I have used PA Shell for all of my family's cars for decades now. They are always prompt, professional and kind. Their pricing is very reasonable. read more

These guys did my dirty and I would STAY AWAY AT ALL COSTS!! They refused to recognize things on my vehicle in the past that have never functioned (after mentioning several times) or release my vehicle after receiving a competitors bid I have given Ravi and Kyle every chance to make it right. But $8,000+ latter I'm now having to file a small claims and go to BBB As a local I can assure you there are much better more honest mechanics in the area They lost my vehicle when I needed my equipment out of it. Items were missing/stolen. And even left my interior an oily mess Thanks guys... read more

Shell - Palo Alto - Post service mess - Auto Repair Near Me - Palo Alto, California

Louis was soooooo helpful with getting my tires inflated for winter. Thank you!! I'll come here for any service needs.

Not a ton to say here. It is you typical gas station with an auto shop attached. It is in a convenient location along the El Camino Real. There are ample pumps and it is open 24/7. The store is more of a shack with a limited amount of offerings. The area was clean I did not interact with the staff and the prices were Palo Alto average (high). read more

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Tirerack mistakenly sent my tires here even though my appointment was for americas tire. Tirerack tried to reroute the tires via ontrac but they could not change in time. Ty helped me hold my tires and kept them safe until I could pick them up. Ty was also very helpful and courteous over the phone and sympathetic to the issue. I could see how some shops would be annoyed bout it and insist I get the tires installed with them, but not Ty -1 star because the other person I talked to at the shop was pretty rude, before TY came out with my tires. Not sure who it was, but they immediately said , " next time make sure you send it to right place, we're not storage for you!" Before I could even say nothing bout the mistake. read more

They completed the smog check faster than I expected, charged an affordable price, and even gave me advice about which DMV location to go to. Friendly, professional, and affordable. Absolutely great combination. The reminder texts before my appointment and the text that told me my car was ready were appreciated. read more

Worse gas station! Came in today to pump gas, gave $60 to the cashier and grab a bottle water and left to pump my gas! I've noticed he only put $36 so I went back! And I asked for my money back! He refused! As if gas was cheap! Seriously dude took my $20 like what!!! Hope karma comes out! read more

Smog check. They were very helpful and professional and received a phone message that my car was ready before the 20 minutes they told me it will take. Thanks read more

Came to fill up, and also hoping there was a restroom, Rodolfo was very nice , and let me use it, But I was so impressed how clean that restroom is . For the most part, most of the restrooms are filthy & nasty. I usually don't get reviews to gas stations , But this one really earned it . read more

I've taken several cars to Palo Alto Shell for Smog checks. The service has always been friendly and efficient. Very easy. They often have discounts, which make the service very low cost. No need to try another vendor. read more

Worse car repair experience ever, if I could call it an experience and not harassment and attempt to defraud and swindle. Noticed smell of gas in cabin of Hyundai Santa Fe 2020 and took to Palo Alto Shell. Was told that the car's turbo was damaged and needed replacement. They conveniently forgot to mention that it should be covered under warranty if taken to dealership. No issues, not their responsibility. The estimate for turbo is 3800, besides another 1000 for installation. I agreed as I moved newly to the area and needed car urgently. Warranty was 1 year, but it failed within 24 hours. Also conveniently forgot to mention that while the car was in their possession, it developed a 9 inch crack in windshield. When confronted, said it might have been an earlier chip. Does not end here. Not wanting to get another similar turbo installed, I told them that I would order my own. Ordered the best OEM one, and as soon as they installed, they called to inform that this one is also faulty. Wanted me to buy one from them at inflated price (dealership charges 1700 for original turbo). Finally had to get the car towed somewhere else, where the mechanic told me that they broke a bolt while installing the turbo which I had supplied. Complete swindlers and fraudsters, whom I have complained to Bureau of Automotive Repairs. read more

This review is for the auto shop: Ravi and his team are incredible. They always are able to see you within a day or so. They also make sure the get every single cost pre-approved before they work on your car so no surprises. They charge a fair amount for their work and are super communicative. They've been able to stop what they've been doing and quickly fix a flat. They do smogs, brakes, and they have an arrangement with Tire Rack if you want rims and new tires so the ties go directly to them. I am super happy that they are in town and so great to work with. read more

I got a walk in smog test. It was $95 and took about 25 minutes. I got a text msg when it was complete although I just waited there. There's not really a waiting room since it's a gas station but there's a bench. 5 stars since it was a smooth process. read more

FAST AND EFFICIENT FOR TIRE REPAIR Yesterday evening when I was going to pick up my gf from work I saw my flat tire warning light on my FJ cruiser. I went to there website and scheduled an appointment for the next morning and alternate the following morning. The next day I see an email at 0815 saying they were ready to see me at 0900. I was so happy they responded so fast. I arrived at 0845 and told them I had a 0900 appointment to fix the flat tire. They literally had me out of there by 0905 and made sure all the tires were filled. I drove away with the flat tire light not even coming on. I believe the mechanic that helped me was Alex. Thanks so much again guys! read more

I stopped in because I had a slow leak in one of my tires. They were so quick and efficient and charged a reasonable price. They were friendly and if I could give more stars I would. read more

As a Lady Uber Driver stopping to get gas my first time I was yelled at for asking to use the bathroom; wait!While he was with a customer he stops helping her to reopen the store allows the door to slam in my face as I followed behind him I waited at the door thinking I couldn't come in with disbelief viewing through the window he breathed heavily in lack of helpfulness as I realized the lack of hospitality brash rude attitude in addition to lack of customer service skills I pulled the door to tell if it was not locked I walked in asked to use the restroom he paused looked at me huffed and waived his hand and said I'll open it Within those few minutes I felt disrespected as a woman and customer May 5,2023 @ 630pm approximately Thank you read more

My car needed A LOT of maintenance, and I was a little overwhelmed with what the dealership quoted me (!). Ravi was communicative, honest and quick to respond. He told me what to prioritize and what could wait. It's a relief to have mechanics I can trust. read more

Wow! Stoped by 30 minutes before closing hoping by miracle they'd be able to fit a desperately needed smog check. They had one car getting a check done they thought would take longer, so they kindfuly declined. But as I was leaving the guy comes and tells me they can squeeze me in. I was beyond happy not to have to keep searching! Y'all are awesome thank you! read more

I went to do wheel alignment. They performed only half the job. Throughout I felt intimidated physically by Ravi K. the chief technician. Although I live in the neighborhood I will never come again. read more

I have been using Ravi and his crew's services for about a year now. I've been there on multiple occasions for either a check engine light on, tire pressure sensor checking, coolant light and general maintenance questions. I feel that Ravi is forthright, communicative and trustworthy. He has a solid crew that I enjoy speaking to as well and are all very knowledgeable, patient and professional. I've given some of my closest friends the referral to come here and believe Ravi, his team, the work they do and their prices to be the best in the area. I highly recommend. read more

Charged me $85 for my GL450 smog they knew would fail. Then I paid $180 for diagnostic. They claimed I needed to replace my entire motor. Claimed my flywheel shaft was bad and quoted me $10k to replace the entire engine. Said no other way to fix the check engine light faults. I even asked them to check for leaks and fuses. Wouldn't do it. Said "in their experience that was the problem". Took it back to my regular mechanic - Motorspeed West and they replaced a leaking expansion tank. Problem fixed. Too bad I can't give negative stars. read more

Shell - Palo Alto - Ha ha what a diagnosis. Smog fails. Replace engine. - Auto Repair Near Me - Palo Alto, California

#Palo_Alto_Shell in 2200 El Camino Real, Palo Alto Palo do not honor their SMOG Check Coupon of $28.50 for 2000 & Newer vehicle the second time in 4 years! This is the worst auto shop I have ever see in my whole life. Don't use this shop for any services period! read more

Shell - Palo Alto - #Palo_Alto_Shell in 2200 El Camino Real, Palo Alto Palo do not honor their SMOG Check Coupon of $28.50 for 2000 & Newer vehicle! - Auto Repair Near Me - Palo Alto, California

I called at 4pm to see if they could get me in and how much. Told me yes and would be ~$20 for the fix and another $10 to put it back on. Got there at 4:20 and every garage stall was full, but they have me park, grabbed my tire, fixed it, put it back on and I was out of there before 5pm for ~$30. Couldn't have been happier. read more

This used to be my go-to shop for tire work. Unlike most garages, they've got a top-of-the-line road-force balancer and give you a detailed, printed report (in full color, too!*see below). They're also within walking distance of all the restaurants and cafes on California Avenue, so there's a good way to kill the time while you are waiting (since their only waiting area is a bench outside). "Used to be" my go-to shop because their prices have jumped up 50% ($60 wheel balance is now $90!). I get prices having to go up, but maybe try $5 or $10 increments?! And despite making an appointment for the work, they still told me it'd take 2 hours for something any reasonably experienced tech could do in well under an hour. In the end, it took maybe 90 minutes, but the disappointment had already sunk in. Hey, maybe if you work faster, you'd service more customers and make more money, and wouldn't have to jack up the prices so much?! After everything, I still got my detailed report printed out, but the color ink, like my patience with this shop, has run out. read more

Went in for a smog check, made an appointment online. Very quick, friendly service, and reasonable rate. Thanks!

We did our smog check here and really appreciated what a good job they did with following covid safety precautions. Very contactless and well managed, minimal waiting with appointments, thank you to this business for keeping everyone safe. read more

Scammers. Charged me for smog test when they knew I would not pass due to check engine light being on (something I was unaware of). Other places will tell you that they can't do a smog test because of this or because you have to run a driving cycle after replacing a battery or making other repairs. read more

I had my smog test done here and it was a perfect experience - no waiting, done quickly, passed, and thanks to the first review I knew they took competitors' coupons. They even honored my coupon for a place in the city, yay! which saved me like $30. Inside by the cash register they have a brochure full of coupons without expiration dates, including one for $20 off the smog test. And they were very friendly, even early on a Monday morning. read more

I work in downtown Palo Alto and after a bunch of Yelp research, decided that this was the best place for a smog check in terms of quality of service and and price. I made my reservation a week or so in advance. That's plenty of time to get a time slot you want (I think it was during lunch on a Wed or Thurs). These guys are really professional. They looked like they were on break when I pulled in to the lot, but one of them came over immediately to get me checked in. It was about 30 minutes for the smog check and their timing was true to their word. My only small complaint is that the only somewhat real waiting area was a bench outside the convenience store. I guess they're much more a gas station so it's probably not worth it for them to have a waiting room with coffee like some car service businesses do, but that would've been nice. I was lucky it was warm and a nice day out. read more

There was a guy names Irvin here who helped me out alot . I mean it was one time but boy I needed it and I'd like to give that guy some praise. I had a flat tire and he was closing up the shop but he took some extra time out too help me and patch it up for me. He had a great attitude also, great personality, excellent customer service. Thank you Irvin and thank you Shell for hiring this guy. read more

Don't do routine repairs there so I can't review them on that. However, I needed to get a current SMOG check run. I made an appointment and brought in my paperwork plus their newspaper ad for $30 off. They took me on time. I took a 30 minute walk. Work was completed and they certainly gave me the good price. I am satisfied with this transaction. read more

Awful service. Went there to replace my air filters they didn't tighten the clamps and literally left the hoses hanging. Started hearing a weird hissing sound from my engine which I traced back to this. Never taking my car there again. Scammers. If I could give 0 stars I would. read more

The best place to go if you want your car serviced RIGHT! Period.

Not professional, high price, not good quality. Only offer 2 wheel alignment, no 4 wheel alignment. When I asked them why they only offer 2 wheel alignment service, they just said the service is 2 wheel alignment but no explanation. After alignment, I thought my minivan was imbalance and the steering wheel is not on the center. I returned the shop immediately to request them to make a drive test to figure out the problem. The guy who had offered me the 2 wheel alignment talked a lot to explain something but didn't want to make a drive test. My request was very simple that I wanted they to drive the minivan to check if it's ok or not. So disappointed with their attitude and services. After the expression of my disappointment and leaving out, another guy who was there and witnessed my conversation with the first guy asked me if I wanted him to check the car. He seems the manager but he kept silent when the first guy didn't want to drive the car to test their work's result. He just asked me after I became frustrated and started leaving out. It's too late to me because my trust to their services has gone away. The cost of 2 wheel alignment is not cheap but the service quality is not equal to the price. I lost my trust to their services. When I asked another alignment shop in San Jose, they said their service is always 4 wheel alignment. I checked in the internet and found out that 2 wheel alignment is the old service. Almost alignment shops offer 4 wheel alignment with better benefits, especially for minivans and all wheel drive cars. Now I have to make an appointment with the shop in San Jose to align my minivan again. Wasted $100 and 1 hour at Palo Alto Shell repair shop and gained a negative bad feeling in the morning. read more

***This Shell near Stanford is a decent spot for gas (prices were okay) and offers a Yelp check-in deal (though it is not a great one--free vehicle inspection from the on-site service garage); unfortunately, there are roads around this Shell where there are not many gas stations; because of that, this gas station can get busy and it can be a tight squeeze*** There are not many free parking spaces available if you just need to pick up something from the gas station (they have a few snacks and drinks available). read more

Convenient location, right down the street ish from work. It's SUPER busy all the time. I mean SUPER busy. Especially at lunch time and rush hour. Expect to wait and people are kinda rude. Prices are higher than other gas stations in area, which sucks, but I guess because it's convenient I'm willing to pay the extra cash-o-la. The pumps are easy to use and it's usually pretty fast to get in and out once your in. People fly on the El Camino though, so be for-warned. Overall, an A-OK kind of gas station. Wish it wasn't so expensive and busy, but I guess I should expect it being that it's in Palo Alto. I'll continue to return because it's close by. read more

My back two tires were poochy and 9 Minute Lube down the street recommended that I come down here to get my tires checked and patched. Turns out that driving up and down on 101 with all the stupid construction resulted in funky screws in my tires. They patched it up for 18.50 a piece and I was on my way! Great service, fast and they showed me where the patch was and the screwes they plucked out. read more

there have been a lot of reviews about Ravi and his customer service. I cannot speak to those, or for thsoe that made the review. I can only speak of my experience with him. He was the consummate professional. Always treated me with resoect and called back when he said he would. Also the work him and his shop do is amazing. read more

I've had my BWM e90 serviced at Palo Alto Shell for the last two years. The work professionally and efficiently. The shop is kept clean and organized. One thing to note is they have a very advanced road force tire balancer and laser alignment machine at this location. If you do visit this shop, just keep in mind that they charge your credit card inside the gas station. Your credit card company should be on the lookout for a charge or the transaction will be declined. read more

This is an update from my earlier review. As you can see from Kyle's response, he is difficult to deal with. There are other places who can do the job and are helpful and compassionate - best to stay away from this place. read more