My car had been making horrible noises for the last two months. I had a good experience here in the past with a different car, so I came by today to have my brakes serviced. Although it took a bit longer than I expected it to, Ben provided great service and showed me what was wrong with my brakes and explained the necessary repairs. They also had to do further repairs beyond what they quoted me, but kept my payment at the original quote regardless. I was very impressed with them yet again and will return for my oil change soon. My car sounds good again! read more

This place is the best! Wesley is so helpful and always works with you to do the right job, in a short time period, at the right price. So accommodating and great at explaining the details of what needs to be fixed, etc. Highly recommend! read more

My brakes were thoroughly destroyed back in July and they fixed them right up very quickly. But recently my car started making a weird noise when I turned left. I also got my tire replaced recently and I thought between those repairs something awful had happened. I know nothing about cars so I didn't know how to explain it when I called. I called this morning and asked if they could fix "a weird clicking noise that only happens when I turn left" and they confidently told me that they would take a look instead of making me feel stupid for not knowing anything about cars. I brought it in and in ten minutes they told me that there was just a cosmetic piece of plastic that had bent into a weird shape rubbing against my wheel. They removed it free of charge, they didn't even charge for service. They also checked my brakes free of charge again even though I had just gotten them fixed and assured me that they work perfectly and I wouldn't need to get them fixed anytime in the future. Great service and honesty! read more

Those of you that have, or at least think you had, a good experience here, I would be extremely wary. These guys are running an out-and-out scam. They are extremely friendly, will talk a lot about your safety, then they take you back into the shop and point out all of the components and claim, essentially, that everything needs to be replaced, in every single case. For instance, if you go in there, I can almost guarantee you that they will claim you need a new calipers. Now, sometimes you do, but usually only after EXTREME neglect or wear, like over 250,000 miles. They gave me the whole song and dance, but I guess they didn't realize I actually do all of my own work on my cars (having restored 3) and I am pretty well versed on the basics of a brake system. They also claimed my mazda needed "special" pads. Mind you this is one of the most common cars ever made. Those pads cost $17 from the dealership. From Brake Check they were an additional 60. They claimed the rotors would be $95 a wheel. Except those are $40 from the dealership. And, of course, I would need the worlds most expensive calipers. I was only there because I ran out of time before a road trip, but you better believe I had them put my car back on the ground and I headed to another shop that quoted me less than 1/3 price and confirmed what I already knew: my rotors and calipers were fine. The long and short of it this: This shop's bread and butter is getting trusting people in the door with the $99.88 special and then convincing people that don't know much about cars that they need a lot more repair work than they really do. But please, don't trust me. Whatever they quote you, just take it somewhere else and get a second opinion. Heck, I'll bet you even get a substantially lower estimate from a dealership in every case. read more

Someone already said it on here, but I will reiterate it: the folks at Brake Check at this location are a bunch of CROOKS! Shame on them for screwing over people, many of whom I'm sure are working class folks like me and desperately need every dollar they have! DO NOT GO HERE!!! Search online for reputable, independently owned mechanics in Austin instead. Here's a review I just left for an honest mechanic that describes my experience with Brake Check: I am so grateful a friend recommended Danny to me and I will never go to another mechanic for the rest of my life. Just a sort of quick story of why I am so grateful and why he's such a good, honest person: I made the enormous mistake of going to Brake Check for several years and issues were constantly popping up over those years that would require me to go back to them and spend several hundred dollars. The last time I went to Brake Check it dawned on me (for a couple of reasons) they were trying to screw me over so I went to Danny for a second opinion and my feeling was right: Danny told me that my rear brake pads were fine and did not need to be replaced (not what Brake Check told me), but that I did need my front rotors replaced and my front brake pads replaced (again, not what Brake Check told me. Brake Check told me that they could resurface my front rotors and that my front brake pads were fine). My front brake pads were still under warranty with Brake Check, but I decided to pay the money to have the work done properly by Danny and his team and it was the best decision I made. (My awesome, honest, good mechanic also told me that Brake Check uses low quality brake pads---but of course). Please do not go to Brake Check. This place should be shut down immediately! read more

This place is the BEST place to go to for brakes and oil change (only things I have gone for but they are probably good at whatever you need done)! They are so nice and informative and really care about their customers. They also have the best prices in town hands down. Cannot say enough good things about this place!! For sure will be coming back! read more

I almost broke my ankle at brake check. They have a giant 15-inch-deep 12-inch-wide hole right by their business. It was covered in grass when I walked into it. I'm pretty young, so after about five minutes of laying in the grass cursing (no one came to help, even though I was literally ten feet from their front door) I walked in and told them about it. Their immediate response: "Not our problem." After I made it clear I wasn't going to leave until they looked at the giant hole, they went out and looked at it, and said. "That's really dangerous. Not our problem." So I spent the next fifteen minutes tearing out the grass that was hiding the hole, in order to make the hole visible to the next possible victim. I don't know how they are with cars, but I know they don't give a shit about people. read more

These guys are awesome. They will take care of you!! My car overheated and something under the hood exploded while I was driving home from work, and I pulled up to this garage crying after they were already closed on a Friday night. They waved me in, took a look at my car, and pulled it into the garage for the night. I am a young girl in college, and they even offered me a ride back to my apartment. I told them that my roommate was on her way to get me, and they waited 45 minutes after they closed on a Friday to make sure that I got picked up safely!!! They were great with communication to me, as well as my dad (who lives in Dallas) everything that was going on under the hood, the costs of repairs, etc. My car was good as new the next morning on Saturday. The Brake Check team took great care of not only my car, but they also took care of me. I highly recommend them!!! read more

Installed faulty brakes, upon returning, they "fixed" it. They were horrid, the next visit, they said it would fade away. I used to do brakes at a shop, so I know the difference between uneven/unaligned brakes and a little dust from fresh ones. After TWO more visits, they admitted the parts were defective, and "replaced" them. The noise and shudder remained. On the next visit they "adjusted" them, and they remained the same. On the 5th visit, they claimed the malfunction was the drivers fault, and verbally assaulted her.... On the 6th visit, they "resurfaced" them, and they are worse than ever now. Corporate has neglected to respond, and now 2 locations have been abrasive, rude, discourteous, and negligent. Two more notable things, the first visit, they told my friend she needed a new alignment, badly. I had this done, along with all new tires, 2 months prior, at NTB. So, this place is scamming people, outright. I am now speaking with an attorney and taking them to court over faulty service, lost wages from all the day visits (over 20 hours), and scamming. read more

Brought my car in for an oil change and got convinced to do a full brake job here about a year ago. I've had nothing but loud, squeaky, grinding brakes every since. I gave them $600 and 3 chances to fix whatever they messed up, but they couldn't seem to do it. They gave me a different "solution" every time and none of it worked for longer than 3 months. Finally took it somewhere else and learned that they had put the wrong brake shoes on my vehicle which caused my drums to warp and the surfaces of my rotors to totally smooth out. All of it needs to be redone. Apparently these mechanics are either incompetent or do not do their research on what's needed for individual vehicles. I wish I had never walked in the door. read more

I'm not one to write reviews- but I just had to give a shout out to the guy (never got his name) who helped me with my brake lights yesterday! He was sooo kind and sooo easy to communicate with. I never ever have a good experience with mechanics or anything car related. But as soon as I called this shop- I instantly felt at ease. I was in and out in 45 minutes and the fix was much cheaper than I anticipated. Thank you again to the awesome, sweet guy who helped fix my Hyundai Santa Fe - you're a rock star! read more

Picked this place because the reviews for most of the jiffy lubes and other places around were atrocious. These guys were helpful, pro, and on point. Came out to help unhook and rebook our trailer without even being asked, and were cool to chat with while we waited. Thanks! read more

Phillip said he would rather I write this review of Brake Check than ensure that my car does not catch on fire!! In September of 2014 I pulled in to Brake Check for a routine oil change. As I was waiting for my car, I heard the serviceman at the front desk tell each customer that was paying a bill that his or her car or truck needed a $100+ alignment. When I approached the desk to pay my bill, lo and behold, my car needed an alignment. I declined the alignment. I left Brake Check feeling wary about their business ethics, but I decided to give them the benefit of the doubt and move on with my life. Because I am a student (in law school working toward a career in human rights), and I live quite close to UT, I drive infrequently. Yesterday I took my car for a state inspection, and the mechanic who performed the inspection discovered that my oil cap was missing, and oil has sloshed all over the innards of my car. The manual recommends an oil change every 4500 miles, and my car is still far from the 4500 mile mark. The oil change at Brake Check was the last time anyone touched my oil cap, and, naturally, I expected replacing the oil cap to be part of the service I had paid for. When I asked the inspector how the cap might have gone missing, he said that the person who did the oil change must not have put it back. Alternatively, the cap might have worked its way out if it weren't screwed in tightly enough. Conclusion: Brake Check was responsible for my missing oil cap. Before I left the inspection site, the pleasant inspector (at Dave's Ultimate Automotive) said he didn't want to put any bad vibes out in the world, but "this is how oil fires start." He said I should call Brake Check and have them give me a new cap and clean the oil. So, today I called Brake Check and spoke to Phillip. I explained the situation. In response, he told me "someone is messing with your car" and "you better find out who is doing that." I asked him if he was seriously telling me that some random person was "messing with" my oil cap and nothing else on the car. Phillip went on at some length about how Brake Check might have done something if I had come in within thirty days, but he frankly didn't care how infrequently I drive. I calmly told Phillip that when I was sitting in the Brake Check waiting area while they changed the oil on my car, I had heard the serviceman -- I believe it was Phillip himself -- tell every single customer that his or her car needed a $100+ alignment, and I'd had misgivings about their honesty. The mechanic who inspected my car at Dave's Ultimate had told me that the car was at risk of an oil fire due to Brake Check's negligence. Now, was Phillip seriously telling me that instead of providing me with a $5 oil cap and cleaning the oil off of my car, he would prefer that I write a review of my experience with Brake Check (my first internet review!) and post it online? Phillip said that yes, he would prefer I post a negative review. He would rather my car and I be at risk of an oil fire than provide a remedy for a problem that Brake Check caused -- a remedy at minimal cost to them! An oil fire!!! I don't like to put bad vibes out in the world either, but this company is as dishonest as I have encountered. Hardworking Texans deserve better. read more

I am skeptical of auto mechanics and generally hate when my car is due for any type of service. I rolled the dice on Brake Check based on a couple of recent and decent Yelp reviews and am happy that I did. I took advantage of Brake Check's free brake evaluation, since my 2007 Mazda 3 hasn't been stopping as sharply as it once had and I've been putting off having the brake pads replaced. The shop manager -- I believe his name is Marshall -- was extremely helpful and shocked me by letting me know that my pads and rotors were in fine shape and did not need to be replaced. Imagine that, a mechanic diagnosing my car as healthy! After the brake inspection, they also ran a free general diagnostic test on my tires and engine. No work required there, either. I also witnessed employees dealing with a couple of other customers and was impressed with their service. One customer said that she needed her repairs done on a tight budget and they worked with her to keep her costs low, while also explaining how she could prevent additional costs down the line. I'll definitely be back. read more

I had an issue from a previous Brake Check in South Austin and I was really disappointed that after spending ALOT of money to have my steering wheel shake violently every time I applied my brakes. I decided to try a different location and boy did I get lucky. Manager in charge Mike was VERY patient even though the site was very busy. We had an issue finding me in system and then he told me that he was not going to charge to have my rotors machined again... this time evenly. It worked. Brakes are great! Thank you Mike for your friendliness and your professionalism. People like you are what customer service is all about! read more

I went to Dave's Automotive and they tried to charge me triple of what it was worth to fix my car. Phillip, the manager at brake check totally came in clutch and fixed the problem for a third of the price. The workers there helped and showed me what the problem was and got it done swiftly. Billy and Tyrone were of great help. I would recommend this location to anyone. read more

Think twice - Scheduled an appointment to bring in my Jeep Wrangler. Dropped off at 10am. After inspection, they called and told me I needed new rear brakes plus resurface my rotors. Said front needed to be done as well plus my seal on rear axle was leaking. $780. Told him lets just address axle and rear brakes and I would deal with front next month. Said if you do it all now I'll knock the price to $700 even. Said no, what is price without front...$580. I said to go ahead with the work. 1 Hour later... BC: "We machined your rotors down and we can't save them so you need new rotors...price is now $660." Also asked again if I want front brakes done... BC: "It'll only be $60 more..." which made no sense because it was $120 more an hour earlier. 1 Hour later... BC: "Your axle actually needs to be sent off to an outside shop... we won't have your car ready until 11am tomorrow" Next day at 11am... "Axle is not back I will call you" 3:30pm..... BC: "We have your car completed" I was unable to pick up that day due to my work schedule so I picked it up the following morning. Day of pick up.... BC: "Total is $771" After getting the price down to $670 I finally paid. At this point they realized I was upset and he "manually" entered my credit card into the computer so I couldn't take the survey on my experience. When handed the keys, they told me they had accidentally killed my car battery and I then had to be jumped before I could leave. MOST UNPROFESSIONAL SERVICE - I will never be back. read more

This is without a doubt on the worst auto shops in Austin. I worked for a couple of different auto shops over the years and recently worked for 2 days at Brake Check. In just my 2 days there I saw the managerial staff sell over 500 dollars in unneeded parts to a lady who had to pawn some things to pay for the repair. Now for my review before I was a mechanic. I will not drown you in the details; however, I will say I got ripped off. They sold me new brake parts that I didn't need/could have been rebuilt. All in all, Avoid This Shop! read more

I have been to this location a few times over the years and everytime, I walk away impressed with the extremely courteous, friendly, informative customer service. The work always seems A+ as well. While I haven't comparison shopped, the prices seem reasonable. I highly recommend. read more

Fair prices, quick work. I'm a procrastinator, and have zero patience. I got in on a Sunday, and it was done by the time I finished lunch. I took the car back two weeks later because there was a noise I knew wasn't normal for post brake-work, and they got me in and out in about 45 minutes to fix a shim that was out of place. Overall, I'm quite satisfied! read more

So about 5 years ago, I would have given this place 5 stars, but it has gone down hill since. For about the past 5 cars I've owned I've bought the "lifetime" wheel alignment and I used to get all other mechanical needs done until I started losing confidence in them. Today, i have regretted buying the wheel alignment on my most recent car. I went today for the first time since the initial alignment was done because the car has started drifting to the right. As soon as I mentioned that I had a "lifetime" wheel alignment, the employee was somewhat hostile asking me if I've had any work done or replaced any parts because that would void the alignment warranty. After I told him no, he proceeded to tell me that if they see any new parts, they'll just pull it out (inferring I wasn't telling him the truth). Finally, when they were done, I was a bit skeptical since they were done within about 15 minutes. Upon checking out, i asked for a printout of the alignment (which i think was unexpected) and, while improved, all the numbers were not brought within specs. I didn't feel like dealing with these guys any further, so I just took my car and may go to another location. Aside from holding them to their obligation on my alignment, I'm done with this place that employs people that don't trust their customers and ironically are not trustworthy themselves. read more

John is an awesome help. Not only does he have my same initials, he is educational. He taught me a little bit about how car brakes work and what went wrong with my brakes. He and his guys then fixed my brakes! Super friendly place. read more

The gentlemen at Brake Check were so nice, thorough and they gave me a discount! I would highly recommend them because they are not pushy but let you know the honest details of the condition of your car. I will definitely be going back to them to get my alignment adjusted and for my oil changes!! read more

I have been to several auto shops and Brake Check off of Lamar is always reliable, honest, and timely. I highly recommend going there no matter where you live in Austin, to use these guys. read more

I've been going to this particular Brake Check for about 2 years. I have never had a bad experience with them. Every time there is anything wrong with my car I call them to see if it is something they fix. I get a little confused because they do more brakes but less than other mechanics.... I trust them over all other mechanics, except for M.E. Gene Johnson Garage over on Airport, who is a AAA approved mechanic. Ok, back to Brake Check. They have given me deals such as lowering the price when it took longer than expected. Once, they didn't even charge me when they took the time to look at my car and give my boyfriend advice on how to fix it himself. They try to make it affordable by telling me exactly what is absolutely necessary to fix right now and what can wait. They are good guys. They have a large tv and wireless internet. Also, there is a new Coffee Bean coffee shop open next door, which is a nice place to wait. read more

Thank you Benjamin Pirie!! You guys are the best. When things went downhill with my 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid's brakes last fall Ben was there! He helped me eek 5 more safe months out of my car's brake system and went above and beyond to find me the cheapest parts to fix the problem. I moved on to a new car as of recent and will for SURE be bringing my new vehicle in to Ben at Brake Check N Lamar. read more

There was a time when I brought my car repairs here. I no longer do. I would not recommend this business, under any circumstances whatsoever. If it were necessary, I would take a completely unknown, un-tested car repair place that I didn't know anything about at all, before I would go back here, even in a dire emergency. read more

This place was awesome. Bobby, the site manager, told me what he was going to do and then did it. He had the wheels removed and asked me to check the brakes with him. He gave me an estimate and said he would call if they found anything else. He called about 45 min later to say that one of the rotors had to be replaced but the other three could be turned. The whole job was finished in three hours. He did suggest a couple of additional items but didn't push them. I would definitely go back. read more

Well, let me say that the WORST things about moving to a new place are finding a new mechanic and a new doctor! My husband actually knows a lot about cars but I hate having to ask him for everything (especially when my car is pretty old and always having issues). I went to the S. Lamar Brake Check to have an alignment done and was pretty impressed. The place looks slightly sketchy but John, the new manager, was very "present" and down to earth during my time there. They caught that I had a radiator leak (which I already knew) and offered a free brake check without being pushy. I accepted the brake check, already knowing I have something weird going on with them, and John took me out there to show me what he saw. He recommended some work on the back without making me feel like I was going to die from a safety hazard as soon as I drove away, and said the front stuff could wait. I got an estimate on the brake work and then, not knowing much about this stuff, mentioned it to my husband later; he said it was a reasonable price and the recommendations made sense, so I made another appointment. I'm happy I've found this place! read more

Back in April my check engine light came on. $650+ dollars later the light was still on. I thought it was nothing until I went in for my inspection on Monday. I called brake check b/c they were supposed to fix it back then. I spoke with the General Manager Gerald and he was so helpful. I told him what I was there for back in April and the codes that popped up during my inspection. He said he would have to get back to me about the issues and then he ACTUALLY called back. The fact that he still took the time to tell me when to bring the car in so he could personally look at it. He replaced a faulty piece and got in touch with the dealership and I have to go back Friday. The thing I like the most was that fact that he called me back twice to let me know everything that was going on with my car. Everywhere needs mechanics like him!! read more

This business did the right thing. The team here is very kind. They gave me a ride to and from my apartment. The technician broke a part while replacing it on my Mazda 3. They were extremely apologetic. It took over 4 days to get a part and they kept stringing me along saying car would be ready next day, then it wasn't. I had to rent a car. When I complained to corporate in San Antonio, they agreed the communications about when my car would be ready should have been better. They refunded the car rental cost. I appreciated this greatly. read more

Since I am brand new to Austin, finding a decent, honest, and flexible mechanic for my 130k + mile Camry is essential. Coming from Las Vegas I'm no stranger to the bait and switch of most mechanics and dealers alike. I was in a bit of a bind and had to register my car in TX and needed a repair NOW to pass inspection or else my current registration would be suspended. No one would take the car the same day until I looked on yelp and saw some great reviews about Brake Check south Lamar so I figured it would be worth a shot. Not only did they take the car right away, but Marshall the manager explained EVERY step of the process to fix the car and what the various outcomes were once the problem was identified. They fixed the car AND checked their work to make sure it was done right the first time. The icing on the cake here is the genuine service and honesty that I have never encountered at any other auto repair facility. I will certainly come back for everything that I need done on my car with total confidence that it is in good hands. Oh, and by the way, the price was probably $50-100 less than I could have spent at another repair shop. read more

I've used this brake check a few times for routine stuff on my F-350 diesel and they have been great. But this time I had some pretty big issues, my shocks blew, my front brakes were horrible, and I believe it was a bearing that was shot too. Anyway, it was also routine things that happen in life but compared to what Ford was gonna charge me- what a difference! The manager John and his crew were so nice and very professional at helping me, explaining things, and getting my truck fixed in a timely manner. I would highly recommend them, and after this experience i'm going to take my Mercedes in this week for some routine stuff and new struts, so get ready for more work guys! Very happy with the work, communication, and professionalism, and will continue to go there when needed. J. read more

I was having a issue with my car and took it more than a few places ans was told lots of different stuff including that it was goi g to cost up to $1000 to even find out what was wrong. These wonderful people not only identified and fixed the problem, they told me what I would need next and what that would cost and they treated me with generosity and respect and the bill was way less than I thought it would for the level of improvement I got and they told me what was really wrong so that I could stop worrying that my car was gonna blow up. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! The manger, John is a gem! read more

My wife's van had a brake problem with the right rear wheel rubbing whenever she applied the brakes and I had some new brakes put on by Brake Check. When I left, I could still hear the rubbing whenever I applied the brakes. I brought it in and Phil checked it out and did some adjustments but I still heard the rubbing whenever I applied the brakes. Phil called me to ask about the issue and told me to bring it in again and he would resolve the issue with no extra charge. My wife had been driving the van all week and five days ago the rubbing sound was still there. I drove the car into Austin this morning and much to my surprise, there was no more rubbing sound. I tried to get the sound back but it was gone. I would like to thank Phil for his concern and willingness to help me resolve it. The issue is no longer there and the brakes are working well. read more

Beware. We went to Brakecheck on N. Lamar for car repairs several times when Andy was working there - he was an honest guy and we were satisfied with the work done. Last month, the air conditioning in our car was not cooling after Jiffy Lube added freon - they told us to have the system checked out for a leak. Took it across the street to Brakecheck and discovered they have a new manager - Phil. Phil looks like a New Jersey guy - swarthy with gold chain around his neck , so my attennae were on alert for lies and a hard sell. (I lived in NJ for a while.) Phil did not disappoint. He was as full of it as I suspected - claimed the compressor was not working and the whole system had to be replaced for $2300. I said I had to think about it. Took it to McFadden Automotive for a free AC check - did not tell them what had happened. They said that an AC hose had a leak and needed to be replaced, along with a couple of related gizmos. Cost was 500. The AC works fine now. Thanks, Phil at Brakecheck on N. Lamar, for confirming what I have always thought -- that I am a pretty good judge of character. read more

My daughter's brake lights would not turn off. She lives in Austin and I live in Houston. We didn't know where to take her car. I called this Brake Check location and Gerald was so helpful. He knew exactly what the problem was before we even brought it in. They did a great job repairing her car. I thought the price was very responsible too. I would highly recommend using them. Janet read more

These guys did great! They were very speedy and took care of everything at a very fair rate!

I have gone to Break Check several times over the course of moving to Austin, and I even wrote a few reviews praising them. They seemed to give me great deals and always have the customer in mind. Then, when I brought my car in for overheating they told me I needed a brand new radiator. It cost me close to $1000-- all of my savings-- and less than a week later my car overheated again, worse than the last time. When I called them they claimed it must be a blown headgasket and that they didn't work on those so I'd have to take it somewhere else. I have never felt so betrayed by a company before. If you value your savings find somewhere else to get your car repairs. read more

I had a truly great experience at this Brake Check. Russell and Tyler did an exceptionally good job repairing my car's brakes. I cannot recommend this place highly enough. Quality service, affordable prices, everything you could ask for. Two huge thumbs up. You did it right, guys. read more