Mon–Fri 7:30 AM–6 PM · Sat 8 AM–4 PM
Honest auto repair in Albany, CA.
ASE-certified technicians, a written estimate before any work starts, and a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on repairs. Most cars are diagnosed the same day.
- Free written estimates
- No work without your OK
- Same-day diagnostics
1180 Foundry Lane, Albany, CA 94706 · Directions & hours
- ASE-certifiedEvery technician, including a Master Tech
- 3 yr / 36k miWarranty on parts and labor
- Since 1999Family-owned, here in Albany
- Financing0% for 6 months, on approved credit
- BAR-registeredLicensed CA repair & smog station
Services
Everything your car needs, under one roof.
Foreign and domestic, gas, diesel, hybrid and electric. Every visit starts with an inspection and a clear, written estimate, so you know the price before we pick up a wrench.
-
Oil changes
Full-synthetic, high-mileage and conventional, with a filter, a 30-point check and a tire-pressure top-up every time.
from $69Book -
Brake service
Pads, rotors, calipers, lines and fluid. Squealing, grinding or a soft pedal? We measure and show you what's worn.
inspection freeBook -
Engine diagnostics
Check-engine lights, rough idle, stalling, poor mileage. Real diagnosis with scan data and testing, not just a code read.
$149, credited to repairBook -
Transmission
Fluid services, slipping, harsh or delayed shifts, CVT and clutch work. We repair where we can, and rebuild only when it's needed.
fluid service from $199Book -
AC & heating
Leak testing, recharges (R-134a and R-1234yf), compressors, blend doors, heater cores and cabin filters.
AC check from $99Book -
Tires & alignment
New tires from every major brand, mounting and balancing, flat repair, TPMS sensors and computerized four-wheel alignment.
alignment from $149Book -
Suspension & steering
Shocks, struts, control arms, ball joints, tie rods and power steering. Clunks over bumps and wandering on the freeway, sorted.
quoted after inspectionBook -
Electrical & battery
Batteries, alternators, starters, parasitic drains, lighting and wiring faults. Free battery and charging-system test.
battery test freeBook -
Pre-purchase inspection
Buying used? A 150-point inspection, scan and road test, with a photo report you can take back to the seller.
from $179Book -
California
Smog check
A licensed, STAR-certified smog station. Most checks take about 30 minutes, no appointment needed, and we send the result to the DMV electronically.
from $59 + state certDetails -
Business
Fleet & commercial
Priority scheduling, net-30 invoicing and maintenance tracking for work vans, pickups and company cars.
account pricingDetails -
Hybrid / EV
Hybrid & EV service
High-voltage-trained technicians for hybrids and EVs: battery health reports, brakes, tires, cooling systems and 12-volt issues.
health report from $129Details
Don't see it listed? We also handle cooling systems, timing belts, exhaust, fuel systems, check-ups before road trips, and most scheduled factory maintenance. Call and ask.
California smog check
Smog check in about 30 minutes.
Got a DMV renewal notice that says "Smog Certification Required"? Pull in any time we're open, or book a slot below. We're a STAR-certified station, so we can certify cars the DMV directs to STAR stations too.
- Bring: your DMV renewal notice (or registration), and the car, warmed up from a normal drive.
- Pass: we send the certificate to the DMV electronically. You can renew online the same day.
- Fail: we show you exactly why, quote the repair in writing, and your retest is free within 30 days.
- Low income? Ask us about the state's Consumer Assistance Program, which can help pay for emissions repairs for eligible drivers.
- Price
- $59 + $8.25 state certificate
- Time
- About 30 minutes, while you wait
- Appointment
- Not required. Walk-ins welcome during open hours.
- Vehicles
- Gas and hybrid, 1976 and newer. Diesel 1998 and newer, under 14,000 lb GVWR.
- Retest
- Free within 30 days if we do the repair
- Newer cars
- Usually exempt for the first 8 model years. The DMV charges a small abatement fee instead.
How it works
No surprises, start to finish.
Car repair is confusing when nobody explains it. Here's exactly what happens when you bring your car to us, and the one step that matters most.
- Step01
Get a quote
Book online or call. For common jobs we'll give you a price range up front.
- Step02
Wait or drop off
Wait in the lounge for quick jobs, or leave the car. Shuttle and loaners are available.
- Step03
Diagnosis
A technician inspects and tests the car, then texts you photos and video of what they found.
- Step04
You approve
You get a written, itemized estimate. Nothing gets repaired until you say yes.
The important one - Step05
Repair
Quality parts, done right, with updates by text. If anything changes, we ask first.
- Step06
Pickup
We walk you through the invoice, return your old parts if you'd like, and road-test with you on request.
It's also the law here. California's Automotive Repair Act entitles you to a written estimate before work begins, your consent before any extra work, and your replaced parts back if you ask. We just make it easy.
Pricing
Starting prices, posted in public.
Your exact price depends on the vehicle, and you'll always get it in writing first. But you shouldn't have to call around just to find out roughly what a brake job costs.
Maintenance
- Full-synthetic oil change$89+Up to 5 qt, filter, 30-point check
- Conventional or high-mileage$69+
- Tire rotation$29free w/ oil change
- Engine & cabin air filters$59+
- Coolant exchange$159+
Brakes
- Brake inspectionFree
- Brake pads, per axle$229+
- Pads & rotors, per axle$449+
- Brake fluid exchange$129+
Diagnostics
- Check-engine light diagnosis$149Credited toward the repair if you approve it
- Electrical diagnosis$149+
- Pre-purchase inspection$179+
- Battery & charging testFree
Tires & alignment
- Mount & balance, set of 4$99+
- Four-wheel alignment$149+
- Flat repair$35+
- TPMS sensor, installed$79+
Smog & climate
- California smog check$59+ $8.25 cert
- Smog retest after our repairFree
- AC performance check$99+
- Battery, installed$199+
Hybrid & EV
- Battery health report$129+Great before buying a used EV or hybrid
- EV maintenance service$149+Cabin filter, brake check, coolant, tires
- Hybrid inverter coolant service$169+
Shop labor rate$189/hr
Prices are starting points for most cars and light trucks, before tax and any shop supplies. European, diesel and heavy-duty vehicles may cost more. Every job is confirmed in a written estimate before work begins.
Get a quoteBook service
Book a visit in about two minutes.
Pick your vehicle, tell us what's going on, and choose a time. A service advisor confirms by text within one business hour.
Rather talk to a person? (510) 555-0186
Request received
GA-0000
You're on the board.
A service advisor will text you within one business hour (Monday to Saturday) to confirm your time.
Demo site: nothing was sent or stored.
While you wait
A shop you won't mind waiting at.
Getting your car fixed shouldn't wreck your day. Wait in comfort, work from the lounge, or let us get you where you need to go.
- Fast Wi-Fi & desksWork stations with outlets and USB-C chargers.
- A real waiting loungeClean, quiet, with coffee, water and spotless restrooms.
- Free local shuttleWithin 5 miles: Albany, El Cerrito, Kensington, North Berkeley.
- Loaner carsFor multi-day repairs. Reserve when you book.
- After-hours key dropLeave your car any time, day or night, with a secure key box.
- Digital inspectionsPhotos and video of your car, texted to you. Approve from your phone.
Hybrid & EV
Hybrids and EVs, without the dealer wait.
EVs skip the oil changes, but they still need brakes, tires, suspension, cooling and the occasional diagnosis. Our hybrid and EV technician holds the ASE L3 certification, and we have the tools to work safely on high-voltage systems.
- High-voltage safetyInsulated tools, lockout procedures and a dedicated bay.
- Battery health reportsState-of-health readout in plain English. Smart before buying used.
- Brakes, tires & alignmentEVs are heavy and brake differently. We service them for that.
- Thermal & 12-voltBattery coolant loops, heat pumps, and the small battery that strands so many EVs.
Commonly serviced: Toyota & Lexus hybrids · Tesla · Chevrolet Bolt · Nissan Leaf · Hyundai Ioniq · Kia EV6 · Ford Mustang Mach-E · Prius Prime & RAV4 Prime
Book EV or hybrid service
Fleet & commercial
Keep your vans earning, not waiting.
Contractors, delivery services, property managers and nonprofits across the East Bay trust us with their work vehicles. You get a dedicated advisor, priority bays and one clean invoice a month.
- Priority schedulingFleet vehicles go to the front of the line, with same-day diagnosis.
- One monthly invoiceNet-30 terms, PO numbers and spending limits per vehicle.
- Maintenance schedulesMileage-based reminders for every unit, so nothing gets missed.
- Pickup & deliveryWe collect and return vehicles within our service area.
- Light & medium dutySedans, pickups and cargo vans: Transit, Sprinter, ProMaster and more.
- Per-vehicle historyService records and spend for every unit, exportable any time.
Financing
Fix it now. Pay over time.
A big repair shouldn't mean driving an unsafe car. Spread the cost with simple financing through our lending partner.
on repairs over $500, on approved credit
- Apply in minutes, from your phone or at the counter
- Checking your rate won't affect your credit score
- Use it for repairs, tires or maintenance
Financing is provided by a third-party lender and subject to credit approval. Terms shown are examples.
Warranty
Backed for 3 years or 36,000 miles.
If a part we installed fails or the repair doesn't hold, we fix it again at no charge. Parts and labor, whichever comes first.
on parts and labor
- Covers qualifying repairs and the parts we supply
- Nationwide coverage: if you're out of town, we arrange the repair at a partner shop
- Your warranty terms are printed on every invoice
Excludes customer-supplied parts, normal wear items, and damage from accidents or misuse. Commercial and fleet vehicles: 12 months / 12,000 miles.
About the shop
Family-owned in Albany since 1999.
Gantry started as a two-bay garage with one rule: show people what's wrong with their car, explain the options, and let them decide. We've grown to six bays, added hybrid and EV service, and moved to smart diagnostics and texted inspections. The rule hasn't changed.
Every technician here is ASE-certified, and we pay for ongoing training so they stay current on the newest cars. You'll talk to the people working on your car, not a call center.
- Ray DelgadoOwner & Master Technician · 27 yearsASE MasterL1
- Priya ShahHybrid & EV SpecialistASE L3A6A8
- Tam NguyenLead Diagnostic TechnicianASE L1A6A8
- Luis OrtegaSmog Check Inspector & Repair TechCA EI / EOA5
- Jordan EllisService Advisor · your point of contactASE C1
- Marcus KingBrakes, Suspension & AlignmentASE A4A5
ASE certification means passing a specialty exam from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, plus two years of hands-on experience. Technicians retest every five years to keep it.
- 4.9average rating across 600+ Google and Yelp reviews
- 25+years fixing cars in Albany and the East Bay
- 6service bays, including a dedicated hybrid and EV bay
- Same daydiagnosis for most cars dropped off by 10 AM
Service area
Serving Albany and the inner East Bay.
We're on Foundry Lane in Albany, two blocks off San Pablo Avenue and a few minutes from the Buchanan Street exit on I-80. Most of our customers live or work within fifteen minutes of the shop.
Drop your car on the way to El Cerrito Plaza BART, or let our shuttle take you home to Albany, El Cerrito, Kensington or North Berkeley.
| Albany | Home base |
|---|---|
| El Cerrito | 5 min |
| Kensington | 7 min |
| Berkeley | 8 min |
| Richmond | 12 min |
| San Pablo | 12 min |
| Emeryville | 15 min |
| North Oakland | 15 min |
| El Sobrante | 15 min |
| Pinole | 18 min |
FAQ
Straight answers.
Can't find what you're looking for? Call or text (510) 555-0186 and a real person will answer.
Do I need an appointment?
For smog checks, oil changes and quick checks, no. Walk-ins are welcome during open hours. For diagnosis and repairs, booking ahead gets you a guaranteed bay and a faster turnaround.
Will you do any work without asking me first?
Never. You'll get a written, itemized estimate before we start, and if we find anything else along the way, we stop and ask. California law requires this, and we'd do it anyway.
Will servicing my car here void the factory warranty?
No. Federal law (the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act) lets you have maintenance done at any qualified shop without voiding your warranty. We use parts that meet factory specifications and keep detailed records. If a repair should be covered by your manufacturer's warranty, we'll tell you to take it to the dealer.
How long does a diagnosis take, and what does it cost?
Most diagnoses are done the same day if the car is here by 10 AM. A check-engine diagnosis is $149, and that amount is credited toward the repair if you have us do it. Intermittent problems can take longer, and we'll call before spending more time.
Can I get my old parts back?
Yes. Just ask when you drop off. (Some parts, like those returned for a core credit, have to go back to the supplier, but we'll show them to you first.)
Do you use OEM parts?
We give you the choice. Your estimate lists the options, usually original-equipment (OEM) parts and a quality aftermarket alternative, with prices and warranty for each.
Can I bring my own parts?
In many cases, yes. We charge labor as usual, but we can't warranty parts we didn't supply, and we can't install safety-critical parts like brakes or steering components from unknown sources.
My car failed smog somewhere else. Can you help?
Yes. Bring your failed report. We diagnose the cause, quote the repair in writing, and retest for free within 30 days once we've fixed it. If your income qualifies, ask about California's Consumer Assistance Program, which helps pay for emissions repairs.
Do you work on hybrids and electric vehicles?
Yes, including Toyota and Lexus hybrids, Tesla, Chevrolet Bolt, Nissan Leaf, Hyundai and Kia EVs. Our hybrid and EV specialist is ASE L3 certified. Battery replacements still under factory warranty go to the dealer, and we'll tell you when that applies.
Do you offer financing?
Yes. Repairs over $500 qualify for 0% interest for 6 months on approved credit, through our lending partner. Checking your rate takes a few minutes and won't affect your credit score.
What forms of payment do you take?
All major credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, cash and financing. Fleet accounts can be invoiced monthly.
Hours & contact
Call, text, or just pull in.
Call or text
(510) 555-0186A real person answers during open hours.
1180 Foundry LaneAlbany, CA 94706
- Free customer parking in our lot
- About a 12-minute walk from El Cerrito Plaza BART
- Level 2 EV charger for customers
Hours
Open Monday to Saturday
| Monday | 7:30 AM – 6 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 7:30 AM – 6 PM |
| Wednesday | 7:30 AM – 6 PM |
| Thursday | 7:30 AM – 6 PM |
| Friday | 7:30 AM – 6 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM – 4 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
After-hours key drop available every day.
Broken down? Call us first.
Call before 2 PM on a weekday and we can usually diagnose your car the same day. We'll recommend a local tow partner, and our key drop takes cars around the clock.
Pull over safely and don't keep driving if you notice:
- A flashing check-engine light
- The temperature gauge in the red, or steam from the hood
- A brake pedal that sinks toward the floor
- A burning smell or smoke