I am a negligent car owner. I've driven it 75,000 miles while only doing oil changes. It started leaking oil a couple days ago, so I realized it was time to pay the piper. I went to a different shop first. A few hours later, they called back with a quote of $2,700. After waking back up again, I politely asked for my car back and went to Brake Check with the 1.5 pages of "necessary" repairs. I dropped my car off at Brake Check at 3PM. At 4, I received a call of what it was really going to cost to do all of the necessary repairs: $1,150. Apparently the other shop had added some "fluff". I received a phone call at 8:15 that night telling me my car was ready. Their policy is that if the part is in stock or they can get it that day, they'll stay late and get your car back to you same day. The manager told me that he's been there until 11:30 PM one day. These guys are professional, easy to talk to, honest, and quick. I won't hesitate to go back. read more

Every time I try on of these chain brake places, I feel dirty afterwards. Went in for a simple alignment. The manager informed me I needed new shocks and a shim kit or my tires would wear very quickly. I know enough about cars to know I didn't need either of these things. After talking to him for a while, he just went ahead and did the alignment. Unfortunately, I know many people who would trust his bogus recommendations and get a bunch of unncessary work done. read more

I've taken my car here before to get the brakes fixed and had a great experience. But today's visit deserves a thousand stars and some personal shout-outs. I came in again today in a sort of last minute emergency after being hassled by the Mazda dealership (like usual) about what work I would need to have done on my breaks in order to have it pass inspection. I hate the dealership and would never give them my money after being taken soooo advantage of when I bought my little car 10 years ago. I only go there for an inspection because it's "free" with some dumb package I got conned into buying. Anyway, I took it to Brake Check to have them check it out because I wasn't going to give Mazda the satisfaction of having me actually pay for something. Benjamin Pirie, Mitch Patterson, and Morris Kennard were all working today at Brake Check and all helped me in various ways after I had to unexpectedly leave my car there for the entire afternoon--I got them to write their full names down so I could call in/review my experience more specifically. Without going into too much detail, all three of these guys went above and beyond in terms of customer service- all were friendly, personable, helpful, and all three were committed to fixing my car at the cheapest price possible. And when I say cheapest price possible, I'm not exaggerating. They gave me every possible discount allowed and even stayed late, an hour past closing, to get the work done. I saved literally--like, actually literally-- hundreds of dollars, which, as a poor, exhausted, pathetic grad student (yes I almost cried in their waiting room because I was so stressed out) means EVERYTHING. Oh, and they also gave me a 50% off coupon for an oil change. Hey corporate! If you're reading this you should give these guys raises, or at least a holiday bonus, because they've secured my future business to your company! read more

I'll try to keep this short and sweet. Do NOT bring your car to Brake Check. What happened you ask? While installing the front pads and rotors, the mechanics that worked on my car also managed to blow out a hydraulic seal associated with my clutch. You see, my car's clutch and brakes work off the same reservoir and when you over pressurize the system, bad thing can happen... They tried but were unable to fix it on premise. However, I was relieved to hear Phillip, the store manager, assure me that while they didn't do this type of work, this was an easy fix and he would reimburse me up to $150.00 dollars towards the price of the repair if I were to have it fixed at another shop that we mutually agreed upon. Later that day, Phillip and I agreed on a shop, and I brought it over to them. -The new mechanics agreed; Brake Check was responsible for this mess but they were happy to help set it right. This is where it gets interesting... I made the mistake of not getting Phillip's offer in writing. - I know, right! -never again. I faxed over a copy of the estimate of repair , to which Phillip responded saying, "-Yes, I've talked to my boss, Armando Flores. He's the Director of Operations for the San Antonio and Austin markets, and we should be able to work this out, lemme call you back later today." Two hours later Phillip calls and says that they are prepared offer me a $75 dollar gift card towards the purchase of service at their shops. -I said," uh.. wait a minute, what? What happened to your offer to pay for $150 towards the repair?!!" Phillip said, "Yea, I knew that wouldn't make you happy, but I'm required by my boss to make that offer." "Don't worry, We'll work this out." We both agreed on the prior offer, and he said he'd keep his word. He ended the conversation by saying he had to talk to his boss again and that I should call him back at 11a.m. the next day. When I called the next morning, He says, "-my boss Armando has your number and he will be calling you to resolve this situation.-don't worry, it's gonna be ok." Armando Flores calls me around 3pm to say that they."---were not responsible, even though the brake and the clutch work off the same hydraulic system and that Phillip had never offered to pay for any part of the repair." I was incensed and shocked!! I asked Armando to please hold and I called Phillip on a conference line. All three of us were now on the phone. I asked Phillip, "Did you not assure me that you were going to take care of this situation by offering me up to $150 towards the repair?" He says, "ah, man... No.. I never said that." -- I could. NOT. believe. what I was hearing. Such lies!!!! The rest of the conversation was basically Armando reiterating that they weren't going to pay for anything and that was that. As soon as I got off that call, I called Phillip at his store. He answered and I asked," how could you do that?!! -You totally lied!!! You told me yesterday that you were going to help remedy this situation and reimburse me for the repairs up to $150 bucks!!" -"How could you not honor your word?!!" He said," I'm sorry, Ben. But if I offer something on the table and my boss comes along and pulls it, then my hands are tied.. There's nothing I can do. -I'm sorry, I can't talk to you about this anymore... I have to go." And hung up. I feel sorry for Phillip having a job where his boss, Armando Flores is making him lie, rather than honor their word and take responsibility for the damage they had done to my car. I think it's hilarious that when I do a Google Search for "Armando brake check 210 495 4977", the first link that pops up is a Better Business Bureau claims website. ----Break Check are liars and cheats DO NOT TAKE YOUR CAR HERE. read more

I was pleasantly surprised to get a all from a district manager who sounded honestly apologetic for the bad service I received. I met him at Brake Check and they re-diagnosed my car...this time correctly. They have offered to now fix the problem and waive the labor charges. I appreciate their effort to make things right. read more

Terrible service. I had to go back 3 time for them to fix brake pads and rotors. They hit you up for labor even though they screwed my brakes up the first time. Finally gave up and went to Kwik Kar which did a great job at a lower price. read more

DONT EVER GO TO ANY BRAKE CHECK REPAIR SHOPS!!!! As a former employee I noticed this company is about sales and ripping customers off. The pads they use are not the OE Replacement parts, they use cheap pads that are worse than Duralast Organic pads because they want to lower the part cost and get a bigger bonus. For instance they love putting remanufactured parts as far master cylinders, water pumps, power boosters from junk yards and selling them as new so the cheaper they pay the more money they get in their pockets not the company. The policies are set for a reason to be followed by the employees and the owners are so blind that they turn their backs on their own policies( David Peveto and John Peveto 3) all because crooked employees like corporate & store directors are making them money than other stores. ALL parts come from either Oreillys' AutoZone, Advance Auto parts and the vendors design a commercial website to double charge the actual part so when the customer sees it from the brake check employees website it looks legit in which it is not, brake check calls it (LIST PRICE). This price is not true so don't fall for the BS just look it up on your phone yourself and you will see the difference. The labor charges this is where the fun parts come up they double the labor and so when you say no you cant afford it they act like they can take 20 percent off in which you can get booking online than if you still say you cant afford it they will lower the labor when they ask you to go inside the office and than they bring you back out and you will see the lowered cost when you cant see they adjusting the price. The brake pads that they use are so cheap that they are designed to last a little bit longer than 90 day warranty so if it defects the manager will say you did not do the caliper maintenance or rotor reface or anything to look better and make you look like the liable one and pay the warranty fee again. Trust me don't fall for this trick and Don't go there this company is about ripping ppl off and one thing they preach about is leadership to get the most money. NO STARS read more

Awesome!! After a VERY disappointing experience at Tarrytown Texaco and an estimate of $600+ for rear brake pads, I took my car to Brake Check unannounced this morning. I had the entire job done (plus an extra service) in under 2 hours for LESS than $300. Great service and much appreciated staff! read more

I had a great experience with Andy when I went in for an oil change. He offered a free tire rotation which I am grateful for - found out there was a nail in my driver side tire! Took them 25-30 minutes, at most. I also asked for suggestions on purchasing new tires; I had been researching a few places & brands so I was curious. I was given great advice in Discount Tire and now I am ready for a road trip! Thanks Andy & Brake Check! read more

I recently brought my truck to this location to have an oil change. I have brought my truck to Brake Checks before but this one really stands out. Corporate Director Steve and the Service Manager Andy not only serviced my vehicle well but they did it in the time specified and I even got info from Steve about some great restaurants while I waited. Thanks guys, I will be back! read more

I was very disappointed in the lack of quality customer service at Brake Check on N Lamar. After receiving an outrageously high and inappropriate quote for brake pads (+ way too many unnecessary add ons) I asked the manager not to do any work on my car. After paying for the $100 oil change that was completed anyway, I watched a panel underneath my car get pulled off when backing out of the garage- instead of an apology I was told 2 different reasons by Brake Check staff as to why that was because of my car. Then overheard staff talk about part of my rim that they broke off- again, no apology. I did however receive condescending comments about my inexperience with the car when questioning the ridiculous quote and poor treatment of my car in their garage. I compared my $1,350 quote to parts stores and other shops- all received laughs and head shakes about the attempt to rip me off. I've now gotten the necessary work completed for $400 without the condescending talk about how I "just don't understand the needs of the car" I received from Brake Check. read more

They guys at this location are the best! I've been twice for oil changes and both times I have had great service and been in and out in less than an hour! read more

great service. everyone was very friendly and explained things thoroughly. the front office was immaculate. and a very convenient location for me. read more

Great service. In and out very quickly! Guys were very nice and not condescending just cuz I'm a girl!

This is a great shop. I highly recommend it. The guys there went to great lengths to fix my car, even to the point of driving off premises to find a bolt they needed. They ordered some parts and got them there the same day and then repaired my truck, all in less than half a day. Cheerful, helpful, patient. While I was there, an older woman came in with a flat tire. They helped her change it at no charge. They do other work besides brakes, so keep that in mind. read more

Brake check gave me a ride to and from work while my car was being worked on which was so conveniant and very much appreciated! Took a total of 1.5 hours for alignment, tire rotation and oil change. Thanks Brake Check! read more

This company is nothing but incompetent crooks. I returned my car multiple times to fix squeaking and grinding in my new brakes, which was never fixed. I now have to pump more money into my brakes because of significant areas that were not addressed the fist time. Take your car somewhere else and save yourself the hassle and money. I would give zero stars if possible. read more

Do not go to this location! They will hide things from you. They stripped a screw in my center cap and tried to act like nothing was wrong. They made me wait over an hour to just let me know they can't fix it. Then not replace it with a factory wheel bolt after I told them where to get them from. They then broke another center cap and again never told me about it. Very shady and I hope you will consider another place to get your vehicle worked on, who knows what they are not telling you about the mistakes they made while working on your vehicle! read more

We were stranded in Austin (Washington DC home) with a broken power steering system. We had to get back on the road and it was mid-day on a Sunday. Closing time 5:00 PM. Jason said that he would have to determine the location of the leak. There was oil everywhere under the car. He quickly determined the location of the leak ( a low pressure hose). All of the Lexus dealers were closed. His mechanic cut out the rusted piece of pipe, repaired it and the system worked perfectly. The Jason stayed past 5:00 PM so we could come back to the shop, pick up the car and get on with our trip. The service was fantastic! These folks cared, knowledgeable, efficient and very reasonable. Probably the best car repair situation I have ever experienced. read more

I let these guys change leaky valve cover gaskets on my Toyota Avalon. Six months later, oil was leaking again. A complete waste of $400 they charged to do this work. I did take the car back to point out the problem. Instead of offering to fix the problem, they said I would have to take my car to the Northwest location, because the manager who originally did the job was working at the Northwest location now. Their slogan "We do it right" should more accurately say "We do not take responsibility for our work!!" They may do okay work on brakes, but please don't let them touch anything else. Surprising, because I had no problems with this location before. read more

To begin with I go to the wrong store at 6 o'clock Chad gives me a call saying we are at the North Lamar location. I'm expecting them to say reschedule Chad says no problem bringing it on in. I show up at 6:45 they work on my car till 8:45 and it's done the job is done right that's how to run a business. I've been going to break check now for more than a decade I have never once had an issue four vehicles always done right. I appreciate the service And I will not take my vehicles anywhere but Brake Check for my brake jobs. Thank you guys. read more

STAY AS FAR AWAY FROM THESE CROOKS AS YOU CAN!!! On 10/16/14 I took my truck into the Break Check at 3700 N Lamar in Austin TX. I had just had the front end rebuilt at the Dodge dealer my wife has worked at for 19 years 2 months earlier. I work across the street from this Break Check so I decided to take it there to have the tires rotated. This was the biggest mistake I could have made. I got a call from the manager about 30-45 minutes after dropping it off. He said the front end was way out of alinement and I should buy his lifetime alingment for 130.00. When I said no he then said I should get a one time alignment for 65.00, again I said no. Everything in the front end was new and it was aligned 2 months earlier and would drive strieght down the road when I let go of the wheel. I then went to pickup my truck. When I picked it up the stearing wheel was no longer centered and it had a pull to the right. I took it to the Dodge dealer my wife works at and the mechanics said someone had taken it out of aliengment. There were tool marks showing where parts had been moved. I called their corperate office but was sent to voicemail and basically blown off. read more

I thought I was going to be able to trust these guy but I was wrong. The manager there even tried to talk me through everything and put me at ease. He understood I was a teacher and didn't have a lot of money and tried his "best" to make it as low as he could. When it came time to replace my struts I called around to get quotes on my struts, I called them back to ask about what all entailed in the $750, strut replacement (not telling them that's what they told me) it did not include the mount or aligment and he quoted $423, with the strut mount it could be $227 then he started to change his mind and said it depended on the type of mount it could be more or less. The I asked what the quote he had was and he said " $560". So I asked why I was quoted $750 two weeks ago. He tried to say they might have quoted me a hydraulic mount but they didn't know which mount they would need. You'd think that would be something they should know when quoting prices to someone who is going to get that piece repaired!? Also HE was the one giving me the quotes last time. He tried to restate the fact of there being different mounts at different prices and I asked him why he didn't quote me a less expensive mount when we had the discussion of me not being able to afford a high price repair and that's when he started getting flustered, a bit short and pretty much ended the conversation by saying " if I can help you with anything else please call back" and hung up. Oh this was all after me being phone passed through 3 people. read more

avoid at all costs/ crooked morons - brought car in for alignment. they "put it on the machine" 3x times and couldn't get my car to drive straight and like an idiot i paid... I assumed they would work to make things right if it really was the tires fault, which they said it was. The tires were brand new purchased a few days before at Firestone; seemed like a stretch to me... So I Brought car to Firestone they checked the tires in all kinds of ways (they were very patient and knowledgeable) decided it wasn't the tires and for free (as part of my tire Warranty) they put the car on the rack and Viola! it drove wonderfully straight.... what was Break* Checks problem??? who knows... the Firestones technician printed out the before and after alignment specs and my car was still whacked after BC had it. Naturally I brought it back to Break Check, explained that the other guys said there was never a problem with my tires and to prove it they made the car drive in a straight line. the only plausible explanation was that they BC did something wrong; which the head 'tard didn't accept at all (yet NEVER offered anything resembling a better explanation. Was in there three times requesting a refund for which i never got ONE GOOD REASON as to why they wouldn't come good on their mistake and supbar service- I would have peacefully walked away with, again, one good reason... instead got total smoke and mirrors BS. all none-sequitur and fragmented arguments from their side amounting to nothing of substance. They have a good tactic. They will run you through tons of useless babble and nonsense until you finally become irate at which time they become full of confidence and simply state something to the effect of... "Well if you are going to act like that then I'm done talking to you...." yeah. getting pis**ed was my weakness but there is only so much unreasonable jerking around someone can take. I called the main office and never got a call back from the main guy... Keith. I kept getting calls from the same idiot that was in charge of the shop. they offered me a free oil change... haha. yeah. wow thanks... no thanks. I'm just bummed I have to leave one star at the top. absolute suck fest at that hole. read more

While I'm sure there are good and honest Brake Check shops the quality from shop to shop varies wildly. Be very cautious with Brake Check. My son took his Chevy to the shop on Ben White for strange brake noises. Two hours later when he returned the front brake assembles were completely taken apart without permission or warning. They showed him damage issues and refused to reassemble the brakes unless he paid for all the parts and labor. The choice was either $650 or hire a tow truck to take it somewhere else. Because this had happened two years ago I had forgotten about the incidence. My front brakes were just starting to make noise so I knew it was brake job time. I took it in at noon explained the problem and asked when it could be ready today or if I should make an appointment and bring it in tomorrow. Though the bays were empty they couldn't even estimate when my car would be ready or give me any estimate of costs. The mechanic was rude and offended when I said I'd take my car elsewhere. I do realize that managers and mechanics change regularly at Brake Checks but under no circumstances would I ever use one again. Find a good shop with low turnover, build a good relationship with them and stick with them. read more

The team at Break Check on North Lamar, Austin do a fantastic job in maintaining my 3 vehicles. Most recetly I took in my 16 year old Mercedes. It was time to change all of the fluids in the car. They took the time to look up all the required maintenance and even went to the trouble to obtain some special Mercedes fluids and parts that were recommended. They always take great care to insure that eveything is done right, and then they double check every detail before sayin the vehicle is ready to go. I really trust each and everyone there, and everyone from the manager to the guy doing the work shows that they care about doing it right, and insuring that the customer is happy with their work. I've seen some very negative comments by others here, and all I can say is that some people will just never be happy. But from my own experience over many years with many different cars, they always treat me right, and at a fair price. What more can I say! read more