San Jose Auto Repair

Another summer is upon us, and we already had a first heat wave. At Alvin’s Auto Center we offer auto air conditioning checkup before the summer heat. Auto air conditioning system is an interplay of many components – any one of them, if it fails, can impact the entire system, and make it impossible to keep the interior of your vehicle at a tolerable temperature. Auto A/C systems parts, including compressor, evaporator, hoses, coolant, heat exchanger, ambient temperature sensor, blower motor – any one of them may fail, depriving you of that pleasant coolness in the middle of a hot day.  Fortunately, our nationally ASE-certified technicians can inspect the system, and make sure it will serve you well during the summer. Alvin’s Auto Center is a family owned and operated Willow Glen, San Jose repair shop offers comprehensive car care, including auto air conditioning service. When our ASE-certified technicians work on your vehicle, you can expect not only frie ... read more

Welcome to Willow Glen, San Jose premier auto repair shop – Alvin’s Auto Center. We are a family owned and operated auto repair facility that offers complete car care, including check engine light diagnostics and repairs. Your vehicle’s onboard computer can illuminate the check engine light for hundreds and hundreds of reason – fortunately many are pretty benign. While some causes can mean expensive repairs, in most cases the computer is letting you know that something isn’t quite right and needs attention – if you take care of the problem right away, chance are the cost will be reasonable. We do not recommend driving around with the check engine light “on” for weeks - even if there are no noticeable symptoms – it can lead to engine or emission system damage and expensive repairs. So without further ado, here are the Top 10 Ch ... read more

In the past catalytic converter replacement was a hot topic – thieves were stealing catalytic converters in such numbers that manufacturers could not keep up with the demand for replacement units. Fortunately, things have gotten a bit better – not that catalytic converters do not get stolen, but between changes in the law, and catalytic converter shields, the number of vehicles requiring catalytic converter replacement has decreased. Having said that, please keep in mind that the price of the precious metals that are used in catalytic converters remains high, so it is still necessary to take precautions: If you have not done so, call us to have a catalytic converter shield installed – it makes it difficult and time consuming for thieves to steal a catalytic converter, so they usually just go down the street looking for an easier target. Park you vehicle inside a garage, if possible. If the vehicle must be left outside overnight, park it near a street light, or if ... read more

Hot weather is upon us, so it's high time to get your  a/c system serviced. If it is not providing you with all the cold air you want, it's time to visit Alvin's Auto Center for an a/c service and repair, if needed. The system will not get better by itself- it can only get worse with time - and the summer has not even started!  

Transmission fluid change is not required as often as the brake fluid change, but it is very important for your vehicle’s longevity. Regular transmission fluid change extends the life of your vehicle’s transmission, and keeps you from having to incur the expense of transmission replacement. Transmission fluid lubricates and cools your vehicle’s transmission, and it also picks up debris that naturally occur when multiple parts work together. Transmission fluid replacement removes these debris when the fluid is drained out. Fresh transmission fluid has better lubricating capacity and carries none of the debris that could cause accelerated transmission wear. If your vehicle’s transmission has a transmission fluid filter, we replace the filter as well. Transmission fluid filters provide addition protection, but not all transmission designs include a fluid filter.   The rule of thumb says that transmission fluid change should be performed every 30,000 to ... read more