Toyota Dealer Alternative on the SF Peninsula
Express Auto is an independent Toyota and hybrid shop in San Bruno: Snap-on and Matco bi-directional scan tools, Toyota-approved synthetic oil, Prius hybrid battery work and all Toyota service. Free inspection, walk-in or by appointment: a code scan plus a visual inspection.
Serving Toyota owners on the Peninsula since 1997. $250 diagnostics, waived when we complete the repair.
What You Get at Express Auto
What is included for common Toyota services. We quote each job after an inspection.
| Service / Factor | Express Auto |
|---|---|
| Free Inspection | Code scan plus visual inspection, walk-in or by appointment |
| Diagnostics | $250 diagnostics, waived when we complete the repair |
| Oil Change & Inspection | Quoted after inspection |
| Prius Hybrid Battery Scan | Quoted after inspection |
| Hybrid Battery Replacement | Quoted after inspection |
| Transmission Fluid Service | Quoted after inspection |
| Older V6 Timing Belt | Quoted after inspection |
| Brake Service (fronts) | Quoted after inspection |
| Toyota Diagnostics | Snap-on and Matco bi-directional scan tools |
| Maintenance Reset | Yes — full reset |
| Toyota-Approved Oil | Yes — 0W-20/5W-30 spec |
| Warranty Service | Out-of-warranty |
| Hybrid System Expertise | Yes — all Toyota HEV |
Prius Hybrid Battery Service
Express Auto does complete Gen 2/3 Prius battery replacement using quality replacement packs. We first perform a full hybrid battery scan — many batteries showing warning lights can be rebalanced or repaired for far less than replacement.
Warning Signs
- • Red triangle warning light
- • Rapid SOC swings
- • Reduced fuel economy
- • Engine runs at idle
Our Approach
- • Full hybrid battery scan
- • Cell balance check
- • Rebalance if viable
- • Replace only if needed
How We Quote
- • Free inspection first
- • Photos of what we find
- • Quote before any work
Why Peninsula Toyota Owners Choose Express Auto
Independent Labor Rates
We charge independent labor rates and post our typical prices above. Free inspection, walk-in or by appointment: a code scan plus a visual inspection; $250 diagnostics, waived when we complete the repair.
Bi-Directional Scan Tools
With Snap-on and Matco bi-directional scan tools we diagnose Toyota systems — engine, hybrid battery, transmission, ABS, airbag, HVAC, and more. Full fault code read/clear, oil life reset, tire rotation reset, and maintenance reminder reset included with every oil service.
Hybrid Battery Specialists
We perform Prius, RAV4 Hybrid, and Camry Hybrid battery health scans with our bi-directional scan tools. Many batteries showing warning lights can be rebalanced or repaired instead of replaced. We stock replacement packs for Gen 2 and Gen 3 Prius.
All Toyota Models Serviced
Corolla, Camry, Prius, RAV4, Highlander, Tacoma, Tundra, Sienna, 4Runner, Sequoia — every Toyota model. V6 timing belt replacement (older Sienna, Camry), CVT transmission service, differential fluid, and all factory-scheduled maintenance performed correctly.
Same-Week Appointments
We usually schedule within a week, often same-week for oil changes and routine maintenance. Your Toyota is ready by end of day for most services.
Central Peninsula — Right Off Hwy 101
At 1041 San Mateo Ave, San Bruno, we're right off Hwy 101 and 380. Drop off your Toyota and take our free shuttle to San Bruno BART.
Down the Street from the San Bruno Toyota Dealer and Serramonte Auto Row
Express Auto at 1041 San Mateo Ave is a few blocks from the San Bruno Toyota dealer and about 10 minutes from the dealerships on Serramonte Auto Row in Colma. Toyota owners who bought from either can keep their car on the factory maintenance schedule here — Toyota-spec parts and fluids, professional diagnostics, and every repair approved by text — without going back to the service lane. Independent maintenance does not void your Toyota warranty; recalls and warranty repairs stay free at the dealer.
We also repair rodent damage every week. Chewed engine wiring and nests in the cabin air filter are common on Toyotas parked around San Bruno, Daly City, Colma and Pacifica.
Toyota Dealer Alternative — FAQ
Does going to an independent shop void my Toyota warranty?
No. Toyota cannot void your warranty solely because you used an independent shop, as long as equivalent Toyota-approved parts and procedures are used. In-warranty repairs must go to a Toyota dealer. For out-of-warranty service and maintenance you can use Express Auto.
Can Express Auto service Toyota hybrids including Prius and RAV4 Hybrid?
Yes. We service all Toyota hybrid models — Prius, Prius Prime, RAV4 Hybrid, Camry Hybrid, Highlander Hybrid, and Sienna Hybrid. Services include high-voltage battery health inspection, 12V auxiliary battery replacement, cooling system service for the hybrid battery pack, brake service (regenerative system), hybrid inverter fluid, and all scheduled maintenance. We read the hybrid system with Snap-on and Matco bi-directional scan tools.
What diagnostic tools does Express Auto use for Toyota?
We use Snap-on and Matco bi-directional scan tools. They read Toyota modules — engine, transmission, hybrid battery, ABS, airbag, body and HVAC — and we use them for maintenance resets (oil life, tire rotation reminders, inspection due lights). We do not use Toyota factory software. Free inspection, walk-in or by appointment: a code scan plus a visual inspection. Diagnostics is for when we need more time to find the root cause.
How much does Toyota service cost at Express Auto?
We charge independent labor rates and quote each job after an inspection, so the price matches the parts your car actually needs.
Does Express Auto service Toyota Tundra, Tacoma, and 4Runner?
Yes. We service all Toyota models — sedans, SUVs, hybrids, and trucks. Tacoma and 4Runner service includes differential fluid, transfer case service, suspension inspection, and timing chain maintenance. Tundra service includes the 5.7L V8 or 3.5L twin-turbo V6 oil service, differential fluid, and brake service. We also perform Tacoma frame rust inspection — a known issue on certain model years.
How do I know if my Prius hybrid battery needs replacement?
Warning signs include: red triangle or hybrid system warning light, battery state of charge gauge swinging rapidly, reduced fuel economy, engine running more than usual at idle, or a Toyota triangle with exclamation warning. We perform a comprehensive Prius hybrid battery health scan using our bi-directional scan tools — measuring individual cell balance, capacity fade, and internal resistance. Many "failing" Prius batteries can be rebalanced or repaired at a fraction of replacement cost.
Is there an independent alternative to the San Bruno Toyota dealer?
Yes. Express Auto is a few blocks from the San Bruno Toyota dealer at 1041 San Mateo Ave, and about 10 minutes from Serramonte Auto Row in Colma. We service every Toyota model on the factory schedule with Toyota-spec parts and fluids. Recalls and warranty repairs remain free at the dealer; everything else we can do here.
Do you repair rodent damage on Toyotas?
Yes, every week. Rodents nest in Toyota engine bays and cabin air filter housings and chew the engine and injector wiring — on V6 models often the knock sensor harness under the intake manifold. We trace every chewed circuit and repair it with OEM Toyota pigtails or harness sections. Rodent damage is often covered under comprehensive auto insurance; we provide a written estimate and photos.
“With everything completed, I paid about half of what the dealership had quoted me, even with the additional brake work. Anderson also stayed a little longer after work to make sure my car was finished the same day instead of having me pick it up the next day.”
— Eddie Y., Subaru, 60K-mile service, Millbrae · Yelp, Aug 2026
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Serving Toyota owners from Daly City to Burlingame.