Palo Alto Shell

I had a flat tire. So after checking out reviews from Unilocal,i went to the place. They were quick, helpful and tried to identify the lead (although they couldn’t find it). So they just replaced the spare for the original tire (hopefully it doesn’t leak again) and it cost 15 $. Hence was satisfied overall

Stopped by here today expecting to have a nail in my front right tire since it’s been going flat every couple of days for the past two weeks. At first I thought it was because I had a missing valve cap, but I still had the same issue after getting a new one.
Upon my arrival Luis told me that it would only take a couple of minutes to repair if I had a nail and it would only be $ 22. He checked the pressure on all of my tires and when it came to the front right tire he checked the whole tire and noticed that it was the actual valve that was leaking air. He used his handy tool to make one tweak and immediately the air stopped leaking. I was very impressed and offered to pay him for his assistance, but he said «no don’t worry about it».
Fantastic customer service, I will definitely be back!

These guys were awesome. They did my smog check w/​out an appt., after 4:30. Quick, ez.

I’ve been bringing my car in for several years now for a smog check. I never make an appointment. I just pop in, and they take care of it within the half day. They don’t engage in small talk, but they are very professional. Just today, I popped in because I didn’t know how to check my tire pressure. The manager immediately checked all 4 tires, added the air I needed and replaced the missing caps to the pressure valves. I offered to pay, but he said «don’t worry about it, no problem». As always a good solid experience at this Shell station. If you’re looking for a best friend, you’ve come to the wrong place. If you’re looking for good, honest work without attitude, you’ve come to the right place. I highly recommend them!

I’m a repeat customer, and typically have Tire Rack send tires here for any of our family’s cars and have these guys mount and balance them. Sometimes I drop off just the wheels, sometimes the car. They always do a great job for a good price. I dropped by today to get a flat tire checked out and repaired and I was in and out in 15 minutes.

Went in for some turning/​alignment problem, flawless job done on the car. The manager was very good at communicating too.

Got my tires mounted and balanced here.
Car now rides smooth as silk. They did a good and quick job with the full road balance.
Ravi the manager is a no fuss guy. Don’t expect California politeness. This guys are about your car, not about you

I had my check engine light on, and I asked the guys to read the error code and to diagnose the problem. They suggested me to leave the car for about 2 hours and asked for over a hundred for the procedure! I know that the operation of checking the error code takes about 5 minutes, and many other services nearby provide it for free. Therefore, I’d not recommend the place for such kind of issues.

Stopped in for a smog test and was very impressed. Everyone was courteous & professional and I was done in a matter of minutes. When I need anything else done with my car I will definitely go to Palo Alto Shell.

First time I came here a few months ago, I got new windshield wipers and was satisfied with the service. This time I needed brakes. Ravi was very helpful and honest with the estimate. They are quick and offer a shuttle service.

I wasn’t scammed like some other reviewers, but I agree with the guys saying the service here is needlessly rude, at least if you end up dealing with the tan 30something douche who seems to run the place.
One day I call in 20 minutes before closing time to ask if they can fit in one more smog check, and if I can get the $ 39 coupon price. He gives me some lip but eventually answers my question, so I say I’ll try to be there in 10 minutes. I get there in 15 and get greeted with «you were supposed to be here 10 minutes ago» (demonstrating he can’t count any better than he can behave himself) and «you KNOW we’re about to close, right?» (yes, that’s why I called). All this, yet he’s still late in showing up and slow in processing the paperwork.
If you want the same cheap price without the atittude, I recommend Quik Smog in Mountain View (which offers the further advantage of not making you dig through the newspaper for a coupon). When all else is equal, patronize the nicer business, right?
Their gas is a rip anyway — usually 30 cents higher than the Valero in south Palo Alto.

This car service is amazing. I came in with a bad tire and they replaced it with a brand new one. Unfortunately they didn’t have my size but they promised to install it by the day. They even drove me to and from work! It was a great experience. No hassles and great people! Thank you Robby and Irvin!!!

Got a coupon out of one of the Palo Alto freebie papers and was able to just walk in and schedule a smog check at 4:45 on a Friday.
Staff was friendly enough and the lead mechanic took some time to go over what might be causing high numbers on one section of my smog check even though it did pass.
He knew exactly what the causes might be– which isn’t really rare knowledge, but he didn’t have to look it up either, he knew off the top of his head. I looked up causes on the internet later and it was exactly as he mentioned.
I don’t get gas here, too pricey. But while I was there, they were mobbed with people buying gas. Guess that’s Palo Alto for you.

It is a pattern with this businsess. Look at 10/​18/​2013 review… a bunch of scammers. Stay away.
Yesterday at 1 PM came in for a smog check and after 30 minutes, I was told that: (1) my car failed because the Maintenance Engine Soon light was on; (2) obviously they knew it would fail before they started because if any light is on the inspection always fails; (3) they did not bother to inform me before the check because it is not their responsibility; and (4) they would be happy to do a $ 110 diagnostic followed by work, and comp the cost of the smog check. SCAM! Also the entire Smog Test has to be repeated.Sure.why not another $ 35…
I asked the manager to explain to me what the Maintenance Engine Soon has to do with my emission he was cluelss and told me that is why «we go to school and that I should read the car manual».but he could not Explain more. Very rude.
I immediately asked to talk to his manager or owner and was told several times that he cannot provide a number and to come on Monday. I told him that I am not leaving till I talk to the owner or somebody higher then him. He told me that he has all day and I said I do too. The Manager threatened me several times that he will call the cops. I said GREAT lets do that since you guys are a bunch of scammers. He scrambled the phone several times and I asked him «what are you doing. The cops are not here. Call the cops since if you do not I will» .
Then the technician that worked on my car came over and started to explain to me what they think was wrong with my car «Maintenance Engine Soon» but again when you turn the engine on you see that light you do not have to run the emission test and SCREW your customer at the end. As I was in the middle of the explanation the Manager came to the technician and states «YOU DO NOT HAVE TO EXPLAIN HIM ANYTHING, GET BACK TO WORK» Really?
Cops came approached me and said «Did they explain you what was the charges for?». I said on the paper shows Fail and points out to this engine light but as the technician said they are not sure what is wrong but «it affects emissions»…I am still confused why they charged me for something they knew it will fail. This one goes to BBB.
Minute lube offered to check it on Monday free of charge. No $ 110 diagnostic charges…

I’ve been taking both my cars to them for over a year now. I am always pleased with the service and the cost. I live in College Terrace so it is very convenient as well. I recommend this station for auto repairs.

I work in downtown Palo Alto and after a bunch of Unilocal 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.

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.

When I emerged from work one day to find a flat tire, I rolled up my sleeves, put on the donut and cruised in here and they fixed it right away. It was reasonably priced and fast.
I’ve also had an oil change and tire rotation done here. They did the usual car mechanic thing and suggested I do about $ 500 more worth of work, but weren’t pushy and I declined.
They also have some great coupons on their website — check em out!
Bottom line: They get it done, fast and for a reasonable price. Gas is a bit on the pricey side, so you might want to choose a different station for your every day fillups. But hey, this is Palo Alto…

Due to an unfortunate tire accident on the road on a Saturday afternoon, I had to pull over and get my tires fixed right away. This place was soooo kind to me. My car required special tires but the staff ran out to get one to replace it in a matter of hours. I am so not a car-​saavy person, so I was panicking the entire tire, afraid I was going to be ripped off. But the total bill wasn’t scary at all and I appreciate the fact there was a service station still working on a late Saturday afternoon.

***This Shell near Stanford is a decent spot for gas (prices were okay) and offers a Unilocal 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).