Stress-Free Auto Care

Reviews

Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.

  Caleb Hammon
2 months ago
Overall I am satisfied with my experience at Stress-Free Auto Care. I received good, quality customer service from Joseph. Once the diagnostic was complete and I d received a quote for repairs, the bill was going to be more than I could afford. Joseph was very helpful in pointing out the high priority repair items that were in my price range. Ended up getting sway arm bushings replaced and I can tell a huge improvement in the driving and handling of my CRV so far. Thanks for the help Joseph and SFAC team. I will be back!

  Eric Ballelos
3 months ago
I've brought my car to them three times for three different issues and they did a great job fixing those issues. Have been driving my car for the last month with a few longer road trips and the price was definitely worth the piece of mind I received knowing the car is where it needs to be.Very communicative via text message and email, which makes it easier to record keep. Also the late night pickup box is also helpful for those with long work hours.Will continue to business with again while I'm living in the area. 5

  Quentin Y
2 months ago
Update:Rhett got in touch with me and did a great job communicating with me to quickly finding a solution to the issue. Consequently, I'm amending my review based on the recent updates. Overall, I'm satisfied with the work that was done!----------------------------------------------I strongly recommend that you do NOT go there. I brought in my 12-year old car to have the rear brakes (pads and rotors only) replaced and they charged me about $1000 for it. I've had my brakes replaced several times before at different shops and it's never cost me more than $375.They suggested that I start with a multi-point inspection, which I declined at first. Then they told me that the cost of the inspection would be deducted from the total cost if I decide to proceed with the work. So I agreed. That turned out to be a fib.They charged me $300 for a set of rotors. I called a few auto car stores to inquire about the price of rotors. I used the part numbers in the invoice. I was quoted $40-$60. I understand that mechanics often mark up the parts they install. But a 500-700% markup is totally unreasonable!They charged me $450 for labor on the brake replacement on a single axle! That's over 2-3X more than what other car shops charge.I reached out to them to inquire about the extra charges on my invoice and to see what could be done to remedy the situation. They never responded and completely ignored me.This, in my opinion, is a classic case of a mechanic ripoff, and could explain why this shop isn't registered with the Better Business Bureau. So, unless you have unlimited money, I suggest you go somewhere else.

  Paul Kirincich
2 months ago
First few experiences were very good. After today, not going back as I don't trust them. They seem to do aggressive up-selling. Took a Subaru with 24k miles in for an oil change and tire rotation. Was quoted over $300. When I questioned the #, they immediately took off the "engine cleaner" which I have never heard of in an oil change before. After inspecting the car, they tell me I need 2 new front tires (look find to me) and an alignment; "they happen to have 2 great tires available" to sell me. Decline that but had the bad judgment to accept the brake and coolant flush services. Bill comes to nearly $800. When I question that, they quickly make an adjustment to bring it to closer to $700.

  Taha Belkhouja
5 months ago
The service here was really great! This was my first time going to this shop and the staff at the office was very professional and taking notes of what I need to be inspected in the car. Their report was thorough with pictures, and the best, everything can be done online. I didn't have to stay in the shop if I had questions or suspecting something. They reply quickly and with enough details. Based on my previous experiences, all these were a first. I feel relieved I have chosen this place for my car!They were prompt and honored their repair timeline

  Joop Verbaken
a month ago
They have their communication with the customer in voice, text and video.They are somewhat on the expensive side without showing that they ask market prices.We got a surprise with no delivery of a tire to them, that made it an extra day with no car.Luckily we used the Palo Alto Link App with rides door $3.50 and $1 for seniors.Stress Free Auto Care could promote them to transport their customers to and from their garage.

  Muhammad Abdulla
5 months ago
I've lived in the area for a year now and have struggled to find a reliable auto care business I can go to consistently. The workers at Stress-free Auto Care seemed to really prioritize my needs, my time, and my budget.My car battery was having issues and they repaired everything quickly and efficiently, and were even willing to take a look at other unrelated issues I was having. The ability to pay by phone and pick up after hours was a life saver as well.In particular, Abdullah made me feel extremely welcome and kept me informed every step of the process. He's honestly the reason I can safely say I will be returning to Stress-Free Auto in Menlo Park whenever I have any car issues.

  Bev
2 months ago
Bought a used car and took it in for an inspection and oil change at 8.30am on a Saturday. The inspection found that the car was in good shape but had wear and tear on almost everything (which was expected after 15 years and 140k miles ). They recommended I replace tires and many other items, but I didn t feel that they were upselling me as the inspection report made available to me contained pictures of every part of my car. You could clearly see that my tires were cracked and that my serpentine belt was worn out. Some parts that were recommended to replace, the techs immediately changed their mind when I mentioned I was a student and didn t drive much. Within four hours, they not only completed all the inspections and services I requested, but they even fixed problems with the car that I wasn t even aware of (terribly rancid filters causing terrible air quality in the car) and given the amount of work done on the car, the price was definitely fair.

  John Williams
a month ago
Go see Naeem and Peter at Stress-Free Auto Care in Menlo Park. Naeem is an amazing kind hearted man. I called him as I was leaving Stanford for an appointment for my mom and let him know one of my rear brake calipers had somehow worked itself loose. He was very kind and told me to bring my car by and he would squeeze us in to take a look and see if he could fix the problem so we could make it safely back home to Modesto. They were very busy, but he was a man of his word and got my car in and was able to fix it and allow my mom and I to make it safely back home. Much to our surprise, he did this at no charge, no matter how many times I ask him to charge me. He was also very interactive and outgoing to every other client that came to his shop while I was therefor help/appointments. If you need your car worked on, even for something as simple as new tires, this is the place to be. Peter is also a kind man and one hell of a mechanic! Thanks again for your care and time gentlemen!

  Leona Chen
5 months ago
I was impressed with their honesty and professionalism, and I will trust them with my cars.Last Monday, I had a low tire alert when I was on I-280 for a destination in Palo Alto. As I exited and got onto a local road, my car dashboard said, "Pull over safely." I had to google "nearest tire repair shop open now." I was so relieved to find the nearest place with great reviews called Stress-Free Auto Care.The staff at the office was friendly and understanding, although I was a bit hysterical since the chance of running late to work was getting higher. I've got updates as the staff had informed me when the technician started to work on my car and the inspection result. The flat tire was not repairable, and the other rear tire was close to the end of its life. The technician recommended replacing them both. I usually consult with my husband, car-guy, but he was out of town, so I decided on my own to replace them both. The staff gave me another timeline, which frightened me because I had to pick up my child in SF. The reason for the "delay" was that a technician had to go get the tires for my car. That was reasonable, and they updated me when they started working on the vehicle.I went to the office 15 minutes earlier than the estimated completion time and was soon notified that one of the tires was defective. It was one of those days. It wasn't their fault. It was just an unfortunate situation both parties got thrown into. They offered to give me a lift and have it ready by the next day, but I live 45 minutes away from them, and I don't come to Menlo Park or Palo Alto every day, so it was not a great option. The other option was getting the flat tire replaced only for the day.I noticed a guy from the tire shop arrived and overheard the technician point out how the tire was defective, and the tire shop person tried to manipulate and wrestle with it for a while. Eventually, I had to tell them I had to go now since my daughter would arrive home in 40 minutes. The staff at the office sincerely apologized for the inconvenience and offered me a discounted price, which was a pleasant surprise.Later in the day, I shared my experience with my husband, and he was so impressed with the technician and the business's work ethic because some technicians may not care to do the same since people like me will only know once they tell me. He was also surprised they could get tires for my car on the same day, which is often not the case.That's why I feel compelled to share my experience with others with this long review.Service: Tires

  Molly Denlinger
5 months ago
Would not suggest going here if you do not have background knowledge on cars. I went here to get an estimate and they told me it would be a couple grand because I would need to get all 4 tires replaced and all new struts. I knew this was a lie since my back tires are currently in great condition, so I left and got an estimate somewhere else. At the next shop, was reassured that my back tires were still in perfect condition and I only needed 2 new tires and did not need any new struts.

  HE Wei
6 months ago
I had a low tire alert the night before and found this shop to try to get it fixed the following day before work. It turned out that the low temperature triggered my tire alert. They checked my car fast without charging me because it was not broken. I was so happy, and I would recommend their service to others.

  Jillian S
5 months ago
The associate I worked with was friendly, but beyond that I can t recommend this place. I brought my car in to have a flat tire fixed, which I was told would take about an hour. Two hours later, I received the results of a courtesy inspection that I didn t ask for and wasn t told about up front, with an estimate of $3000+ of repairs. After I accepted some of these services (and refused the vast majority), I was told they can t actually fix my flat after all. It should not have taken two hours to get that diagnosis.

  Mia Finau
2 months ago
Honestly I don't know where to start and to explain my experience with this shop the 5 star is not enough it should be a 10. We got ripped off by different shops and they kept stating the same thing it's my break. When I explained my situation to Albert he straight book me an appointment to bring it in the next morning, OMG I must admit they were on it, literally updated me with my vehicle. As soon they were done picked up my vehicle and didn't even have any more noise that chunky noise uughhh we were happy campers we found this shop and I have to say if you want to spent a little more and good quality take it in to Albe and crew at Stres Free Auto Shop they got you. Thank you Albert and your crew for being Honest Trustworthy and reliable now we don't have anyone staring at us cause the noise of our vehicle LOL. Thank you again Blessed rest of the year.

  Jordan Harris
5 months ago
What an amazing experience, they took over 40 photos of various areas of my car that can experience wear and tear so I knew 100% almost of what the situation is and what could use work or attention, or not worry about. Massively thorough, like a better, more affordable dealership, but you definitely get your money s worth. 100% pay for your next oil change to get the sitrep on your vehicle MINIMUM.Service: Oil change

  lawrence dorfman
6 months ago
I recently had a very positive repair experience at Stress-Free Auto Care, Menlo Park. I had intermittent starting problems. Instead of replacing the starter and/or alternator, Michael at the front desk let me know that the electrical system check did not find any problems. He suggested that I drive it until the problem occurs again and tow it in as is without jumping it so they could check the electrical system in the failed mode.This happened within 2 days. I brought it in and they found that there were some loose or missing shims that should not have been there at the positive battery terminal connection. A new battery cable would have cost $300, but Michael figured a way to repair it without the new cable for $40.Stress-Free was honest and innovative in repairing the car. I appreciated the workmanship, keeping me informed on what was happening while they had the car and fixing it at a minimal cost.Service: Electrical

  Angela Wu
4 months ago
Wonderful experience with these guys. They are super responsive and patient, and got the repairs done within the day so I could have my car back. Would come back!

  Lisiate Tulua (L S T)
9 months ago
I came across "Stress Free Auto Care" in my search for a same day brake job. After hearing that 3 other places were fully booked or can't promise me anything, Albert at Menlo Park was a breath of fresh air when he said, "Sure, we can take care of you." I had to ask again for reassurance, and he said, "no problem we can get it done today." The NAME says it all! Stress-Free! WOW! Albert was very professional and clear in explaining the process. Text alerts with photos and quotes for my approval.Highly recommended! A TRUE 5 STAR service and experience! I was asked for my "honest review" and I gladly give it! We all hate when our cars need service but I am sure glad I can come back to a place that can get the job done, even on a drop-in basis. THANK YOU from a very satisfied customer.

  Andy Yang
4 months ago
Got my tires installed here. Completed same day, reasonable prices, comprehensive report, and good text updates. Would come here again.

  Walter Barker III
3 months ago
My car died at the station next door. I went over to ask for help and they came out immediately. Very nice knowledgeable staff. I will be back if need be

  Joonja Kim Lee
2 months ago
They pleasantly accommodated my urgent need of car repair just driving in without appointment.

  Margie Roginski
a year ago
I ve been to Stress-Free many times and it is always a good experience. They are transparent about what needs to be done and thoughtful about your needs. Price always seems reasonable. Most recently, Albert and his team went out of their way to get our headlight and ballast fixed quickly so that my daughter could take the car back to college. I really appreciate that they know me and my cars and bent over backward to help me out very last minute!Service: General repairs & maintenance

  Luis Ramirez
11 months ago
For a shop to be named stress free auto care it did the exact opposite of that. I came into the shop to have my AC fixed. I had recharged my AC with Freon, prior to attempting to bring the car in and was able to get cold air for about a week before it began blowing hot air again. My initial thought was I may potentially have a leak somewhere. I explained this to the gentleman working at the desk and he instantly told me we still need to recharge it with Freon ourselves as people tend to not recharge properly and also those canisters are cheap . I already had a bad gut feeling about the shop from not only the interaction but also the way in which the guy was talking to me as if I was incompetent. He also asked if I wanted the rest of the vehicle to be inspect which I clearly said I did not. Yet they did it anyway and shortly after sent me a list of things I should replace, really pushing it on me as well continuing to ask for my approval to go ahead and order these parts and fix my car up. I clearly stated I only wanted my AC to be serviced. He then claimed to tell me the AC had passed a leak test and was blowing cold air. About 5 minutes after, I received another update saying there is actually an issue with my AC and that it was not working. They stated they ran tests and it looked like the AC may have a clog in the AC condenser or AC evaporator. So I asked which is it to which the reply I got was well we recommend you switch out both because it could be either of the two or both. It s very concerning to hear that the shop is not even sure which component it is. To my very unpleasant surprise he claimed for both parts each were roughly about $300-350 parts and claiming it would be $3k worth of labor. I strongly suggest you don t visit this shop at all. They want to up charge you and try and replace parts in your vehicle that they are even unsure would fix your issue. I picked up my vehicle and still had to pay $24 for Freon and $270 labor for simply recharging the Freon which I had already done previously.

  Simone Verbaken
5 months ago
Highly recommend. I popped in with a simple problem, they helped me right away and wouldn't even let me pay. Will definitely be coming back. Location is also convenient and easy to find.

  Sarah Guy
10 months ago
Had my tires replaced after they were slashed. Easy to have my car dropped by the towing company. The guys at stress free auto care helped me select the right tires for my vehicle. Excellent communication throughout the process and easy payment.

  Natasha Abadilla Glenn
9 months ago
I *highly recommend* Stress-Free Auto Care to anyone who needs any help with their car, is worried about something car-related, or just wants a routine tune up! My "Check Engine" light turned on all of a sudden, and I realized that I hadn't had my 2005 Toyota Corolla Sport serviced since before the pandemic, and Albert and the staff calmed my worries and ran diagnostics on my car, then followed up quickly over text (super helpful while I was at work and couldn't take a call) regarding what needs to urgently be attended to (transmission plate replacement, which another mechanic identified was an issue prior to me taking my car here) vs other things they found that can wait. Unlike other mechanic shops I've been to, it feels like they're very honest and genuine here and wasn't looking to upsell me or rip me off.Also, it was SUPER helpful that they have a secure key drop box and key lockers so that I could drop off and pick up my keys after hours. If you work long hours or are very busy and never can seem the time to run errands during normal business hours, this is an added bit that truly made my whole experience stress-free. Mahalo, Albert and staff, for your great service!

  tyler chapman
6 months ago
Great experience. They were able to get me in on short notice. Customer service was great, very easy to communicate with over text. They even gave me an Uber credit.

  Donald Johnson
2 months ago
Joseph was amazing and went above and beyond to service and repair my daughter s vehicle. Definitely the place to go for auto service!

  JI L
2 years ago
My infiniti G37 has a water pump problem and needed a replacement. They promised to get it down in 2 days, but ended up finishing it in 6 days. The worst part is that they didn't bleed the coolant system!! It leads to the system in short of more than 1L coolant. When I was test-driving the vehicle, the engine got overheated again!!!! I might have blown up my engine head gasket due to their unprofessional repair. Horrible experience.Service: General repairs & maintenance

  Oshri Afanzar
4 months ago
This review was written maybe 5 years ago:The experience over the phone and coming in was excellent and exceptional honesty.Here I edit the review due to a visit I had to the shop a little more than a year ago:I was a consumer of this shop for a couple of years, coming in mostly for oil changes and minor works. About ~1year ago I had a failure in the car that rendered it useless. I towed the car to Auto Care in Menlo park to be diagnosed. The staff diagnosed the failure as faulty transmission and priced the repair close to 10k USD. To be on the safe side I towed the car to a transmission specialist in SF who diagnosed that there is no transmission failure, rather a broken axle shaft that was replaced for 400 USD. If I had followed the advice of Stress-Free Auto Care mechanics I would have paid a lot of money that would not resolve the problem. My impression is that they were not proficient enough to do more than oil change. Ever since that event I avoid visiting their shop.