What are your hours of operation?

TAC is open Mondays through Fridays 8:30AM to 5:00PM Saturdays by appointments

How can I make an appointment?

You can make an appointment with us through email at repair-it@toyautoclinic.com or call us at (650) 257-3021. Please allow one business day for email responses.

Will I void my warranty with the dealership if I service my car with TAC?

NO!!! Your owner�s manual under the Maintenance heading reads: Maintenance and repair services may be performed by you or any automotive service provider you choose. Toyota will NOT deny a warranty claim solely because you used a service provider other than a Toyota dealership for maintenance and repairs.

What�s the difference between Maintenance and Warranty?

Maintenance is regular upkeep of a vehicle to prevent more costly (and inconvenient) trouble later on. Though it�s less expensive than a breakdown, it still costs money.

Warranty applies when a part of the car goes bad within a certain term of time and/or mileage. With a few exceptions, maintenance is unnoticeable (the car continues to operate without trouble) versus warranty issues, which are noticeable ("check engine� light on, loud noise, inoperation, etc.). Assuming you are within towable distance to a dealership, only the dealer service department can receive credit for warranty work from the manufacturer and therefore provide the service to the customer for free.

The confusion surrounding Maintenance versus Warranty comes from the dealership. On the one hand, the dealer is the only agent with direct access to the manufacturer, with corresponding influence over the new vehicle warranty. It is also in the dealer�s best interest to cultivate a relationship with original owners, to encourage loyalty and continued sales. But any work that costs money�be it maintenance or repair�can be performed anywhere without impact on warranty, as long as it is done properly. This fact is clearly stated in the Owner�s Manual of every car.

How do I turn off my maintenance light?

Turn the ignition key to the "OFF" position with the odometer reading shown. Turn the ignition key to the "ON" position while holding down the trip meter reset knob. Hold down the knob for at least 5 seconds. The odometer will do a count down (ex: - - - - -, - - - -, - - -, - -, - ) then the odometer will indicate "000000". When this process is finished the maintenance light is reset and the light goes off. On some later models you have to use trip A or trip B. Always try the odometer first.

What services do you provide?

TAC is an automotive service and repair shop. We are not a body shop. This means we provide mechanical repair and servicing for your Toyota and Scion vehicle. TAC will not install used engines or transmissions from an outside source. We do not sell or install tires. For a more detailed listing of auto services we provide click here.

Why is the check engine light on?

When the check engine light comes on it means the ECM (Electronic Control Module) has detected a malfunction. You will need a scanner to plug into the OBD II connector to retrieve the code. The code will not tell you the exact problem. It only indicates which system has detected a malfunction. An example would be a P0130 code (O2 Sensor Circuit Malfunction). That code does not mean the O2 sensor is defective. It just means that there is a problem within that system.

Can TAC perform factory recalls (i.e. gas pedal modification recall)?

No, unfortunately you will have to go to a dealership for recall services.

Why can�t I find prices on the website?

Due to differences in vehicles based on model and year, there is no standard pricing. Please feel free to contact us for price quotes.

Do you work on other makes and models other than Toyota and Scion?

No, we do not. We are factory trained technicians from Toyota which means you get the best service and repair for your Toyota and Scion vehicle. However, we can make an exception for the Lexus 300 series. Please call or email us for further information.

What does �OEM parts� mean and why do I want them?

OEM stands for �Original Equipment Manufacturer� which means we use only the best parts available for your Toyota vehicle to ensure proper operation and prolonging the life of your Toyota. We do no install generic or used parts.

Why does my parking brake light stay on?

The brake light on the dash will come on if the parking brake is in use. This of course is normal. It will also come on if the brake master cylinder is low on fluid. If you look at the reservoir, you will see a full line and also a low level line. If the fluid is below the low making the light on the dash will come on. I would suggest you get the brakes checked to make sure there is no leak in the system and that the brakes are still in good condition.

Why is maintaning the tire air pressure to recommended manufactor specs important?

Studies of tire safety show that maintaining proper tire pressure, observing tire and vehicle load limits (not carrying more weight in your vehicle than your tires or vehicle can safely handle), avoiding road hazards, and inspecting tires for cuts, slashes, and other irregularities are the most important things you can do to avoid tire failure, such as tread separation or blowout and flat tires. These actions, along with other care and maintenance activities, can also improve vehicle handling, improve fuel economy, and increase the life of your tires

Why my HID blubs - intermittent operating or flickering?

Some 2006 and 2009 model year Prius vehicles may exhibit a High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlight flicker or intermittent operation. HID bulbs are unlike halogen light bulbs which simply stop working at the end of their useful life. As an HID bulb nears the service end-of-life, it may exhibit a condition where the bulb may flicker or intermittently be inoperable. We recommend you replacing the HID bulb if this problem arises.

When Should the Timing Belt Be Replaced?

Most Toyotas have a timing belt which should be replaced every 90,000 miles. During that service, we recommend you check and replace if needed: drive belts, water pump, cam seals, crank seal, idler bearing and tensioner bearing, oil pump gasket, oil pump seal.