I've been going to Cardinal Plaza Shell for several years now, and they've consistently delivered…read morethe best service I've ever experienced at an auto shop. Whether it's something simple like a state inspection or more custom work on my various vehicles, they always take great care of me. One of my favorite things is their text message updates--it makes the whole process so much easier and keeps me in the loop without having to call and check in. What really sets them apart, though, is the personal touch. Every time I walk in, they greet me with a "Hi" or "Good morning"--by name. It genuinely feels like my service center, not just some random place I take my cars. That kind of consistency and friendliness is rare these days. Highly recommend them for anyone looking for honest, reliable, and personable auto service.

10/31/2025: DISHONEST RIP-OFF BUSINESS…read more My wife brought here car in for a simple annual inspection. They failed the vehicle for a cracked tail light lense (see attached photo) which was very minor and has passed for years. There was no water or dirt inside the tail light, all the lights functioned perfectly but most importantly there WAS no holes on the plastic lense until we brought it there; at which time magically a new hole appeared when there never was one. They told my wife the "entire rear assembly on the car needed to be replaced". Of course she shares this information with me after the asshat who works at Cardinal Plaza Shell Station told her it would COST $847.67 to replace it (see attached photo of the estimate). The part from a DEALERSHIP is $300.00. You mean to tell me it costs $547.67 in labor to replace a tail light which consists of four screws and a few light connections?! AVOID this "generational family run establishment" and take your vehicle somewhere that has integrity, doesn't try to take advantage of people especially women.

"Accidentally" fueled my pump with an extra $10 dollars $30 bucks instead of $20 dollars.read more

Gas here is good value. Significantly cheaper than any nearby gas station. I have been going here…read morefor inexpensive gas for a while, and while the lines are long, someone who makes not much money like myself really appreciates the extra dollar or two you save every time you fill up here. However, over the past week I have had a series of issues, alongside extremely poor customer service. I purchased a car wash alongside my gas a few days ago. It was late at night (~10:30pm). It was $8.50. The receipt in the machine did not print, so I could not get my code to use the wash. So, I parked my car, went up to the kiosk, and there was no one there. Waited, I kid you not, like 3 minutes for the guy to come to the front (there was a buzzer, I made sure to hit it when I needed service.). Finally, he printed the receipt for me. With the code on it! But my troubles were in fact far from over. I pulled up to the wash, started entering my code, and the machine said "OUT OF SERVICE, CONTACT MANAGER" on display. Darn. You'd think the guy printing my receipt would tell me that, but things slip peoples minds constantly, so whatever. So I go back to the kiosk. This time I don't have to wait for the guy. He is actually walking out the back. I stop him, tell him that the wash didn't work, and he said something about it missing a part. Okay. I asked for a refund. He said no. What? It's late. I don't have time for this. He told me the code was good for 2 weeks, and I could come back at any point. Okay. Fine. This place isn't far. I'll live. Fast forward a few days and I stop to get my long awaited car wash. Lo and behold, The wash is cheap and bad. It did not use any soap. There are still water marks and pollen stains all over my vehicle! It was no better than just letting my car sit in the rain. Well, crap. So I assume that there's an issue with their car wash, and that I didn't get duped because I like to give people the benefit of the doubt. So, on my way home, I gave them a call. The guy on the other end says there's nothing he can do. No refund, no credit toward another wash, doesn't even want to look at the car and see if something genuinely went wrong. Hangs up on me. How foolish of me! I expected soap, in my car wash. I might still buy gas here. But if I find a place that offers similar prices and has even mediocre customer service, I will start going there in a heartbeat.

Although there is no sign posted, you can play VA Lottery here…read more They do not have the self serve machine so you have to kick it old school and go to the counter for service. The staff did a good job managing the influx of customers who were paying for gas versus lottery tickets. The store is clean too, which is always a plus!

Spacious gas station with plenty of gas pumps and ample room around pumps and the street to…read morenavigate around. Inside the 7-11 (formerly an A-Plus) is an always-clean convenience store with great variety of fresh (e.g., hard boiled eggs, fresh sandwiches, pickles, fruit) and packaged snacks. They even have a grill inside this one where you can place your order at the machines, which makes it so easy to order and customize your food. My husband and I have enjoyed their breakfast and lunch sandwiches here. There's also an Amazon locker on the side.

Still recommend this guy for inspections over 12 years and 5 cars later. You're not gonna get the…read morerunaround and it's all pretty efficient. When I go on my own, the guy still treats me the same as when I go with my husband, so ladies be not afraid. Go in the AM and make an outting of it and go to the Swiss Bakery while you wait. He's happy for you to return a while later. Just walk into the bay where he's working and he'll let you settle up and take your keys.

Fast easy inspection. I've been coming here for all my vehicle inspections. Always helpful and…read morequick. Their hours changed so just be sure to check. Also, arrive at least 2 hours before closing for inspection.

This is our local Arlington Shell station, my family and I have been fueling here for the last…read moredecade. The station is very well maintained outside, clean pumps with hand sanitizers. The station has a convenience store which is also very clean. We shop a lot at giant and always pay on average .30 cents less to their already low price.

Garbage car wash left soap on my car after. Complained to the attendant who gave me another car…read morewash that left soap on my car again and refused to provide a carwash that worked. I had to buy another carwash to get the soap off my car. This place is a scam.

Good deals for the area. There aren't a lot of gas stations here. If playing the low fuel light…read moregame, at least get a few gallons if in this part of the county. They have 87, 89, and 91 octane. For a gas station must say it's quite clean and attractive. Located off the parkway, it is in a good spot. Well illuminated, nice sight lines for safety of patrons. They don't fix cars here, but there's a small convenience store inside. Nice employees, and get that energy drink. If in area come on in, or by all means take a break from driving. Best to be safe.

The only gas station open within 5 miles during a storm that came through and knocked out power to…read morethe entire area. I was on empty, not expecting a storm that came through. I was so happy that this place was open. Every other place was closed because they had no power. And an emergency, I know which gas station to hit up in the area now. Five stars!

Straightforward place to get a registration and emissions inspection. In and out in 10-15 minutes…read more Would definitely recommend.

I have been a regular customer of Backlick Service Station for over 20 years. I have only positive…read moreexperiences. Bill is an honest, hardworking mechanic who offers the best service at the lowest prices possible. He really cares about his customers. I highly recommend this station for all your car needs. It is a family-owned business. Bill and his wife Donna work hard and care about the people. I love pretty flowers that Donna plants to make this gas station very pretty. Remember to bring cash to pay for gas in order to get the lowest gas prices in Annandale.

Honest family run business. Fair prices and quality workmanship. Maintenance and repairs are always…read moredone right the first time.

Quick way to gas up. Their mobile app works fine at this location. There was an odd display in the…read morescreen while I was fielding this time I haven't seen before. Either way quick in and out for gas and on my way. Pretty well taken care of gas station.

Arlington local for over 40 years and this is my goto spot for oil changes, inspection & emissions…read more Had my first repair done and things went smoothly. Better price than the dealership, better customer service and better scheduling availability. A+ service.