Preferred Auto Centre

Preferred Auto Centre We are a AAA approved and family owned auto repair shop that has been servicing Thousand Oaks and Ventura County since 1984!

Our mission is to ease peoples inconvenience when it comes to car maintenance and repair. About Us: Providing Auto Repair Services in Thousand Oaks for More than 32 Years
If you’re looking for a local Auto Repair shop that you can trust, consider Preferred Auto Centre. Since 1984, Preferred Auto Centre has been providing our friends and neighbors in Thousand Oaks with dependable, trustworthy Auto

Repair services. Whether your vehicle needs a minor tune-up to a major overhaul, our trained service technicians are skilled at quickly diagnosing and pinpointing solutions to problems, which can save valuable time and money.

04/08/2026

Let's demystify something that confuses a lot of people: Why do oil change intervals vary so much between vehicles?
Swipe to learn what determines oil change intervals….

04/01/2026

Earth Month begins today! Let’s talk about something most people don’t realize: how your catalytic converter is quietly fighting climate change every day. 🌎

04/01/2026

Earth Month begins today! Let's talk about something most people don't realize: How your catalytic converter is quietly fighting climate change every day. 🌍

Let's talk about something most people don't know: How we determine if your brake rotors can be resurfaced or need repla...
03/27/2026

Let's talk about something most people don't know: How we determine if your brake rotors can be resurfaced or need replacement. πŸ”§
This decision can save you hundreds of dollars, so here's how we make it:
The measurements that matter:
πŸ“ Minimum Thickness Specification: Every rotor has a minimum thickness stamped on it (like 22mm). Below this = replacement required for safety.
πŸ“ Current Thickness: We measure with precision calipers at multiple points. Rotors wear unevenly.
πŸ“ Runout Check: We measure how much the rotor "wobbles" when spinning. Excessive runout causes vibration.
πŸ“ Surface Condition: Deep grooves, heat spots, or cracks mean replacement, regardless of thickness.
Real example from this week:
Client's 2019 Honda CR-V front rotors:

Minimum spec: 20mm
Current thickness: 23mm (good!)
Measured runout: 0.003" (within spec)
Surface condition: Light scoring, no heat damage

Our recommendation: Resurface the rotors (included with service) instead of replacement ($280).
Why this matters:
Another shop might automatically recommend new rotors because it's easier and more profitable (or they don't have a brake lathe). We take the time to measure and assess because your wallet matters to us.
When we DO recommend replacement:

Below minimum thickness (safety issue)
Excessive runout that can't be corrected
Heat damage or cracking
Previous resurfacing near minimum thickness

The tools make the difference:
We use professional brake lathes and precision measuring tools, not guesswork. This lets us give you accurate assessments and save money when possible.
The result: You get safe, properly functioning brakes at the lowest reasonable cost. No unnecessary parts, no shortcuts on safety.
That's the difference between parts replacement and proper brake service.
Have brake questions? We love talking shop! πŸ›‘

Why this review means everything to us:This captures exactly what we're trying to do every single day - treat people lik...
03/25/2026

Why this review means everything to us:
This captures exactly what we're trying to do every single day - treat people like people, not transactions.
"They took me in last minute to run a diagnostic" - Because car problems don't happen on convenient schedules. When someone needs help, we try to make it work.
"Generosity, kindness, and empathy" - These aren't just nice words to us. They're how we choose to run our business, even when it's not the most profitable approach.
"Service that sees you as a person, not just a number" - This is our mission statement in a nutshell. You're not "vehicle #47 today." You're someone who needs their car fixed so they can get to work, pick up kids, live their life.
The bigger picture:
We chose to be a place where people feel heard, respected, and cared for.
Thank you to this reviewer for taking the time to share their experience. Reviews like this remind us why we love what we do. πŸ™

03/20/2026

What actually happens during your digital vehicle inspection (DVI)? πŸ“±πŸ”§
We do a digital health inspection with every service where photos and findings get compiled into your personalized report, sent directly to your phone. You see exactly what we see, with explanations in plain English. That's transparency in action! Call us today to book your health inspection.

02/18/2026

Let's talk about the relationship between you, your brakes, and staying alive. πŸ›‘
Your brakes are literally the thing that keeps you from hitting other things. They deserve some attention.
Signs your brakes are trying to tell you something:
🚨 Squealing or grinding noises (this is a cry for help)
🚨 Vibration when braking (something's not right)
🚨 Soft or spongy brake pedal (air in the lines or fluid issue)
🚨 Pulling to one side when stopping (uneven wear)
🚨 Brake warning light illuminated (your car is literally asking for help)
🚨 It's been 30,000+ miles since your last brake service

Our brake service includes:
βœ… Complete inspection of pads, rotors, calipers, and lines
βœ… Brake fluid check and top-off
βœ… Photo documentation of wear levels
βœ… Honest assessment - we only recommend what you actually need

Because nothing says "I love you" quite like functioning brakes. πŸ’•
Book your brake inspection today!

Can you believe we are half way through February!?!  If you haven't done these 3 things for your car yet, there's still ...
02/16/2026

Can you believe we are half way through February!?! If you haven't done these 3 things for your car yet, there's still time ⏰
#1 - Get that oil changed
If it's been 5,000+ miles or 6+ months, your engine is begging for fresh oil. Don't make it wait until February!
#2 - Test your battery
Free at PAC, takes 5 minutes, could prevent you from being stranded. This is the easiest preventive care you'll ever do.
#3 - Check those tires
Pressure, tread depth, and overall condition. Winter rain on bald tires is a recipe for disaster.
Get ahead of the game! Book your next appointment now while you're thinking about it.

Hank's Valentine's Day cards are here! πŸ’ŒπŸΎWe asked Hank to write Valentine's Day messages for our clients. Check out what...
02/11/2026

Hank's Valentine's Day cards are here! πŸ’ŒπŸΎ
We asked Hank to write Valentine's Day messages for our clients. Check out what he came up with ⬆️

When you visit PAC this February, expect:
Expert automotive care from our ASE-certified team
Honest, transparent service (no Valentine's Day upsells, we promise)
One very enthusiastic shop dog who thinks every day is Valentine's Day

When's the last time you showed your car some love? πŸ’•Your car shows up for you every single day:βœ… Gets you to work on ti...
02/04/2026

When's the last time you showed your car some love? πŸ’•
Your car shows up for you every single day:
βœ… Gets you to work on time (even when you hit snooze three times)
βœ… Takes you on weekend adventures
βœ… Keeps you safe in traffic
βœ… Never complains about your music choices
βœ… Handles your coffee spills and forgotten french fries with grace
That's a pretty solid relationship if you ask us! πŸš—

This February, show your car you care:
πŸ’ Fresh oil change = "I appreciate you"
πŸ’ Brake inspection = "I want to keep us both safe"
πŸ’ Fluid flush = "You deserve to run smoothly"
πŸ’ Tire rotation = "I'm thinking long-term with you"
πŸ’ Complete inspection = "I want to catch problems before they hurt you"

Show your car some love this month! Book your Valentine's maintenance appointment today.

In consideration of the general strike we will be donating a portion of all proceeds collected on 1/30/2026 to  a local ...
01/30/2026

In consideration of the general strike we will be donating a portion of all proceeds collected on 1/30/2026 to a local organization that helps at risk families in our community. We love our community, we love our neighbors and we are thankful for all those who are able to participate. ❀️ Click the link in our bio to donate directly to

Address

3111 E Thousand Oaks Boulevard Unit 6
Thousand Oaks, CA
91362

Opening Hours

Monday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Friday 7:30am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+18053731223

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