Automotive: Best Auto Repair

1. ExperTec Automotive

Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach; 949-645-7722, 714-848-9222; expertecautomotive.com

ExperTec Automotive has won the hearts of Orange County residents for six consecutive years. This family-owned business began serving the communities of Huntington Beach and Costa Mesa back in 1993. Today, both locations are run by president Roy Daneshavke, vice president Gary Frahm and general manager Gary McMann, as well as several qualified service advisers, assistants, and technicians.

Like other repair shops in the area, ExperTec provides a variety of general repair services ranging from anything under the hood to tires and headlights. However, this repair shop also caters to fleet vehicles, classic cars and hot rods, and even hybrids. In addition to providing exemplary service to its customers, ExperTec also maintains close ties with the community.

“The more we serve our community … the stronger we get!” – a striking statement boldly announced on the company’s website that is nothing short of the truth. ExperTec has been committed to assisting in the development of the surrounding community by participating in various charity and fundraising events. In 2022, the company lent a helping hand to the Boy Scouts of America, the Newport and Costa Mesa Police Departments, and Surf City USA, among others!

No matter the make and model, ExperTec prioritizes the customer’s needs and budget. “They are always courteous, professional, and greet you with a smile,” said a Yelp review by customer Shelley B. of Irvine, who has been bringing her car to ExperTec for three years. “They are honest and have never tried to sell me on repairs or products I don’t need.”

MINDY SCHAUER, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER ExperTec Automotive technician Juan Martinez etches a catalytic converter with the car’s license plate number in Huntington Beach in November 2021.

— Kenya Barrett

2. Britton’s Automotive

17242 Gothard Street, Suite C, Huntington Beach; 714-841-5701; brittonsautomotive.com

What began as a fascination with autopmobiles for the Britton brothers at a young age has transformed into a wildly successful repair shop nearly four decades later. This family-owned auto repair shop is more than just a business — it’s a brotherhood between Cameron and Bruce Britton who have developed their hobby into a thriving facility in Huntington Beach.

Their sole location offers an array of services including engine repairs, brakes and suspension, air conditioning and transmission repairs as well as electrical work. If you’re in need of a car inspection or a towing service, no worries — Britton Automotive has got you covered.

With all work handled by ASE certified mechanics, customers are immediately educated on the vehicle’s needs and provided solutions to best care for the car’s needs the moment they enter Britton’s Automotive. From the start to finish, Britton’s aims to perform necessary maintenance and even provide information to prevent additional issues from occurring in the future.

Mission Viejo Transmission is not your ordinary repair shop. It has become popular due to its well-received “Girls in the Garage” community event. Owner Kevin Hurley was initially approached with the idea by Cheryl Carrera, a local real estate agent. Carrera was interested in the auto shop’s repair team giving eight of her clients an educational demonstration of how to perform simple vehicular tasks including fluid level and tire pressure checks.

“From there, the idea took flight,” states Hurley on the company site. “But we had never hosted an event like this before — so we were skeptical about how successful it was really going to be.”

The event has since become a hit within the community and has managed to draw in crowds of more than 8,500 women since its debut. Guests can look forward to the opportunity on the first Wednesday of every quarter.

3. Mission Viejo Transmission

27210 La Paz, Suite J, Mission Viejo; 949-583-1828; mvtransmission.com/girls-garage.asp