engine oil

Everyone from mechanics, to your uncle that works on cars, has at some point given you advice concerning engine oil. The fact of the matter is that while we are familiar with words like “synthetic” and “oil weight,” many people don’t know exactly what the terminology means, or why common knowledge about oil exists in the form that it does. At Oliver Automotive in Novato, CA, we keep things clear and simple. The more you know about your vehicle, the better equipped you are to keep it maintained, and we know a thing or two about vehicles. We have compiled a short list of common myths for you, most of which you’ve heard, but maybe never second guessed.

man holding car keys

In the market for a new car, truck, or SUV? Used cars aren’t always what they seem; here’s some advice from Oliver Automotive in Novato to make sure you get the used car of your dreams.

headlight of car

Foggy headlights are a problem that has arisen in the past couple of decades, as we have moved away from glass sealed beam bulbs and into an era of plastic lenses with bulbs inside. While modern headlights are superior to the sealed beam headlights of years ago, they do tend to fog up after years of use. It’s a good trade for far better illumination and easier replacement, but an issue nonetheless. Hours and hours of heat, sunlight, and age eventually cause them to cloud up, which can reduce visibility at night in addition to worsening the appearance of your car, truck, or SUV. From Oliver Automotive in Novato, CA, here are some tips on taking care of your foggy or cloudy headlight issue.

man driving

Do you need new brake pads? Most of the time, if you think you do, the answer is yes. While a lot of auto parts stores sell brake pads with lifetime warranties, don’t be misled...brake pads will still wear down.

Maria Elisa
Customer Review
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Great customer service and knowledgeable.
someone waxing their vehicle

While keeping your car, truck, or SUV looking nice is important, there are other reasons to keep the exterior of your vehicle in good shape. From Oliver Automotive in Novato, CA, here are some tips for keeping your car looking good, and how that keeps it reliably on the road.

car door

No matter what type of car, truck, or SUV you drive, old or new, it probably has doors. Those doors are heavy, and they see a lot of use. Naturally, from time to time, parts wear out. If your door doesn’t function as well as it should, here’s why, courtesy of Oliver Automotive in Novato.

mechanic working on a vehicle

Sometimes it is EASY to see if your car or truck needs to come into our shop for professional repairs! 
1.  You see steam rising from the engine!
2.  The Check Engine Light is on!
3.  The engine starts, but there is an odor that is not right.
4.  You hear grinding or thumping noises.

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7417 Redwood Blvd
| Novato, CA

(415) 893-9056
MON-THU | 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
FRIDAYS | 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Weekends | Closed