Jin’s Shell Services

This has been my go to gas station for three years. Not anymore.
My credit card details were skimmed here. I have a card that I only use for gas, and I haven’t purchased gas at another station since I’ve had this card. It was a newer card, so it’s annoying that I’ve had to have the bank replace it so quickly. Fortunately my bank is great and I’m not on the hook for hundreds of dollars worth of junk I didn’t purchase.
Less annoying, but still a pain; the car wash doesn’t always work. About a month ago my brother and I decided to purchase a much needed wash for his car. We paid for it at the pump and drove over to the car wash line after we were done filling up. We sat in line for twenty minutes and finally made it to the machine where we input the code. We use the code and throw the receipt away. We drive in and… nothing. We reverse a little bit in case there’s some sensor we missed. Nothing. We drive forward again. Nothing. We wait for about a minute. Nothing. We pull all the way through so we don’t hold up the line and figure we can easily sort it out with the clerk inside. Nope. She insists that we didn’t pay for the wash because you can’t pay for them at the pump. That’s a surprise considering we’ve been paying for them at the pump for three years. We then have to go back over to the machine and search for our receipt. Fortunately we missed the trash can when we tossed the receipt, so we didn’t have to dig through a gross trash can. Had we needed to do that, we probably would have said forget it. We take the receipt inside to show the cashier we’re not a couple of thieves looking to get a free car wash, and suddenly, «Oh yeah! You CAN pay for a wash at the pump!» and now the problem is that we drove in too fast. We definitely didn’t since we were going at a snail’s pace, but okay, whatever. We’re given a new code, and back to the car wash line we go. Another twenty minutes of our lives stuck in a line and on this attempt we drive through at the same speed (I don’t think it would have been possible for us to go any slower than we did the first time through) and it works just fine.
If you have to go here, use cash only and keep your receipt if you get a car wash. However, there are a lot of gas stations in the area. Skip this one and go somewhere else.

Oh brother, don’t bother. Stopped by for a car wash, waited in line while 3 cars passed through. Drive in, car is sprayed, I drive to the next area, and the machines start flashing the back-​up signs at me. So I do, and then the brushes don’t activate. Wait a minute or so. Finally drive out the other side with a wet car, go inside and say I’d like a refund. You could tell by the way the cashier stared disinterestedly at her manicure during our conversation that her customer service skills were unlikely to be inspiring. «Do you have a receipt?» she asked. (The machine does not issue receipts, although I seem to remember it once did; I’m sure she knows this.) No, I say. «Is this your first time driving through this car wash?» No, I reply, I’ve used it before, though I’m not sure why that matters. She then proceeds to criticize me for driving through too fast. She’s making no effort to open the cash register; she wants me to know this is my fault. There is a brief interlude when a customer comes in, asks to use the restroom, and is shown the sign saying the bathroom is out of order. «It’s only been out of order for 4 months,» the guy says as he shakes his head and exits. I tell the dark mistress of the finicky car wash that I’d just like a refund. She refuses, saying, «There are only two cars in line now. You go back through and press the attendant button when you get there.» I’m a good 25 minutes into this ordeal by the time I get back to the car wash entrance, where she makes me wait 2 minutes or so before coming outside to enter the code, although not before she again chastises me for not driving through correctly. «You have to drive through slow. You can’t go fast. You go too fast, it messes up the machine.» «Alright, alright.» I’m begging now — I really want to get out of this place as fast as I can, and I’m being told I need to drive slow. Lastly, «the code» mentioned on the wash sign is misleading. It says on the sign, «Code is good for 7 days.» But it’s good *once* for 7 days and can’t be used again. So, should you be in line with several cars in back of you and purchase a code before suddenly being pulled up into an alien spacecraft via tractor beam, apparently you can use the code after the aliens deposit you and your still-​dirty car elsewhere, presumably within 7 days of said abduction. Otherwise, I’m not quite sure how it’s unlike any other car wash, where you pay for the wash you get and that’s that. In the end, half an hour for a $ 10 car wash that wasn’t any better — and quite a bit more frustrating — than just down the street at Overland and Jefferson at Chevron for $ 5. No more Shell games for me, thank you.

Nothing works! The pumps are dead slow, bathroom out of order and all coffee machines out of service. Avoid this dump.

Carwash only accepts small cash bills (unless perhaps you prepay, but be prepared to wait if you do seek service inside). Wash itself did not do much in terms of cleaning; left lots of dirty streaks and hard water spots. Despite the disappointing wash, still expect to wait in a long line of cars.

I’m very surprised at the negative reviews. I’ve always like Jin’s Shell for both the convenience to my house, the service and the cleanliness. This is my go-​to gas station and place to pick up little items like sodas, etc. I’m here @ once per week and have always had good service. A few things in the comments I want to refute: One guy said the car wash won’t take a Prius. I’m not sure what he did, but I’ve washed my wife’s Prius here many times. It takes a Prius or any other car. There is usually a line on weekends for a wash, but it’s not the fault of the service station. It’s a machine and there’s a demand. What can you do? Also, someone complained about Sylvia. She’s always been very nice to me, as has the rest of the staff. Much cleaner and better lit than a normal gas station. Bathroom clean too. My only complaint they can fix is that they often times don’t have milk. It seems to come in once a week or something and I’m always there too many days after it ships in. I’ve been going to 711 on Sepulveda now for my quick milk needs. Jin, you can get my milk biz back, if you deliver more quickly. Also, a beer/​wine license would make you a few bucks. The only other bummer is that it’s very slow to turn west/​left on Culver at either the light on Motor or out of the station. I guess this is a function of the city and not the station’s fault, but I do pass up Jin’s occasionally when I’m in a hurry because of this. Overall, I’m a big Jin’s Shell fan and think it’s a big asset to the neighborhood. I really appreciate that it’s always clean and very well lit at night. The best gas station near downtown Culver City for sure. Thanks, Jin.

Terrible. Waited over half and hour for a wash, finally got into the wash and for some reason the machine doesn’t work with a Prius. No attendants around to help out. Don’t waste your time here

So much improvement on service!!! I used to come here because they close to my office but last time i went there on Thursday, The worst service i have ever experienced at this gas station. I walked into pay for my gas and asked the cashier help me something, then she gets an attitude, rude, unhelpful, mean, discourteous to me. Terrible service! The manager has got to get new employee here !!! (She name is Slyvia i saw on her shirt)
I am not going back!!! Not Anymore!!!

Refuse to fix the nozzle on the air machine instead of putting air it actually takes out more air from your tires. Informed them a couple of times regarding it …

this place would be better off if it only served gas– I’ve had several encounters with a gentleman that works there. 1^st time i wanted some cigars and he went on a rant about how good in shape he is and why do people smoke– like i care– sell me the cigars and keep your comments to your self– and today was the icing on the cake. Purchased two Rockstars and asked for a bag– told me it would be ten cents and he thought i had a problem paying ten cents– like really. i even told him to keep the change and he told me to get out! No problem– wont be spending my dollars here. And i will gladly relay the info to the thousands of employees across the street you donkey!!!

Seems clean and well-​maintained.
The car wash seems pretty good; quick and not expensive.
Good location — when you’re heading into town from the Westside.
Plus, you can see the Backstage Bar and think of fond memories downing some Culver City Sluts.

I have, twice, encountered your employee Silvia. She was very rude with both encounters. First encounter I had just finished washing my car and asked if there was a restroom. She just rolled her eyes and picked up the phone and called someone. This was almost 5 months ago. Second encounter (today) i just finished washing my car again and i needed to put air in my tires. I asked her if she would make change for me and she rolled her eyes again and said i need to purchase something or wait for someone to purchase something in cash for her drawer to open. I said ok ill buy something. I look around the store, pick up a bottle of water and as i walked toward the register, she sees me waking toward her as she’s finishing up with a customer and she slams the drawer closed. i was like «oh hell no» lol i did not come in demanding or rude so i didn’t see why she needed to be so rude to me. i bought the water none the less, asked her for $ 2 worth of quarters and she only gave me 4 quarters, i was like ahhhh can i get another dollar in quarters? and once again, doing what she does best she rolls her eyes and proceeds to give me the change.
I hope the manager or owner reads this. If you are, please speak with Silvia and tell her she can’t be giving attitude to paying customers. It’s one thing to be an average employee who doesn’t smile and what not, but, its another thing to be out right rude.

Good and clean gas station with drive-​through car wash. Great service.
For carwash pay ahead inside or when fill-​in. No cash accepted for car wash.

Review is only for the car wash, vacuum cleaner, and customer service.
Found out this place has a drive thru car wash with actual brushes and it’s near my place so thought I’d give it a go. I pulled up to the pay station to find that they only accept cash! How outdated! I couldn’t exactly reverse because it was a curved driveway and the moment I thought I would at least try to reverse, two cars came behind me! I was screwed. I pressed the button to call for assistance and explained that I didn’t have any cash on me, but that I had a credit card. She was very unhelpful and just kept saying I need to come inside the store to pay. I then asked her if I could just pass through and she told me «No.» I had to press the button again and she proceeded to tell me that I should just come in and pay. So, you want me to park my car right in front of the car wash with cars waiting behind me, go inside, stand in line, and pay?! I then told her that I no longer wanted the car wash and I just wanted to pass through. She said I could do so at my own risk because there might be damage to my car if I just pass through. Why would there be damage to my car?! I think she just wanted to scare me into paying! I passed through with absolutely no problems. However, they were mean to me. The car that was getting a wash in front of me was just finishing up with the dryer and a big spray of water came down onto my car as I was exiting! Why would there be water when a car just finished with the dryer? I’m pretty sure the people inside the store turned it on for shits and giggles.
I left the car wash area and went to the vacuum. There are two and it costs $ 1 for 4 mins. The suction on that thing is terrible! I had to run it over my seats mutiple times to get it clean and soon enough, my 4 mins. were up. And I only covered the back seat area!
I will not be returning!

I was making the long ride from the South Bay via Culver Blvd for an appointment in West Los Angeles. I was in search for let’s say a restroom and that long stretch of Culver Blvd is filled with nothing but Liquor stores and businesses so I was pleasantly surprised to see a Gas Station in the distance.
This Gas Station was located directly across the street from Sony Pictures Entertainment so if you are in the area it is easy to spot. The entrance to the Gas Station was easy in and easy out. I walked in expecting a usual Gas Station nasty smelling, garbage on the floor of the bathroom, you know the usual. I walked in and found anything but what I was expecting. The inside of the gas station had an air freshener smell, the bathroom was super clean, the employee working the register was very nice, they offered lottery, had a coffee station and everything inside of this gas station looked totally in place.
Cover Blvd tends to be my secret squirrel route from the South Bay to Venice Blvd so if and when I need to make an emergency stop again after consuming way too much fruit smoothie before my departure at home I will definitely stop here again. As for the gas I only use Costco or a very cheap Shell station near the casa. This is a Shell station so make sure you check your Ralph’s reward points because once you go over 100 points in that month you can get $ 0.20 cents off per gallon and in today’s day and age every cent saved is a cent gained.
I do applaud the staff here for keeping this Gas Station in tip top shape especially during a morning rush of folks coming in and out and for being basically the only Gas Station in the area.

Decent station with a drive thru car wash (which is something of an anomaly in Los Angeles).
First time I used the wash, I thought i could use quarters. Not so. The staff was VERY unhelpful and acted like I was a moron for putting coins into a machine that clearly has a coin slot. I paid for the wash inside and was on my way, but it was a bad first experience. I’m glad that it’s clean and well-​lit and the pumps are newer.
I’m using my Ralph’s card now to get points, so that’s a bonus.

You can’t find better gas prices in the Los Angeles area than right here. This even beats the price of those shady Chevrons that advertise one price until you realize it’s the cash-​only price and the debit/​credit option will cost you an upcharge.
5 stars for 1. cheapest gas prices (sometimes the pump prices end up being even cheaper than the advertised sign); 2. get 3% back on my Amex; 3. 10 cents off per gallon everytime your Ralph’s card accumulates $ 100 (which you could achieve alone in pumping gas since you get double points for Shell gas expenditures)
Dock 1 star for slightly tricky entry/​exit. Careful of the dip at the curb entrance, and keep it safe and re-​enter Culver Blvd through the Mentone side street light.

This is ‘my’ gas station. I actually miss Jin. I’m told that he passed away awhile back. For all the years I’ve lived in Culver City, he would always smile and wave when he saw me. When he decided to remodel and get rid of the repair shop in favor of a drive-​thru car wash, he asked me for my support and I was happy to give it (even though I also used to take my car to the shop there for easy fixes!)
It’s a gas station. It’s clean, well-​lit and in a convenient location (for me, anyway). I like the drive-​thru car wash. I wish you got free vacuum use when you purchase a wash, but I guess not. That’s an additional buck or so.
Jin may be gone, but I’m still a loyal customer and the station still has his name on it.

1.8.11 Happy birthday Elvis. Premium was $ 3.51 today.

Sweet!!! My gas gauge was screaming at me. «E»
I could’ve sworn I just filled up. Hmmm. I _​_​_​_​_​ (verb) upon this place. I had a few miles left before I was going to make that phone call to AAA for emergency gas fill up. Too much Unilocaling on my part… driving every where, all in the name of Unilocal.
After a night of hair raising badness (Y.E.E. @ Gyenari), with Andrea V and Michael P. we made a pit stop and filled up. Now, I know I’m on auto pilot when I’m shoving that pump into the gas tank and watching my money fly by. But I noticed that the money wasn’t flying by like it normally did. I gripped the pump and when I started to look for the auto lock on the pump I noticed it was missing. Eh no biggie.
I thought the gas pump was broken. I looked closer at the small sign on the pump and read that it was a fire hazard to have the auto lock. I think they realized there were too many people driving off with the gas pump while still connected to the gas tank.
This gas station was pretty clean and looked newly remodeled. I didn’t go into their mini-​mart but it was stocked with the usual. If I’m ever out in this area again, I’m definitely stopping by.

Jin’s Shell was recently renovated a year ago from Valero to Shell. After the renovation, this place looked even cooler. There’s a mini-​mart inside — convenient food, sodas, coffee, etc… And they have a car wash, I can’t remember the hours.
I haven’t gone to any of the other gas stations, except this one, but I recently noticed that they don’t have the auto hold while pumping gas on all the pumps. Apparently it has become a fire hazard issue?! That’s cool — it’s better to be safe than burn, right?
I don’t put anything on my car but Shell. And I go to Jin’s for it’s safe, well-​lit gas station location.