San Francisco's Japanese Auto Repair Specialists

A flashing (or blinking) check engine light is a serious problem. It usually indicates misfires of one or more cylinders. Loss of power and shaking can also accompany misfires. If the problem is not handled, unburned fuel could enter the catalytic converter and cause it to overheat, resulting in very expensive repairs. What to do when the Check Engine Light is Flashing? When the check engine light is flashing, it is important to lessen the load on the engine – no hard acceleration, reduce speed, and look for a safe place to pull over and turn off the engine as soon as possible. Have the car towed to a professional auto repair shop. You want to tow your vehicle to a shop like Pat’s Garage – a shop that employs nationally ASE certified technicians – they will have the knowledge and diagnostic equipment necessary to find the root cause of the blinking check engine light, and will provide you with a written repair plan and cost. At Pat’s G ... read more

An autumn car checkup is essential for transitioning from summer sunshine to unpredictable Fall weather. At Pat’s Garage in San Francisco we recommend a thorough inspection, including four key areas:   Battery Check: A battery that appears healthy during summer warmth, may fail under the strain of cold autumn morning. Checking the battery prevents sudden failures and no-start situations.   Tire Inspection: Dropping temperatures reduce tire pressure. Checking pressure and ensuring adequate tread depth lowers the risk of hydroplaning on slick, wet roads.   Brake Evaluation: Reliable stopping power is critical on slippery autumn roads.   Visibility Check: heating/defrosting system needs to be fully operational during cold mornings, and the windshield wipers need to efficiently remove water during rain – this is not only vital for the driver, but also for the those ADAS systems that use behind-the-windshield ... read more

Ignition coil problems are among top ten reasons for the check engine light repairs. Ignition coils transform low voltage electricity from the 12v battery into high voltage necessary for the spark plugs to generate the spark that causes air-fuel mixture to ignite and provide power for your vehicle. Over time, ignition coils will deteriorate and need replacement. The good news is that typically it takes about 100,000 miles or more. Main cause of ignition coil problems are worn spark plugs – as the gap widens, ignition coils need to produce higher voltage to create the spark. This results in increased heat that causes premature wear of the ignition coils. What are the symptoms of ignition coil problems? If your vehicle’s ignition coils need replacement, you are likely to notice engine misfires rough idle difficulty starting loss of power worsening fuel economy check engine light Above symptoms can have other causes, not just ignition coil problems, so we recommend ta ... read more

Even a tiny oil spot under your Subaru indicates a problem that should be looked at. If you notice an abrupt drop in oil levels and a burning oil odor, it’s important to top up oil level and to bring your Subaru to our San Francisco auto care facility to have your vehicle diagnosed as soon as possible. Subaru engines, particularly those of the “boxer” design, are known for suffering from oil leaks. Valve cover gasket is often the culprit – due to high heat rubber seals tend to degrade over time, resulting in oil leaks. In addition to the valve cover gasket, camshaft carrier seals may deteriorate and leak, so can variable valve timing solenoid O-rings, and front crankshaft seals. If the oil pressure switch cracks, oil will seep out, and of course there is always the “old faithful” – oil pan gasket, which is a popular cause of oil leaks on all vehicles, not just Subarus. Naturally our first step involves thorough diagnostics so we find the true ... read more

Brakes are one of the most critical safety components of your vehicle and are often overlooked until a problem becomes noticeable, such as a soft pedal or a sharp squeal when slowing down. If your vehicle takes longer to stop than before, it’s best to have the braking system inspected promptly. At Pat’s Garage in San Francisco we provide comprehensive brake system maintenance and repairs. Unusual noises from brakes can indicate various issues. A high-pitched squeal typically points to worn brake pads or contact with wear indicators, suggesting replacement is necessary. More serious are grinding sounds, indicating potential metal-on-metal contact that can damage rotors and incur costly repairs.   Vibrations or pulsations during braking may result from 'warped rotors,' particularly if felt in the steering wheel. A soft or spongy brake pedal usually signals air or moisture in the brake lines, impairing pressure build-up. If the vehicle pulls to one side when br ... read more

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 of 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