San Francisco's Japanese Auto Repair Specialists

Pat’s Garage offers comprehensive auto services, including check engine light diagnostics and repairs. Most vehicle owners will likely see the check engine light more than once during the lifetime of their vehicle. Fortunately, many cases of the check engine light are either easy to fix, like a faulty gas cap, or are triggered by a component that we all know will need to be repaired during the lifetime or a car – for example, spark plugs replacement. While there are some cases that involve major cost, in general, the check engine light, if diagnosed and repaired in a timely fashion does not have to cause a major dent in your wallet. So when you see the check engine light illuminated on the dashboard, call Pat’s Garage. Our friendly service advisors will be happy to answer your questions and set up an appointment, so that our nationally ASE-certified technicians can diagnose the root cause of the check engine light, and provide you with answers and a repair plan &ndas ... read more

In San Francisco we are fortunate that temperatures rarely get above 80 degrees, but if you drive down to San Jose or north to Napa,  it’s a different story. That’s why auto a/c check and refrigerant refill, if needed, are highly recommended. At Pat’s Garage we offer auto air conditioning services, as well as diagnostics, and repairs, if necessary. Automotive a/c system contains motors, evaporator, condenser, refrigerant which changes between liquid and gaseous state, lines to carry the refrigerant, and many other parts that all together play a role in keeping you cool regardless of how hot it gets outside. Unfortunately with so many moving parts and highly pressurized refrigerant, there is a real possibility of a/c system leaks or an outright failure that could result in a highly uncomfortable ride. However, if you bring your vehicle to our San Francisco auto care facility, we will check your vehicle’s a/c system, and if any repairs are needed, our highl ... read more

Hyundai vehicles continue to grow in popularity. At Pat’s Garage we have been offering Hyundai maintenance and repairs for decades. From regularly manufacturer recommended services to major engine problems, our San Francisco auto care facility can keep you Hyundai dependable well into the future. Our nationally certified mechanics combine in-depth experience, cutting-edge digital diagnostic tools, and high quality parts to perform professional repairs that are backed by our 24 month / 24,000 mile warranty. Routine maintenance may seem simple, but it’s the foundation of long-lasting performance. Regular service is also a requirement to keep the original manufacturer warranty in force. Servicing your Hyundai at Pat’s Garage satisfies this requirement. From oil changes, to brake fluid replacement, new spark plugs, brake pads, transmission fluid replacement – your Hyundai will get the care it needs at our San Francisco auto repair shop. So whether your Hyundai Son ... read more

Pat’s Garage is the preeminent Japanese and Korean auto repair shop in San Francisco. Whether you own a Prius, Nissan Altima, or Subaru Impreza, you can count on our nationally ASE-certified mechanics to keep your car in top condition. One of the most important system in your vehicle is the braking system. When we think of brakes, we think rotors, brake pads, but the ease with which we can apply brakes is due to the hydraulic system that relies on brake fluid to transfer power to the calipers that press brake pads to the rotors, creating friction that stops the vehicle. Brake fluid needs regular replacement. Most manufacturers recommend brake fluid replacement every two years or twenty thousand miles.  At Pat’s Garage we recommend regular (yearly) brake inspections, and during the inspection we will check the quality of the fluid and let you know if it needs replacement. Brake fluid replacement is a necessity. Brake fluid works under high temperatures, which causes ... read more

A well-maintained Subaru Impreza delivers precise handling, reliable engine performance, and (in most cases) all-wheel drive capability. Professional maintenance is necessary to keep your Subaru in top shape. Preventive care at Pat’s Garage in San Francisco helps to minimize issues as your vehicle ages. Regular maintenance also serves to fulfill manufacturer service requirements necessary to keep original warranty in force. Subaru Impreza maintenance requires precise attention to its systems for optimal performance. Its boxer engine, symmetrical all-wheel drive, and integrated electronic systems demand professional servicing. Regular maintenance of the engine, brakes, suspension, and fluids ensures responsive handling, stability, and fuel efficiency. Our San Francisco auto repair facility offers broad range of Subaru Impreza services, including repairing engine problems, AWD issues, steering and suspension failures, and brake system malfunctions, using quality parts and state-o ... read more

Reliable stopping power is essential for your safety, safety of your passengers and of other motorists and pedestrians as well. That’s why at Pat’s Garage in San Francisco we recommend yearly brake inspection. The brake system encompasses many moving pars, and hydraulic system – brake pads, brake calipers, brake fluid lines, brake fluid itself, master brake cylinder, rotors – any one of them may need service or repair. Deferring maintenance may result in unnecessarily costly repairs, and less effective braking. Various parts of the braking system wear out/need replacement at different time intervals, that why we recommend yearly brake inspection. Naturally, if you notice any troubling symptoms, call our San Francisco auto repair shop right away. As for regular brake inspections, we can combine them with oil changes to save you those extra trips to the shop. How Often Should I Replace Brake System Parts? Most brake pads can last between ... read more

The Honda Ridgeline is designed for towing, hauling, and daily driving, which makes maintaining peak performance essential. At Pat’s Garage we specialize in services and repairs for the engine, drivetrain, suspension, and other key systems of your Honda. Our skilled technicians can keep you Ridgeline in top shape for years to come. To keep your Ridgeline operating at its best, routine service is critical. Regular service is not just good for the engine and the entire vehicle - regular service is required by Honda to maintain manufacturer warranty. Over time, your Ridgeline will need not just oil changes, but also transmission maintenance, brake inspections, brake fluid replacement (recommended every 2 years), suspension repairs, likely check engine light diagnostics (there are literally thousands of conditions that can cause the check engine light to illuminate).  At Pat’s Garage we can handle all these tasks with a smile. Our nationally ASE-certified technicians hav ... read more

In June we wrote about a major Toyota milestone – 1 millionth hybrid produced in its Indiana factory. Just a few weeks ago Toyota reached another milestone – its 14 billion dollar high voltage car battery plant in Liberty, North Caroline started production. When it reaches full capacity, it will have 14 production lines, and will be able to produce batteries that will have combined capacity of 30 gigawatt hours per year. That’s enough to outfit about 2 million Prius plugin hybrids with their primary high voltage batteries. This new plant underscores Toyota’s commitment to the hybrid and EV technology. Even though Toyota continues to develop the hydrogen engine, it is clearly committed to expanding its electric and hybrid offering. At Pat’s Garage we have been on the cutting edge of the hybrid revolution from the very beginning. Our sister company, Green Gears, produced Prius plugin hybrids before Toyota did - we re-engineered early Prius vehicles to ach ... read more

When the check engine lights on your Honda’s dashboard, it is never a cause for celebration. On the other hand, it does not necessarily mean a major repair. The check engine light can point to a range of issues—some minor, others more serious—so until a professional diagnoses the problem, there is no reason to suspect the worst. At Pat’s Garage we help CR-V owners to get answers quickly with dependable diagnostics, quality repairs, and expert care from nationally ASE-certified technicians. Many CR-V drivers are surprised to learn that something as simple as a loose gas cap can trigger the light. When the cap isn’t sealing properly, the emissions system detects a problem. More severe check engine light problems can include fuel injector problems, or even a failing catalytic converter. Your engine may also act up when spark plugs or ignition coils begin to wear out. Since these parts ignite the air-fuel mixture in each cylinder, faulty spark plugs can lead ... read more

Pat’s Garage has been serving San Francisco Prius owners for a quarter of a century. Yes, first Prius was introduced in the United States in the year 2000, and being Japanese vehicles specialists, and green vehicle enthusiasts, we embraced Prius vehicles as the harbingers of good things to come. We have been great fans of Prius vehicles ever since, and have developed Prius diagnostics and repair expertise that’s unmatched in the Bay Area. When your Prius visits our San Francisco auto care facility, you will find friendly service, technical excellence, and strong coffee. We are a dog-friendly shop that provides full range of Prius services – from oil change to brake service, check engine light diagnostics, hybrid battery replacement, suspension issues, transmission problems, and engine repairs, including Prius head gasket replacement (older Prius models frequently suffered from a blown head gasket). Our shop offers clear communications, including electronic copy of o ... read more