Shirlington Shell Service Center in
Arlington (VA)

I've worked with them for years and generally trusted them. But I recently paid thousands for a suspension and power steering repair only to run into more problems afterwards. They were willing to verify the repairs but basically said I was SOL. Further, they wanted to charge me $80 for a cabin air filter replacement which is just insulting. Filters are cheap and take 2 minutes to install.

Super easy, super fast, great work and no nonsense or upsell pressure. They simply took care of the repair I needed and got me back in my car the same day. I called them at 8 o’clock in the morning and they were able to see me same day. An hour after I dropped off the car I got a text with a quote, I checked off the services I wanted and hit reply. A few hours later, I got a text that my car was ready, we settled up and I drove away happy. My new breaks work great. Thank you!

A real service station with people who actually seem happy to provide service. First time, so it’s too early to tell, but everything is working fine. I’ll return.

Shirlington Shell has been our garage for over 30 years and has always provided excellent and reliable service. They are a throw- back to old-time garages where they do their best to earn the trust of the customer

I’ve taken two of my cars here for safety inspections, and I couldn’t be happier with the service. Everyone was incredibly polite, professional, and easy to talk to. They explained everything clearly and were very understanding throughout the process. One of my cars needed a windshield replacement, and they gave me an excellent price—much better than I expected! It’s so rare to find a mechanic you can truly trust, but I definitely found that here. I’ll be coming back and recommending them to friends and family. Thank you!

I can’t say enough good things about Shirlington Shell Auto Shop, I’ve been taking my car here for since 2018. Edwin and his team are true professionals — knowledgeable, honest, and incredibly helpful. From the moment I brought my car in, I felt like I was in good hands. Edwin took the time to clearly explain what needed to be done and provided fair, transparent pricing. The service was prompt, and they even went above and beyond to make sure everything was running smoothly before I left. Highly recommend.

I was told it would take about 30 - 45 minutes to do the emissions and safety testing but ultimately took 5 hours. They gave me a list of items I needed to fix before they would conduct the emissions test. It was $1357.43 to pass safety inspection to include over 24 hours to do the work (so much for a 30-45 minute job. I could have gotten a better deal to fix everything at Sam's club but didn't want to waste more time). I came back, paid and left for the DMV. Found out that they didn't complete the emissions testing, the very thing they claim to do often. I hardly ever write reviews unless the service is exceptionally good/bad. This is a complete fail. Shirlington Service Center, do better! or at least do the minimum to get what should be a simple safety and emissions testing done.

Absolutely Horrible Experience – Do Not Trust This Shop I called this Shell gas station to ask if I could walk in for an oil change, and they told me to come by. I went in and got an oil change and tire rotation. It took about an hour and a half, and I paid $113. The moment I drove off, I heard strange noises. Within 60 seconds, my car completely broke down just two blocks away — the entire front driver’s side tire came off and rolled into the street. I got out and realized they had forgotten to put the lug nuts back on that tire. This careless mistake caused serious damage to my vehicle and put me in a dangerous situation. When I went back, they told me they couldn’t even begin processing a claim with their insurance until the next day. I was left without a car for several days, all because of their negligence. This was a completely avoidable and dangerous mistake that could have caused an accident. The inconvenience, stress, and damage it caused me were unreal. DO NOT bring your car here for any kind of servicing. They are careless and irresponsible.

My family has been going to them since 1975. My brother worked there in the late 80s and early 90s. They treat us like family and have .taken care of all the cars we have brought them over the years. They're prices are fair and reasonable and take great care of your car and the customer service is excellent. They been here since before I moved here and are an independent business. Please check them out they will take care of your car and fix it properly. I hope you will check them out.

Tried to get an emissions inspection this morning. Was told to drive down an alley behind the building to get in line. There was no one in line. It wasn't clear how to get back to the office from alley. When I found it again, I was told I'd get a call in 30 to 45 minutes. There wasn't a single car in any of the 3 bays. I asked if they would open the bay so I could leave, but I was told, No. I had to back up the alley (there was only one way in and out) carefully to avoid the concrete wall on one side and the dumpsters on the other. Get your inspection done elsewhere.

Don and Edwin are so helpful!! They went above and beyond for me. My car broke down right up the road and they pushed it all the way of the front in the freezing cold. They could not have been nicer about it either. I hate making reviews but this was worth it! I will be going to them for everything moving forward

I truly appreciated the service I got at Shirlington Shell! Don and Edwin were really great at communicating what my car needed done, and for someone who doesn't know much about cars that is very important. I trusted them to help me through the process. They were kind, honest and respectful. I will be returning for any work I need done and recommend everyone to do the same!

They were great! Very fast and thorough. Sent me a detailed breakdown of my car’s inspection, with descriptions of the problem areas, and pictures of the issues as well. Called me and explained it to me also. After getting approval for the repairs they were able to obtain the parts, install, and verify the repairs same day! I especially appreciate Edwin, I called them a few times during the day with some follow up questions and he was patient and happy to explain anything I asked about. I went to them because of previous bad experiences with other shops and saw they had great reviews. This was my first time with them and I see why they are so highly rated. Will be recommending them to friends and family in the future.

Avoid this location for anything apart from fueling an empty car at all times. The folks here made my partner change the spark plugs in a relatively new car at about half the miles when that service would typically be required, and charged a ludicrous amount for it, along with an overpriced oil change. I wasn’t there so I don’t know exactly what they said, and they seem to be nice enough people. However my partner was speechless at the final bill and the amount they did to a car that was “in really great shape”. Safe to say they weren’t forthright about the costs associated with their work. I’d go as far as to say they were almost predatory, and their attempt to bilk money from somebody trying to support a smaller service station instead of a dealership should be noted. I would hate to cast doubt on anyones ability to feel shame for functionally deceiving a customer. That does seem to be a fair question though, given they hung up when we called about this. Either way, if they have that capacity for that emotional, my hope is this post will illicit it within them, and inspire meaningful change. To everyone else…I’d recommend another service center that treats people the right way for using their service and paying their employees.

I’m new to the area and saw this shop had the best reviews so I decided to try them. out. I’m SO glad I did because I had the best experience! Steve and his team were very professional and got my car back fast! They have great customer service/ mechanics! I can see why they’ve been in business for 50+ years. I would highly recommend and thank you Steve!

I’ve used Shirlington Shell several times for safety and emissions testing. They operate on a first-come, first-serve basis, so there a wait is. It unusual, but their time estimates are accurate and they do a good job of notifying you as soon as your car is ready. I’ve always been pleased with their customer service otherwise as well, for such things as help with tire pressure.

A local body shop recommended this place to me. I called in the morning (without an appointment) and they got me in and fixed the same day. Phenomenal service; they even gave me a ride home so I wouldn’t have to walk in the rain. The final bill was exactly as estimated. Our tailgate window was stuck partially down and the guys were able to fix the wiring so that the window functioned as it should (without bypassing the safety switch). We will be back with our other cars and will recommend this service center to our friends. Felipe was great to work with and communicated/explained everything clearly. Thank you again for the help!

Staff at Shirlington are very kind and helpful. They explain things clearly about how my car was failing inspection and gave me options on how it could be fixed. Also presented a clear itemized list of what they did and any estimated repair costs. Straight forward and worked quickly. Even stayed late to make sure they could get my car in because I came from an hour away in Maryland; that way, my trip was not a wasted.

I had a great experience today! I had two cars that needed to be inspected (and only one of me to shuttle them both back and forth). Their time estimates once I dropped the cars were spot on, the transactions were seamless, and they even sent a driver to pick me up so I could shuttle the second car home without walking back in the heat. A pleasure to work with and my new garage in my new state-

I used Shirlington Shell years ago with my old car, and know them to be both trustworthy and competent, so went straight to them when the check engine light came on in my 2006 Honda CR-V instead of trying to identify another garage. They may not be the cheapest in town, but you can be confident that they will be honest about what needs to be done, and that they will be able to do what is needed at the price they quote up front. I very much appreciated their working to get my car in early to accommodate my need to use the car to meet up with family members before they flew out of town. Although the job ended up taking a lot more time than I had hoped (I opted to get the A/C fixed), I still appreciated this consideration (and, we relocated the family reunion to Shirlington, so all was well.

Absolutely amazing service!! Ron made the entire experience stress-free! He was communicative, transparent, responsive, extremely knowledgeable, and so professional! My check engine light came on during a weekend trip to the area and we urgently needed the car done to drive back home Sunday. We immediately felt our car was in great hands at this service center. Ron and the staff worked with us to get our car picked up when we needed it and did a great job with the repairs! I would recommend this place to anyone.

Highly professional and dependable service. I took my car in for service and they went above and beyond with the repair. I really appreciate the extra effort working late on the weekend to get my car to me as soon as possible! It can be hard to find a reliable auto repair shop. My experience with Shirlington Shell has been positive with reliable work done on my vehicle. I highly recommend Ron and his team.

I had an incredible experience here! They assisted me so quickly and had my car up in the air in no time. I had to replace most of the exhaust system and they did a great job explaining everything to me. I spoke mostly with Ron who did research trying to find the most inexpensive part for me. Both him and Timmy were great to work with—very kind! I don’t think I’ll be going anywhere else for any car maintenance—it would be hard to top their great service.

Great local shop!! Went there with a slow tire leak. In less than 2 minutes my car was up and the wheel off. I needed a new special order tire. Had to wait a day for the new tire to arrive, which was expected and more than reasonable. Next day, they called and were more than accommodating. Arrived there…after 10 minutes my car was already off, old tire off, and a brand new tire waiting for the rim. They took extreme care on making sure the rim was not scratched. This place is about 40 minutes from my house, but definitively worth the drive.

I was recommended Shirlington Shell by another garage when they wouldn't work on my vintage car. I am so happy I called! My car ended up breaking down on me before I was scheduled to bring it in. Shirlington Shell sent a tow truck to me, late in day, no problem. Ron was extremely professional, down to earth, and super communicative throughout the process of repairing my car. The entire staff is top notch and I am so pleased with the whole experience. I will definitely be back! Thank you!

They guys who run this shop were so welcoming and honest. My brakes did not pass the state safety (my car is 5 years old and started driving ‘funny’). They were able to get the work done and I picked my car up the next day. I even got a shuttle home. I will use them in the future. I would recommend their business to friends as well.

I brought my car here for a safety inspection and received excellent service! There were a few people ahead of me and I was told it would take about an hour and half. Thankfully I live close by and was able to walk back home and wait, but they even offered to drive me and my toddler home in our car for our convenience. They were finished in less than the amount of time they estimated. The whole process was as easy as could be. It was a great experience and I will definitely return!