San Jose Auto Repair

It may be hard to believer, but Chrysler just celebrated its 100 birthday. Walter Chrysler founded the Company on June 6th, 1925, by reorganizing ailing Maxwell Motor Company. Its first model, Chrysler 70, offered features that today we take for granted, like full pressure lubrication inside the engine, or oil filter, but which at the time were cutting-edge innovations. Today Chrysler produces minivans, but the proud history, and plenty of Chrysler models point to a prolific company. So whether you drive Chrysler 300, Chrysler Town and Country, Chrysler Voyager, or Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid, your vehicle has become a part of automotive history. At Alvin’s Auto Center in Willow Glen, San Jose, we offer comprehensive Chrysler maintenance and repairs. Even though many models like Chrysler 300 or Chrysler LeBaron have been discontinued, we continue to support owners with comprehensive Chrysler services and repairs. So whether your Chrysler needs new shocks, electrical system ... read more

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!