Auto Mechanic in Smithtown, NY
Let our experienced team take care of your car — and you
When something goes wrong with your car, you want a mechanic who will tell you what it is, what it will cost, and what can safely wait. A & R Auto Repair has been doing that on Long Island since 1977, and our ASE-certified mechanics work out of our shop at 376 E Main St in Smithtown, NY.
We are a full-service shop rather than a specialist, so the same mechanics handle an oil change, a check-engine light, a brake job and an engine repair. That matters more than it sounds, because problems rarely arrive labeled. A noise at the front of the car can be brakes, suspension or a wheel bearing — working out which one it actually is is the job, and it is the part a parts-swapping shop skips.
What our customers say
Rated 4.9/5 from 325+ Google reviews
“Great communication, helpful service and fair prices. So glad to have found this mechanic shop since moving to the St. James area!”
“Having a good reliable local mechanic is very important. A&R exceeds all expectations. Their online booking system is especially convenient for making an appointment.”
“Staff was great. Made me feel like I was a regular even though it was my first time. Will definitely use them again.”
What our mechanics work on
Everything below is done in-house by our own ASE-certified mechanics, on every make we service. If you are not sure which one you need, that is what a diagnosis is for — describe the symptom and we will find the cause.
What happens when you bring your car in
Every vehicle we work on gets a full digital inspection. Our mechanics photograph what they find — the worn brake pad, the leaking gasket, the tire down to the wear bars — and send it to you, so you are looking at your own car rather than a line on an invoice.
Nothing gets done without your approval. You see what we found, what we recommend, and what can wait until next time, and you decide. If a repair is not worth doing on a car of that age or value, we will tell you that too.
What ASE-certified actually means
ASE stands for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. Its certifications are not a one-time badge — a technician has to prove hands-on experience, pass the exams, and then re-certify every five years to keep them. It is the closest thing the trade has to a common standard, and it is why an independent shop can hold the same qualification a dealership does.
It also means the diagnosis comes first. Our mechanics are trained to test a system before replacing anything in it, which is how you avoid paying for a part that was never the problem.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between an auto mechanic and an auto repair shop?
In practice, none — an auto repair shop is where mechanics work, and most people use the two interchangeably. What actually differs between shops is whether the mechanics diagnose before they replace, whether they show you the evidence, and whether the work is guaranteed. Ours is backed by a 12-month/12,000-mile warranty.
Will you tell me what's wrong before you start any work?
Always. Every vehicle gets a digital inspection with photographs, and you see those findings and approve the work before anything is touched. You will also be told what does not need doing yet — that list matters as much as the repair list.
Do you work on my make?
Almost certainly. We service 27 makes, from Toyota, Honda and Ford through to Subaru, Lexus and Porsche, and we still look after discontinued marques like Pontiac, Scion and Hummer whose owners cannot find anyone else. There is a page for each make with the models we see most.
How do I know a repair is actually necessary?
Because you see it. The digital inspection photographs the problem, so a worn part is something you can look at rather than take on trust. And we separate what needs doing now from what can wait, rather than presenting one number and hoping you say yes.
Do I need an appointment, or can I just come in?
We prefer appointments. Booking ahead lets us set aside the right time and the right technician for your car. If something has gone wrong unexpectedly, give us a call anyway — we will do what we can to fit you in.
Will using an independent mechanic void my factory warranty?
No. Under the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a manufacturer cannot require dealer servicing to keep your factory warranty valid. We service to the factory schedule and document every visit, so your records stand up if you ever need to claim. You can read the law itself on the Federal Trade Commission's website.
Find Quality Auto Repair Shop Nearby
Providing Expert Car Care and Maintenance in Smithtown, NY and the Surrounding Areas
Situated in the heart of Smithtown, A & R Auto Repair is proud to serve as a trusted destination for drivers seeking reliable and affordable automotive care. With ASE-certified technicians and a 12-month/12,000-mile warranty, our team ensures every vehicle receives expert attention—whether it’s routine maintenance or complex repairs. Conveniently located on East Main Street, our shop is easily accessible to residents throughout the area and neighboring communities.
We’re honored to serve customers not only in Smithtown but also in many surrounding towns across Long Island.
- Lake Grove
- Ronkonkoma
- Central Islip
- Deer Park
- Dix Hills
- Brentwood
- Huntington
- Northport
- Islandia
- Holbrook
