Expert Tune & Smog

If you have tough skin and can shake off rude behavior they do quality work. I just found a place that does quality work without the disrespectful attitude. Customers should be made to feel valued, not demeaned.

Been coming here for 10 years! The service is excellent. Fast and efficient. The one time I did a diagnostic I had him do the repairs and he gave me a credit for them doing the diagnostic and the repair. Never have I 2^nd guessed him as he is very knowledgeable and will never tell you that you need extra work done that’s not needed. He will recommend stuff early but that’s what a sales person does but he says you don’t need it now but soon. Very satisfied customer!

I guess I have to give them one star. If only the owner could look at these and make changes. Oh well glad it isn’t my business. The Big Mexican guy is the rudest one of all. I’m Mexican so I can say Mexican. Before he starts on my Smog I say to him I have a crack in my hose and I point to it. He says very sternly «it won’t pass smog with that crack». I say «Can you tell me the name of what that hose is so I can go buy one before coming back»? He says VERY RUDLEY with a loud tone «by law I can’t give you any advise on that you’re going to have to go to the library or search on line for that information.» WTF is this Idiot talking about. It’s called helping a customer out. I will NEVER go here again not even if they were giving free Smog checks.

Wow. Look at all the one stars. Me, too. Went there today and the guy, who claims he is the owner, physically threatened me. Tall dark and not handsome guy. Frankly, I’ve never been treated this rudely. I stepped out of my car to address the matter of his rudeness. I called the cops. Don’t go there. Don’t let your wife and kids go there. Maybe it’s all the fumes, but that guy is broken. I’ll drop in again and address this with him, bring some friends. I didn’t stay for the service. Don’t give him your $$. He is a sick guy.

Worst customer service ever. Went in for smog check. There was only one car ahead of me for the same and rude nasty little man told me you wait one and a half hour. Came back the next day got same nasty guy lucky me. He took me right away since I was the only one there. He shortly came out yelling where your sticker. I had no idea what he was talking about. He told me you go online get sticker you leave now. Needless to say took my car and sticker to the 76 on Lake Chabot road. Nicest guy so pleasant and actually smiled. In and out in 20 minutes.

These two goof balls. I actually didn’t end up getting my car taken care of. I was in town for two days and my daughters car need emissions and a front strut was making noise. I stopped in to speak with them first. They seemed rude and angry, but I thought well they did look busy on one car in the shop, there were replacing the rear axle hub.. Just one car. So I went back and my daughter followed me back to this place. I waited with a smile until the customer paid her bill. The angry man behind the counter just stared at us «What» he said, so I stepped into the office and reminded him I was just here and we brought the car back as instructed and here was the key. «What do you want done»? OK, angry man with short memory. I need the Smog check… stop he says, you will need to leave the car, it will take two hours. OK. normally it’s 20 minutes but, so be it. What really concerns me after that is the front strut is making a lot of noise and may be dangerous. «we don’t work on cars» too much work. Woah, angry man with short memory, now you tell me you don’t work on cars? We left and went down to the Goodyear we found. I honestly don’t what this place does, how they stay a afloat.

2−16−16 I took my car in to see about a smog check whoever I talked to was very rude and the way he talked to me if I was the owner of that company he would have been fired just look at all the bad reviews it’s gotten I wouldn’t recommend this place to anybody far as I’m concerned I hope they go broke what needs to be fixed is his attitude does anybody ask me about that place I will give him a bad review always you take that to the bank and cash it

I’m only giving one star because Unilocal makes you… This was my first time going to this place and I was so disappointed. They acted like they were too busy to do my smog… once they agreed they said I better back in one hour… I returned in one hour to find out they didn’t even do my smog. When I arrived there the two men were doing nothing but standing there and talking. They also watched me walk all the way to the office without even asking how they can help me. No cars was inside getting worked on. They have no costumer service skills what’s so ever. I will never go there again. I’m shocked they have any good reviews period. The Asian guy was so rude! I went down the street got my Honda smog and was done in 30 mins with great service. When I walked up they actually said Hello, how can I help… instead of acting like they were too busy to do anything. I think the men just didn’t feel like working that day I can in

I was a long time customer of this establishment. It was the kind of relationship that you would have with your cat, ie, you try to be nice but it would ignore you completely. The owner never acknowledges you. You come in, say what you want done, sign the paper then wait. But that’s okay if the service is done right and quickly. So I usually dropped the car off and came back in 45 min and it was done.
One time I wanted to have a smog check and Tony said he could not do it for a couple of hours. So I came back in the afternoon and he still could not do it. He would not take appointment so it was a complete waste of my time to come and leave several times. Needless to say I went to another shop, and it was done in an hour, no waiting.
For a while I didn’t go back to this place and every time I passed it I found it kind of empty. So early this year I brought my car back for oil change. Tony had a box of pastries on the counter. Wow, it was the first time he was being nice after so many years. I thought he had changed his ways.
Then the other day I called to see if I should bring my car in for oil change. I just wanted to see if they are busy at the time so I don’t have to wait a long time. Some guy answered my phone called. No matter what I asked, he uttered only 4 words grouchily: «first come, first served». he acted like he did it for free. Dude, I only wanted to bring you business, you were not being deposed. You didn’t need to take the fifth… I felt like Elaine being told «no soup for you!». Luckily there are MANY other places I can go to and don’t have to put up with the abuse.
I just don’t know how they can sustain the business with this kind of attitudes. But from now on I will not step foot in this shop anymore. So long!

My neighbor recommended Expert for my Smog and Oil Change. He had been taking it here for years… so I Dropped off my Tera Tacoma earlier this morning for an oil change and smog. I just called to check if it was ready for pickup (2pm) and the person on the other end said «Yeah– anything else?» What time do you close? «6pm.» (click)
Okay, so I jump on Unilocal to see the different reviews. I will wait to post my star rating until I get my Tera back. I will definitely be checking my oil filter tighness, signs of left over/​splattered oil, oil pressure, etc «anything other Unilocalers had issues with, aside from Asian rudeness which I’m use to… lol I’m praying I have a pleasant experience here… Tera has been MIA for over a year, now I’m getting her back up and running I hope to have no problems. It’s now 211pm, will be there in a little while.

They are nice, efficient, and knowledgeable. I love coming here. The prices are reasonable as well. Even if there isn’t a coupon I come here because I know I’m going to get great service.

I’ve been a satisfied customer for years. Oil, smog, tune up, timing belt/​water pump and other general maintenance. Never one problem. The two things I appreciate the most: 1) When the work is done, Tony has the parts laying out to show that they were removed. 2) He is willing to tell you when he doesn’t feel work should be done — I asked for a radiator flush, and he showed me where the radiator was leaking (2^nd opinion confirmed this). Last week I brought my F150 in with minor issue and he said the dealership was in a better position to do what I needed. He easily could have taken me for a diagnosis to nowhere. Turns out the work was covered under an emissions warranty. Lucky for me that Tony pushed me in that direction!
Tony’s personality? Right to the point. We don’t dilly dally. Tell me how much and let’s get er done. You want someone to kiss your hiney? Go to a dealership. Ford Store in San Leandro will kindly oblige with all the lovey dovey you can handle at a minimum charge of $ 240 for a diagnostic or $ 180 for a smog check (yes, that’s what I was quoted before they determined it was warranty work).
BTW, keep in mind that most of the chain oil changer places use minimum wage workers who could give a rats arse. So, the likelihood of a bad oil change is much higher at such an establishment. Knowing that Tony does much of the oil changing and that it is his business at stake gives me more confidence than going anywhere else.

I’ve gone there for years then one day I call Tony at 5pm and ask if he has time for a simple oil change. He said yes, come in. I live literally around the block so I get there and they do the oil change and as I pay and it’s now 5:35 pm, Tony start’s yelling at me, don’t you ever come in here this late. Now this wasn’t the first time tony went off on somebody, so I guess it was my turn. Ok, now a few years later yesterday I went by and before I was out of my car he started yelling No Time No Time for oil changes! Really Tony, it’s 1:15pm! Went down the street got a oil change in 10 minutes same price. Don’t bother with this place, much better service then Tony can ever give.

I’m not too sure why everyone dislikes Tony. I think people just aren’t used to his personality — he’s one of those no nonsense guys, very Chinese. Guess I’m used to that growing up with a father similar natured. Anyway, he’s actually a really great guy and remembers all his customers. He’s very friendly when you talk to him. Sure, he may have bad days, but who doesn’t.
By the way, I’m sitting here writing this review in the waiting area and have seen two happy customers interact with tiny in the last 5 minutes, both interactions being very friendly.
I love this neighborhood spot for fast, reliable, good, and affordable service. Thank you Tony and crew! I’ve been coming here for going on 10 years and have no plans to stop!

Excellent service. These guys take good care of my babies every time for a better price than I expected. I don’t know what these other fools talkin about

Went here for my smog check, the owner was extremely rude and unhelpful. Don’t go here there are lots of other good places in Castro Valley, try Sals 2 on Center.

They really used to be good. I had been going to them for 10+ years now. Something has really gone downhill in the last year and a half. The owner started to become very agitated. I got my regular oil change a week ago and started to hear rattle I took it back and the owner said it could not be due to anything involving an oil change. Sorry for inconveniencing them with my business.

I’ve been taking my cars here since 1999 and have been very satisfied with their work. There were some new employees a few years back who I didn’t like but Nester and Tony are now doing most of the work the last few years. Tony’s not the most friendly but I’m there to fix my car not make friends. There have been times, more than twice, that I have taken my car in for some weird noise or other, and Tony tightened a screw or two and didn’t charge me anything. Several years ago, I needed a CV boot (whatever that is) on my Nissan. I took it to another shop and they wanted $ 350 for it and at ET & S it was $ 185. That car lasted a long time after that. Just a few months ago, I thought my Honda Accord needed a new starter but it only needed a new battery. It’s been starting up every day since.
My opinion is that very few people who have a good experience here ever need to check Unilocal.These guys are honest, hard working, and serious about their business. I like ‘em and I’m NOT related in any way to them!!\
UPDATE: Within the last month 2 of my family members have had horrible experiences at this place. It’s a shame, because we have all been loyal customers for the last 15 years. We will be taking our business elsewhere from now on.

I had been bringing my cars here for years UNTIL I took my A4 here a couple months ago. After my oil change, I started to notice oil in my parking spot about a week later. I was confused because I knew for a fact that I did not have an oil leak. I assumed that the oil was from someone else who parks there sometimes. Finally after noticing that the oil puddle was growing i decided to pop my hood and check my level. WELL, to my dismay I notice that there was oil splattered everywhere towards the bottom of the engine bay! I also had a very low oil level I turned the car on and looked again and oil was dripping badly from the filter! Turns out that whoever changed my oil did not tighten the filter! I had to turn it 3 times before it was TIGHT. It was super loose.
I went back and explained the situation to whoever was there first thing in the morning. I let them know I was not to mad because I understand that mistakes happen and that I would just like them to give me a new oil change and filter. All they did was check it out, wipe oil away and tighten the filter a bit more!!! I was told that i would have to be charged for a new oil change if thats what I wanted, WTF?! The guy also explained to me that it was most likely the new guy working there who half assed the job. His exact words «Yea I find myself always cleaning up after the new guys mistakes, He’s kinda sloppy with his work» Uhhhhhhh my question is WHY the hell would you keep someone around like that?! My engine could have seized had I not detected the loose filter!
A few weeks after that the leak was STILL occurring and eventually my low oil pressure alert came on. I took it to The Oil Changers here in san leandro and they took care of me. They did the job RIGHT.
I am disappointed and I will NEVER ever take my cars here again. If you are looking for a sloppy oil change that could endanger your car, bring it here. If you want quality service done carefully I suggest that you take your car elsewhere.
SCREW THIS PLACE!!!

I have been taking my car here for oil changes for a while now. I used to go to Purrrfect Auto in both Hayward and Fremont but honestly, there is no good waiting area there and they take a lot longer. It makes a big difference because I don’t want to always have to get a 2^nd person to come with me and then drive me back to pick up the car. Even on busy days at Expert Tune & Smog, at least you can kill time on the couches or even walk across the street to Rite Aid.
The reason why I’m docking off a star is because one of the services they offer is brake inspection ($ 40). My car was making screeching noises when braking but they took a look and said everything was a-​ok. I kept driving the car and then finally took it to a brake shop who said that I was driving on barely anything and needed to get brake rotors, drums, and pads replaced ($ 700). Perhaps it was my fault to even request this service at a non-​brake specialized shop but if caught earlier I wonder how much money I would have saved.