Auto Repair Specialist

Auto Repair, Auto Maintenance and Auto Diagnostics in San Rafael, CA and the Surrounding Areas

  • Domestic & Foreign Auto Repair
  • Factory Auto Maintenance
  • Auto & Light Truck Services
  • Engine Service / Replacement
  • Transmission Service / Replacement
  • Diesel Repair
  • Brake Repair
  • Auto AC Repair
  • Oil Change & Tune Up
  • Tire Sales & Tire Repair
  • California Smog Check
  • Vehicle Registration Services
  • ASE Certified
  • BBB Accredited

Auto Repair

Your one stop shop for expert foreign and domestic auto repair services.

Auto Maintenance

Professional auto maintenance keeps your car running safely and reliably.

Auto Diagnostics

Our local auto shop is equipped with the latest computer aided diagnostic tools.

For more than a decade, locally owned and operated Auto Repair Specialist has been providing superior auto repair, auto maintenance and auto diagnostic services in San Rafael.


Our modern auto shop is staffed by ASE certified technicians who have decades of combined experience servicing all makes and models of Asian, European and domestic cars, vans, SUVs and light trucks. Whether your vehicle is due for a routine oil change, timing belt replacement or fluid flush, or requires a brake job, transmission repair or engine replacement, we do it all. Our mechanics are also licensed to perform California smog checks, emissions repair and complete vehicle registration services in San Rafael, making us a true one stop shop for all your automotive needs. To learn more about how we fix car problems at our nearby auto repair shop, or to request an estimate for the cost of auto repair in San Rafael, please don’t hesitate to call.

Since opening our doors in 2008, the Auto Repair Specialist team has been proudly offering honest service at competitive prices to our friends and neighbors in San Rafael and beyond. Our crew is dedicated to providing the greatest car care in our community by using high quality parts, maintaining our ASE certifications and continuously updating our shop with the latest computer aided auto diagnostic and repair tools. This all allows us to quickly and effectively repair and maintain cars and trucks, thus minimizing vehicle downtime and maximizing its efficiency. So when your car gives you trouble, or if it is time for a smog check, registration renewal or preventative auto maintenance in San Rafael, give Auto Repair Specialist a call at (415) 612-3933. Thank you for considering us for your car service needs.

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Auto Repair Specialist Blog

by Auto Repair Specialist 09 Mar, 2024
Have you gotten a flat tire while driving? It's a problem that can quickly transform a pleasant drive into a nightmare. Below, we'll look at what happens if you drive with a flat tire and how to deal with it. When you need to replace a damaged tire in San Rafael, CA, visit Auto Repair Specialist to check out our selection of quality new and used tires. How Far Can You Drive on a Flat Tire? How long you can drive with a flat tire depends on several factors, including the severity of the flat, your speed, and tire type. In general, we do not recommend driving on a flat tire for more than a mile or two at a slow speed until you can come to a safe stop. If you have a spare tire and know how to change it, drive on the spare until you can get to a tire store for a replacement. Is It Dangerous To Drive on a Flat Tire? Driving with a flat tire exposes your car to several issues. The most pressing worry is damage to the flat tire itself since repeated friction with the road can shred it or cause irreparable damage. Aside from the tire, driving with a flat can damage the wheel, suspension components, and even the car's alignment. The unbalanced weight distribution stresses several parts of your vehicle, potentially leading to more serious and costly problems in the future. It also endangers you and your vehicle's safety. Handling becomes uncertain, and the likelihood of losing control or causing an accident rises dramatically. Tire Sales and Repairs in San Rafael Auto Repair Specialist offers used and new tires in San Rafael for all types of vehicles from name brands that you know and trust, such as Cooper, Hankook, Michelin, and Toyo. We also offer many tire services, such as flat tire repair, tire balancing, and tire rotation. Don't put off fixing or replacing tires when necessary, as healthy tires are key to safe and reliable driving. Call us at  (415) 612-3933  to learn more.
by Auto Repair Specialist 12 Feb, 2024
Have you ever wondered what's under your car's hood, and why a simple part like the oxygen sensor is so important? This component greatly impacts your vehicle's performance, affecting everything from fuel efficiency to emissions. We discuss the importance of a working oxygen sensor as well as some issues to be aware of below. When you need oxygen sensor or other auto repair in San Rafael, CA, visit Auto Repair Specialist . What Does the Oxygen Sensor Do? The oxygen sensor monitors the level of oxygen in the exhaust gases. Its primary function is to measure the air-fuel ratio and relay this information to the engine control module (ECM). This data allows the ECM to adjust the fuel injection for optimal combustion efficiency. Essentially, the oxygen sensor plays a pivotal role in ensuring the engine operates at the right mixture of air and fuel, contributing to fuel efficiency and minimizing harmful emissions. Common Issues There are a few issues that can arise when the oxygen sensor is damaged. Contamination is a prevalent problem; dirt and oil accumulation can lead to inaccurate readings. Another worry is that sensors degrade with time and become less precise. If your car is consuming too much fuel or the check engine light turns on, your oxygen sensor could be faulty. How To Keep Your Oxygen Sensor Functional Regular maintenance is essential to keep your oxygen sensor in good working order. To keep your engine running smoothly, follow the service plan outlined in your owner's manual. Maintain a clean engine with regular oil changes to ensure a healthy oxygen sensor. Consider what you put in your tank: high-quality fuel lowers the likelihood of sensor contamination. Finally, if your gas mileage suddenly gets worse or the check engine light illuminates, have a professional inspect your vehicle. Auto Repair in San Rafael Even the most meticulously maintained vehicles can suffer from sudden car trouble, especially as the miles add up. If your vehicle is showing signs of a failing oxygen sensor, visit Auto Repair Specialist at your earliest convenience. When our ASE-certified mechanics combine their years of experience with the latest automotive repair technology, we can quickly and effectively fix auto issues. Call us at  (415) 612-3933  to schedule a service or to request an estimate for auto repair in San Rafael or the surrounding California communities.
by Auto Repair Specialist 10 Jan, 2024
An engine misfire can cause your vehicle to run poorly, which can be aggravating. Understanding the reasons for engine misfires is essential for solving the problem. We examine the most common causes of engine misfires, as well as how our skilled mechanics can detect and repair the issue below. If your vehicle is showing signs of an engine issue in San Rafael, CA, visit Auto Repair Specialist . What Is an Engine Misfire? Misfires occur when one or more cylinders in an internal combustion engine fail to ignite the air-fuel mixture at the right time. This interruption causes power loss, rough idling, and, in some cases, perceptible vibration or shaking in the car. The Most Common Causes of a Misfire Misfires can be caused by a variety of circumstances, including malfunctioning spark plugs or ignition coils, blocked fuel injectors, vacuum leaks, or problems with the air-fuel combination. When spark plugs fail to ignite the fuel-air mixture at the proper time, or if the fuel supply is interrupted, it results in incomplete combustion and subsequent misfiring. A vacuum leak caused by a ruptured hose or gasket, as well as mass airflow sensor failures, can cause an imbalance in the air entering the engine. These airflow issues can lead to misfires by altering the tightly controlled air-to-fuel ratio. How To Prevent a Misfire Preventing engine misfires requires regular maintenance and careful attention to various parts. It is critical to follow the prescribed maintenance plan for spark plug replacement, as worn spark plugs are a typical cause of misfires. Routine inspections and replacements of ignition coils, fuel injectors, and the air filter help to ensure optimal combustion efficiency. Maintaining a clean fuel system through the use of quality gasoline and additives can also help reduce misfires caused by clogged injectors. Regular inspection of the vehicle's sensors, such as the mass airflow sensor and oxygen sensors, aids in the detection of potential problems before they cause misfires. Engine Repair in San Rafael At Auto Repair Specialist, our expert mechanics provide professional engine repair in San Rafael for all gas and diesel-powered cars and light trucks. If you've noticed an engine oil leak, increased exhaust smoke, engine knocking noises, the check engine light, or a general decrease in performance or fuel efficiency, see us for engine diagnostics or give us a call at  (415) 612-3933  to schedule an appointment! We'll complete a thorough analysis of the situation and let you know what your options are. As necessary, our engine shop can complete an engine swap to restore the driveability of your car or truck without worrying about ongoing issues.
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