Welcome to Surf City USA
Visiting Huntington Beach? Car Help for Travelers
On vacation, visiting family, or just passing through on a road trip down the coast? If your car starts acting up in Huntington Beach, call us first. We’re a family-owned local shop, and we’ll treat you like a neighbor.
Car trouble on vacation or a road trip
- Get safe. Pull off somewhere safe and turn on your hazards. On PCH or the 405, stay clear of traffic.
- Watch for “stop now” signs: a flashing check engine light, a temperature gauge in the red, an oil pressure warning, steam or smoke. Turn the engine off.
- Rental car? Call the rental company first.
- Call us before you tow. Describe what’s happening and we’ll tell you honestly whether it seems drivable and when we can look at it.
- Check your roadside coverage. Insurance, auto club memberships, credit cards and manufacturers often include towing.
More detail: Car trouble while visiting Huntington Beach? Here’s what to do.
Quick diagnostics, honest estimates
When you’re away from home you can’t afford guesswork, and you shouldn’t have to worry about being taken advantage of. We test to find the actual cause, explain it in plain English, and give you a written estimate before any work, as required by California law. If the repair can safely wait until you’re home with your regular mechanic, we’ll tell you that too.
We work on most makes and models. Common road-trip issues we look at include check engine lights, overheating, brake noises, no-start and battery problems and A/C that quits.
Please call to confirm timing. How soon we can look at your car depends on that day’s schedule.
How to get here
From PCH / downtown / the pier
Head north on Beach Blvd, turn left (west) on Ellis Ave, and look for Repair Ln in the Autopark center before Gothard St.
From the 405
Exit at Beach Blvd, head south to Ellis Ave and turn right (west). Repair Ln is in the Autopark center between Beach Blvd and Gothard St.
From Gothard St or Huntington Central Park
Take Gothard St to Ellis Ave and turn east; the Autopark center is just off Ellis.
Map apps: search “18471 Repair Ln, Huntington Beach, CA 92648”. We’re in Suite B (the card reads “18471 B Repair Ln”).
While you wait
For shorter diagnostics you’re welcome to relax in our customer waiting lobby. If your repair will take longer, there’s plenty of Huntington Beach to enjoy, a short drive or rideshare away:
- Huntington Central Park, the city’s large park with walking paths and lakes
- Huntington Beach Central Library, in Huntington Central Park
- Restaurants and shops along Beach Blvd and at nearby shopping centers
- The beach, pier and Main Street downtown, down Beach Blvd toward PCH
For longer repairs, many visitors use a rideshare or taxi to get around.
Questions from visitors & travelers
Can you work on my rental car?
Call your rental company first. Most have their own roadside assistance and rules about where their cars can be repaired. If they approve, call us and we'll let you know when we can look at it.
My car is overheating near the beach. What should I do?
Pull over somewhere safe and turn off the engine. Don't open a hot radiator cap. Call us at (714) 962-2400 and describe what you're seeing; we'll tell you honestly whether it seems safe to drive over.
Can you check my car before a long drive home?
Yes. We can look over the basics that matter on a road trip, such as fluids, brakes, belts, hoses, battery and tires, and tell you what we find. Call ahead so we can plan a time.
Will I know the cost before you start?
Yes. California requires a written estimate and your authorization before work begins, and that's how we always work.
Locals: thanks for sending your friends
Many visitors find us because a Huntington Beach friend or relative told them to call Sam. If you live here, save our number for the next time someone you know has car trouble in town.
Call us first
Before you tow, before you guess: call (714) 962-2400 and talk to a real person at the shop.