A mechanic’s lien is a security interest in real or personal property that is acquired by someone who adds material or labor to improve the property. A mechanic’s lien usually remains in effect until the lien holder (the auto repair shop) is paid for the material or labor added to the property. For a movable piece of property like a car, the property owner’s failure to pay the auto repair shop for material or labor may allow the auto repair shop to keep possession of the car until the owner pays for the material and labor. In the auto repair context, a mechanic’s lien is sometimes called a garageman’s lien.

In Pennsylvania, a mechanic's lien, also known as a garageman's lien in the context of auto repairs, is a legal claim against a vehicle for unpaid repairs or improvements made by a mechanic or repair shop. Under Pennsylvania law, mechanics and auto repair shops can retain possession of a vehicle until the owner pays for the services rendered. This type of lien is established by the Pennsylvania Mechanics' Lien Law of 1963, as amended, which provides the framework for creating, filing, and enforcing these liens. To enforce a mechanic's lien, the repair shop must follow specific procedures, including providing notice to the vehicle owner and filing the lien with the appropriate state or local agency within a certain time frame. If the debt remains unpaid, the mechanic may eventually be able to sell the vehicle at a public auction to recover the costs of labor and materials. It is important for both vehicle owners and repair shops to understand their rights and obligations under Pennsylvania's mechanic's lien laws to ensure proper legal processes are followed.