When every other shops are trying to squeeze every juice out of my wallet because I had a Mercedes, Just Brakes Albany did the opposite. The Owner Awesome is a wonderful guy, no bs. He's very passionated, positive and professional! He took care my car and quoted me fairest among all other similar business in the Area. Very happy with Just Brakes Albany, nice and clean shop! Truly Awesome, Awesome! read more

Just Brakes - The - Auto Repair Near Me - Albany, California

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Just brakes will be my new go to for brakes. Just like the name, this shop offers brake repairs only. The mechanic was super straight forward and had honest pricing. People usually talk about mechanics seeming to quote different prices to different people but you won't get that here. I actually requested a quote through yelp, over the phone and through the website. I was quoted the same estimate for labor and parts. The mechanic point out some minor things that I should get checked out but since he doesn't offer services outside of brakes he was not trying to sell me any additional service. I really appreciate the honesty so I definitely recommend. read more

Fair price and quick. Inspection and repairs in 45 minutes. He even turned away a customer whose brakes were in great shape and told him he was good. He also showed me how to examine my brakes. Thank you! read more

If customer service and transparency matter, this is for you. I called in the morning and made an 11:00am appointment. Asim (pronounced awesome) was friendly as I explained my situation and he provided a reasonable estimate. I have called into other service shops and felt rushed. Asim made me feel heard and welcomed. Shortly after, Asim called back as an earlier time opened up. Looking good so far. Street parking is limited but expected, being on a busy street. I recommend pulling right into the shop or parking at the gas station on the corner, which is next door. My car was put in the air right at the time promised. As soon as the tires came off, he took the time to show me the brake pad thickness by using a measuring gauge. Who does this? I was impressed. We both gave a breakdown of our concerns and agreed on a fair price for the replacement of rotors and brake pads. While I waited, he even showed other imperfections and provided recommendations. It took about an hour after everything was said and done. It would have been sooner but was expected given the added care, which to be honest, made the wait insignificant. Asim was thorough and considerate throughout the whole process. It's clear he has a passion for what he does. His process of putting the customer first and attention to detail truly exemplifies the high standard of integrity and quality of work. Give this place a shot. I know you will have a great experience. Thank you again AWESOME! read more

exactly what i needed. i needed a brake evaluation, an explanation of what was going on, and a quick replacement with no overhead for needing to order parts and such. would recommend! this might be on the pricier side. read more

Had appointment for brake inspection. Saw me promptly when I arrived. Vey nice and obviously an expert in his field. Prompt and efficient. Customer service excellent- explained things with pointing out the various parts and their current status. Highly recommend this business. Good value service. read more

Business is deserving of its perfect 5 star record. Response time was very quick (used Yelp messaging). I told him I needed the front brakes done but was not sure if I needed rear brake replacement. He told me we'd look together when I came in and assess. I was able to get a same day appointment. While there, he pointed out the parts of the brake system and showed me how it's determined if replacement is needed. Only front brakes needed replacing. The day before, Toyota dealership had quoted me about triple the price for front brakes only. I was in & out of there in less than 30 minutes. This part of the experience was already worthy of the 5 stars. I'm sure a lot of people are experts at car brakes, but what really set Just Brakes apart for me is the little things. It was chilly out and he set a space heater up for me without me even asking, he wasn't pretentious or condescending, he shared helpful tips and noticed my bumper was detaching and popped it back into place for me. When I first got there, I had anxiety about when he was done because I knew I'd either end up having to reverse on to San Pablo or I'd be mortified making a 92-point turn to try and get my car turned around in the garage while being watched. But bless this man because when he was done with the brakes, he turned my car around for me! Lol. I'm honestly not used to patronizing a business and being treated with such thoughtfulness and consideration. This place is absolutely deserving of the highest rating possible. read more

Reasonable pricing and quick, competent service by a friendly technician who took the time to show me (realtime) his measurements of my brake pads & examination of each rotor. Prior to the appointment they sent a fast quote that listed all the options. There was no up-sell at any point. They even topped off my power steering fluid (gratis) after hearing it squeak on the short test drive after installation of the new brakes. Good braking experience in the week since the service. My vehicle is a minivan (not that it really matters). read more

Incredible quality service with a friendly positive attitude. It was refreshing to go to a mechanic who was both honest and straightforward and worked quickly with no hidden cost. I highly recommend! read more

Was told by Insta Lube I needed two rear brakes replaced, was quoted $500 cash only. Waited a few months, went to Downtown Toyota of Oakland for them to have a look. Was told I could go another 5,000 miles, and two rear pads and discs would cost $750. After 5,000+ miles I phoned Just Brakes , was quoted $525 and one-hour job. Made an appointment, owner/mechanic took off all four wheels, showed me the amount of wear on discs and thickness of brake pads. He said that with my driving history I could easily go 2-3 more years, maybe 4. Advised me on what signs to look for when it becomes time to replace. He also recommended tires be replaced in one year before the rainy season. All this and No charge! It's nice to know there are still good people in this world. read more

Backstory: Last year, after braking hard to avoid a car suddenly backing into the street in front of us, the brake pedal on our car went soft to the point of almost hitting the floor before engaging, and we ended up having to get most of the brake system replaced (NOT at Just Brakes, which we unfortunately didn't know about at that point). Expensive! Traumatic! Fast forward to this year. Our car was making noises when braking, so we called Asim at Just Brakes, and he was able to fit us in that afternoon. He put the car up on the rack, took off all the tires, and had a good look at all four brakes and found no problems. Then he took it for a short drive so he could hear for himself the noises we were reporting. He guessed (correctly!) that we were using the new brakes too gingerly and softly after the traumas of last year and were therefore not breaking them in correctly. He also advised we have the suspension evaluated, because it could be contributing to the noise we were hearing. What did he charge for this careful inspection and advice? Nothing! We could hardly believe it. After all, he put his time, effort, and expertise into it. I'd say this is a guy you can trust. read more

My car was in desperate need of new back brakes so I called and made an appointment. I dropped my car off and my son and I walked around for a bit, then stopped and grabbed some treats and hot drinks at a little caffè. We walked back to the shop after over an hour. My car was almost ready to go. He did a great job and his price for new rotors/brakes was really good. I'm taking my car back in next month to replace the front brakes as well. I'm so glad I found his shop! Thank you!!! read more

Fast service, fair prices...Made an appointment the day before. Was in and out in less than 40 minutes for the rear brake pads on my Rav 4. I'll be back the next time I need brakes done. read more

Absolutely exceptional in every possible way. If you're tired of getting convinced/coerced into car repairs, you'll fall in love with this place. They are honest, friendly, responsive, and 1000% skilled in brake repair. I'll never again go to any other place to have my brakes done!!! read more

I am extremely impressed with my experience here. I needed new front pads and rotors and I had one shop quote me $600 and another $800 which both seemed above market rate for the job. Asim quoted me something much more reasonable but still in line with what I would have expected to pay so I knew I was likely getting a high quality product. He was available same day on a Saturday and did the job in 20 minutes for exactly what he quoted me on the phone. No hidden fees or surprises. The way his shop is decorated is also very clean and inviting. I live in the north bay but I will return here when it's time to replace my rear pads as I know this is a trustworthy, reliable shop. read more

The owner, Awesome (that's his name!), got me into his shop 2 hours after I called. In ten minutes he had all four wheels off and showed me exactly what needed to be replaced and why. The back brakes were okay. The fronts need new pads and rotors, I did the work and test drove the vehicle in under an hour while I had soup at Shangri-la restaurant across the street. His labor was $160, which seems fair. The parts were $330. Quick & easy, at a fair price - I'd recommend Just Brakes. read more

Our SUV had new front and back rotors and brakes replaced a year and a half ago (20,000 miles). Took it to our normal shop to get them checked due to squealing. Was told the brakes had only 25% life on them and I needed new rotors and pads. No warranty offered and quoted a ridiculous price. After paying the previous shop for inspection I called Just Brakes. They told me to come in and no appointment was needed. I should have just came here in the first place. After taking a look they showed me first hand my brake pads had 50% life left on them and I could hold off on new rotors for another handful of months. When I inquired about cost when it does come time to replace them it was half of what my shop quoted me. No upselling / straight forward / honest and transparent. Happy to have found a new place for brake work. Now I just have to find a new mechanic. Oh yeah... I wasn't charged a penny for the inspection / consultation either. 5 stars! read more

I called Just Brakes to see if they could fit me in. 15 minutes later Asim was inspecting my car and showing me exactly what the issues was. An hour or so later my front brakes had been replaced and off I went. He was very transparent in his assessment and in his pricing. I was happy to support a local small business and will be back to see him in around ten thousand miles when my rear brakes wear out! read more

When the warning light came on to change my brake pads, I considered taking it back to the Porsche dealership and paying through the nose. Instead I went with Just Brakes, and I'm totally satisfied. Asim is straightforward, thorough, and knowledgable. read more

Asim installed some aftermarket brakes in my Highlander. He was quick and thorough. He was pleasant and explained the break-in period for the new rotors and brakes well. I would go back. read more

I found Just Brakes on Yelp and was amazed at all of 5 Star ratings. My brakes have been squealing sporadically for a couple of months. I keep asking my mechanics to explain why. They continue to say there is not a problem. I wanted the problem fixed because the noise is causing me great stress. I dropped in to Just Brakes. Asim inspected my brakes (which my mechanics never did), told me that my brake pads were fine but diplomatically stated that the noise stemmed from the quality of the brake pads. He then explained in detail what I would hear and experience when it was time to install new brakes. Ladies, that's what we need to hear - a detailed explanation! Not "trust me, your car's ok." Be assured that, when my car needs new brakes, I'm having them installed at Just Brakes, not my "trust me" mechanics who installed my cheap (my word) brake pads, which is why they won't tell me why they're squeaking. Go to Just Brakes! Trust Asim! read more

Great service! Looking forward to returning next time I need my brake pads replaced. Thank you Just Brakes!

I really appreciate the time taken to explain what was going on with my brakes. I got my pads and rotors replaced for an extremely fair price, id say it was a great value. He also took the time to clean up a scuff i had on my car, and inspected my tires to make sure they were good. Overall great experience read more

I was looking for a reputable place to replace my rear brake pads. Asim (pronounced Awesome) was exactly that...Awesome! Timing, price and quality were excellent. I'd recommend Just Brakes to others looking to have their brakes serviced. The Job was completed while I waited in under an hour. read more

I brought my 2012 Lexus in because my brakes were squeaky. Now I don't know anything about cars and one of my friends told me that the metal would be warped and I was going to have to spend a fck ton of money. I pulled up with no appointment and they were immediately available! The guy asked me what the issue was, I told him, he lifted the car, removed the tires one by one, and looked at the brakes. He came back to me and I was expecting to fall out of my chair with the bad news. Instead he showed me a chart that shows the health of your brakes and that I did not need any work done. I was shocked. I asked him why they were squeaky and he explained that sometimes brakes are just squeaky and that I could fix it by replacing them but it's just not necessary. I was speechless. I was fully expecting to get run through the wringer but instead he was just honest about the condition of my car! I wanted to give him money for his time and honesty or even as just a tip but he absolutely would not take it. I was remarkably persistent and still no. I will be coming back to this shop and recommending everyone I know. It is rare that a business can build trust like this man did. I'm very grateful! read more

Just Brakes - Auto Repair Near Me - Albany, California

When I first saw the reviews on Yelp for this place, I couldn't believe how many 5 stars there were. Now I see why! This is the first car place where I was actually shown my brakes and explained what I needed. I'd never seen my own car's brakes before. I also get ripped off at most car places because I'm a young woman. But Asim explained that I didn't need new rotors and what rotors are supposed to look like. He gave me advice about tires as well. I reached out for a quote via Yelp and got a response and was scheduled within an hour for an appointment within the week. This is going to be my go-to place for brakes as long as I'm in the bay and I would completely recommend this place to all my friends. Please come here for all your brake needs! read more

Great experience getting front brake pads and rotors replaced. Asim explained everything upfront, including the total cost, and finished the job within an hour. read more

I live in the Chicago suburbs. My just-graduated-from-college 22 yo son is living in Berkeley and was told by a local mechanic that he needed the rotors replaced on his 2008 Volvo S80 3.2 . The quote was outrageous. I sent out project request for quotes and Just Brakes responded along with a couple others. Their price was way more reasonable so I messaged them through Yelp, told them the situation and had my son set an appointment. They did the job and I'm really happy with the results. Brake rotors were definitely shot, they did the work quickly and accurately. I highly recommend them. read more

Just Brakes - Old brake rotors - Auto Repair Near Me - Albany, California

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Quick response times, very transparent and honest, highly recommended, will be back for more services

This is what going to the repair shop should be like every time. They were very honest with what needed to be done showed us the parts and the exact problem and was done in a very reasonable time. Highly recommended. read more

Awesome guy. Took me as a drop in. I was pretty sure I'd need brakes on my 2000 Sentra with 79k in-town miles. He showed me there was 5-6 ml left, no need for new brakes. Rotated the tires when putting back, on at my request. No charge! I gratefully handed him a $20. This place deserves your brake business. read more

Asim took good care of us this morning. I reached out last week to see if he could get my boyfriend's car in. He responded right away and gave me a morning appointment. He quoted us ~$400 when Subaru had quoted us ~$1000. He was quick, friendly, and gave us exactly what we needed. Thank you!! When my car needs brakes I will be there and I will send others your way. read more

Super chill shop. Appointments recommended but I was able to get in quick for an inspection as I was noticing squeaking and increased foot pressure required for stopping. Put it up, tires off, inspected the pads and measured and walked me through it and luckily my pads were still at 50% and the squeaking is coming from tire shine spray. When a shop is honest and straightforward and speaks to you in easily understandable terms I can't recommend enough. read more

very kind and easy to schedule an appointment. didn't end up needing brakes at the moment but will 100% be back when i do. very informative and transparent. thank you!!!! read more

Super easy to check on appointment availability via a phone call, drive in & get taken care off with ease. As a one man shop, Asim values in what he does & does excellent work at a good price when compared to named dealerships. If something happens again on my car's brakes, I am driving up to Just Brakes. Highly recommend. read more

Not many people are honest like the guy who helped me today, so hopefully you choose just brakes. The check brake fluid light came on my BMW X2 so I bought EBC pads and took them here. The owner inspected my brakes and rotors and said they didn't need replacement for a while. Then he opened the hood, tested the brake fluid, said it was fine, reset the service light and told me it was free of charge. He saved me over $700, so the least I can do is leave him a good review and hopefully the good karma comes back his way. When I actually need new brakes, this will be the first and only place I call. read more

Best place I ever knew for brakes (and I've been driving for 45 years). After removing the tires and opening up the brakes, Asim had me come over and he showed me what shape my brakes were in and what they needed (cleaning and adjustment) and what they didn't need (didn't need to be replaced.) He cleaned and adjusted all 4 breaks in about 10 minutes while I waited in his comfortable seating. The price was extremely fair. Before & After: Before, I had to pull the emergency brake up quite high whenever I used it, and it was so loose that 2 weeks ago I'd accidently drove home on the emergency brake. After Asim adjusted the brakes, I can only pull the emergency brake lever a tiny bit and I hear a click and it's locked into place, and if I start to drive on it, as soon as I start it strongly resists moving and I hear a very loud screech. There is no way I can accidently drive with it on now. My brakes are now working perfectly. I can stop as soon as I apply the brakes, but they are not so tight that I am thrown forward when I come to a stop. If Asim did more than "Just Brakes," I would come to him for all my car care needs. He's the best. read more

Asim flushed my brakes and adjusted my rear drum brakes making them feel better than ever. He clearly takes pride on his work - he was worked carefully and fast (he started working exactly at my appointment time) and showed me the state of my brakes before and after. Moreover, his shop has amazing pricing! Thank you so much Asim!! 100% recommended, I will be definitely coming back whenever I need help with my brakes. read more

I spoke with the Asim about some noise from front end while driving and he inspected my W124 300e breaks. He recommend to look at the tires first and told me that my breaks is still have very long life ahead. I came out and pay$0 with good information. I highly recommend JUST BREAK!! Asim is a great guy. read more

I couldn't be happier with my first (of many) experiences with Just Brakes! I would give them a 50 if I could. I needed brakes on my car right away because I was down to the bare min and he took me same day because he had an opening. It was quick with excellent work, and super reasonable price! Its so hard to find a mechanic you feel you can trust and I'm so glad I found this one. I will be back over and over! read more