<prompt> Human: I ask this because I personally had two mechanics tell me I needed my brakes replaced before another one told me they were fine for another 10k miles. If I go into the wrong mechanic, can they hold me car for safety reasons if I decline to pay for what they say I need?  <response>: They cant keep your car, and cant stop you from driving away in it. They can call the cops and report that you are driving an unsafe car.However, in many places, if you properly authorize them to do work and then refuse to pay they can hold the car until you pay. 