B & D Automotive Center

Went over for alignment from America’s Tire. Price was $ 59.99. Couldn’t take me then so made an appointment for two days later. Appointment was for 10 AM, didn’t actually start until 10:45. Carl the owner was nice enough. Told me (upfront) he couldn’t do an alignment for $ 59.99 because the truck was lifted. Fair enough. I assumed the ad/​referral from America’s tire was just a scam to get people in the door anyway. $ 100 for alignment. Fine. Wanted an oil change and was quoted $ 100 for full synthetic. Didn’t have time/​patience to go somewhere else. The alignment went well. Steering is almost straight. I probably would not go back. At least not for an oil change. $ 100 is outrageous. If you go, make sure you have lots of time. Average experience. They have wifi but Carl doesn’t know how it works, so don’t expect it when you arrive.

My first experience with B &D was yesterday after America’s Tire recommended them to me.
When I arrive to get my alignment done, I was given all the information up front including price, the risks, the potential costs of repair if there are issues. They provided a base price and all the extras for potential repairs. At first, I was expecting to get a call to be notified of the «extra charges». After the completion of the work, to my surprise, they called me and let me know that everything was fine and there were no additional repairs that were required.
These days, you cannot find many repair shops with integrity and honesty. B & D proved me wrong. I am a customer for life. Thank you, Carl.

I was referred to B&D by American Tires for an alignment. Carl Byington helped me and he was very nice, attentive, and descriptive about financial options. He said the service would take about an hour and told me I could go to Starbucks, beth bath and beyond, or wait in the lobby. I went to starbucks and waited until he called me. When I came back he explained the service they had done to my car and gave me a receipt with pictures of the work they had performed. I have a BMW and everywhere I go, I always have to pay a lot of money. I only payed 59 dollars :) I am very happy with the costumer service that Carl provided me. P. S I also forgot my credit card and Carl called me back promptly to inform me. I picked my CC the next day. Thank you!

I have been very pleased with B and D Auto Repair on Main st. In Redwood City. Been taking 1989 Cadillac and 1972 Dodge Crew Cab for many years, good work, very reasonable, and in December my son took his vintage Nissan pickup for clutch work and said they saved him $ 1K over other places. I had my Caddie towed in recently because smoke and odor pouring out from under hood all of a sudden. His guys ran it and tested it for hours and nothing seemed to be wrong now, other than a couple small cracks in fan belt, which couldn’t have caused the stink and smoke. He only charged $ 108 both parts and labor to replace the fan belt even after all that time spent troubleshooting and decided probably a piece of paper or something had gotten under hood and burned itself out, no longer there. I have had absolutely no trouble with it since. I really need to trust my repairman and absolutely Carl is my go to guy.

Look I owe B & D Automotive a review. I am hardcore on reviews and admit I have waited 1 yr. before saying these guys rock!!!
The Lexus Dealer said my problem was shocks and struts, plus luxury shock airbags. Had never heard of that, but my SUV was pulling and leaning to one side. I was not willing to compromise my safety — but the dealer said I needed to pay $ 6,000 — what?
I called B & D after remembering B&D had completed worked on other cars for me. I called and Carl knew right away my situation. He ordered all Lexus parts, called me when they came and started the work, completed the work right on time. I had tons of friends telling me I was taking a real risk going to an independent.
Well here is my review — 1 year later my SUV is riding as smooth as ever. I paid half the cost and since then had several lights blowing out in my SUV — ticket from Menlo Park PD for taillight. Called Carl at B&D and he said come on in right now and I will get you in fast. I left with a handshake and a smile.
This is only my second review. I use Unilocal,but never joined. I am so proud to give B&D a thumbs up. Good shop, will continue to refer people and to use them.

Was referred to B&D through Costco Tire Center. Booking an appt for 4 wheel alignment was a breeze, and although customer service wasn’t VIP status, Carlos was friendly and down to earth. He explained everything from pricing, to «what could happen» if suspension was out of whack and require a $ 20 inspection fee. I like that he came right out with it and made sure he had the correct cell phone number to reach me and keep me posted. Luckily, my car did well and so I paid a flat promo rate of $ 59 for my alignment!

Was referred to B&D Automotive Center by America’s Tires for an alignment. Was told it would be $ 60 and would take about 1 hour. Dropped my car off, came back in an hour and was told there was additional work (costing $ 1200) that needed to be done but it would be ready by 5pm. Not true. Received a call 2 hours later telling me a part was coming from the East Bay and my car would be ready at noon the following day. Called the company at 11am the next day to confirm a noon pick-​up. I was then told it would be ready at 1pm. Okay… arrived a little before 1pm and my car is still being tested. After waiting another ½ hour, I received my car to drive back to work. It didn’t take long on my drive when I realized something was very wrong! The steering wheel was hitting something every time I made a left or right hand turn! Called Carl immediately and told him I was bringing it back after a meeting at work. Got back to the shop at 3:30pm. At 4:30pm, Carl informed me that it would be ready at 5:30pm. I finally drove out of the shop after 6pm! So, my biggest complaint about this company isn’t the additional money or work that needed to happen (if it needed to be done, it needed to be done), it’s that the time estimates were completely bogus! Quick jerking me around. If you tell me it’s going to take 2 days to fix, then I’ll make arrangements for that. If you tell me it’s going to be ready at 5pm the day I drop it off, then that’s what I’m making plans for.
My second issue with this company was the attitude. By the second day, Carl was obviously frustrated with the situation and actually tried to put the blame on me (I «had» to have my car back so they didn’t test drive it before giving it back to me the first time — the issue I was feeling when I drove it was actually due to a bad part they had installed). He told me that he had 2 people working overtime on my car and «no one got lunch today,» like that’s my fault. He was extremely rude to both me and my husband. We had just spent 2 days going back and forth to his shop and spent over $ 1200 and he was treating us very unprofessionally All of this could have been avoided had he given accurate timelines.
I appreciate that things change once you get in there and see what’s really going on. But having the completion time change 4 times and allowing a customer to drive off their lot with a potentially dangerous problem with a vehicle is not acceptable. I will not be returning to B&D Automotive Center and I would not recommend this company to anyone.

My family has been taking our cars to Carl for years and have always been satisfied. This shop is always punctual and uses high quality parts for repairs. Highly recommended.

I’ve been taking my car to B and D for years, and Carl has always treated me fairly and honestly; gets the job done quickly. It’s great to have a mechanic you can trust!

These guys know what they’re doing. Left the shop with my car running smoother than ever and better mpg. They also told me what previous shops had done wrong to the suspension of my car. Will come back for another alignment when needed!

After something coming loose on brakes, after getting them fixed I had to stop quickly and get it looked at. SOOO glad I came here. Carl is the man! So helpful and was straight honest with me and patient. I was in and out in a timely manner. My car was good to go after I was impressed and he looked at other brakes as well to make sure nothing was loose and I was on my way. He hooked me up which was extremely generous of him.
Will I go back? Of course. I appreciate Carl, his team and service. Thank you so much!

I just needed a few bolts tightened regarding the suspension as it was making some sounds I was concerned about. It was done in the time he said it would be done and he didn’t charge me. :)

I went in for an alignment because of their great price as opposed to other places that cost $ 100, especially when you get your tires from America’s Tires, they give you a special deal for $ 59.99. Dropped off my Honda Accord, Carl said it would be about 45 minutes or so, which I thought was normal for an aligment, so my wife and I grabbed something to eat across the street. We came back 20 minutes later and seen the car outside on the curb, and at that time, I was thinking to myself «that was done way too fast». Went into the office, he said it was all done and taken care of. I had to ask for the paperwork showing the alignment was done correctly, but I think he forgot to give it to me because he might’ve been in a rush. My gut told me that it wasn’t completely done and so I went to have it double checked at places that gave me free alignment. The mechanics not too far from B & D called Redwood City Automotive showed me that the alignment was off and it needed to be fixed for the back tires but the front tires were fine. But when I showed him the paperwork that came from B & D and it all showed green, the mechanic had to «adjust and reset» the callibration for the alignment, and miraculously everything was fine. At this point it was very frustrating because I didn’t know who was telling the truth and I didn’t know who was lying, so I got a 3^rd opinion. I went to Big O Tires in San Mateo, they did the free alignment check, and this time the front was bad!
At this point, I just wanted to get my money back from B & D and go to a non-​independently owned shop to do my alignment. The next morning, I went back to see Carl, explained to him what happened. He was very cooperative and explained the alignment on my vehicle, but all in all and at the end of it he offered to give my money back, which I did.
I definitely don’t trust independently owned shops anymore unless they have a great reputation. I’m giving B & D 2 stars, just because Carl didn’t give me any hassle about the alignment and getting my money back, but as for the alignment getting done properly… I really don’t know who was telling the truth and who was telling lies.

I only write Unilocal reviews for places I truly believe in. B&D is one of those places. I brought my car here after purchasing new tires from America’s Tire Co. for my 2007 BMW 5 series Sports car. While I came for an alignment, which Carl and his team performed beautifully, I ended up bringing my car back for an oil change.
Unlike other reviewers, I found Carl to be extremely customer-​focused. He and his team of mechanics are the only ones who’ve worked on my BMW after my 100K mile warranty expired with BMW. Carl has done everything on my car from the A/​C service, wheel alignment, brake pad and rotor replacement, and regular 5K synthetic oil changes. Carl always takes his time to explain every piece of the service, including the cost of repairs, before he does it. Also, he always orders BMW parts for my car – he never uses other OEM parts. I appreciate his honesty and clear communication. He is a mechanic I trust and wouldn’t take my car anywhere else. I refer all my friends here!

After taking my car to Precision Auto on El Camino in RWC, they gave me an estimate of about $ 2000 for my car to fix. I knew it had problems but jeeez… a family friend told me about B&D, so I checked it out. Carl was super helpful, asked plenty of questions, did an inspection, then gave me a quote, that was more reasonable. He worked on my car for about one day and bam, my car has been running pretty dang good ever since.
Almost the same thing happened with my bf’s car (our cars are getting old) and his car is also running great. Carl is very honest with everything he does. We’re stoked to have a new go-​to place for our cars!

I was referred to B&D by America’s Tires. I needed an alignment after they put tires on. Like the reviewer before me, I was wary because of some negative Unilocal reviews, but her good, lengthy and very specific review changed my mind. I decided to give B&D a try.
I AM SO GLAD THAT I DID!!! First, Carl was so amazingly helpful! He had his technician pick our car up from America’s Tires and take it to B&D, so we wouldn’t have to shuttle back and forth. His technician actually had to drive to America’s Tires, leave his own car there; take our car to B&D to be serviced and then drive back to America’s Tires for the last switch. I can’t even believe that level of service!
Then Carl was so communicative with us. He let us know that it would be a little while because he had only one technician and they had to do the switch. He hoped that would be ok. Are you kidding? For saving me the trouble of having to go and wait all day for the tire and alignment? Sure!!! Also, I totally appreciate that he had only one guy working. He also called us afterward and gave us the run down.
I know nothing about alignment, but the work seemed pretty solid. Carl left a summary (with pictures) of the work done in the car. So that was helpful.
Finally, his alignment price was only $ 59 (a deal with America’s Tires, I believe). Can’t beat the cost and service. I think a lot of the negative reviews had to do waiting time rather than service. I get that, esp. if you only have one car and are stuck all day. But we totally did not have that experience and Carl was amazing AND we didn’t have an appt. on a Sat. Thanks Carl!!!

I feel like I was ripped off I took my car there for a clutch job and pulleys that needed to be replaced. Horrible experience, the owner Carl is a total dick! I was over charged for parts and the job was not done correctly. I’m going to take my car to AAMCO. He cost me $ 1600 due to him selling me the wrong part for the wrong application on my vehicle. NEVER TAKE YOUR CAR HERE!

I feel like I dodged a bullet…
I went to America’s Tires in Redwood City, and they told me I needed an alignment. As for many other reviewers, they recommended B&D. I called B&D asking if I could get in there that afternoon. I was told they were slammed, and the next day was better. I was given multiple times for a reservation in the afternoon.
I showed up at the appointed time, and took the owner by surprise. No record of my appointment. I was told it would be done by 5.30 — a little longer than I expected, but it was 4pm on a Friday, and Starbucks was just around the corner.
I went back to B&D at 5.15, saw my car on the street, and went in to pay. No, they hadn’t started yet. Unbeknownst to the owner, I had read these reviews on Unilocal,so decided that the better part of valor here was to take my keys and find a different place.

Soo, not so good experience at all from side. First time I took my car there is right after putting new 4 tires at nearby America’s Tire (were I was recommended to use this shop and given some sort of coupon $ 59 for alignment). Anyway I went there, made an appointment to come back at 3pm, and grabbed some lunch waiting till 3pm. I went back at 2:55pm and turns out that owner just cancelled the appointment and there is another car in front of my for an alignment. On my question «what’s going on???» I’ve got an answer «what’s your problem?». I think I would better leave at that time but I did not and waited for another hour. So I have waisted at least 2 hours thank you very much.
They did an alignment seemingly OK but later on driving back home I felt the car pulling to the right too much. Called Carl, set an appointment to check it out. Went back next week. So another 1 hours of waiting and they realign 4 wheels. Turns out the front was out of alignment and eve worse than they did the 1^st alignment. This means that they completely screwed up my alignment 1^st time. Carl tells me that I probably hit a curb, I reply that I did not and I take that car thinking that maybe now it’s fine. The moment I went on a freeway I feel that the car alignment is so screwed up now that it can’t drive straight. The steering wheel is off the center and the car pull to the right even more! Immediately coming back to the Carl’s shop and asking «what did you do to the car?». He’s saying that car is absolutely perfectly aligned and asks his mechanic to test drive it. A mechanic drives it and tells that it’s perfect and the steering wheel is absolutely straight. Sorry I don’t buy it, you guys screwed up alignment the 1^st time how can I believe that now it’s perfect if it so much worse now? :)
Fast forward. Next day I coming back to the shop and demand re-​alignment as I just drove 100 miles and I’m scared to drive the car now. And I’m not even talking about how much of my tire’s rubber was shoved off because of misalignment. So Carl takes my keys and wants to drive my car (no permission asked), I refuse and say that I’ll drive with him, he refuses and says that the only way he test drives is if he’s alone. 5 minutes of arguing and I get my money back. This is actually why I put 2 start, not 1.
In the end I went to another auto repair shop to re-​align wheels next day and, surprise surprise, front was out of alignment. Gee, they could not get to right twice. Or their equipment is bad or they don’t know what they are doing.

Took two vehicles in here for the alignment special ($ 49 if you just got new tires at America’s Tire Co. down the street). The first time I took my wife’s car back in May for the alignment. When I came to pick up the car, Carl told me that I needed brake pads. I told him I just go that done a couple of months before, so he said that I needed new ones, not because these ones were worn down, but because he wanted to install the OEM pads because they «fit better». Whatever… I got the alignment for $ 49 so thats all I cared about and left.
Fast forward to last week. I got new tires on my truck and thought I should get an alignment for $ 49 again. Dropped it off and came back an hour later. Carl told me that my air filter was filthy and that I am not getting optimum mpg’s. He also said I need a new serpentine belt. I just told him «next time» and paid him the $ 49 for the alignment. I do not think he really checked because little does he know that I am running at or above the EPA estimated mpgs for my truck, and I just replaced the air filter about 2 months ago, and have only driven about 800 miles since then. My mechanic did not mention anything about my serpentine belt when I took my car in for scheduled service either, so I seriously doubt it needs replacement.
I think the reason they do the alignment specials with America’s Tire Co. is because they may be able to hook in some customers who might not know much about their cars. Luckily for me I already have a trusted mechanic, unfortunately he doesn’t do computerized alignments.
I’d recommend B&D for the alignment special if you just got some new wheels/​tires at America’s Tire Co., but if you did not, there’s a ton of other auto shops that are probably much better.