The California Cool Air Rebate Program at Boulevard Auto

Surviving an East Bay summer without air conditioning is miserable, but major [automotive A/C repairs] can often be financially overwhelming.

Fortunately, the state of California offers a solution. Boulevard Auto Repair & Performance is proud to be an authorized local mechanic for the California Cool Air Rebate (CAR) Program. Run by the Car Care Council in coordination with the California Air Resources Board, this statewide initiative pays up to 90% of vehicle air conditioning repair costs for qualifying low-income drivers. The program aims to reduce harmful environmental emissions by funding the repair of leaking vehicle A/C systems that use R-134a refrigerant.

Have your approval letter? [Schedule your A/C service online] with our authorized technicians today.
 

How the Rebate Works (No Waiting for Checks!)

The best part of the Cool Air Rebate is that you do not have to pay upfront and wait weeks for a reimbursement check in the mail. The program pays Boulevard Auto directly for the subsidized portion of the bill.

• The 90% Coverage: The program covers 90% of the total repair bill, up to a maximum invoice amount of $1,666.70 (which provides the maximum state subsidy of $1,500).

• Your Out-of-Pocket Cost: You only pay the remaining 10% directly to us at the time of service. (Note: If your specific vehicle requires extensive repairs that exceed a total invoice of $1,666.70, you are responsible for paying the remaining balance over the $1,500 state maximum).

• Covered Diagnostic Fees: Before we can fix an A/C system, we have to find the leak. If you accept an eligible repair, the program covers 100% of our diagnostic fee. If our [comprehensive diagnostics] reveal that your car does not qualify, or if you choose to decline the repairs, the program will still generously cover 90% of the diagnostic fee!
   

Eligibility Requirements: Do You Qualify?

To qualify for this state-funded rebate, you and your vehicle must meet the following criteria:

• Income Limit: Your household income must be at or below 225% of the Federal Poverty Level.

• Residency: You must be a verified California resident.

• Vehicle Age: Your car or light-duty truck must be manufactured between the years 1993 and 2019. Older vehicles (pre-1993) qualify only if they have already been retrofitted to use R-134a refrigerant.

• A/C Status: The vehicle’s air conditioning system must have an active, verifiable R-134a refrigerant leak.
   

Your 4-Step Application Process

Getting your air conditioning blowing ice-cold again is easy. Just follow these steps:

Step 1: Pre-Qualify Online Visit the official state portal to complete the quick, 5-question Cool Air Rebate Pre-Qualification Form at coolairrebate.org/pre-qualify.

Step 2: Receive Your Approval Letter If you meet the state requirements, the program will officially issue you a confirmation and approval letter.

Step 3: Visit Boulevard Auto in Castro Valley Bring your vehicle and your official approval letter to our shop. As an authorized Cool Air Rebate center, we will handle the rest!

Step 4: Fix Your A/C Our certified technicians will formally verify the R-134a leak and perform the necessary repairs to seal your system. We collect your small 10% portion at the counter, and we bill the state program directly for the remaining 90%. You drive away cool and comfortable.

Get back to comfortable commuting. [Schedule your A/C service online] at Boulevard Auto in Castro Valley today!