Came in on a rainy Monday to get new tires. Booked my appointment through the Goodyear website after seeing a good deal for a set of tires. Originally I had an appointment for Friday but the shop was actually closed that date and I was rescheduled until Monday.Check in process was easy. I just came in, gave them my name and dropped off my key. I chose to leave my vehicle there because they said the wait would be a few hours. It's close by home so decided to just head back to get some things done around the house. I got a call about 3 hours later that my vehicle was done. When I picked it up there were no additional charges. Tires were reasonably priced. Much cheaper than the dealership. I would bring my vehicle back again. read more

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I cannot say enough amazing things about the team at Ken's in Columbia. I found myself at the Exxon gas station nearby. When I got a flat tire I went in to Ken's to see if they may be able to help me as I was stuck with my toddler and newborn. From the moment I stepped inside the team was kind, thoughtful, and courteous. They went above and beyond to help my family. Without an appointment, they still prioritized the work. They helped me bring my car over from where we had broken down, assessed any damage, and made a point to find the parts necessary to fix it. They also offered to help in anyway with my kids in the waiting room. They personally went and found the tire I needed, even though they didn't have it in stock and sent a staff member to retrieve it as soon as possible. I highly recommend their dedicated work and exceptional customer service! I would highly recommend Ken's service center to anyone. I know that I will come back for any work that I need done in the future. So happy to have found an amazing service center with dedicated and wonderful service technicians. read more

Kens Service Center - Flat tire - Auto Repair Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

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My EV had not seen a shop in four years and I moved two years ago; but I needed new tires and went to Ken's after reading reviews (plus my name is Ken). I am not a Goodyear fan after multiple problems with that brand in the past but they sold me four General tires and they carry others too. The shop and waiting areas were clean, they ran close to appointment time, and they were polite, explained things well, didn't try to upsell, and the work appeared to be done well. Their equipment is modern though not new. Price is average. My tires were available 20% cheaper online but Ken's installed them. The invoice had a few add-ons like lifetime balance, tire disposal, shop charges on parts and labor, and even a state tax I was unaware of. One could pay less elsewhere but dealerships usually charge a lot more. Their posted hourly rate is $160 and a basic oil change is above $50, as is a flat tire repair (unless one purchases additional coverage). The shop is obviously run by conservative Christians, based on the customer literature available and the music played in the background. I might quibble with some of the "alarmist" material, but affirm I never saw girly posters or any evidence of smoking, and heard no shouting or cursing -- a refreshing change from many shops. I believe women and younger drivers would feel comfortable. It's hard to put a price on that. read more

I have been a customer for several years and recently needed a new clutch on my 2007 Hyundai with 160,000 miles. Not only did Ken's do a great job replacing The clutch, and recommended other parts that were worn and had to be removed as part of the repair. The car rides even better than ever. I look forward to more years of happy motoring and no car payments. read more

I recently purchased a 2014 Ford Escape and needed to have it inspected. I checked Yelp for a vehicle inspection location in my neighborhood and found Ken's in Columbia. I stopped in to introduce myself and get an inspection quote. I found the gentleman at the counter to be very polite and professional. He quoted me and price and I felt comfortable enough to make an appointment. A week or so later, I returned with my vehicle for the inspection. Understanding that the vehicle I purchased had just passed Virginia inspection, I didn't have much doubt that it wouldn't pass in Maryland. Oh to my surprise I was told that due to the "lug nut caps" , they could not pass my vehicle and issue me a certificate. Lug nut caps, are you serious Keep in mind, the caps were not cracked, rusted or missing. I was told "we can't pass the vehicle because sometime in the future, debris might get under the caps and make it difficult for them to be removed" Hence, the vehicle is 8 years old and they didn't have a problem getting them off to inspect. I was given the option to pay the $100.00 inspection fee, purchase lug nuts from someplace else and return at a later time to be reinspected or pay $300.00 for Ken's lug nuts. This is RIDICULOUS. Because I was pressed for time and need to get tags and registration, I paid the $300.00. After this experience, I will never take my vehicle or refer anyone I know to Ken's Service Center !!! read more

Kens has been my go-to place since i've gotten my first car about two years ago. It's such a friendly environment. Mr. Walter is usually there, and remembers my car vehicle even when we are just talking over my phone. They have always gotten me in so quick, Never had any issues with waiting or things not being done on time. I appreciate all the people who work here. thank you for all you do read more

I wanted to update my review on Ken's, you can see my original review below. Basically I had taken my vehicle in for a safety inspection. Ken's informed me my third brake light was out and wanted around $200 to replace. I decided to buy and replace the light on my own. The light was $60 on Amazon. Ken's had told me the interior tailgate housing would have to be removed to replace the light and this should take a minimum of 30 minutes. I thought the quote to replace was high considering their posted labor rate is $55 per half hour. So after I replaced the light myself, which caused me to become upset with Ken's. The interior housing did not have to be removed and actually wouldn't have helped in the removal and installation at all. The light housing simply popped off from the outside of the vehicle. Then the wiring plug is pulled out and then the windshield hose is pulled off. Then I simply repeated these steps in reverse order to install the new light housing. This job took 2 minutes. THATS 2 MINUTES OF WORK KEN'S WANTED $200 MINUS THE COST OF THE LIGHT HOUSING TO REPLACE. KEN'S TRIED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ME AND IM CALLING THEM OUT ON IT. I will find another shop to do business with in the future. On another note Ken's either acted as the stereotypical repair shop who lies to their customers on how work needs to be done, or the were not knowledgeable on how the repair needed to be completed. Either way do you want to do business with either of these types? read more

Ken's is very trustworthy, straightforward, and polite! I really appreciate the way they take care of my car and the way they communicate with me. Nothing is a surprise when it comes to payment at the end, nor is it a surprise to find that my vehicle is in excellent condition after they've worked on it. After accidentally coming upon this auto shop, I will never go anywhere else. Thank you so very much for being an honest company which provides excellent service in every way and every detail! read more

Kens Service Center - They are sincerely nice and friendly and have always been committed to excellent service! - Auto Repair Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

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My car's Check Engine light is flashing in my car. Since it is a hazard to drive, I decided to bicycle around the neighborhood to find a local garage that can service my car. While I was cycling around, my tires got flat. I went from gas station to gas station trying to get air for my tires and wound up walking past Ken's Service Center in Columbia. I told the technician at the front counter both my problems. He took the time to tell me--based on my information--what the codes mean, what they would have to do to fix it, and that they are available to work on the car. After that, he took me around to the first bay where he inflated both my tires, replaced a damaged valve cap, and didn't charge a thing. read more

Unable to fix a flat tire in less than 24 hours. Not willing to assist someone with a simple request. It was not close to closing, rather midday. Any request for assistance in any way for my flat tire was denied. read more

When I first got my car back in 2009 (a Nissan Altima), I was taking it to the dealership for tire rotation, headlight replacement, etc. After a few years I started to balk at how high the prices were, so I started taking my car to Ken's, which is where my dad goes. (He swears by it.) The staff at Ken's is very friendly. I never felt uncomfortable or like they were trying to unnecessarily upsell things to me: they were always very up front about what my options were, how much they would cost, the timeframe, and what was the most efficient course to take for what I needed fixed. I've never been unhappy with their service! read more

They turned down $2000 worth of work on my car a few years ago (told me I was probably better off replacing my very old car) and I've trusted them ever since. They just prepped my car to get shipped (did some work I'd been putting off, checked everything over, put new tires on it, etc) and did such a good job that when I went to Honda the next week for some recall work the dealership didn't even try to convince me I needed anything done. Just marked the little inspection sheet they do even if you don't ask green in every category. The other thing I like about Ken's (besides being fast and trustworthy) is that they're walking distance to a couple of restaurants, Starbucks, and one of the Columbia gyms. So if I decide to wait, there's plenty to do. read more

I've been bringing my cars to Ken's for the last (7) years. They are a great business, honest, and take care of their customers. They repaired our brakes, and when we had squealing noises, they continued to diagnose and determined that our particular car needed OEM brakes. They put those brakes on, and it fixed the problem. I recommend them to all of my friends/co-workers. Keep up the good work!!!!! read more

I moved to Maryland this year and had a hard time finding a place willing to safety inspect a boat trailer for licensing. Ken's was very helpful, offering a convenient appointment and performing the inspection and needed electrical repairs within an hour and a half on a busy morning. Very pleased with personnel and service! read more

It's simple: I needed two tires replaced immediately, and Ken's had one tire in stock and they got the next one within 1-2 days. The service here was excellent, and the gentleman working the desk (Walter) was a kind man who was knowledgeable without being condescending. The price for the tires wasn't so bad when compared to other places. I called three places total (including my car's dealership), and Ken's was the cheapest (around $100 per tire). The cost of the tire is going to depend on a lot of variables, though (size of tires, make and model, etc.) This place also does oil changes, tire rotations, and pretty much anything else that other service centers accomplish. If I didn't get free oil changes from my dealership, I'd definitely come back to Ken's. read more

Two years ago, right after moving to the area, soon after the pandemic and while struggling financially (I walked to and from the place 3 miles twice to get my car sorted out) and...... they stuck me with an $850 bill. I have been building cars and trucks and doing service on and off for 20 years, but no tools or garage so I had to rely on the service industry. Safety inspection ($100, fair), mounting and balancing 4 tires ($150, a little pricey but okay its Columbia), end links ($200, thats steep), but.... The 'seat belts needed disassembled and reassembled' -- they didn't thats a hustle like ford lower control arms in the 2000's. I asked them to remove a stuck lug on the spare (30 seconds with an impact), and clean/grease the threats (2 minutes and a dab of grease), they took the lug off and that's it. All the rest ($400) was labor? All of that was a surprize, because I specifically asked them to call me BEFORE doing the work. I think they were just sticking it to me because I already had bought the tires (good tires for the same price as the el cheapos they offered for a lot more $$$) and provided them to mount and balance. Not new in the business, but figured I'd drop a note, definitely not a 4 or 5 star shop. Buh bye Ken's and Columbia! read more

Took our cars three times to Kens. The first and second time was for an oil change. It was expensive but not that bad of a price. The third time we had a full service done on our car for close to 300 dollars to fix a list of problems that Kens said were wrong with the car. However, when we drove the car, we could tell the car still had problems. Kens charged us an additional 400 dollars to fix these problems that they missed along with the 3 days we did not have our car for. read more

Ken's Service Center is a dealer for Interstate Battery. I went to them on a warranty claim - my battery died with more than half the warranty remaining. I was told Interstate required a $29 diagnostic test. The battery failed. I called Interstate, and Customer Service said no such test is required. They lied for $30, and then refused any sort of refund. In short, they required me to pay $30 in order to honor the Interstate warranty. Interstate should fire them too. I will never go there again. I don't use vendors who nickel and dime their customers, even cheat their customers, and openly state they don't care about goodwill. Don't use Ken's unless you're ready to be conned. read more

Took the car to Kens for a state inspection. They failed me on several areas, which was expected because we had just driven the car across the country and it was bound to have some wear and tear. They failed it for a few things that didn't make sense, though, like a fuel smell (Ken's said they'd need to drop the tank and inspect, which would cost hundreds) and seat belts not retracting (they did retract to my knowledge). They said I'd have to order new seat belts, which would cost hundreds plus shipping because my car is older. They said if I brought it back for reinspection, they would waive the reinspection fee if I brought it back within 30 days. I took the car to a mechanic with more experience in my car type, and they told me the fuel smell was probably from the spare gallon I had in my trunk since they found no evidence of a fuel leak. The thing that confused them the most though, was the seat belts, which did retract, stop, and functioned perfectly. This place is also an authorized inspector. When I brought the car back to Ken's for reinspection this morning, I was up front and told them what the second mechanic had said. I was given a bill for the reinspection. The man proceeded to mansplain the inspection process to me, implied that I would fail, and told me it was probably not within 30 days (it was), so weren't they being so kind for not charging an additional fee...? He was antagonistic and rude. I told him I would take my business elsewhere and left. I have not felt so disrespected as a customer before. There is a way of speaking that conveys information that is kind but still honest. Unfortunately, Kens lacks this. I do not plan on coming back and would recommend that you stay away too. read more

Fair and honest. Communicates well and I've never paid more than the original estimate.

Highly recommend Ken's for oil changes and tune-ups! Have been bringing my car (s) here since 2004 and have gotten consistently good, friendly and HONEST service. May be a little more pricey but I really trust Ken's for all my automobile needs. read more

Took my car in because they are an authorized Goodyear dealer. My tires are under warranty. After they inspected the tire and rim, he called to tell me that my rim was bent in two places, and I would need a new wheel. That there was nothing wrong with my tire. He told me the price for a new wheel, mounting, and balancing was close to $280. I picked the car up and took it to another tire place. They found the pin hole, poured soap and water to show me the air bubbles and confirmed that my wheel was in good condition. I wish I could leave him no stars. I am absolutely shocked at this. I have called Goodyear and informed them of their "authorized" dealer. read more

Charged $85 for an oil filter + install. Total with 8 qt of synthetic oil was ~$150. Seems like a lot. Took about 45min to do the oil change. read more

I went to Ken's to get a tire balance because my wheel was shaking when I hit about 50 MPH. They told me that it would be $15.00 per tire. After leaving my car there for a few hours, they called and told me that it was not the balance of the tires that was the problem. They said that I had bent rims that needed to be replaced, as well as the tires (which are only 6 Months old). They also insisted that I needed new breaks and to align the tires once everything was finished. The total came to over $1000.00 dollars in repairs and labor charges. I decided to get another opinion. I was able to get my tires balanced at Brookes Huff for $30.00 and the problem is fixed! I was informed that my breaks were fine for about another 10,000 miles, and that it is normal for rims to get bent when hitting pot-holes and every other day wear and tear. Conclusion: Kens sees a young girl walk into the store and tries to shake them down for every penny. Dishonest people... HOW DO YOU SLEEP AT NIGHT?? read more

Been a customer for years. Honest, fairly priced, and always willing to help you out in a pinch. Everyone who works here is very friendly and on more than one occasion they've just had me drive over and did a quick on-the-spot courtesy check when I was concerned about something like fluid leaks or tires. Highly recommend read more

The bar may have been low, but even if it hadn't been, this would definitely rate as the best experience I have ever had with a tire dealer. I was not expecting to have to buy new tires today, so I made no prior arrangements to order new ones, but my tires (one in particular) had other plans, and I wound up driving in practically on a rim. Despite the fact that they had to order, and then go pick up, my four new tires from a warehouse in Baltimore, I was in and out in less than two hours. The waiting room is comfy, features free wifi, and is within an easy walk of multiple restaurants. The service was friendly and professional, and the price was very fair. I will definitely be back the next time I need tires (but hopefully not that soon). read more

Needed a tire replaced. Called around several place. No one, including Ken's, had it in stock. Ken's said they could have it for me the next morning and quoted me a reasonable price. I was able to drop off the old rim the same day so they could have the tire mounted, balanced and ready for me the next morning. Next morning, got a call within 15 minutes of the expected time. Dropped on by and they had it on the car in about 15 minutes. read more

Needed to get 1 tire mounted and balanced. Went to Kens. Quick service, really nice staff. I like when shops are courteous to everyone, even if you are only spending $30. They obviously care about repeat business. I will use them again, read more

After shopping around for new tires I found Ken's. They had the tires I was looking for (top-rated in Consumer Reports) at a fair price. Installation was timely and without issues. They are a little out of the way, but because of this positive first experience, I will certainly give them serious consideration for any other car issues I may have. read more

My husband and I have been taking our vehicles to Kens for years for the smallest to the greatest jobs. The staff is friendly and we trust them to get the job done right and on time. I even boast about them to my friends :) Oh! and it's walking distance from my home which makes even more convenient. Annette W 10/15/14 read more

Good prices on tires when they have sales. Tried to charge me $600 for replacing one front bearing. Average cost for the area is 200-400 dollars for my car. read more

We have been taking our cars to Ken's for over 15 years; the reason is that on an early trip he explained to my wife, just what had to be done. She had heard from another service shop that much more was needed. Walter's honest appraisal, pleasant manner, and the mechanics good work are the reasons we return for big/little repairs. read more

I found Ken's through YELP reviews and requested a quote for repairs to my 2002 Chevrolet Silverado. The quote request was based on my self-diagnosis of the problem, with the caveat that the issue might be something entirely different. Walter at the Columbia location was very prompt and thorough with his email responses and quotes, which was what put Ken's over the top compared to other repair shops that I made the same inquiry to. In short, Ken's earned my business, and they were able to properly diagnose the problem and fix it (worn steering/suspension components)! My truck drives great again. I will definitely be doing business with Ken's again in the future. read more

When passing through on way to Washington from New Jersey got a fly back in March went to Ken,'sand they helped me in less than an hour and I was back on the road thanks again read more

**WARNING** **WARNING** **WARNING** **WARNING** To ANYONE that takes their car to "Kens Service Center" (Goodyear) off of Minstrel Way - these people TOTALED my mother's SUV while it was in their shop... on the lift!!! We brought our SUV in for a set of new tires. An hour later we were informed that the work was complete and we were all set to go. Upon receiving the vehicle we immediately noticed that both fenders were "buckled". After speaking with two the tech and both manager's they explained that it did appear to be damage incurred due to improperly lifting the vehicle. Thinking that they were doing "the right thing" and being honest, we felt that it was best to let their insurance company handle it. How wrong we were! We found out later that they lied to the insurance company and said we brought it in with a bent frame on both sides of the vehicle. After having the vehicle inspected by one of the premier auto body shops in the region, Tri-State Auto Collission, we were informed that our SUV's frame was bent, at each fender, due to being jacked up improperly. Now we have a totaled car and have to take them to court, at our expense. We've been going there for over 12 years by the way and have spent tens of thousands of dollars with them. Ron is the manager there and couldn't care less about customer service or ethical practice. **Do not take your vehicles there or RISK a total loss - spread the word and keep good people from being taken advantage of** March 16, 2011 read more

Just got my car back. Called at about 4 o'clock and I knew they closed at 6. Needed a tire patched and they got it done in less than an hour. Fantastic! Have used them in the past for multiple services and plan to continue in the future. read more

My battery died at a Starbuck's near Ken's. After getting a jumpstart, I went to Ken's to get a new battery after doing a search online for a service center close by. Since I arrived mid-day around noon, I expected to wait a while, and they politely informed I would have to wait. I no more sat down and plugged in my cell phone to charge and they had the car finished. It took about 15 minutes tops. They even reset my radio! I realize replacing a battery is not a major service, but I wanted to acknowledge the fast service, clean facility and polite folks who work at Ken's. I would go back there for sure. read more

I have been taking my car to kens for 2 years now, the staff is friendly and helpful with answering EVERY question I ask them. I take my car to the dealer (in VA) for oil changing ONLY and they rack up the recommendations. I call kens as soon as I leave to schedule an appointment to have the recommendations from the dealer. Their prices are affordable I can drop my car off, go to work and they will call me to let me know what is really wrong with my car, and they fix it. One time the dealer recommended 4 things that would have cause me $1200 at the dealer, I called kens Walter (great) gave me an estimate of half that $600. Dropped the car of 1hr later they called saying there was nothing wrong with my car and it was ready ended only paying $35! Love this service center because they have patience and will not take your money just because an honest group of mechanics. Thank You read more

We have taken all our cars there for years. We have recommended them to friends and family who now also take their cars there. We have always been treated fairly and the work has been done professionally and reasonably priced compared to the dealership. We will continue to take our cars there in the future. They are very pleasant and professional, a very nice atmosphere. read more

I have been using Ken's Service Center since 1991. I love Walter!!! He remembers me as soon as I call. They are always accomodating and the customer service is always on point. read more