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 Wisconsin, 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 an auto repair shop or mechanic. Under Wisconsin Statute Section 779.41, mechanics, repairers, and storers of vehicles have the right to a lien on a vehicle for labor, services, materials, and storage provided. The lien ensures that the service provider has a security interest in the vehicle until they are compensated for their work. To enforce the lien, the service provider must retain possession of the vehicle. If the vehicle owner fails to pay the debt within a specified period, the mechanic may be able to sell the vehicle through a lien sale to recover the owed amount. It is important for both vehicle owners and service providers to understand their rights and obligations under Wisconsin's mechanic's lien laws to ensure proper legal procedures are followed.