Polar Bear Auto Care

Recently, I had to part company with my local Dodge dealer for all future work on my 2010 Dodge Ram 3500 4x4. Their charges had become excessive and I had evidence of their prior unethical, if not fraudulent, work on my baby. So I decided to give "The Bear" a try. This place is quite a drive from my home in Davis, but I knew they had been there, quietly doing business focused on auto AC, for decades. But first, I parked and scoped the place out for a while from the street. What I found was a clean, well-maintained and painted shop--with mid-to-late-aged mechanics who didn't look like crack-heads and did look like they'd been doing this for quite a while. Then, I dropped the Ram off with them, with its broken AC, to see if they'd reach the same "needs" conclusions as had two other places. Not only did they do that, but their price was $2400 versus two dealers who wanted $3000--a 20% savings for me! Lastly, The Bear said it would be a 3-day job and I'd have the vehicle back by COB on Friday. On a whim--and a hunch--I showed up early at noon on Friday and the mechanic was just finishing the road test. Needless to say, I was a happy camper! The Bear will very definitely be getting more of my business, if and when more stuff breaks on my Ram. I rest my case.

I like this business and those who run it. This business has been here for many years. They carry a great deal of parts. In the early 1990’s my father was unable to buy a heater core for his motor home due to the original manufacturer going out of business. These folks compared the heater core to what they had in stock and found an identical one that was made by an alternative manufacturer (from Canada). Years ago I dived into replacing a heater core in a former vehicle. I learned first-hand that this task is exceedingly complicated and difficult. Polar Bear folks helped me complete the job with lots of free advice and recommended parts so I would not need to have the car towed to their shop to complete the job. Since then I have recommended them to those needing a heater core replacement. Another vehicle of mine recently developed a very tiny (microscopic) leak in the heater core. I began seeing vapor on the windshield that was greatly noticeable when the windshield was cold. The leak was so small and nobody around could smell the antifreeze so it took awhile to confirm the leak by watching the level of the antifreeze in the overflow tank eventually drop a bit. I called Polar Bear last week and they got right on the job and wrapped it up on the third day. They know what they are doing and I feel they are likely the most ideal place to have this task accomplished for vehicles requiring the dash and A/C evaporator core removed. They are very skilled in this area and the Sacramento region is fortunate to have this local business here. The cost for doing this task is very high but it equates to the extreme difficulty of accomplishing it. If you ever try doing it yourself you will see that the cost compares favorably to the physical, emotional and mental devastation that will likely result. Also, you will still need someone experienced in air conditioning to evacuate your system and later recharge it. When you have Polar Bear do the job you know they will also do the associated air conditioning work in a highly competent and professional manner. Bottom line is that I feel comfortable highly recommending Polar Bear Auto Care for any tasks they accomplish.

I am so disappointed with this place. They have charged me so much for a refurbished starter and new battery. $880 down the drain and now my power steering hose broke another $600 down the drain. My battery light is still on and now I have to start all over again finding a trustworthy mechanic. They told me I could come in for another diagnosis $65 down the drain but I refuse. From now I will be taking my business somewhere else that will treat me with honest diagnosis and labor.

Great shop and with attentive owner/employees and excellent customer service. Their building is wheelchair accessible with designated parking. Waiting room is large and comfy with a table, many types of seating and a huge flat screen TV with cable. Water is complementary.

Sadly, have to retract my other reviews. I used to love going here and trusted these guys. Mid last year I had to stop using them cause the mechanics were leaving things unfinished and not fixed. After a few back n forths with them I took my car to another mechanic who right in front of me showed me hoses that weren't put back and bolts not tightened. I really liked these guys but lately there business seems overwhelmed and the work is sped through with errors. Trust is huge and these guys lost mine. I don't recommend them.