset. They knew exactly what I needed to do and when I had driven the requested # of miles.... I pulled back into their shop without even calling and they not only smogged it on the spot, but even gave me the address of a DMV automated kiosk 2 miles away in a Safeway! Got my stickers and checked the crisis off my list. These guys are thorough, fair, honest, and they know what they are doing. I have a new trusted mechanic. I cannot recommend them higher. These guys care. read more

Great place for older car. Not maybe the cheapest but I'd go here again for sure. It was good quality service and they put us at ease

Guys, just stop the reading and just go ahead and book your car services here now, you'll thank myself and the dozens of other stellar reviews later. So to begin. My car broke down a few hundred yards away from here after school one day a few months ago. I live in Benicia and commute for school 45 mins each way. I thought I was out of luck but my maps showed a car shop right down the street. Cranked and churned my car into the lot and parked it overnight. Gave a call to the shop the next day and let them know the situation. Said sure we will take a look. In my head my car had broken down and I was looking at a thousand dollar plus job. Get a call back a couple hours later explaining what they found. Gave me an easier option that may work. It was a simple oil and filter change. Haha. Car was back to running brand new. These guys could have taken me for a spin and I would have forked over the money because I thought my car was toast. But they were honest and explained everything in detail. (I know enough about cars and have e ouch tools to follow nomenclature), Just brought my car back for a tune up and diagnostic of another small issue. kevin gave me a call and ran me through exactly what was going on A-Z and gave me options. I can't begin to tell you guys what a relief it is to have an honest mechanic at a fair price. I HAD to write this review. I will continue bringing my car 45 mins away for car services based on everything I've experienced. I've seen dozens of mechanics and shops, these guys are the best! read more

Amazing service and honesty. They also make life easier by picking up and dropping off my car for service. They told me that my brakes still had a lot of life in them when other mechanics would have just replaced them to make more money. They have gained a customer for life. read more

I am so glad to be able to find a place to take my car and get great and honest service. The first thing I noticed about this place was how nice everyone is and then I learned that they really care about me (the customer) and the work that needed to be done on my car. If they can't do the work necessary for your vehicle they will recommend qualified honest mechanics who can. Amazing customer service and honest mechanics and I am a forever customer. read more

I was having problems with an intermittent check engine light on my 2006 Chevy Malibu and after having some minor diagnostic work done, was told that I might have an emissions problem and most likely would need a new catalytic converter. The only problem was that Chevrolet stopped making catalytic converters for my car and I couldn't find an after market catalytic converter that was compatible with California's emission laws. I was referred to Kevin Hinkley at Auto Tech because he has experience dealing with referrals to a "smog referee" in case my car failed my smog test. I first spoke with a technician, also by the name of Kevin, who kindly and patiently listened to my whole story and told me to bring my car by the next morning. The next morning, I met with Kevin Hinkley who explained the process of what would happen if I failed the smog test since I'm unable to get a new catalytic converter. Kevin must have spent at least 20 minutes with me, even though he and his technicians were obviously very busy. He asked if I wanted to try getting my car smogged now and also had suggestions as to what I would have to do next if it failed. I was dumbfounded that he was offering to smog my car right then (again, they are a very busy shop), but wanted to get it done. Fortunately, my car passed the smog inspection and so no further work was required. I was honestly so impressed with everyone at this shop that I wouldn't hesitate to bring our cars back when they need work. What amazing customer service! read more

These guys are great!! They are honest, thorough and extremely competent. They go the extra mile and I will not go anywhere else for my auto issues these days. I am 68 yrs old and lived in this area all my life. My husband and I have been around the block a few times here in CV, Hayward and SL with shops and mechanics. You can trust them!! read more

Thursday morning the alternator on our Honda Pilot went bad. Called Kevin and he said "bring it in" which I did, Ron checked me in when I arrived. By 4PM on Thursday I had the estimated price and although he could not promise to get it done by Friday he said that he would try. Friday at 3 pm I got a call from Ron saying it was all done. They even took time to do an oil change that I had requested when I took the vehicle in. Thank you Kevin, Ron and your crew. You guys are the best. read more

My car's check engine light is on. Ron very nicely and quickly pulled the code for me for free. Ron also explained what the code means and the potential causes and price estimate for fixes. Hands down one of the best auto shop experiences I have had. I highly recommend them! read more

First time experience working with them - 5/5 and thumbs up ! I had gone in to get an oil change done and ask about replacing my tires... And they were super friendly, informative and transparent throughout the whole process. They went the extra mile - I had come in just to setup a time and they immediately fixed a brake light, despite being backed-up. Even for the tires, they let me take my time and do some research and spent time explaining the pros and cons of all my options and what to look for. If you are in the vicinity, should definitely give them a shot. read more

I went in today for a smog check didn't think I was going to be helped so quickly but Kevin the owner helped me right away. They seemed busy as there were other vehicles in the parking lot despite this whole Corona Virus going on. One of the workers immediately helped me and they were super cool about it. It's nice to know that even with everything going on these guys were so helpful and nice while working with a sense of urgency. I probably waited no longer than 20 minutes and make car was finished, along with this Kevin offered to put air in my tires as they were low. All in all, great experience for my first time and it's good to know of shops like this where people are genuine and willing to help. I would recommend this place to family and friends and come back for any other service in the future, thanks guys! read more

This was my first time actually taking my car to Hinkley Auto. My mom has always taken her vehicles there and trusted them. I needed to get my A/C fixed, so I called them up to see how much it might be, they told me i'd have to bring the car in because they don't know what the previous place had done and to make sure they weren't jipping me, because the previous place i went to first said it was around $300 then came back a week later when i tried to order the part and said it was almost $600. So i made my appt at Hinkley and they took less than a day to figure it out, cost and all. Obviously I knew it was going to be expensive so i just went for it because i needed my A/C fixed. They did it in 1 day and when i picked it up, they showed me the part that was leaking and it ended up costing less than the quote i was given. I plan on taking my car here if anything were to happen to it again. Thank you Kevin Hinkley! read more

I would like to let the public know that Kevin L. Hinkley Auto Rocks! These guys are the place to go for honest auto repair service. Kevin and his guys fixed up my '93 Ford Bronco and it is now purring like a kitten! After that, I decided to take my '77 Trans-Am to him for some necessary repairs in order to pass smog - not a problem, AND, he got me to the car show, on time! I have nothing but good things to say about Kevin L. Hinkley Auto! Lance Capilla Alameda Engineering read more

My catalytic converter was stolen on Sat night. Called Kevin and he was able to accept my car, deal with my insurance company, find the very difficult to find parts (Catalytic converter) and repair it in less than 2 weeks. Very happy to deal with a local, HONEST (not that many out there these days) company. highly recommended. read more

They are the best, very friendly and knowledgeable. Kevin and his crew know how to take care of their customers.

This business saved me! Once I parked my car in the garage I heard a hissing sound coming out of the back tire of our car. I immediately called them and they told me to come in and they will take a look. Instead of charging me for. New $200 tire they patched it for $35. We have used them multiple times and will always be taking our cars here for servicing. They are the most honest and seem to genuinely care about every single person they encounter. Thank you for all you do! read more

How rare (and delightful) when a shop tells you what the problem is, when the vehicle will be ready (including a conditional extra day for parts delivery, which is often out of the shop's control), and the approximate cost. Then delivers on all three! read more

We've been going to Kevin Hinkley for about 30+ years now. They are worth their weight in gold! Honest, smart, personable and friendly. These guys ROCK! read more

When I've had car trouble in the past my biggest stress was always where to take my car. I immediately felt that Kevin and his staff were honest people. He told me the problem(s) and his recommendation(s). Knowing nothing about cars, he explained everything so that I could understand. At one point an expensive part was surprisingly covered under warranty, he researched it and sent me to the dealership where it was fully covered. After each visit he jokingly told me not to come back for a while. Eventually he and his staff recommended I just get a new car. I did so hopefully I won't be returning anytime soon. read more

EASILY a 5 star review here! First off, the service is next level. They really make you feel like you're a part of the family with their genuine concern for your vehicle and the care they take in inspecting the whole car for you each visit to make sure everything is running smooth as well as fixing the original issue. If you don't have a ride after dropping your car off for service, they offer to take you home or to a destination while the car is being worked on. The work is done very professionally and in a very timely manner. All the work that is done is explained very thoroughly by a staff member, which is nice to know they know exactly what is going on and exactly what is going to resolve the problem! The other day I brought my truck in for an oil change and in their inspection they saw my brakes needed to be changed as well and gave me a call with the issue, the estimate and asked if I wanted that fixed as well. I said yes, and they had the part ordered and the brakes fixed within another hour or two from the first call. I was extremely impressed and thankful for the extra care that was taken. You never know who you can trust with your vehicle and if someone is trying to pull one over on you and rip you off with work that doesn't really need to be done. At Kevin L Hinkley Auto there is never that fear or worry. I would recommend this shop to anyone and it is my go-to spot for all my truck services, without a doubt!! read more

Exceptional customer service! My grandmother had a series of car issues and the team here went above and beyond helping her and fixing her car! Frank was her favorite (ours too) and we are so grateful for everything the team did to help her! They genuinely care about their customers and making sure they do everything possible to get cars back on the road! read more

Amazing place. I've been bringing my car here for a few years and have received the best service I've had from mechanic's. The staff is very friendly and always lets me know exactly what is going on and what their honest recommendations are. I'll continue to come here over any other shop. read more

My family has been taking cars here for years, and I can't believe I haven't taken the time to review them before this. Kevin has always given us great, honest service, and before it was sent out to pasture he kept my dad's ancient sedan running well past the best-by date, when there was probably nothing buy rust and wishes (and Kevin's automotive wizardry) holding it together. What's really striking to me is how *incredibly* good their customer service has always been. I literally have too many stories about this shop going above and beyond to accommodate my family to type them all out; just today, someone rode to the rescue because my dad's tire got jacked and the car couldn't be towed without causing damage. The car once again has a normal amount of wheels for a car to have, and my dad can stop collecting gray hairs worrying about it. I send anyone who so much as breathes the word "mechanic" around me their way, and I'll keep doing so without an ounce of concern about whether I'm misleading my friends, loved ones, or random strangers on the street who make the mistake of saying "mechanic" within earshot. Seriously, take your car here. You won't regret it. read more

The warning panel in my car was flashing, showing that there was engine and battery trouble. A nearby mechanic said it was my alternator, and that it still looked new, so I should take it to where it had initially been installed, to see if it was still under warranty. The alternator/battery combination was only about a year and 4 months old, so, hoping that they would honor the warranty, and that I could make it, I took a chance, held my breath, and white knuckled it over to Hinkley's. Hinkleys was busy when I got there, but they were so gracious to take my car anyway. They decided to replace the alternator, even though it was a 4 months over warranty. They regenerated the battery, and not only that...they did it all in the same day, and on a Saturday at that!! I had to be at work at 330am the next day, Sunday, and even though they first said that they couldn't have it done until Monday, they made a huge effort and got it done on the same day! I was absolutely amazed and sooo grateful! I'm back in business with a car that runs great! Thank you Hinkley's...you're tops with me! read more

My family has used Kevin Hinkley and Ron for years. I have never, ever, had a bad experience there. I have always been treated in a respectful manner, and I know Ron. He is a very kindhearted gentleman. I also know most of the people employed there, and frankly, in my humble opinion, the establishment is worth every penny. I always know that when my car is there, it comes back running better than I can hope for. They have given their assistance when contemplating the purchase of a new car, on what they thought the upkeep would be, and what they could do. I have had situations where I have been stuck, and they are just a phone call away for advice. I trust them implicitly, and I know that I wont be abused. In addition, I also know that Ron is not anything like what LS says he is like. I have had him help me countless, countless times, and every time, he has always been honorable, a gentleman, and forthright in his judgement of what is going on with our cars. In no way have I ever heard of him act in a patronizing manner. Ever. Kevin too, has integrity, is honest, and trustworthy. I would highly, highly reccommend them. There is a reason they have been at the same location for well over 20+ years, you cannot stay in business that long if you werent worth your salt. Dont let one person who may have misunderstood something sway you. I reccommend if you have any doubts, give them a call and talk to them. They will, as they always have, be very helpful, respectful and you will be well pleased with the results you get. Thank you to Ron and Kevin for always being there. It is very reassuring to me to have them where they are, and to know they will be there in the future. read more

Kevin's the best. Trustworthy and skilled for sure. The kind of Auto tech that you know is shooting straight with you.

So far so good! Took my car to get an oil change and was met with a price that was fair on all accounts. The dealer with coupons would of been $5 more and not everyone has the coupon so yea, definitely a fair price here. What Kevin L Hinkley Auto Tech did that was nice was it went above and beyond checking the car out, fixing little things for no cost and making honest recommendations. It's rare to really find an auto repair shop these days it seems so given my experience here, this place seems to be on and level. I'll definitely be back. read more

My family and I have taken our vehicles to Kevin's shop for years, and they always do a excellent job. They're quick,efficient, and reasonably priced. I don't ever feel taken advantage of or feel as though they try to add unnecessary services onto your bill. Kevin's staff goes above and beyond to make sure your vehicle is well taken care of and the quality of customer service is amazing from everyone. I highly recommend this shop! read more

My family and I have been taking our car to Hinkley Auto for years now. I've always had a great experience and I'm constantly impressed at how well we're treated. Whether it's a simple oil change, smog check, or something more serious and extensive, we get a straight forward answer and can make the best decision to keep our vehicle running smoothly. They are honest, fair, thorough, skilled, and very friendly. This is truly a family business. I would recommend this shop to anyone who wants the job done right and peace of mind in knowing exactly what's going on, as if you're under the hood yourself. I guarantee you will be happy with their service! read more

Kevin Hinkley has been a god send! My step father was my trusted mechanic since my first car, until he passed away recently. I didn't know where to go or who I could trust. It took me 2 years of running into bad mechanics that ripped me off to finally find Kevin Hinkley Auto Tech! Not only did Kevin fix my 13 year old car but he explained to me what the problem was and made me feel very comfortable and welcome. The prices are comparable and I finally found someone I can trust. I found my mechanic! Thank you Kevin! :) read more