Have been continuing to come back to this garage to keep my 2002 Impala running. I recently had a fuel filter leak which they fixed in under three business hours. I continue to be happy with the speed and professionalism at this shop. read more

I have been using Helmings for years. I have missed them as the dealer gave me two free years of service and I got to come in for the first time with this auto. I am so happy to be back and the service is the best, and they are thorough and gave me forewarning about needing tires so I can plan it. Love the staff, love the service! Thanks Leane and Mike! read more

Good people, with real honest car service. Know their stuff. Stand by their work. Do stuff for your car for free that other shops would try to charge for. Accommodating. Can figure out a way to squeeze you in for a last-minute disaster even when they're busy. We use them for everything. Highly recommend Helming's! read more

Helming's is a shop equally capable of fine-tuning a performance vehicle like my husband's Mustang, or keeping our old 2000 and 2007 beaters running safely. The owner once told me, "we understand your goals for the car," and I think that sums up Helming's service perfectly. I trust them never to over-sell me on extra repairs, and to accomplish their work promptly and proficiently. read more

They may be expensive, but if you want a sure-thing repair, i would highly recommend these guys. Not only do they do a great job, they are patient and take time in explaining what they are doing and why. read more

I've reviewed this great family owned business before, so this is just an update to say that Helming's is a great place to take your car. You'll get fast, personnel, honest, and reasonably priced service from folks that care about you and about doing top-quality work on your vehicle. You can relax and rest assured that you won't be pressured to have work done that you don't need. And they've always had my car ready at the time they said they would. There are a lot of places you could take your vehicle, but I'm suggesting you give Helming's a try - you won't be sorry. read more

You just can't find a better place to take your vehicle. Honest, reliable, terrific work. My Mom loves 'em, too.

I had my older Volvo serviced here and they did a great job and had fair prices. I would recommend them.

I brought my Mazda 6 in for a head-to-toe tuneup and oil change. They didn't find any problems except dirty transmission fluid. They suggested using high octane for the slight knocking I was hearing. They had the car done right on time and were very friendly. I've found my South Bay mechanic. read more

I have been taking my car to Helming's over the years to get the front brakes, lower control arms, valve cover gasket and most recently the water pump replaced. Their services and expertise don't come cheap but you can be rest assured that they will do the job right the first time and use quality replacement parts as they have been doing on my car. Leane's personable and articulate demeanor both on the phone and in person makes the whole transaction a pleasant one. read more

What I like about Helming's Auto Repair... in no particular order: 1) It's a small business. 2) It's a locally owned business. 3) It's a FAMILY owned and run business. 4) Because of all of these things... they run an HONEST business. Let me explain: I recently brought in my family Honda Odyssey minivan after receiving a ridiculous estimate on brake work at a repair/service chain that I used to go to. That shop had try to play me as if I was stupid, using some pretty bad tactics pretty badly, which was insulting to say the least. After seeing some of the reviews on Yelp!, I chose to try Helming's... and I can tell you that they run an honest business and hold themselves to a high level of integrity. Are they the cheapest game in town? Nope... but why would you want the cheapest service when it comes to safety, let alone anything with your vehicle? Are they the most expensive, then? Nope... The fact is that they are one of the best because they care, about you, about your vehicle, about your experience... and are "in it to win it"... your business, that is. All in all, based on my experience this past week at Helming's, I can tell you unequivocally that I parted with my hard earned money very happily, and at a price less than what I was quoted at the other service chain no less, and that my money has gone to support a company that appreciates my business and is willing to stand behind their work and continue to earn my business, all the while treating me with respect and supporting the local economy, and my brakes are in great shape and my family is safe because of this. What more can I honestly ask for? Thanks, Helming's! read more

Best car repair shop in town. The service is prompt, of the utmost quality, reasonably priced and the people are a joy to interact with. I had various minor repairs on my BMW done there and cannot rave enough about this shop. Recommending it to all my coworkers and friends! read more

The number of great things I have to say about Helming's are too numerous to fit into a single review, so I'll just say this: I've trusted them with all of my repair and maintenance needs for the last four years and they've never disappointed. Seriously the best auto shop I've ever been to, possibly the best in the bay. read more

Helmings saved my Maxima! Another mechanic worked on it twice and couldn't figure out the problem, basically said I should buy a new car. I took it to Helmings and for $300. they fixed it! Awesome! read more

I have used Helming's twice and have been very impressed. I have spoken with Leane & Gary and they are both great! Straightforward, to the point, let's get this done attitude! I trust what they say they are going to do will get done and will be done correctly. They gave me recommendations on what needed to be done before we headed out on a cross country trip. It is hard to find honest, hard working mechanics especially for women. Give them a try and find out for yourself! The only thing I am bummed out about is I am leaving Calif. and won't be able to use them anymore. Thanks for doing such a great job on my car. read more

I just had a wonderful experience today getting my '92 Landcruiser's front wheel bearings repacked. It was done within two hours and cost literally 20% of what the Toyota dealership estimated the job to be. I spoke with both Mike, co-owner and Master Technician and Gary the GM. They're likable old guys (my age) who know their stuff. After years of trying different auto shops, I've found the mechanics for my "Ol' Elsy". read more

They saved us a lot of money for our Subies 30K check up, responsive and on time, will definitely use them again!

Helmings has given A-1 service and down to earth answers for all of my automotive challenges. they are competitivly priced and will give you great service. Mike, Pete are Don are very knowledgable. read more

These guys do good work for a reasonable price. They seem honest and straightforward, and didn't try to sell me anything additional. The car was ready when promised. Thumbs up! read more

My car broke down and I picked this shop off a list read to me by my roadside assistance operator. I'm glad I chose them! My car was diagnosed in a few minutes and ready about noon the next day (I was towed in around 4pm). The price was reasonable (I hate paying for auto repair!!) and the people extraordinary. I will definitely bring my car here whenever it needs more service than an oil change!!! read more

You won't find anyone to take better care of you or your car. It's that simple. I've had these guys work on 4 different cars for me, covering a wide range of makes and models. Everything from keeping my late model F150 work truck on the road, to a full engine/transmission/rear end rebuild on my 1966 Mustang. (Yes, I'm partial to Ford's). Helmings will take good care of your daily driver, you can rely on fast and efficient service. I rely on my work truck to make my living, and I never sweat the turnaround time with them. I know they are going to get it done asap, at top quality, which means less headaches for me. If you go to them with a problem, they will fix it, and they will charge you what it should cost. Honestly, you should probably expect that from an auto mechanic. But Helming's has much more to offer. I've always wanted to own a 60's era Mustang. A few years ago, I scraped together enough money to buy the shell. After a few more years of scraping, I put together enough money to start work on the motor. I spoke with a few shops, but I had some experience with Helming's, and decided to go with them, after talking with Gary. It was a big decision for me, building this car is a big investment. If you take a minute to talk with Gary, you can see he knows what he's talking about. He's had a lot of experience, especially with Mustang's like mine, and he will take care of you (because he's honest). I wanted to build a car I could drive on a daily basis, not something for a show floor. Gary understood what I was going for and gave me what I wanted. He could have tried to sell me on everything under the sun, there's no end to parts for that car. Instead, he listened to what I wanted, and delivered it. If you have a classic project, take it down to 'Mustang Gary.' You won't be disappointed. During the rebuild of that cars motor, we found out the block was cracked and not worth salvaging. This threw my whole project (and potentially tons of money) up in the air. I had planned/hoped to rebuild the engine, not replace. They found a way to get me a new motor, for not much more than our original cost for the rebuild. I ended up with a small increase in cost, and a new (not rebuilt) motor, which I consider a big win for me. This was directly due to the effort Helming's put into my job, this was above and beyond. A lot of people would have told me I was screwed, and handed me a bill. These guys acted like all-stars and made something great out of it. Their effort is going to be a difference maker in my (financial) ability to finish that car. I'm not sure I can overstate how important it is to work with people that care. I could go on and on, about how they cleaned and painted the engine compartment, totally on their own initiative (looks killer). Or how clean the wiring is, and how the motor looks like something you can have dinner on. I've talked a lot about management, but the mechanic work is just a first class job, by tradesmen who are knowledgeable, but also care enough to make something right. If you knew me, you would know I can't give a higher compliment. Whether it's Mike (the owner), Leanne (his wife), Gary, or anyone else you talk to here, you're going to be well taken care of. You should go here. read more

My wife and I have been going to Helmings for years, here is one of the reasons why. Late Thursday afternoon, a warning light came on. My son was scheduled to take his driving test the next day and I was told that the DMV might not allow him to take the test if the car had a warning light on. I called Helming to see if there was any chance they could try to fix the issue. I was told that they were really busy but to come and they would try to take a look. When I arrived Mike told me that all of the bays were full but he would take a look in the parking lot. He took a look, said he might see the issue and needed to grab some tools. He came back with some tools and some fluid. He worked on the car for a bit then told me to turn it on and see if the warning light was still on. It was not. It turned out to be a pretty quick fix but it still took Mike's time and some fluids. I thanked him and asked how much it would cost and he said it was such a simple fix that there was no charge. That is the type of service and customer care that keeps us coming back to Helming. I know that they are completely trustworthy, caring and provide great service. read more

This is an April 2013 update: I've used this place for all my auto repair needs (three cars) since 2003. They are knowledgeable, reliable, honest and very reasonably priced. In fact, I was not able to find similar quality for the price they charge. Even my daughter, who lives 50 miles away from this shop, brings her car here. Over the past 10 years there was not a single time when I felt that I was taken advantage of. read more

Update...the Hyundai dealer in about 30 minutes found a cracked evap line that was broken and needs to be patched up. I have to wonder how this was missed after 4 different visits to Helmings. read more

Very heavy on the bill. Advice: check the cost of the parts you need to have changed before they do the job.

I've been taking my car to them for over a decade.They are honest and stand behind their work. They let me know up front what work was needed each time I've taken my '99 Camry in for it's yearly service. I wouldn't go anywhere else. read more

This place is the best. I used them for my regular maintenance but also for advice when I need other services like body work. They even fixed a minor dent for me, saving me a lot of money at a body shop! read more

My Murano has been an sensor and coil nightmare. Hemlings has been fantastic. Good Honest people. Many times now they have only charged labor for repair not diagnostic. Which by now could have been several hundreds of dollars. Thanks well worth the 20 minute drive from San Mateo where I live read more

Friendly staff, Super fast estimate, on time completion. Good results & reasonable cost. Useful online reservation app. Convenient Mountain View location. read more

This place has really awful phone service, and office help (when same person). I am no longer going here, because it is so unpleasant.

Excellent service and cost. They provide creative solutions for replacement parts and don't change you an arm and a leg for parts and labor. After a horrible horrible experience with Magnussen's Toyota Palo Alto, I brought my car to Helmings, fuss-free and scam-free. I paid 1/3-1/4 of what I would be charged at Magnussen's. Thank you. read more

Just thank you! To Leane and the gentleman I met when I picked up my car last night. I was supposed to be charged a minimum of $120 for the diagnostic on my 2001 Honda Accord but they didn't charge me a dime, and added friendly service and a sweet discount on my car rental (easily beats the 25% I already get off my USAA policy). Like the good samaratan who was in a big rig truck and got out in the middle of commuter traffic on 101 to move my car to the side of the road (it died in the *middle* lane of the freeway!), I feel like these good people are good samaratans. I am financially in a bind right now and this felt like a blessing from an angel. Thank you again! and I'll be back b/c ain't no way I am going back to a Honda dealership/service center for my future auto maintenance needs. I plan to keep my Accord and now I found a cool business to go to. :) read more

I"ve been taking my cars to Helming's since they started out in Palo Alto many years ago. Completely reliable, efficient, courteous. Tip-top shop! read more

Helming's is consistent in proving great service to their customers. From the routine service required for my cars to the emergency service I can depend on them to be professional, offer great advice and most importantly give honest dependable service with me the customer as their #1 priority. read more

Mike and his staff are super! They are efficient, knowledgeable and thier pricing is the best. I would highly recommend them to anyone.

Just great! I had so much trouble getting a straight story from other repair shops. Here - I got straight talk - simply explained so I could understand. And really nice people who cared about my overall situation and my family safety - not just making a buck. If you are looking - go here! You will be happy! read more

I highly recommend Helmings for all of your automotive repair needs. They have a family atmosphere, do quality work and really back up their work. They are honest and trustworthy which usually doesn't go together with auto mechanic. You won't be disappointed. read more

I love Helmings - I've been going there for 10 years and they always handle my car repairs with integrity. When one of my cars got very old they'd give me mulitple repair options - because they understand you may want to keep the cost of repair lower than the bluebook of your car :) They're nice too, old school nice, not smarmy. I highly recommend them - you just don't find places like this anymore! read more

Agree with what everyone else has said here. They are fantastic! It's nice to find an honest mechanic!

I recently took my car in for diagnosis of an engine leak and a "check engine" light matter. The bad news was that the folks told me I had a blown head gasket. The good news is that they didn't charge me for the diagnosis and cleared the "check engine" light free of charge. Now where does one get that kind of treatment anywhere anymore? I plan to take the car to the dealer where I purchased it for the repair in an attempt to have the job done as if this is a covered/warrantied repair. read more