My daughter took her car here and was charged $150 just to look at it. She was taken advantage of because she is a young woman. We saw some good reviews on this place, but those must be the old ones or ones written by friends. I would look for another shop. The search for truth is tough enough, but the search for a good, honest mechanic is more difficult. read more

Let me start by saying, I've been coming here for years, and up until this week, Brian and his crew have been fantastic! HOWEVER - last week, I brought the car in because we had driven over a massive pothole and a) had some weird front-end alignment/rattling issue and b) the check engine light had come on (codes indicated cat converter and/or O2 sensor). Lains checked everything out, said nothing looked amiss on the front-end and the cat checked out ok. They cleared the code and assured me everything would be fine for the 2-week trip to upstate NY I had planned next week. A few days later, I was stopped by a concerned auto mechanic who had noticed my front passanger wheel was "wobbling". We took a look and determined that the front lower control arm bushing was damaged/loose. He tightened things up (temp fix I presume) and declared that "Ray Charles could've spotted that problem. How had my mechanic missed it!!" I have the same question. Fast forward to last night and I'm on the beltway and can't accelerate over about 40mph... check engine light is back on with a code for the cat. Clearly NOT ok as Lains had stated. I went back to Lains to confront them about these things they appear to have missed and was told - "sorry - we don't have any time to fit you in before the holiday". Needless to say, I took the car somewhere else to get properly repaired before my trip. I hope Lains continues to be "busy" with their other customers who they haven't p*ssed off... I personally plan to take some of the burden off them by no longer being one of those customers. Caveat emptor! --a disappointed former customer p.s. I will add that Brian has always been great. I was told he was "out of the country" so I couldn't speak to him about this issue. Perhaps I just got the "b-list" replacement staff while he was out ... in any case, I can't take risks with my safety and money because the owner is on vacation. maybe they need to hire some better back-up staff. read more

The one thing that gives me extreme anxiety is my vehicle. I'm always hyper-sensitive when it comes to noises that my vehicle makes and just in general when it comes to my vehicle. When moving to the state of Maryland I had no idea what the process was for vehicle inspection...honestly, I still don't understand it even though I just went through it. Me, all anxiety ridden, procrastinated until the point where my vehicle was out of date with the inspection/registration. Honestly, I still have my Pennsylvania state inspection sticker on my windshield and it threw me for a loop. According to PA my vehicle was still in good legal standing there until August, it didn't click until now that I needed to get it in legal standing in Maryland. I finally bit the bullet and did a search of garages that would do the inspection near me and with the help of Yelp I found a highly rated, locally and family owned garage nearby. Before coming I called ahead, left a message with what I was looking for, and waited for a call back. When I got a call back from them I got all the information I needed and asked about how long it would take and cost. Brian was amazing. He was upfront with me on every aspect of what to expect. Luckily for me, if I had my vehicle there soon I would be able to have my vehicle inspected and ready to go around lunchtime. When I showed up at the establishment Brian was there to greet me. He did my intake and answered all my questions. I'm sure he could tell I was anxious. I went about the rest of my morning and when lunchtime rolled around, and I literally stepped away from my computer I got a message that my vehicle passed the inspection and was ready to pick up. He even told me that my oil was low and he would top it off for me if I'd like. I said please do. When I got back to the establishment all I had to do was pay and be on my way. However, I had more questions and they were happy to answer my multitude of questions. I had such a great experience here that they surely gained a customer out of me for as long as I live in this area. I liked how upfront they were here. They told me everything I needed to hear and not what they wanted to tell me. Such a true business. read more

I got a Maryland inspection and my 100K mile service done here. The prices were very fair and everyone was friendly and helpful. I usually take my vehicles to the large chains for the "Drive Thru" oil changes, but from now on i will be coming back here. read more

I have been coming to Lains service center for 10 years with 3 different used cars. The team is educated and talks with you candidly about the vehicle needs. They have never tried to offer a service that was not necessary. Because of Lains quality service, my vehicles are exceptionally well maintained. I trust their work over any dealership. read more

I woke up on a Friday morning and was greeted by the loud sound of metal grinding on metal coming from somewhere under my car, with a suspicious smell to go with it. I'm a student at UMD and live near campus so i was too far from home to go to my usual trusted car shop, and did not have anywhere to safely lift my car up to check it out for myself. When i called Lains Auto Services the employee on the phone took the time to carefully listen to my problems, which is a hard level of service to come by when you're a younger college student. They said they would be able to diagnose the problem a soon as i could get there, and when i arrived they had the bay waiting for me with a mechanic that was eager to get right to work on it. From that point forward, Lains went above and beyond. They offered me some fresh coffee, and the mechanic and i had a cup while talking about my car and its issues. I told them about how busy i was and they could see i was stressed, so they set me up in their lobby with a nice area to do some school work while i was waiting. In one hour they fixed my issue, let me go into the shop so i could see what went wrong for myself, taught me how to analyze my brake pads/rotors for ware so i would know when i needed replacements (which i didn't yet, they just wanted to make sure i wouldn't get taken advantage of in the future in case i had to go to another new shop), and fixed another small issue i had with my ignition coils that had to do with me improperly doing my own repair in the past. Oh yeah, and they only charged me for the diagnosis. Lains Auto Service made me feel like i was in good hands while away from home and in a desperate situation, so for that they made a life long customer. read more

Lains Auto Services - Auto Repair Near Me - College Park, Maryland

They put my calipers on incorrectly which lead to a string of other issues including damage to other parts of the car

My family has used this auto shop for our auto services but this shop has declined quite a bit over the past years. Every time we have been there, there is a new service advisor ANS mechanics. I took my car here to have a inspection, wheel alignment and to have 2 new tires mounted and balanced. I mentioned that I knew the horn didn't work and that I would be repairing that myself. Once I got a call back by the service advisor "Dana" saying they had to charge me an hour of diagnosis for the horn but it might be another 4 hours to make the repair. I specifically asked for them to not check the horn, after this declined any more service and just asked for the safety inspection stating what made my car fail. My mother used to take her car to this shop, so after getting off the phone with me, they called my mother trying to hustle her for the money, saying it might be another 4 hours at $95 a hour to repair the horn. I called the shop back stating that the car is mine and there is no need to be calling my family regarding its repair, upon my arrival at the shop, I was met by the "inspector" who was very disrespectful, calling me all kinds of names saying the f word to me stating that he wanted to fight me outside. The rest of the employees watched like this was a everyday thing. I was told to "pay my fucking bill and never come back to this shop" Once I paid for just the inspection and no additional work the mechanic pulled the car out and came inside and threw the keys against the wall in the shop. THEN proceeded to follow me in the parking showing his middle fingers and screaming obscenities. I'm assuming these mechanics work off commission, since I diidnt want anything other than the inspection they were upset. Very shady shop, poor management, overall bad business koo read more

Bryan and the team were reasonable, helpful and incredibly knowledgeable. I brought in my element for some diagnosis and quote to fix another shop's botched job. In the process of accurately finding the issue, they found some other necessary fixes that would otherwise get me pulled over. I also ended up lobbing an annoying door lock actuator job on them as well and they didn't bat an eye and even spotted me a weak plastic part that broke off during the fix due to its brittle age. Always communicative and up front, I so appreciate finding a reliable garage. Like finding a dentist you love, you keep their phone number close and recommend them to all of your friends. read more

Very professional and efficient. As a woman didn't feel taken advantage of and everything was thoroughly explained.

Probably my best experience ever with a mechanic. They identified my problems and were able to discuss some flexibility for my budget in what was urgent and what could wait. They also let me know of other things they noticed while inspecting my car that will need maintenance in the next few thousand miles. They were very nice and explained everything to me. Highly recommend. read more

I can honestly say that the customer service here was S-Tier. I'm usually skeptical about going to the mechanic. Since I'm just a college student and a am always afraid about getting hustled, but I didn't get that from Bryan at all. Bryan made it his prerogative to explain exactly what might be happening with my car and what could be done. He's a good dude that runs a shop he cares about with mechanics that care about working. Due to the circumstances with my car it actually wasn't ever worked on, so I can't vouch for that, but I can say that my experience with Bryan alone will likely make me a recurring customer. W shop, super underrated read more

1. They did a tire job that very few other shops would do. I put fix-a-flat in my tire and it created a wobbly situation, not good. They fixed it at a reasonable price without me having to replace my tires as other shops required. 2. Lains also provided a very detailed diagnosis on other recommended items (such as serpentine belt replacement, license plate lights) which was very useful. 3. I was so confident about the service, that I took my second vehicle to them for a diagnosis, and received some of the best recommendations and advice from Dana and company. This is the only shop I would recommend to within the College park area. This is not a commercial chain store, and they know their customers by name, which is an indicator that their customers have been coming back for a while. The labor/diagnosis rate was acceptable and much lower compared to a dealership. read more

I ran over a screw on RT. 1 (of course) and lost tire pressure very quickly. Of course it was a rainy, cold day. The last thing I needed. Lains took me in immediately, fixed it and got me back on the road super fast. I've been driving past here for years but never used their services. They won a new customer today! read more

Ok let me start off with great customer service and these guys know there stuff. Mike was very informative and let me know what was going on with my vehicle the whole time. Fast turnaround, I had my truck towed there on Tuesday around 1:30pm and it was repaired and ready to pick the next day. There prices are reasonable and unlike some other shops who try to sell you other services you really don't need Mike was very upfront with me and letting me know what I needed and what wasn't necessary but still gave me a quote on the work if I wanted it done. I will be taken all my vehicles to Lians from this point forward. I took my vehicle to a shop that I found on yelp about 3 weeks ago for a rattling noise I was hearing under my truck. I was told that it was my axle so I had it replaced and the noise was still there and I paid $400 for a axle replacement which I believe I didn't need at all. I know what a bad axle sounds like. Lians checked my vehicle and was able to locate the problem the first time. The noise is gone and my truck is back up and running, they even checked my fluid levels and topped off my oil for me. If you are looking for a good mechanic shop that is not going to rip you off or sell you service that you really don't need, but repair your vehicle right the first time at a reasonable price and in a timely manner then Lians is the best shop around!!! read more

These guys helped me plug a hole I had in my tire. Very friendly, professional, and detailed. Definitely will be giving them my business again. read more

I brought my S2000 in for a interment steering problem. The technician took my car out for a test drive and tried to blow it up. Very unprofessional. He then brought it into the shop and tried to blow it up again. Really f up ed idiot. The diagnosis was a faulty torque sensor. Estimate 3,000.00. Took it to another shop and diagnosed with a faulty control module. Replaced and problem solved. They didn't have to try to blow up the engine. The shop owner is Brian and very respected in my opinion but his technician is an ass. read more

As a young woman, finding a trustworthy auto repair shop can be extremely difficult. I am so glad that I found Lains Auto Services and I'm happy to say that they are my main auto repair shop, and I refer friends and family to them often. Lains Auto Services is a family run/owned operation, which I much prefer to support than a big chain. Everyone I've interacted with has been extremely friendly, informative and welcoming. I call over the phone to check their ability, and they are always able to schedule me for the same day, or at the latest the following day. When scheduling the appointment, they are up front with the estimated cost and about how long it will be before you can pick up your car. When I bring my car over to their shop, I am welcomed by a very kind woman who works at the front desk. She is personable, friendly and knowledgeable about the business, prices, and services. I can tell that she knows her way around a car, and is not just a regular receptionist who only answers calls. At the counter to check in my car, she always goes over with me what I need done, the general time it will take, and the estimated cost (as well as what impacts the cost so there are no surprises when I pay). While I have never brought my car in for anything very serious, I can say that the pricing I have experienced is fair, and I do not feel like I'm being taken advantage of. As a young woman, I have experienced going to auto repair shops and being talked down to, extremely pressured into making more repairs than I came in for, and have been overcharged because the employees who think women (especially young women) don't know anything about cars and won't notice additional charges on a bill when paying. At Lains Auto Service, I have never experienced any of those things. When I pick up my car, someone from the garage normally comes into the front office and goes over quickly what was done and if they found anything else that is needed to be done on my car. If something is urgent or top priority, they let me know and explain why. I have never experienced any of their mechanics pressuring me into additional services. After paying, I am given a piece of paper detailing, if any, what else my car needs done, how much it would generally cost if I brought it back to them to repair, and how needed the repair is/around when a repair is most likely needed. For example, they might say my breaks are going to need changing soon, and give me an estimate on how much longer I can go with them as they are before they become a real issue. I can take the paper home, go over it on my own time, do my own research, and make my decision without being pressured on the spot. All in all, I highly recommend Lains Auto Services. I almost never write reviews, but after another great experience, this just had to be written. read more

I'm always nervous going into auto repair shops because I never know what the outcome will be like. I was pleasantly surprised and had a great experience at Lains a few months ago to get a tire repaired. The man at the front desk was very nice, respectful, and explained everything very well. The service was prompt and everything turned out great. read more

I am from out of state (Utah) and my car suddenly was running rough and the check engine light was on. Brian got me right in. He checked my car over and called me with a clear concise diagnosis. He ordered my parts and two days later my car was done. He seemed fair and honest. I'd definitely recommend Lains to anyone. read more

Laines Auto is hands down the most trustworthy, honest mechanic I have ever come across. There have been many instances where Bryan has gone above and beyond your average mechanic to ensure my safety and help me out. Whenever I have had car trouble, Bryan has been quick to diagnose the problem and patient to explain all of my options. The prices have often been well below what other local shops charge, and I know that I can trust the labor is being done correctly the first time. I've had my radiator replaced, air conditioning repaired, and many other repairs and I've always been impressed with how quickly they are able to get me in, how reasonable their prices are, and how quality their job has been. I've lived in four different states and Laines is without a doubt the best auto shop I have ever used. read more

Came here during finals week cause I was hearing a rattling under my car. They fixed it promptly (had to keep it overnight, but they were completely replacing both front control arms) but after showing my brother-in-law the charges (he's a mechanic), he said I was overcharged. They also gave me a list of a bunch of other things that needed attention on my car, including corroded brake lines and damage to my radiator. When I took my car to a family friend who is a retired Toyota mechanic (I own a Toyota) he said that my brake lines were fine and the cosmetic damage was minimal and was nothing to worry about. Additionally, not long after getting my car back I was hearing a terrible popping sound whenever I took my foot off the brake. After taking it to aforementioned family friend, he said the bolts on the new control arms had not been tightened enough and that's what was causing the sound. The one redeeming quality here is that the gentleman I spoke to both on the phone and in person was very nice and made sure I understood exactly what was being done and what the charges were. I cannot remember his name, but I think he was a manager of some sort. read more

Have a great review at Lains Auto July 30. Made appointment with Dana for a wheel alignment.I let him know the make, year and model of my vehicle. I received a quote and told what I needed. Made my early morning appointment and out in an hour. Would definitely comeback and recommend for your car needs. read more

I don't know if this place has declined over years or what but this place is trash. My boyfriend took his car there twice to get it inspected and each time they always had an excuse on why they couldn't do it. 1st time- he got there when they opened at 7am and was told the person who does inspections would not be in for another hour or so. Not a problem he waited. Then was told that guy was not coming in at all and no one else would be doing inspections that day. Ooookkk 2nd time- he got there a little after they opened around 7:40 which they should be open at 7am. They were open but was told the person who does inspections (which is one of two people) would not be in until 9 with a slight attitude. Cool he left to grab food and came back around 8:40. The same guy he spoke to before tells him the guy still isn't here with even more attitude and he doesn't know why he is here this early if the guy doesn't arrive until 9 to which my boyfriend says online it says your open at 7am so regardless someone should be here. Simply response and ignored the rudeness from that employee. Mechanic arrives at 9 and my boyfriend ask if he does the inspections to which he gives a shady reply of uhhh he isn't sure and did we talk to someone inside which we did and we were told the person would be arriving around 9 which clearly your here at 9 so what is the issue right? Apparently he didn't want to be bothered nor do any work so we kindly took our business somewhere else. Bottom line some of the employeees at this shop are rude and clearly do not want to be bothered working on a Friday which is fine then don't come to work. read more

I arrived at Cherry Hill Campground from Missouri with my pickup truck limping, and was very lucky to find Lains close to the campground. The owner Brian was extremely nice, knowledgeable & accommodating, and was able to get my truck in, diagnose it, get it fixed and back to me before I had to tow my camper back to St. Louis. I wish Lain's Auto Services was here in St. Louis, because I'd use him for all my vehicles - Great guy, Great Shop, Great Repairs & Great pricing! read more

I went to Lains due to my Chrysler Crossfire having electrical issues. I am hesitant taking the car to any mechanic because I am a hardcore DIY mechanic and also the fact my car is practically a Mercedes. The only reason I took it to Lains was because I noticed they had an old Chevrolet Camaro in their lot waiting to be worked on. Muscle car guys, like myself, don't have much trust for mechanics. Plus it was local. I took my car there after stalling on the beltway, after I tried fixing my car twice. I gave up, they gave me a estimate for a diagnostic. Few hours later they fixed the issue, the connector for my engine sensor were bent and they fixed it. Car hasn't had any issues since. Recommend them highly! read more

I went in for a burst cooling pipe and an oil change, and they could not have been more helpful/nice. They even did something small like refilling one of my tires for me even though I didn't ask for it. Super cool guys, I would absolutely recommend anyone to come to them read more

I went to Lains Auto Service as a new customer a few months ago, and I think for the last time about a month ago. I have taken 2 family cars there for a total of 4 times, I think. The attention to details is very low and their work is inconsistent. If you go there you need to understand cars enough to check up on their work or know somebody who can. The first time there, they left dirty gloves in the car which should have been a warning on what was to come. I took a car in for brake noises, and got a major break overhaul, including some calipers, and I still have break noises. They sent a car, which never leaked anything, home leaking. For the final straw, I took a car in to have the A/C compressor replaced. Not a cheap repair. Within a few days of picking it up, the clock kept resetting but it ran. I also noticed some new odd sounds but just hadn't found to time to pop the hood and find them. Then my wife got stranded in the car alone late at night. This was the first time ever, in 18 years, this car has ever left us stranded. When I went to rescue her I discovered the cause. They didn't reconnect and tighten one of the battery cables after their work! So I reconnected it and we drove home. Two days later the steering pump began squealing and there were drips under the car. I popped the hood to see that not only didn't they reconnect the battery properly, they didn't reconnect the steering fluid reservoir that they took off to replace the compressor and the didn't replace the compressor dust caps. The Reservoir was laying in the engine bouncing around and rubbing against the of the belts, which almost burned a hole right through the reservoir. That was the noise I was hearing. The reservoir cap was knocked off as it bounced and rubbed against the belt, so there was steering fluid everywhere. I cleaned it all up and reconnected and refilled the reservoir. When I called about this, initially they were defensive but we ended on a good note. They agreed to look into it, make it up to me, speak with the mechanic and call me the next day. They never called back. So now I drive, wondering what else I will discover and have to fix, and looking for a new auto shop. Go at you own risk. read more

Not sure about the previous post - sounds like sour grapes. Maybe he should have just made the $200 repair and sent him on his way -- then he's be back to get the other 'problem' repaired. Hence why it's called an "estimate". So - I actually went to Lain's based on other reviews and recommendation by another mechanic...and from another page of Google Reviews (4.4 of 5): https://www.google.com/webhp?tab=cw&ei=SS9TU9i6McO7sQTllYBQ&ved=0CAUQqS4oAg#q=Lain's+electrical&lrd=lrd The place is clean and friendly. I had an electrical problem which my regular mechanic wouldn't touch on my 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. Not only did Brian get me and out while I waited (1.5 hr), but he did so without having an appointment. I guess when you show respect, you get it in return. (MD is not NY). Not only did he fix the problem (left rear tail-light and right rear turn signal being out), but he also showed me how the problem happened. And explained that it's a known problem in Jeeps (go figure!). He also showed me how to fix it the next time it happens so that I DON'T have to go back to the mechanic or Lain's for the rather simple fix. read more

Was down in Maryland for a football visit and as I was leaving got a flat tire. The gentlemen here were very helpful and fixed our tire. Definitely would recommend this place to anyone in need of help! Great service and very helpful. read more

I come to this place to solve the issue of my noisy mufflers. Mr. Bryan treated me with respect. He recognized me as soon as I walked into the shop and welcomed me. I asked for a ride, and he told me that I can just wait here and it would take around 20 minutes. I took several coffees there and they taste good. After around 20 minutes, the work was done, and I am fully satisfied for the service. The cost is around 50 bucks and is very reasonable. I recommend this place to people living in this area. I would definitely come back again. read more

Nice, friendly ...goes above and beyond. Had a flat on a Friday afternoon as they were closing. They stayed late to fix it and charged next to nothing. Fair and honest and fixed the flat in now time #lifesafer read more

Responded right away to my request for a quote. They were located a little far out of my range (Yelp didn't factor that in very well) so I couldn't take further advantage of their services. But their customer focus is impressive. read more

I had a great experience at Lains auto service. I'm a full-time student with a full-time job and they worked around my hectic schedule to make sure that I had my car when I needed it. I even checked around and their prices were fair. The owner is very personable and I enjoyed my interactions with him. I plan on going back. read more

Going to change a purge valve cuz my car cannot start after refueling, they call me that my hood latch is stuck and I told him push harder it's gonna open. I been having the problem since I got the car, never had any problem opening it, after I pickup the car, (they never say anything that they damaged my latch and just let me pay and left) the next day I trying to get oil change from my dealer, dealer told me hood is stuck completely. I went back to the shop, they told me it has nothing to do with them, it cannot open when they got the car, but I checked right in front of the shop to check the oil, it opened up and I drop the key to them. And after they told me they cannot open it, I told em to push harder, but they damaged it instead. Cost me 500 to repair at the dealership. Never go the this Place again. read more

What a top notch shop. The girl at the desk made the check-in/out fast and easy. The mechanics were very competent and fast. They were able to fix the primary problems and address issues that could happen later down the road. They addressed these issues in a helpful way that didn't make you feel like you were being take advantaged of or over explain. Pricing was fair and worth the money. Thank you for keeping my jalopy on the road. I will be recommending Lains in the future. read more

First experience here was after I drove around the city of Hyattsville to find someone who could fix my electrical headlight issue (Eventually Merchants recommended me here). They fixed my headlight within a day and I have not had any issues since. Ended up having another electrical issue with my drivers side window and they got me up and running the same day. Lains auto without a doubt has the skills to fix random issues to get your car back on the road. Safe to say I found myself a new shop. read more

Came here to get my tail light replaced. The lady who attended to me at the desk was not only friendly, but made a point to explore multiple options for my tail light that would be the least expensive for me, which is a rarity at auto service shops, where you may feel they go out of their way to nickel and dime you. read more

accurate, honest mechanics, I recently brought a vehicle in and after a few hrs of diagnosis, recommended I replace a car rather than pay for extensive repairs, when they could have just taken (lots of) my money. Diagnosis was not too expensive, would return in the future. read more

Brian is very friendly and helpful. We live very close to Lain's and decided to take our 2004 Mustang there for service. Brian is very up front with pricing and goes out of his way to help our budget. We continue to take our car to Lains and recently, Brian performed some work for free with the hope that the minimal work would do the trick before we needed a heftier investment. Because of his honesty and straightforward approach I will continue to take my car to Lains. Further, Brian met out us a few miles from his shop one time when we were having a problem with our car (it wouldnt start). He jumped the car, got it back to his shop and the issue fixed a few hours later. How many mechanics do that? If you live in there area definitely bring your car to Lains for service! read more