I have taken my car here a bunch of times. Familiar faces always help me out and I never get ripped off. They get what I need done and it's usually nice and quick. I don't know a ton about cars but they never try to get me to do more than what I come in for. Very happy with the service. read more

I've gotten gas there many times over the years, maybe an inspection or three; never really thought much about it. Then my car needed its 60,000 mile maintenance, while I was in a rather busy time. (60k maintenance is basically an oil change, tire rotation, engine and cabin air filters replacement, and inspect a bunch of stuff.) I contacted Main Street Shell (though the form on their website) to ask about how much it would cost and how long it would take. Unlike a couple other places, they got back to me pretty quickly. The next day, I dropped my car off on the way to an errand with my wife. They called to say it was ready, a bit more quickly than originally estimated. The only additional work needed was something trivial (tag light), for which they charged me a fair low price. I don't think that was on the maker's list of stuff to check, but they were thorough. The bill came with a very complete report on the various things that got inspected, right down to the exact pressure and tread depth of my tires. All interaction was fast, friendly, and polite. The premises are clean and neat. The only thing that could use a bit of improvement is a tiny nitpick. When coming into the site from the street, there's not much parking, and since it's a gas station, it is sometimes a bit crowded to get through quickly to the parking lot of the strip mall next door. So, if you're coming in for a repair rather than gas, I'd advise you go in via the nearby entrance to the strip mall parking lot, and park there. That's where I wound up parking, and it's perfectly OK, in fact they seem to prefer it. (And, the strip mall has some great restaurants to eat at while you're waiting. See my review of Curry Mantra!) read more

Everyone here is so professional and nice and they move fast and they're always spot on if they have to give you a time estimate. I've never had any trouble and I take both my cars here and have done so for years. read more

I had been taking my car here for a couple of years for oil changes, rotor replacement, etc. However, the last visit gave me an experience that prevents me from trusting them again. For my last visit, I brought my car in for a normal oil change. Them, I got a call saying that there is an oil leak and the pan needed to be replaced. I went in to ask some questions about what had happened and was told that one of the bolts had worn threads due to normal wear and tear. One of the mechanics tried to demonstrate by screwing and unscrewing a nut to a bolt so as to say that the repeated actions over time will wear the threads. This isn't true unless whoever is performing the oil changes isn't careful or is over tightening. They quoted the oil pan replacement for $500+ but I declined. At the time of this oil change the car, with regular oil changes, would have had 20 oil changes. As an engineer and someone with common sense, there's no way I could accept that the worn threads was due to "normal wear and tear". An oil pan should last the lifetime of the car if it's just normal use. Someone messed up. And since this wasn't the first oil change we had here, I believe that it was likely here that this happened. Rather than trying to pass it off as something that's just to be expected and that I'm just supposed to replace the oil pan for $500+, I would have appreciated had they admitted something might have gone wrong and tried to offer solutions. I ended up going to an old mechanic closer to where I used to live even though he was further away. He was honest and quoted me less to change the oil pan but also offered a more affordable and less drastic solution, redrilling the hole and fitting a new bolt. This worked like a charm and was less than $100 including the time that he spent running around checking for the right size bolt and nut. Up until this point I was happy with the service but there's is no way I will be able to trust them. It's a shame because it's a clean shop in a convenient location. read more

This was my first time here and the only reason for coming to this location is because it was close to destination I was headed to afterwards. I came here for a standard safety inspection. All was good when I came in. They were polite, took my car in right away. At the end of the inspection, they tell me I won't pass unless I replace two bulbs that were out. I'm thinking, okay, I know all my lights were on and working this morning but I don't know anything about cars, so maybe the bulbs were about to go out anyway. He says it'll be 20 something dollars to fix the 2 bulbs. I tell him sure go ahead and change them, because I just want to get this inspection over with. 10 plus minutes later he comes back telling me one of the light sockets are melted and I'll have to come back tomorrow for the replacement estimate. Eff that! I pay for the failed inspection so I can get my car inspected by someone I can trust. They leave my car parked out front of the shop and when I turn the key to ignition, my car won't turn on!! I haven't had any issues turning on my car in the past and my battery is new so i know it's not an issue i caused. I run right back in the shop asking what he did to my car because now it won't turn on. He turns the key a couple of times and messes with the peddles and gears and finally gets it to turn on. I don't know WTF they were doing back there to my car, but what ever they did caused this issue. I later get to someone I trust to inspect the vehicle. He inspects the socket they claimed was "melted" and turns out it wasn't melted. He said it looked like someone stuck something in there and messed with the socket/connectors. He was able clean off whatever they stuck in there and install a new bulb super quick, without any issues and my light is working just fine. I will never step foot in Main Street Shell again. I'd rather take my car to someone who's honest, won't take advantage and who does the job right without creating issues that weren't there in the first place!!! read more

My family and I have been going here for over a decade now. Very impressed with the customer service and how upfront they are about everything. Many times they have suggested less expensive options or have even sent us elsewhere for minor things. Whenever we get work done with them, we are very happy with the quality. Very happy that we have found a place that we can trust and it's so close to where we live. read more

Lately, I have been to Main Street Shell for small repairs and I think they do an excellent job. I have confidence that the prices are fair and the work is good. Last week, I went to get gas at the Liberty gas station on 236 in Annandale. I bought gas and asked the mechanic if he could change two brake lights and check the air in my tires. When I pulled into the bay, he said "My boss charges $25 to change each bulb." I said "No thanks." I went to Main Street and paid $26 for both lights and to have my tires checked. Super clean station, short waiting time and good reasonable prices for good service. read more

I love these guys. During COVID, they do WHATEVER it takes to give you unbelievable comfort and customer service. Highly recommend. Give them your business if just for gas. Top notch service. Ryan is great. read more

Asians beware! My Asian wife took her SUV in for an oil change. She has had a small screw in a thick non-critical part of the tire for months. I know how to use a tire gauge and check it regularly The guy said she needed four new tires and gave her three options from $800 to $1900 dollars! The tires have less than 30k on them. I guess he had a tool box payment due. Typical NOVA thievery. read more

The guys at the shell helped me after I got into a car accident! They were so comforting and sweet, and even offered to let me leave my car there while I figured out my towing situation! They took care of me and allowed me to go home while they held my key for the towing company. I am so thankful for their kindness! Jeff also checked out my car for me and gave me an estimate of the damage- free of charge! Super impressed! Thanks guys!! read more

Located in one of the busiest region, Main Street Center is a must come place for city Fairfax's residents. I frequently visit this place. Easier to locate, plenty of brands, spacious & good parking and offering a great place to start your business or invest your hard earned money safely. read more

We have been customers of this excellent team for over 35 years. Under Jeff's leadership their work is exceptional and the customer service is one step beyond exceptional. We wouldn't trust our cars to anyone else. Lynn read more

I took my car in this am for a state safety inspection. My car was rejected because there is a hole in the right tail light cover. The light works and is not shining white light. This car was inspected and passed with the exact same issue 2013 and 2014. The light damage occurred in early 2012 I asked about what it would cost to fix it. I was quoted $307 to replace the light assembly. I got to work and started to tell a coworker about my experience. She said "wait, don't tell me. Did you go to Main Street Shell? I had a similar experience. I simply went down the road and had my vehicle re-inspected and it passed." I live next door to main Street Shell and was getting my gas and oil changed there. I will no longer do any business with them. read more

The staff is nice, but nice doesn't fix my car. The location is very convenient too, but they have messed up twice on me. I usually got my oil change there, but then I found out that they weren't doing all the checklist items listed on the oil change- they also didn't provide me with a report or advice on things that needed to be fixed or replaced. The final straw was when they failed to inform me that my car's tags were expired. I didn't realize it until a month later and it is on the list of things "they check" This just shows me lack of attention to detail and they aren't very professional. I won't be going back even though it's very convenient for me. I'd rather to go somewhere where I can trust that they are doing what I am paying them to do. read more

I used to go to this shop frequently for car repairs and oil changes as it was convenient to where I work. I had originally thought the staff friendly and since I had a discount coupon, prices always seemed to be reasonable. Then I made the mistake of asking them to repair my rear brakes. The bill came to a pretty high total (almost $700), which gave me pause, but I was assured they'd given me whatever coupons they could. The next day I met someone who told me that was an outrageous price, so I started doing my research and found out that I had overpaid on both parts and labor (parts were marked up in the range of 200-250%) and the amount of time that had been billed was apparently unreasonable. When I went in to talk to the manager, and complain about the prices for parts (I wasn't even going to get into the labor piece of it), I was yelled at in an extremely unprofessional manner. While he did eventually grudgingly refund me $50 (off the nearly $400 I spent on parts, which according to internet research would have only been $180 if I'd ordered them myself as a non-affiliated individual), I made up my mind to never return to a place that abuses customers so thoroughly. Makes me sad, since it was so convenient. read more

Made the mistake of taking my car here for inspection - last year. Been meaning to write this review for a while and I got a flyer in the mail recently asking me to bring my car back here this year for inspection. Ha! The staff are polite enough (they use please and thank you, no one called me naughty names, etc.), but the prices are about 3x what they should be. Also got that used car-salesman vibe. "Well, you don't need this to pass inspection, but I think you should let us replace your breaks for about 1500." Really? They brought about 3-4 things to my attention that would pass inspection, but they would like to give me a real good "deal" on replacing. I was concerned that they pointed the brakes out, though, so I went somewhere for a second opinion... Funny, they quoted me at $500. Same with all the other items they had listed. I wasn't the only one getting these crazy quotes, either. While I was waiting (five hours, despite being first in line), I watched them swindle other customers left and right. They tried charging a woman $80 for windshield wiper blades. Seriously? Too bad my car wasn't ready at that point, I would have driven her to Wal-Mart and put them on for her myself! Maybe it's a gender thing, though. I definitely got the "Little Lady" vibe. They were quite pleasant when dealing with male customers. Yes, I'm a woman. That does not mean I'm a complete idiot when it comes to cars. read more

I should of checked the review onn yelp before I even decided to drop off my tires there...

Terrible customer service. To prepare for a trip I used one of their coupons for an oil change/tire rotation combo, was told the services would take 35 minutes. After 45 minutes a fellow approached my waiting spot, "no" my car wasn't ready yet, he proceeded across the parking lot. Seconds later another guy informed me that my car required a "special" oil filter and the first guy was on his way to the dealership to get it! "I understand you're upset, what can I do; since you're already using a coupon, we can't do anything about price" There was no loaner car available, they had the nerve to charge the extra ten dollars for the filter, and at no time did anyone but the cashier explain or apologize for the delay. Spent an extra hour waiting, will not return. ****************The owner called me this morning, had tried to the day of visit, my voicemail was full. Jeff was polite and apologetic; he was none too pleased with the actions of the employees that led to the delay. The filter was to have been ordered when I called to make my appointment. He has offered my next oil change at no charge, and I will take him up on it. I have always been satisfied with actual work done here.**************** read more

As a longtime customer of VAT I went this Monday to check a leaking tire and at the recommendation of manager Dave, I had two rear tires replaced ( I had had them replaced with new Michilin tires in 2012 at VAT Centreville store ) plus labor and alignment, costing $500. As a loyal customer I have been receiving lots of coupons from VAT via email but I was frustrated this time that not a single one could be redeemed or used for this service. I wrote a complaint to VAT and quickly received a phone response from manager Jeff, who promised to redeem some coupons as a compensation to my previous service and appreciation of my patronage . Thank you Jeff for reaching out. I will not redeem the coupons but appreciate your goodwill and frankness to recognize and acknowledge what went wrong in your practice, where I had all my cars served over the years. Harrison read more

Don't bother bringing a plugged tire in for repair, even if it's center of tread/crown. They won't repair it. Says industry rules prevent, because plug damages tire, but industry rules say plug AND patch is standard, to keep air in tire and water out of belts. Think about it...running over a screw damages a tire but can be patched, but putting in a plug (that could be pulled out, if necessary) damages it beyond repair? Get real. In my opinion, just trying to sell more tires. Plenty of repair shops around here. Find one who doesn't try to upset on customer ignorance. read more

My car died on the side of the road on Friday. They had a tow truck out to me in under an hour, got me to work, and had the car repaired by 3:00 pm that afternoon. Before doing the work, Jeff called and explained what had happened and what needed to be done to the car. I thought the price was reasonable and was very pleased with their prompt service. read more

Needed an inspection and went to another Shell station nearby. Mistake! They kept me waiting an hour and did half the job. Went directly to Main Street Shell and they had the job done in 15 minutes. Clean, organized, polite, knowledgeable and fast. Love it. read more

Clean, professional gas station and service center. I needed to get a quick emissions inspection on a Saturday. Car was ready when they said it would be, easy transaction with no complaints. read more

After I posted my bad experience here the other day, the service station actually called me apologizing for my unsatisfied experience. I am happy that they are listening to their customers and am veryyy pleased with this. This is my first time my yelp review has been heard by employees and they are actually trying to make it up to me. Thank you Main Street Shell for your time and consideration! read more

My husband and I (and our grown children) have been taking our cars to Main Street Shell for longer than I can remember, and we've always been pleased with the service and the cost. Our cars are ready when promised and the work is done right the first time. Rides can be provided to the customer's home or place of work within a reasonable distance, but for customers who prefer to wait the station is clean and pleasant. Employees are unfailingly polite and quick to keep us informed of progress on the cars. Did I mention that our cars date from 1995, 1998, 2000, and 2001? The mechanics take pride in keeping the old workhorses on the road and at their peak performance. We highly recommend Main Street Shell. read more

These guys are great. I stopped to fill up a very low tire with air. It was 20-25 minutes before they opened. We decided it was best to take the tire off and have them check it. They would put the full-sized spare on and I would leave the original. I was expecting to wait 20 minutes or so until they actually opened for the guy to do the work and I was going to get a cup of coffee. Instead, he did it right away and I was headed to my meeting on time. Great customer service. I don't know if I'll need a new tire, but I trust these guys. It's why we bring our vehicles to them. read more

Trustworthy, competent and provides good service! For years now they have provided my family's cars with fast and reliable service and do not push extra services. They even took care of my difficult to service Mini Cooper. I don't know why I spent so much money at the dealer before making the best decision to switch to Main Street Shell. read more

This is a real stand-up place! They accidentally cracked my windshield doing my VA state inspection - okay I know that doesn't sound good, but what happened after shows real integrity. They immediately informed me of the damage and offered to replace it for free. When I went back to have it replaced (3/31/15), they had a loaner vehicle ready for me - also free of charge. There were no hassles, I didn't even have to give my name they recognized me right away (and I'm not a regular customer, just stop for gas occasionally). Based on this experience, I would definitely bring my car in for repairs if needed. They also have the cleanest restroom I've seen outside of a dealership. read more

I have been going to this Shell for the past 3 years. There service is fast, you can always get an appt, and the customer service is excellent. I have no reason to go anywhere else. read more

For three plus decades my family has used this local business. The station is convenient, but more importantly honest and fair. They do not cut corners or play games. I appreciate this as they are dealing with my family's safety. The constant flow of customers is testimony to their enduring success. My only warning, do not go there the week your state inspection expires and expect to breeze in and out as you will be disappointed. read more

Greeted by name before I even came in the door. Friendly staff, well qualified mechanics. Even though the last visit was for safety inspection, I'll will come back for other service opportunities. read more

These guys are the most honest and competent mechanics that I've engaged to work on my cars during the past 40+ years. They are totally reliable and don't try to sell you on anything that is not needed. Truly excellent and professional. read more

It was Saturday at around 6.45 pm and my Honda CRV had been making what sounded to me like small explosions or the popping sound of a road drill.I ran down to Main Street Shell in Fairfax (VA)., not expecting to find any mechanics on duty at that time of the evening, but hoping, nevertheless. Fortunately, Jeff, the co-owner, was there. He got down under my car, in the driveway, and 3 minutes later emerged with a rusted-out catalytic converter shield. The popping noises were gone, and he refused to accept any money as payment. Jeff, thanks a million, read more

I've now spoken with the station manager, Jeff, who has very graciously apologized and offered to refund the $98 once he has had a chance to look at our old bushings, which I will gladly bring by. It also turns out that, according to our trusted mechanic in Maryland, the radiator is fine; the leakage is coming out of the water pump. (That's still going to cost us, of course, but at least the Shell Station did not fail to notice a leaky radiator.) So I am happy to raise my review a couple of notches--its manager certainly seems eager to take responsibility for an oversight. read more

Was referred to Main Street Shell by the Interstate Battery folks, for a test, as my vehicle was not cranking over in cold weather (1/2018). Jeff (Main Street Shell Manager) came out and tested it immediately and said that my battery was questionable on CCA. He honored the Interstate Battery warranty and gave me a fresh, new battery at no charge even though my battery was in the pro-rated 3rd year cycle. Jeff treated me extremely well, was professional and kind. He shook my hand and said, "No charge. Come back if you have any problems, we'll be here for you." Now that's customer service! I'll be back for sure. Thank you Jeff! read more

Sorry, their honesty is not what others have posted. Took van in for inspection and failed for foggy headlites. Cleaned the headlites real well and took back for reinspect. Was told headlites fail for illumination and must replace headlites since they could not be adjusted. Cost $650. Went to another inspection station because I did not believe the headlites were that bad. This different and highly recommended repair and inspection station thru checkbook cleaned and adjusted the headlites and passed car inspection. Cost - $60. Savings - $590. read more

I've been bringing my cars to Main Street Shell for 8 years, and I've always gotten professional, ethical, efficient service and maintenance. Several times, I've suggested that something may be wrong with my brakes, transmission, etc., (an invitation to a costly repair), but the technicians would explain that they are operating fine and do not need maintenance at this time. This is a family-owned, permanent fixture in the City of Fairfax with a loyal clientele. I highly recommend it. read more

I have to say that Virginia tire people are the most honest and caring professionals. It is very hard to find a place that is upfront and honest and doesn't just try to take your money. Whenever I have a concern about my vehicle I can take it there and get an honest opinion. For example I took it in today for an oil change and I asked them to check the belts and hoses. Some places would've just replaced those without a thought. The service man came out to talk to me and said that everything looked good in that department. Several times I have taken my vehicle in before taking a trip and I want to make sure it's safe; they just look at it and either don't charge me or just charge me for the repair I came in for. When they can't see me that day if I have an emergency they will refer me to someone else that they trust. I can't say enough good things about this company and specifically this location. Keep up the good work guys! And thank you. You make me feel like a valued customer. read more

Took our Tahoe in for inspection service Wed evening - one car ahead of us but they were still professional, quick, efficient, replaced burned out bulbs, and we were finished in less than hour after getting line. They also diagnosed another problem that we can address later but gave us an estimate. Nice to deal with professional upfront people. read more

We always enjoy our experiences at VA Tire and Auto and find the staff knowledgeable, professional, and friendly. They are also timely and efficient, all reasons we keep bringing our cars in. Recently they have been very helpful with a tire problem I was having, and looked into the issue without charge. read more