About Us

Originally founded in 1954 as San Carlos Radiator Works, we have been providing specific services for cooling system related problems for more than 50 years. Although the technology has changed a bit during that time, the commitment to quality has not. We strive to provide specific solutions to address confirmed problems with guaranteed work. 

Thanks to the magic of the internet, we field calls from all over the USA and Canada answering tough questions about tough problems. Whether it's a phone call from a distant place expressing an urgent need, or a broken car that is in our shop, we help each and everyone we meet.

Originally started in 1954, San Carlos Radiator Works serviced the San Francisco peninsula with service to the auto, truck, marine, industrial and airport industries.

Incorporated in 1982, the name changed to San Carlos Radiator Inc.

Undergoing a ownership change that included a business merger in 1988, the name changed to San Carlos Radiator & Auto Air. The services offered increased to include air conditioning service and repair as well as some light full automotive.

In the early 90's we witnessed the horror of dex cool contamination striking GM vehicles. Radiators and heaters were plugging up, intake manifold gaskets would soften and leak, as GM basically turned their back on the whole mess. I wonder how many customers they lost? A class action law suit eventually brought some relief, although for many, it was too little too late.

In the late 90's, we struggled with understanding electrolysis just like everybody else. I remember the frustration of making lots and lots of ground straps, and not getting the results I wanted. It actually made the problem worse. Then, little by little, the pieces of the puzzle began to fit. The service procedures got refined, and the products began to get better. The results now speak for themselves.

In 2007, the name once again changed, this time to San Carlos Auto Center, to reflect the growing diversity of services being offered. A  perfect example being web services, offering specific targeted solutions for automotive electrolysis, packaged and shipped to web customers. We are currently selling electrolysis products all over the USA, Canada, and Australia we are seeing this little niche' market grow as more and more vehicles are bitten by the electrolysis bug. Recently, Ford Dealers from across the USA have been calling and ordering our Copper Brass Heaters. It seems we can provide them with a product that no one else can.

As new services are added, we have never forgotten who we are, and we are careful not to abandon the legacy that brought us here. I hope this web resource continues to be helpful to you.

Unable to fully reinvent ourselves to a declining economy and a changing industry, our business was continually shrinking, In 2010 we found ourselves competing against the very shops that we used to service. The handwriting was on the wall, and it was just a matter of time.

In the fall of 2015 due to the aforementioned factors as well as an additional few, San Carlos Radiator closed it's doors for the last time. We had a great run, and truly miss working at the old shop. We would like very much to thank you for your patronage for the last 60 years. It is a heavy heart that we must say good bye, and that we think about our customers everyday.

Mark