Book Your Appointment
Chat with the Web Advisor or pick a time on the calendar. Quick ballpark and on the schedule in about a minute.
Beacon Web Advisor
Book in about a minute · here for you 24/7
Pick a preferred time
We confirm by text — nothing's locked until we do.
Closed Sundays. Pick a day to see times.
Services & up-front price ranges
Real San Mateo ranges up front. Pick a service and grab a time above, or tell the Web Advisor your car for a tailored quote. The exact itemized number is texted to your phone before any work.
Maintenance & Common Services
Exact price confirmed after a free multi-point inspection.
Full-synthetic oil change
Standard from $99hybrid/low-viscosity from $119truck/SUV from $129European OEM-spec from $179specialty quotedWhich package fits your car: standard full synthetic, hybrid 0W-16, truck/SUV (up to 8 qt), European OEM-spec (BMW LL, MB 229.x, VW 50x), or specialty (10W-60/racing oil, quoted per vehicle).
Front brakes: pads
From $250most $290–$330Pad material (ceramic/OEM), whether rotors also need replacing (we replace, never resurface), European/performance calipers.
Brakes: pads + rotors (per axle)
$425–$650 per axleEuropean/OEM up to $850Rotor metallurgy, OEM vs aftermarket, caliper service, European parts.
Battery replacement (installed)
$230–$360AGM / European coding up to $430Group size, standard vs AGM, European registration/coding, battery location.
A/C recharge & service
Recharge from $129full service $230–$330+Refrigerant type: R1234yf (2015+ vehicles) costs several times R134a; leak/component repair extra.
Brake fluid flush
$140–$220 eachFluid type (CVT/European long-life), system capacity, bleed difficulty.
Engine air or cabin air filter
~$45 eachabout $85 for bothFilter cost and access (some cabin filters are behind the glovebox).
Tune-up (plugs + filters)
From $199 (4-cyl) to $550+ (V6/V8)Plug count and type (iridium), coil-on-plug labor, rear-bank access on V6/V8.
Check-engine / diagnostic
$99credited toward the repairA real diagnosis (scan + live data + root cause), not just a code read. Complex/intermittent faults take longer.
Multi-point inspection
FREE with any servicestandalone pre-purchase inspection from $149The digital inspection with photos is included on every visit; the standalone pre-purchase inspection is the paid one.
Tire mount & balance
From $22/tireabout $95–$160 per set of 4Wheel size, run-flat / TPMS, low-profile tires, disposal fee. (Tire purchase is separate.)
Bigger Repairs
A ballpark here; exact number after we see your car.
Alternator replacement
From ~$650typically $700–$950OEM vs remanufactured, how buried the unit is, European premium.
Starter replacement
From ~$500typically $540–$770Access (some sit under the intake), OEM vs aftermarket.
Water pump / radiator
From $650 (engine-dependent)Timing-belt-driven pumps add labor; European cooling systems and part location swing the top end.
Fuel pump
From $1,100In-tank vs external, tank-drop labor; proper diagnosis first (filter/circuit can mimic it).
Struts / shocks (per pair)
From $950 per pairLoaded strut assemblies vs bare shocks; alignment required after.
Steering (tie rods / rack)
Tie rods from ~$230rack & pinion $1,900–$2,400Inner vs outer tie rods, rack complexity, alignment after every steering job.
CV axle / drivetrain
From $799AWD adds labor; boot-only repair isn't offered — full axle replacement is the standard fix.
Transmission
Fluid service from $179major repair quoted after diagnosisDrain-fill vs full exchange; CVT/DCT fluids cost more; major work depends entirely on the failure.
Fluid leak repair
From $240 (varies by engine access)Which gasket/seal and how buried it is: valve-cover vs intake-manifold-removal jobs differ a lot.
What San Mateo drivers say
“Moe was very helpful, patient, and clear on explaining all things in a used vehicle inspection. We were able to use what he told us to haggle down the price a bit, and told us…”
— Katie Franz
Read more“Moe was fantastic ! I had previously taking my car to the dealership and they told me something that was wrong with my car that didn't need to be fixed. Moe said he ran the…”
— Jamie M.
Read more“Friendly and thorough in their attention to service.”
— Chevrolet Malibu Owner
“Favio and Moe helped me complete a pre purchase inspection and gave really candid, honest and helpful advice. Both of them offered to continue helping me even after the service…”
— Kathleen Torrez
Read more“The #1 quality of Moe and his shop is that they will go through the weeds with you to solve your problem and even give you insight into your car. Fixed the air conditioning in my…”
— Lorenzo G.
Read more“Excellent service! Car was in bad shape and turn around time to fix the needed items took around 2 1/2 days! Car runs like new now!”
— Hyundai Sonata Owner
- Photos to your phone
- Tap-to-approve estimate
- 24-month / 24,000-mile warranty
- Same-day on most repairs
Your full itemized estimate is texted to your phone before any work starts. No surprises. See how our estimates work →
How booking works
- 1
Tell us your vehicle. A license plate or VIN gives the most accurate quote, but year, make, and model works fine too.
- 2
Tell us what's going on. Pick a service or just describe the symptom: squealing brakes, A/C blowing warm, a warning light.
- 3
Pick a preferred time & leave your contact. Tap a day and time on the calendar, or tell the advisor. A phone number lets us text your estimate.
- 4
We confirm & you're booked. Beacon texts you to confirm the time and sends your itemized estimate.
Have an AI assistant? Let it book for you.
Beacon's booking is open to AI assistants acting on your behalf. Tell yours “book me an appointment at Beacon Auto Care” and it can handle it. Beacon texts you to confirm the time before it's locked in, so you're always in control.
What you can book
All makes: domestic, European, and hybrid.
- Oil change
- Brake service
- Battery replacement
- Tires
- A/C repair
- Check-engine-light diagnostics
- Scheduled maintenance
- Pre-purchase inspection
- European & hybrid repair
Beacon Auto Care
2300 S El Camino Real, San Mateo, CA 94403
Mon–Sat: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Sunday: Closed