Areas served: Lexington, VA and surrounding Rockbridge County
Lexington's auto repair landscape serves both the local community and travelers along Interstate 81 and Route 60. The city's mechanics range from full-service facilities handling domestic and import vehicles to specialized shops focusing on diagnostics, transmissions, or vintage restorations. This directory provides detailed comparisons of certified technicians, service capabilities, and customer feedback across Lexington and Rockbridge County.
H & J Tire Company is a family-owned tire shop and full-service auto repair facility in Lexington, VA, serving VMI, Washington & Lee, and the Rockbridge County community since 1970. With over 100 combined years of staff experience, they specialize in tire sales (including exclusive Hercules dealer status), brake repair, alignments, diagnostics, and preventive maintenance. Known for treating every vehicle like family and following the golden rule, they operate 5 service bays ready for repairs big and small.
“Picked up some tires from here, was able to get me in on a friday so that is good. The lady and older gentleman behind the counter were nice… BUT… i drove home from here, i live about 4 hours away. After 3 hours of driving, i could help feel a strange and very uncomfortable feeling from the rear of my truck. Picture this, you are on ice with a front wheel drive car and your rear just slides back and forth OR If your into games here is another example… Play gta5 and pop the back tires, drive straight (which you can do) then try turning back n forth like switching lanes… the back end is loose. What im getting at is this place did NOT TIGHTEN MY LUG NUTS all the way and for 3 hours i drove with the feeling of every time i switch lanes my trucks rear end would just throw itself pretty much and wobble. Did it so bad i barely moved the steering wheel and it got so bad, back n forth i had to drop 15mph very fast for it to straight back up. All lug nuts on my passenger rear tire were slightly loose. Needless to say but I wouldn’t recommend coming here. Maybe tell your ex wife about this place or someone you really dont like because not paying attention and tightening the lug nuts on your tire… could be the end for you… I have waited a while to post this to make sure it was just the wind or the road and ever since I tightened the lugnuts the truck has driven great. Thanks H&J, you almost got me but luckily the tire stayed on till i could tighten them.”
— Riding with Ryan, Google Review · 4.7 ★ avg from 148 reviewsCooper & Lee's Auto Repair LLC is a full-service auto repair shop in Lexington, VA specializing in both foreign and domestic vehicles. With a 4.8-star rating from over 111 reviews, this locally-owned business has earned a strong reputation for reliable, honest service and skilled technicians who treat every repair with care.
Auto Towing & Repairs is a full-service auto repair and towing shop in Lexington, VA, offering roadside assistance and comprehensive vehicle repairs. With a 4.6-star rating from 81 reviews, they're known for reliable service and quick response times. They serve the local Lexington community and surrounding areas with both emergency towing and scheduled maintenance work.
Oil Exchange and Lube of Lexington provides quick, reliable oil changes and routine maintenance service to Lexington drivers. With a 4.6-star rating from 81 customers, this locally-focused shop is known for fast service and straightforward pricing on essential vehicle upkeep.
Clark's Muffler Shop is a locally-owned auto repair facility in downtown Lexington specializing in muffler service, exhaust systems, and general automotive maintenance. With a 4.6-star rating from 61 reviews, they're known for reliable, straightforward service and fair pricing. Their commitment to customer satisfaction has made them a trusted neighborhood shop for vehicle owners throughout the Lexington area.
S & S Auto Repair Shop is a highly-rated independent auto repair facility in Lexington, VA, serving the local community with reliable vehicle maintenance and repair services. With a 4.9-star rating from 44 reviews, they've built a strong reputation for quality workmanship and customer care. Their long-standing presence on South Main Street makes them a trusted choice for Lexington-area drivers.
Timber Ridge Auto Center is a family-owned auto repair shop in Lexington, VA that has been serving the community since 1997. They provide reliable, affordable, and fast auto repair solutions with a commitment to customer satisfaction and quality workmanship. Their experienced team handles a wide range of vehicle repairs and maintenance services.
Precision Automotive is a full-service auto repair shop in Lexington, VA specializing in diagnostics, maintenance, and repairs for both foreign and domestic vehicles. With a 4.9-star rating from 32 reviews, they're known for honest, reliable service and transparent communication with customers. Their experienced technicians handle everything from routine oil changes to complex engine work.
Midland Trail Tire and Auto Repair is a full-service automotive shop in Lexington, VA offering tire sales, maintenance, and comprehensive repair services for both domestic and foreign vehicles. With a 4.5-star rating from 43 reviews, they're known for reliable service and fair pricing in the community.
Jon's Import Auto Service specializes in repair and maintenance for imported vehicles in Lexington, VA. With a 4.4-star rating from 34 reviews, they've built a reputation for knowledgeable service on foreign makes. The shop focuses on getting import owners the expert care their vehicles need.
Ramseys Import Automotive specializes in repair and maintenance for imported vehicles in Lexington, VA. With a 5-star rating from 10 reviews, they've built a strong reputation for expertise in foreign car service. Their focused specialty in import vehicles means you're working with technicians who understand the specific needs of your car.
Mike's Auto Repair & Welding is a full-service auto repair shop in Lexington, VA specializing in general automotive maintenance, repairs, and welding services. With a 4.1-star rating from local customers, Mike's handles everything from routine service to custom welding work for both domestic and foreign vehicles. They're known for honest, reliable service at competitive prices.
S & J Mobile Mechanic LLC specializes in diesel repair services for semis and trailers, offering 24/7 emergency roadside assistance in Lexington, VA. Their expert mechanics handle everything from coolant leaks to computer diagnostics with quick response times and transparent pricing. They're driven by a commitment to keeping commercial vehicles on the road when you need it most.
R&K Auto Repairs and Mobile Tire Service offers convenient automotive maintenance and repairs in Lexington, VA, with the added benefit of mobile tire service that comes to you. With a perfect 5-star rating across customer reviews, they specialize in making vehicle care accessible and hassle-free for the local community.
J. J. Automotive is a full-service auto repair shop located in Lexington, VA, offering comprehensive vehicle maintenance and repair services. With a perfect 5-star rating from local customers, they provide dependable service for routine maintenance and complex repairs. Their hands-on approach and attention to detail have earned strong trust in the Lexington community.
Ballard & Parker Auto Services Center is a full-service auto repair shop located on Main Street in Lexington, VA, offering general automotive maintenance and repair services. With a focus on personalized service for local vehicle owners, they handle routine maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs for the Lexington community.
Rockbridge Farmers Coop is a full-service farm supply cooperative in Lexington, VA that stocks automotive supplies alongside feed, livestock care products, and farm equipment from trusted brands like Kubota, DeWalt, and Craftsman. They offer delivery, bulk ordering, and in-store pickup to serve the local farming and agricultural community.
H & J Tire Company, Inc is the top-ranked auto repair shop in Lexington with a Lantern Score of 86/100. This family-owned business has served the VMI, Washington & Lee, and Rockbridge County community since 1970, earning a 4.7-star rating from 148 reviews. They offer full-service auto repair, tire sales, brake service, alignments, and Virginia state inspections. Their long-standing reputation for honest service makes them particularly popular with families and parents of college students.
Seven shops in Lexington offer weekend service. Auto Towing & Repairs (#4) provides 24/7 service all weekend. Oil Exchange and Lube of Lexington (#3) is open Saturdays 9 AM-1 PM for quick oil changes. Valvoline Instant Oil Change (#13) operates Saturdays 8 AM-6 PM and Sundays 9 AM-5 PM. For mobile service, SJ Mobile Mechanic (#14) offers 24/7 emergency diesel repair, while R&K Auto Repairs (#15) provides mobile tire service Saturdays 10 AM-6 PM and Sundays 10:30 AM-5:30 PM. Clark's Muffler Shop (#5) and J.J. Automotive (#16) also offer limited Saturday morning hours.
Three shops share perfect or near-perfect ratings: S & S Auto Repair Shop (#6) and Precision Automotive (#9) both have 4.9-star ratings, while Ramseys Import Automotive (#11), R&K Auto Repairs (#15), and J.J. Automotive (#16) have perfect 5-star ratings. Among larger shops with more reviews, Cooper & Lee's Auto Repair LLC (#2) stands out with a 4.8-star rating from 111 reviews, demonstrating consistent quality at scale. H & J Tire Company (#1) maintains a strong 4.7-star rating across 148 reviews.
Ramseys Import Automotive (#11) and Jon's Import Auto Service (#10) both specialize exclusively in imported vehicles, with expertise in European and Asian cars. Ramseys has a perfect 5-star rating from 10 reviews, while Jon's maintains a 4.4-star rating from 34 reviews. For shops that service both foreign and domestic vehicles, Cooper & Lee's Auto Repair (#2) has excellent credentials with a 4.8-star rating from 111 reviews, and Precision Automotive (#9) offers diagnostic and repair services for imports with a 4.9-star rating.
Auto Towing & Repairs (#4) provides 24/7 roadside assistance and emergency towing service throughout Lexington, with a 4.6-star rating from 81 reviews. They're particularly valuable for breakdowns and emergency situations. SJ Mobile Mechanic (#14) also offers 24/7 service, though they specialize in diesel repair for commercial trucks, semis, and trailers. Both shops maintain weekend availability, making them reliable options when you need help outside regular business hours.
Oil Exchange and Lube of Lexington (#3) is specifically known for quick, reliable oil changes and routine maintenance, earning a 4.6-star rating from 81 customers. They're open Saturdays 9 AM-1 PM and focus on time-conscious customers and budget-friendly service. Valvoline Instant Oil Change (#13) is another option with extended weekend hours (Saturdays 8 AM-6 PM, Sundays 9 AM-5 PM), though their 3.9-star rating from 196 reviews is lower than Oil Exchange's rating.
Choose a specialized shop if you drive an import vehicle, need diesel/commercial truck service, or have specific needs like exhaust work. Import specialists like Ramseys Import Automotive and Jon's Import Auto Service have deeper expertise with foreign vehicle systems and diagnostic tools. For diesel trucks, SJ Mobile Mechanic offers specialized commercial vehicle repair. General shops like H & J Tire Company and Cooper & Lee's handle the full range of domestic and foreign vehicles effectively. Consider specialization when your vehicle has unique requirements, complex issues, or when you've had poor experiences with general mechanics unfamiliar with your car's systems.
While specific pricing isn't listed for Lexington shops, this small Virginia college town typically sees rates 10-20% below urban areas. Oil changes generally run $35-75 depending on oil type and vehicle. Brake jobs range from $150-400 per axle. Tire installations average $15-25 per tire plus the tire cost. Virginia state inspections are state-regulated at $20 for standard vehicles. Diagnostic fees typically run $80-120. Shops like Oil Exchange and Clark's Muffler Shop are noted as budget-friendly options. For accurate estimates, call multiple shops—most provide free quotes, and prices can vary significantly between shops for the same service.
Most Lexington shops don't advertise loaner vehicles or shuttle services in their profiles, which is typical for smaller market auto repair shops. However, this doesn't mean these services are unavailable—many shops offer rides within the immediate Lexington area, especially to VMI or Washington & Lee campuses given H & J Tire Company's noted service to these institutions. Your best approach is calling ahead to ask about transportation options. Some shops may arrange rides for major repairs, while others partner with local ride services. Given Lexington's compact size and college-town nature, many customers find walking or arranging pickup feasible for routine maintenance.
For routine maintenance like oil changes and inspections, most Lexington shops can accommodate you within 1-3 days, and quick-service shops like Oil Exchange often accept walk-ins. For more complex repairs, diagnostic work, or specific services, plan for 3-7 days advance notice, particularly during peak times like pre-winter preparation (October-November) or pre-summer road trip season (May-June). The college town dynamic means August-September and January are particularly busy with students returning. Shops serving the college community, like H & J Tire Company, may have longer waits during these periods. Always call ahead—even for oil changes during busy seasons.
Full-service mechanics like Cooper & Lee's Auto Repair and S & S Auto Repair Shop handle comprehensive vehicle repairs including engine work, transmission service, electrical systems, and diagnostics alongside basic tire service. Tire-focused shops like H & J Tire Company specialize in tire sales, mounting, balancing, and alignment, though many also offer brake service and inspections. Tire specialists typically stock wider tire selections and have more sophisticated alignment equipment. For complex mechanical issues unrelated to tires, full-service shops are better equipped. However, for tire purchases, alignments, or issues affecting ride quality and tire wear, tire specialists often provide superior expertise and selection.
Mobile mechanics like R&K Auto Repairs and SJ Mobile Mechanic offer genuine advantages for specific situations—R&K's 5-star rating from 6 reviews demonstrates quality service, and mobile mechanics eliminate towing costs and save you time. They excel at routine maintenance, tire service, battery replacement, and minor repairs. However, they're limited by what they can accomplish without lift equipment and specialized diagnostic tools. Complex repairs requiring heavy equipment, alignment services, or extensive diagnostics still need traditional shops. Mobile mechanics work best for fleet vehicles, busy professionals, or when a vehicle is immobile. For major repairs, established shops like H & J Tire Company or Cooper & Lee's offer more comprehensive capabilities.
If you drive a diesel-powered vehicle—whether a light-duty truck like a Ford F-250/F-350, Ram 2500/3500, or commercial semi-truck—specialized diesel knowledge matters significantly. Diesel engines have fundamentally different fuel injection systems, turbochargers, exhaust aftertreatment systems (DEF/DPF), and maintenance requirements than gasoline engines. SJ Mobile Mechanic in Lexington specializes in diesel repair for commercial trucks and offers 24/7 emergency service. For light-duty diesel trucks, ask general mechanics about their diesel experience—shops like H & J Tire Company serving truck owners may have diesel-certified technicians. Diesel-specific issues like injector problems, turbo failures, or emissions system faults require specialized diagnostic equipment and training that general mechanics may lack.
H & J Tire Company (#1) explicitly serves VMI and Washington & Lee students and is noted as ideal for parents wanting transparent service for their college-age kids' vehicles—their 50+ year reputation and 4.7-star rating from 148 reviews provides peace of mind. Students should establish a relationship with a local shop early in the semester rather than waiting for problems. Many shops may offer student-friendly payment plans or parent billing arrangements—ask when you call. Keep up with Virginia state inspections (required annually), which cost $20 by state regulation. For quick maintenance between semesters, Oil Exchange and Lube of Lexington offers Saturday hours. Students should also save the number for Auto Towing & Repairs (24/7 roadside assistance) for emergencies.
Virginia requires annual safety inspections for all registered vehicles, checking brakes, lights, tires, steering, suspension, exhaust systems, and emissions (for applicable vehicles). The state-regulated fee is $20 for most vehicles. Most full-service shops in Lexington perform inspections, including H & J Tire Company, Cooper & Lee's Auto Repair, and Clark's Muffler Shop. Inspections typically take 30-45 minutes if no issues are found. If your vehicle fails, the shop must provide a detailed rejection report, and you have up to 15 days to make repairs and return for re-inspection (often free at the same shop). Schedule inspections before your current sticker expires—expired inspections can result in traffic stops and fines. Many shops can perform inspections same-day, but call ahead during peak months.