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Auto Repair in Lakeside, CA

If you are searching for an auto repair shop in Lakeside, California, trust and reliability are the most important factors to consider. Since 1971, Lakeside Radiator & Auto Repair has been specializing in quality auto maintenance, service, and repair on most vehicle makes and models. Our dedicated team of professionals will make sure your job is done right the first time.

A white car is cut in half showing the inside of it.
A man wearing blue gloves is working on a car

We offer affordable smog inspections on your vehicle with exceptional customer service. Keeping your car in good repair for emissions testing not only helps you pass the test, it also helps keep your car running at peak performance, and protects the environment from toxic fumes. Count on our ASE-certified technicians at Lakeside Radiator and Auto Repair to administer your inspections correctly and in a prompt manner.

Reasons to Choose Us

Lakeside Radiator & Auto Repair is a family-owned company with over half a century of experience serving local residents. Each of our technicians has the training and knowledge to provide you with informative diagnostic work. We value honesty and excellent customer service so that you can count on us for a straightforward approach to automotive issues.

Make sure your vehicle is in top condition and safe to hit the road with the help of our team. We offer fair prices and quality repairs, so reach out to us in Lakeside, CA, to get started. Use our convenient contact form and we will get back to you with a quote.

I've been looking for a local automotive repair shop and I lucked out right away with Lakeside Radiator. I didn't have an appointment but Travis accepted my truck when I said I could wait a couple of days. I listed the concerns I had and Travis walked me through it. The next day I got a call detailing what was needed and the next day it was completed. The truck is a 2000 and I wasn't feeling comfortable driving it with its myriad of small inconvenient issues. Now I have no qualms about taking it out on the road again. I also got a discount for paying cash. I'll bring my suv once the factory warranty is up.


Grace P.

Ok so if you judge the place by the outside you'd be sadly mistaken. This place stands out as its near the corner of the street, and is painted light blue. The paint may be faded, but it reminds me of a neighboorhood mechanic shop. Marty (the owner) was amazing, very friendly and easy to talk with. I will be bringing my vehicles to him in the future as I've just moved to the neighborhood.


Joshua L.

Where do I even begin? I could go on for an hour about this shop. Long story short, they have fixed 2 of my vehicles in 1 week and one of them 4 mechanics told me good luck fixing the problem. Well Marty and jack were able to diagnose and fix the problem on both vehicles and never gave us the run around. Was very informative and timely in his repairs. I can't say enough about how well they treat you here and actually care about the costs. I have found a new and reliable mechanic that I will go to from now on. If you need automotive services, this is the place to go. Thank you Marty and team!!!


Cindy E.

I really didn't want to get the news about my car needing a lot of work done (especially a complete cooling system repair) but I was happy after everything was explained to me. The owner is very nice and upfront about prices. I went to get a few other quotes and they were far higher that at Lakeside radiator and auto repair. I'm so pleased with the work they did on my car. I am riding not sweating like crazy anymore and I'm not worried that my car is going to break down on the freeway.


Sam J.

Good honest shop. I've been there a few times now. They fairly charged for what they did and never tried to up sell. They gave me a list of repairs my truck does need but did not pressure me to do it now.

My Dad was a mechanic and would tell me, "remember the guy deserves to make a living". That's all these folks seem to be doing.

Very highy recommend


James B.

My tires were going flat and I had stopped at two places previously to get air only to have the tires go flatter. Pulled into Lakeside Radiator and Auto Repair and they were kind enough to fill all my tires with air at no charge and without making me wait. I'm an older woman and was perplexed as to what happened at the other two locations, but thankfully Lakeside Radiator and Auto Repair were kind enough to help me so I didn't get stranded somewhere! Thank you guys!!


Debby I.

Just popped in to arrange an oil change and a smog test. Got a 2 week schedule out due to their business appointments. Seem very friendly. Met the previous owner 30 years ago, a nice guy, but lived far side of county, so didn't follow thru. Current owner seems just as nice, son of previous owner. Now that I live out here, time to check them out. Got a spot open on Monday.


Steven S.

Had a smog check done on my truck a couple months back and it failed miserably. I went to this place expecting to deal with the long drawn out process of the BAR program. Darrel (I think that’s his name) is very down to earth and very genuine. I left my truck with him and got a call the next day saying it passed with flying colors. They got some kind magic working in that shop there, left paying $70 instead of a possible $300 plus. Thanks!


Peter R.

Found this place from a recommendation from Autozone. Glad I found this gem. The owner is completely honest and genuine. These guys are cooling system experts and they fixed my problem for less then I would've paid elsewhere. If I had gone elsewhere I would've just wasted my money on parts and service that wasn't needed. These guys are pretty fast and they know what they're doing. I'd highly recommend them to anyone and it's a great chance that they will always get my business.


Pete P.

Our new auto shop. We took our hand-me-down Jetta in thinking it needed a new computer because it wouldn't smog test. Jake fixed it without it needing a replacement and it passed the test. They could have taken advantage of us, but didn't. They get our work from here on out.


Scott F.