A year or so ago, we were having issues the air conditioner on our 2018 Honda CR-V for the second time. The first time, we had the system recharged and it seemed to have leaked out again. Not good in a sealed system. We took the car to Big O but they couldn't figure out what the issue might be. They suggested that we bring it by Brake & Wheel Center. Monte offered to look into it for $200, which would be subtracted from whatever the cost of repairs would be. After looking into it, he found a Service Bulletin issued by Honda. A Service Bulletin from Honda is not a Recall but notifies dealers that if the problem presents itself, Honda will pay for the repairs. We took the car to Honda who told us that it could cost us $200 for them in look into the problem but if the issue was as described on the Service Bulletin, then there would be charge. After they looked into it, Honda called me and stated that Brake & Wheel Center was correct and that Honda would pay to fix the air conditioning problem. We really wish that the mechanic that we had taken the CR-V to a couple years earlier would have found the Service Bulletin. Needless to say, we'll never go there again. This long-winded story was to let you know how we found Brake & Wheel Center. It had been recommended to us by Mario at Big O. Now that Mario is retired, we need someone dependable to take care of our routine maintenance needs. I went by and chatted with Monte. Told him what we needed, asked for a quote and when his shop would have time for us. All we needed was an oil & filter change with tire rotation. I made an appointment for 8am the following Wednesday. I dropped off the car at 8:15 and got a call from Monte at 10:31 telling me that the work was complete. I paid a little more than I would have at Big O (Big O tires are rotated for free) but the work was done quickly. What more could one ask for? read more

This repair shop is simply the best has one of the smartest attention to detail and all around a good person who owns the shop. He's been in business for years. He's still the one working on your car. That's exactly what you want. I wouldn't take my car anywhere else. I know other shops in the area to bring their vehicles. They can't fix their problem trials to this Shop to have them diagnosed and fixed. Kudos to this gentleman. He has a great reputation and a great business. If you want your car fixed first the first time in a timely manner and a fair rate. Bring it here. There's not one person that I know there's brought their car to the shop that has ever had a problem with the repair or anything else. Thanks JC read more

I have a 2006 Chevrolet that was having a problem with a check engine light that was going on and off. Took it to get some minor diagnostic work done at Big O tires and was told that I might need a new catalytic converter because of an emissions problem. After calling several places trying to locate a catalytic converter including a Chevy dealership, I was told that Chevrolet no longer manufactured the converter and I would have to try and find an after market converter to replace the one I had before I smogged my car this fall. They recommended I call Brake and Wheel in San Leandro. I spoke with Monte from Brake and Wheel who spent 20 minutes on the phone with me trying to find a catalytic converter that was compatible with California's emission laws. He was unable to find one and took the time to explain to me that I would most likely need to go to a "smog referee" ( Beg your pardon?) and referred me to another mechanic who had experience dealing with these kinds of cases and could test and repair my car and submit the required paperwork. Let me just emphasize that I have never had work done before at Brake and Wheel and Monte took the time out of his busy day to explain everything I would need to do next. It's rare that you find someone so willing to help without any financial gain for himself. I almost wish my car would break down so I can take it to Brake and Wheel and get work done. What wonderful customer service! Thank you Monte! read more

I had new shocks installed here today. Monty went out of his way to take care of a problem that he ran into during the installation. Professional, courteous, competent service. 5 star review. read more

Monte and his staff are very professional. They go the distance to take care of their customers needs and concerns when repairing your vehicle. Excellent service and quick turnaround. read more

Great Guy Great Service from the Mechanic If you go see them they are serious and he is cool and a nice guy The reason for Three Star instead of Five is his kid came in when I was paying for the service with what looked like his mother and the kid kept screaming Daddy Daddy louder and louder and louder until the kid shreaked out Daddy as loud as it could. The kid stopped when I looked it. I'm sorry but I don't do business with people who have kids like that around me I am an Operation Iraqi Freedom War Vet and I have Tinnitus from Gun Shots and this is way too much for me With this Coronavirus too. I wouldn't have my kid around strangers like that. Even worse if it has meltdowns in front of customers. I wrote this review because I didn't sleep the whole night. That kids shriek was that loud. I don't know what made me hold it together. But if that was me I'd be out of there in the car and my parent would have taken me out of there. I'm not trying to call him a bad dad. He might be Great. But that kid was really loud and it activated my ptsd and I have been trying to go sleep but I keep having panic attacks. It's not easy for me to deal with loud noises like that and that kid was as loud as a gunshot. I'm sorry but I won't be going back to this place for anything again. It's my health at stake and it has cost me a night of sleep and my ear hurt from that little kid yelling and having a meltdown. read more

They were able to see me same day for a wheel alignment. Very professional and nice. Do recommend and price is great compared to other places. Will be back for any future wheel/brake need! Thanks so much! read more

I've been taking my three vehicles to Monte over the past 3 years and I've waited until now to give my review. Now that I have had the time to build the experience and rapport with the Brake and Wheel Center I believe I can make an accurate opinion. Monte has always been honest and forthright in regards to my vehicles. He does not upsell parts or repairs. He provides detailed information about the work, time and cost associated before conducting any repairs. On several occasions, he has taken my vehicles in, without an appointment, to address my mis-perceived concerns and assured me there is nothing wrong. I have seen him do this with other customers that drive up for immediate service as well. He oversees his team that are all technically capable in vehicle repairs and maintenance. Monte himself is very knowledgeable with many types of vehicles and can speak in terms I understand. He takes the time to thoroughly research my vehicles and calls me with his recommendations before doing any repairs if requested. I have recommended him to friends that have had an excellent experience and now take their vehicle to the Brake and Wheel Center for service. I will continue to recommend others if they are looking for a friendly and honest shop as no one likes to be taken because we don't understand what is wrong with our vehicle or the cost it will take to repair it. And if you do decide to stop in for a quote or repair, ask Monte about his drag racing experience. :) read more

The brakes feel better then when my car was new! Great work and great price!! Monte took care of me!

Found this place through a friend and he was totally right. A place you can TRUST. Knowledgeable about what's going on, clear about what is needed to do, and fair pricing and clear scheduling. I have found my place go to shop. I think you will too. Can't imagine why I would elsewhere unless he gets so busy I can't get an appointment. read more

Needed a Brake and Light certificate for car. Only 2 in the Castro Valley area. Here is all you need to know about this business! Business is honest, reasonable and other mechanics I spoke with recommend him. Dont go to the other place unless you want to part with alot of $$$$ read more

Monte and the team were great! They assessed our needs and offered several options to get our '87 Grand National running safely again. We couldn't be happier with the product or the service! read more

Quick & efficient! I needed new front breaks for my car. I dropped my car off in the morning before they opened & my car was ready by 12:30pm. The owner Monte was very personable & trustworthy. As a women, I am always skeptical that some car repair places see me & want to try to get over. He diagnosed it right away & broke down everything that I needed to get fix & why. I highly recommend you take your car in! read more

Took our bmw to this place because the check engine light was on and it kept stalling out. They did SOMETHING told us they weren't sure what was wrong and to drive it for a couple of weeks. The light was off and stalling stopped. $600. 2weeks later light back on and stalling worse. Took car back--MY MISTAKE!--they kept the car from 6am to 5 pm and still did not finish. When picking up the car they had charged me for wipers yet did not put them on--didn't even have the model that fit my car, wondering what else. Needless to say $1700 later and two weeks and you guessed it. The light is back on and the stalling is back! Since this place doesn't BELIEVE in giving you a break on their learning curve, I'm going to a profressional repair shop and recommend you do as well. read more

This place never disappoints. Came in for a wheel alignment and walked out with a appointment for the next morning. Excellent service.

Brake & Wheel Center, owned and operated by Monte Benedict, have been our Family "go-to" service and repair shop for our current and previous vehicles. Monte is a graduate of Chabot College Automotive Division and has the skill and good business sense to provide clear and effective communication about repairs needed and what should be looked after going forward. Monte is methodical and detail orientated to trouble-shoot and determine the cause and best course of action for the fix. Monte will be working on my oldest, British made sedan this week and I expect will be up to the challenge as in the past. Monte keeps busy and listens carefully to the problem/s at hand as well as able to work on almost any type of vehicle big or small repairs. read more

Had an alignment and minor repair after a fender bender. They were quick, and more than fair. Excellent work at an excellent price. read more

Had the bushings to my control arm pressed out, cost me $30 per arm. Was pricy but it was great customer service and I have to admit Honda/Acura control arm bushing removal is not easy. Went the extra mile the clean where the bushings sit in. Oh yeah I also remember the owner (Monte Benedick) as a judge at the skills USA competition at Eden Area R.O.P. helping out the future automotive techs.. read more

This is our second time we had our vehicle fixed by this shop. First time went perfect. The vehicle was ready for pick up when Monty said it would be and came exactly as quoted. The job was a somewhat complicated job, involving a wheel bearing and axle. It's been 7 months and fix is permanent. Second time went the same. This time different issue and even more complicated, involving dis- assembly of engine components not related to the problem so the problem can be fixed. In this case the exhaust manifold. The vehicle again was ready when Monty said it would be and came out under his original quote. To summarize, this is a professional, honest and reasonably priced shop. Operating with old school morals and values rarely experienced in today's automotive service industry. 6 Stars ****** read more

Monte is very helpful and efficient! Thank you for changing the flat tire for me.

Monte is the man. He gets plenty of business because he is honest with you about what you need to spend money on, and more importantly what you DON'T. He has saved my hide a couple of times already. Even when I consider going somewhere else, Monte is the only one who answers the phone. read more

Seriously one of the best shops around and the only shop we trust to work on our Corvette and Camaro. Monte is so easy to work with, he's flexible, and the prices are very fair. I highly recommend Monte and his team to anyone I know! read more

Ive had a car with a sever knocking noise since thanksgiving. After 3 shops and $300 in parts replacing various components with no solution the BRAKE AND WHEEL CENTER took 1 hour to pinpoint the exact problem with my magnum. Ive never been more satisfied with an auto shop in my life. I will never go anywhere else long as they are open. Super friendly and extremely dependable. read more

My Honda Insight needed the Hybrid battery replaced so I took it in to Brake & Wheel. Monte was very knowledgeable and reasonable and got me back on the road. Thank you to the whole crew!!! read more

Very simple good service! Wheel alignment and a check for rear shock replacement, Monte did some research and recommend I keep what I have " they're still good" , (replacement of shocks chevy only item for this SUV $600) . Monte thanks for your help. read more

Been taking my Car here for almost 10 years had never had a problem. Very honest and it is always done that day. Prices are very good. Monty is always so helpful. Would not go to any other place in San Leandro. read more

Monte the owner is extremely knowledgeable and on top of his game. Typical issues that only dealers can fix Monte and his staff can also do just at half the cost. Monte always goes about fixing your car in the right away he doesn't cut corners and will be strait with you about what ever problem you have. Monte is a truly honest mechanic. I would send my mom there that is how much I like the shop. read more

Monte is awesome! I have been here multiple times with different cats and he always fices the issues quickly. Gone are days of waiting for hours or even days to get my car repaired. His prices are reasonable and he is also so nice. I think he's honest and really enjoys his job. Thanks Monte!! read more

I found Brake and Wheel Center on Yelp, when i needed new brakes. Thank you Yelp! Why? I found the mechanic of my dreams. Forgot the man of my dreams--Monty is better! (-: Now, not only I, but my entire family puts our cars (and ultimately, our safety and lives) in Monty's hands. I love everything here: The owner--his relaxed and totally conscientious character--his honesty, his skill-- his sweet family who are sometimes there, his assistant mechanics, the clarity of his explanations,his excellent work, and the reasonable prices. My family drives old cars. Monty tells us when repairs are worth it, which are totally necessary now vs which can wait. Here's THE most important fact --Monty does it ALL.The sign says, "Brake and Wheel Center" but he can and will do just about any needed work on your car. Warning: Once you go to Monty, you'll be spoiled in the nicest possible way!! read more

My truck's horn stopped working. Not a big deal, right? How often do you have to use your horn? Well, it turns out that everybody seems to want to steer into you when your horn doesn't work, so it is a big deal. I brought the truck into two other places, including F.H. Dailey Chevrolet and they couldn't figure out the problem. In fact, F.H. Dailey took the steering column apart and said the horn started working mysteriously again and charged me for time without really fixing anything. It stopped working again about a month later. Ok -- so my neighbor recommends the Brake and Wheel Center. It turns out they are a full-service auto shop -- not just brakes and wheels. The mechanic figured out the problem and fixed it. I asked him to check the brakes while the truck was there since it had about 27K miles on it. He said the brakes were in good shape and that I could put more miles on them. How often does that happen? Enough said -- I think this is a great shop. read more

I need my brakes done so I called to get a quote they gave me a good quote. I asked if it could be done today and the gentleman told me to bring it by. Upon arrival the man said he is scheduling for Wednesday or Thursday he can't even touch it then what was the point of telling me to bring it by. Waste of me time and gas. read more

I have been bringing my car to Brake and Wheel for many, many years and they always do a good job here. The prices are fair, they never do unnecessary repairs and I would recommend Monte's shop to anyone. read more

Monte is a very competent and through technician. I've been using him for a number of years, both for personal and company vehicle service. We've used him for stuff as simple as oil changes to more complicated electrical system diagnosis/repair and a complete engine replacement supplied by GM. read more

I took the vehicle to this place and was dealing with mechanic, Rufino. I was told my vehicle blew a gasket. The mechanic offered to install new rebuilt engine for $1000 cash or he offered to buy vehicle for $300 also. I decided to have rebuilt engine installed. I asked Rufino after for an invoice and we stated "he can not provide an invoice". Two weeks later I notice the engine is leaking motor oil. I called the mechanic Rufino Martinez and he was saying it was coming from the top of engine because he spilled motor oil and did not wipe it off. I placed multiple calls/text and I was given the run around by Rufino. I called the engine warranty of three years and they told me I needed an invoice with pictures to prove it was coming from the rear main seal using UV dye by a licensed shop. Rufino tells me he will talk to his boss and owner of the shop to see if he can provide an invoice for me. I take the vehicle to the shop and Rufino is hiding in the garage and Monte is writing up an invoice. Monte charges $70 to diagnose where the leak is coming from, take pics to prove to rebuilt engine company I purchased where the oil is leaking from, and use UV dye. Monte calls me up and says the repair job will be $615.53 to remove fly wheel and transmission and to make sure it is coming from rear main seal. Didn't Monte know this before charging me the initial $70 for diagnosis. On May 22, 2018 Monte the owner decided to not involve himself in the matter as he knew there was going to be problems. Unfortunately, Monte had already the day before wrote to invoices and was pressuring me to okay the job. Monte is not honest and this place is sketchy to say the least. Monte could use mirrors and probes and confirm where the leak is coming from. Monte allows his mechanics to do illegal side jobs at his place of business and allows Rufino to use his shop equipment. Monte is aware of this illegal side job repairs Rufino his mechanic is doing in his shop on an ongoing basis. I notified Monte if it isn't the rear main seal and it is due to Rufino's error Monte responds that is between you and Rufino. Monte is responsible as the shop owner to do the right thing and follow the law. Stay away from this place as they want to make money any way they can by screwing the customer. read more

My 1990 Ford Ranger was makes a bunch of noise which thought would turn into big $$$. Left the truck with Monte and he diagnosed the problems. Great news did not need a new tranny but only a U joint. Monte hooked me up and since I budgeted some money to fix the Ranger, I got new brake calipers, front end brake job and bearings installed all for the money I budgeted. The Brake and Wheel center has my business for all my car repairs. Monte was really honest and communicated all of my concerns. If you live in San Leandro I would recommend this place for your car repair needs. read more

i had a brake problem with my 97 gmc. after 2 failed repairs by other repair shops, monty fixed the problem for what i thought was a reasonable cost. also finished when promised. thanks! read more

Yes.....this shop, the owner, the staff and the service IS as good as it gets! I have been a customer of Monte's for over 10 years. Started with him when he worked at this location and followed him to his next two employers and was thrilled when he purchased this shop. They are diamond star rated but it doesn't matter because Monte is as honest as they come. It is often difficult for a woman to find a good mechanic but Monte never talks down to you and always takes the time to explain things thoroughly. I trust him implicitely and you will too. read more

Great shop.Excellent Price`s/very Fair..been there 3 times & waiting on a body shop so i can go back to Monteys and finish the whole project with an alignment because on a bent frame in accident...I live 2 towns away and worth the drive , rather than use the shop near by Home...Ive wrenched for 30+ years my self as a DIY home mechanic,yet some times you need PRO`s with the right tools & expertise to take on the repair....Im sold, this is Repair Home Base for me! even taking public transportation to leave & return is way worth the trip.For the courtsy and sevice..go once and you`ll have your main repair shop in mind when repairs are needed.. ..............Rick read more

I've had to visit this establishment on three or four occasions over the past year and a half, and I have never received the kind of honesty in customer service that I got here! Monte Benedick is knowledgeable and trustworthy and I would recommend his place to anyone who needs auto repair and an honest deal. Recently, I needed repair service and the work was completed in the usual manner here --no drama, no mystery AND there was an added bonus-- A friend drove me over to the shop to pick up my car, and, as we were entering the parking lot, she hit a curb and blew a tire. As we're getting the spare and jack out of the trunk, Monte and one of his employees rush out and tell us they'll take care of it! Yes, he's THAT kind of guy! Yes, it's THAT kind of place. I've learned a lot about my car from him and I've grown to trust him implicitly when it comes to my car. He is the REAL DEAL and a rare find in the auto repair industry! THANKS, MONTE! read more