Wow! I spent the whole day getting estimates on my daughters car that needed back brakes. Brake Masters was my last stop and I am amazed at the service and friendly atmosphere - I received my free estimate just after 4:00pm and was asked if I wanted to have the work done right then and now! (This shop closes at 5:00pm) I was out of there at 5:30 with all work done :) Javier runs a tight ship and will not lead you down the path of work that does not have to be done. Every customer that came in as I waited seemed like family and I knew from that I had chosen the right place. I highly recommend Brake Masters and will be returning with my own car in the near future. It is a rarity in this world to receive the amazing customer service that this shop provides. read more

The owner seemed knowledgable and honest. Frankly, he could have told me anything about the situation. Couldn't find the problem, so no charge. read more

Great service and professional. Had a nut missing on my tire and they fixed it. While there, I was so impressed that I had them change my oil too! read more

I came here about a year and a half ago to get work done on my front breaks. The job was a little pricey but so is gas and, as my lady puts it, "you do what you have to do." If you want a decent job done, you're going to have to pay for it and the front breaks have held up so far. Now it's the rears' turn. With the amount of cars Javier had to move I expected the wait to be longer than it was. I'm glad that this relatively minor job was given some priority. One thing I really hate is to go someplace and have too much time tied up with a relatively trivial matter...you ever go to a fast food joint and leave without ketchup of a straw, go back inside and wait in the same line you stood in to place your order? I hope not, but there are businesses that will address each customer in the order they came in regardless of how much time and energy is required to provide a service. read more

From oil change to car diagnostic, I've had it done here and have been happy with the results. I've always felt the price was fair and the promptness in having the repairs done was awesome. I came with my truck overheating, fixed. I came with my check engine light and needed to get smogged, fixed. Oil Change, done. Brakes, changed. Rear Deferential, replaced. I moved from Pasadena to Los Angeles near USC, and I still go back when I need my Ford Ranger looked at. read more

I highly recommend this place, the prices blow jiffy lube out of the land sea and air! friendly service, everyone seems to be in a good mood who works there. no high pressure sale tactics. i went and picked up everything i needed for a transmission change (filter, oil, gasket) i was quoted $45. cant beet that with an ugly stick. they even offered to let me put business cards on the desk with out even asking about it. the owner is supper chill, his wife is even on site. i was left with a very good feeling driving out of that place. 5 stars all the way! read more

So I brought my car in for brakes and a funny sound coming from my front driver's side wheel. Earlier in the day I got all 4 tires replaced at tire shop & they told me that I just need an alignment. Well upon further investigation at Brake Masters, they found that my axel was completely snapped and the wheel could have fallen off at any time. Without asking, Javier & his crew replaced the axel for me to ensure that I drove away from his business in a safe vehicle. When I asked Javier about the additional cost for the axel, he told me to just pay for the brakes & the alignment, and that I could come back whenever to pay the balance. Javier could have easily not fixed the axel or held my car ransom until my bill was paid, but instead he chose to fix my car and allow me to pay at a later date. That goes to show that Javier is an amazing person and deserves all the local support he can get. I definitely give Brake Masters 5 stars! And I strongly recommend that if you live in the Pasadena/ Altadena area, that you take your vehicle here for any and all needs. read more

My Maintenance Minder light went on and oil level indicator went to 15% within a month after leaving here which is impossible. They either forgot to reset the light or screwed up. read more

I called in for an appointment for brakes. Javier answered my call immediately, offering me an appointment right away. I came in before the appointment and he accommodated me in a kind and gracious way. He offered me price options. My brakes were done fast, and my car drives better than it did previously. This is a great outlet with lots of customers that evince the shop's reliability and great customer service. read more

Everytime I go to brake masters they take care of me! I had to write a review for this last situation. My car was studder starting and having a hard time turning over. (2006 impala with 83,000 miles) Took it to them. They found that my waterpump had a leak in it too. So altogether I got a new starter( orig $250 reduced to $190) and water pump($75). Labor was $250 for a couple hours of work. (Autozone price = $63 for waterpump and $150 for starter.) I drove it to Anahiem next day. My car shuts down and steering wheel locks on the freeway going 50. The rest of the day, my car dies continuously and spontaneously. (scary). I finally get back to brake masters as the mechanics are literally walking out the door and locking up, and all the mechanics huddled to see what was wrong with my car. One mechanic, test drove it, gave me a ride home AND carried my belongings up the stairs for me! He promised to work on it personally first thing in the morning. I left it there overnight. I call to check on my car, the manager Javier says they found something wrong with my spark plugs and were ORDERING PARTS AND DOING THE LABOR FOR FREE! BOTTOM LINE- Excellent customer service! Couldn't ask for better professionals! I trust them with my car. read more

I've been bringing my vehicles here for years. The first time, I was low on oil and they added a little at NO charge. Who does that? So upon returning for brakes, I was told that I only needed front brakes, when they could have told me I needed all four. I wouldn't have known the difference. In the years since, they have done larger jobs at considerably less than other quotes I received and I have never had a problem with their work. Always first rate. The owner, Javier, is professional and friendly...a great combination. This shop is honest and good at what they do. I have read some of the negative reviews...about the height of the TV (really??) or that another mechanic said they would have to do the brakes over...and pay THAT mechanic for the privilege...hmmm. Why didn't the second mechanic tell him to return to Brake Masters and give them a chance to fix the problem, I wonder?? (Hint: $$$) And yes, the crew may talk to each other like regular human beings...but you're not bringing your car to church. Bottom line: Good, honest people and a great value. read more

Great service very honest guys which is so awesome I am a single woman so nice to have a mechanic you can trust

Javier(owner/service manager) takes time to explain what is going on with the car. His workers get right to work on the car. They seem to know what they are doing. Prices are very reasonable. I got there around 8am and was out by 9:30am. Not bad for turning the rotors on the front brakes and sanding down the pads. Under $70. Look for the coupons in the PennySaver too. read more

Break masters are very highly qualified in doing breaks I was in and out in one hour for my FJ Toyota I highly recommend them:)))

The rare honest mechanic. The Toyota dealership estimated $1,400 for brakes, rotors drums. Brake Masters said they doubted I needed drums. They were right and did the job for $700. read more

They are honest, efficient and courteous. They do far more than brakes. I have had the staff work on many parts and problems I started frequenting this business after I rolled in one early morning, with the check engine light lit and was greeted with an offer of assistance on the spot. My 2006 Honda Accord remains healthy as a result of their diligence. read more

Javier is a true gentleman. He is honest and very kind. Brake Masters did a great job on my car. I would highly recommend them!

I found the entire staff friendly and the owner, Javier, a good man who served in the community with deep committment and integrity.

After getting new tires installed at America's Tire in Pasadena, I knew I needed a front wheel alignment they give you a coupon for this place for $59 for 2 wheel alignment and this place takes care of you right away .. read more

I brought an old Honda Accord and then my Ford Expedition to these guys for years and they always treated me very fairly. I came to them after visiting another shop that gave me a laundry list of things that supposedly needed to be fixed. That didn't seem to be the case. Javier is a great guy and always helped me keep those two cars running without recommending unnecessary repairs. When you find an honest and fair mechanic, hang on to them! read more

I've been going to Brake Masters, Altadena, for many years. I generally have very good experiences when I take my vehicles there. On occasion, friends or family have had mishaps with their vehicle's issue. I personally find Javier to be very honest about what might be needed to make my vehicle safe (I travel many miles each day), and safety is the first and foremost priority on my list. read more

Javier and his crew: the best. I've been coming here for eight years, and he always looks after me, gives me the best deal to keep my old truck going. He is a true gentleman, and you're not going to find a more honest and helpful guy. I've been reading some of the negative reviews and I would say: some people are never happy; and these reviews are from an alternate universe, the absolute opposite of anything that I've ever experienced here. I drive WAY out of my way to have Javier service my stuff - 50-mile round trip - because once you've found a decent mechanic, you stick with them. Peace of mind. read more

Short Version: They take a really long time on oil change..seems trust worthy, but definitely not, I mean, what mechanic is? They will treat you like an orange and squeeze everything they can out of you when all you ask for something minor. Long Version: I've gone here multiple times mainly for an oil change, and a very SLOW one at that.... But it's extremely close to the house, so I suck it up and go...my latest visit with them last week was my LAST. Tip to girls bringing in your cars: SAY AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE. Because everything you say can and will be used against you. 2 days before I had an overheating problem, of course I was told by a family member over the phone that it could "possibly" be my radiator, and to put water in it. I did what I was told and VOILA! I made it safely on my HOUR DRIVE HOME!!!!!!!!!!!! I bring it in to Brake Masters, told the mechanic the situation, but was able to drive it for an hour without any issues, but mostly I needed an oil change. Javier calls me back saying that it was DEFINITELY my radiator, it was cracked and there are major leakage, and to NOT DRIVE IT AT ALL OR IT WILL OVERHEAT!!! Frightened and alone, I ask for a quote to get everything fixed and he quoted me about $600+ to fix radiator, thermostat, oil change, hose, and some other things. Shocked that it was so expensive, I get into my car from Brake Masters, attempt to drive it 2 miles to my brother's house for him to take a look...and LOW AND BEHOLD...IT OVER-EFFIN-HEATS after 2 miles of leaving Brake Masters???????? Like what the actual F*ck? I was able to drive it home the day before from AN HOUR away..and I can't even drive it 2 miles down the street straight after I leave Brake Masters for an oil change? Oh HeeeLL NAH. In conclusion, brother was able to look at it.. Radiator was NOT cracked...at all. Not a single leak ...All it needed was a part purchased from Nissan and coolant which added up to..hmmm $110...WOW. He also said they left parts unhooked, uncapped, open etc... (Hey, I am a girl) ..to ensure overheating which then makes a guarantee that you HAVE to bring it back to them...Multiple mechanics..even the owner kept saying.."YOU'RE GOING TO OVERHEAT..DON'T DRIVE IT MORE THAN A MILE...PUT WATER IN RADIATOR IF YOU HAVE TO BUT YOU WILL OVERHEAT!!!!!!" Thanks Cheesedicks for making sure I do!!! SO! In conclusion...use your own discretion. If you tell them what you "think" you need, they will definitely make sure that is what you will need and pay them for. They will definitely tweak parts in your car to make this happen. They seem nice...honest...and trust worthy. Sigh. Had hopes for this one. BEWARE!!!! read more

Fast, honest, and reasonably-priced auto care can be hard to find, so you will be very happy if you check out Brake Masters! My family has been bringing all of our cars to Javier and his guys for many years now. They are very honest and trustworthy- if they can give you a better price on something, they will. I have had some moderate to serious car repairs done here just over the past year, and they have always finished under the estimate and ahead of schedule. Javier is always friendly and helpful, and his crew is just as nice. My most recent experience with Brake Masters? My right headlight had gone out so I took my car over and hoped they would have the bulb on hand to replace it. I know if I had gone some place unscrupulous, they would have charged me to check it out, then charged for a new bulb. Javier's guy just checked it and told me it needed tightening. Fixed it in a minute, then sent me on my way- yay! I also know from experience that they stand behind their work, so if something still isn't perfect after a repair, you can trust them to keep working on it until you're satisfied. Be aware, it can be hard to get in on weekends sometimes, since they are so popular, but they will do their best to get you in and out quickly. So check them out and say hi to Javier! read more

Brake Masters - Auto Repair Near Me - Altadena, California

Took my car in and they did some work on the car that I didn't even ask hem to do and then tried to charge me for it. They left a hose off which cause the car to run funny, when I asked whats up with that they tried to act like it was my fault. They did come out to my home to fix the issue and did apologize after I turned allllll the way up. Imagine if that would have been a passive person. After all of that you would think the service would have been free due to all the inconvenience. They even pulled off the parts they thought I had requested instead of just chalking it up. Sometimes sorry is not enough Brake Masters NEVER AGAIN. read more

BEWARE OF THIS SHOP! I had shocks and brakes done on the front end of my truck- they put too much pressure on the frame and the ball point cracked. I called becuase I felt a hard pull right when I picked it up- they said "its normal". The front end went out whil my daughter and I were on the freeway; going from 70 to a full stop! Brake Masters blamed it on Toyota! REALLY? Why did it start right when I got it from them, often this means they put it on the lift incorrectly and put pressure on one side? Why was this not noticed by Brake Masters? They didn't even ask me to bring it back in. Why did they not notice it upon the test dive? Trust me- it was a STRONG PULL! Not like an align pull- literally like your pulling the whole truck from one side to get it back in place! I don't want to sue them- just pay for th repairs that I already did and front end damage- Javier won't call back now, he keeps saying I will call you tomorrow, or I can get you letters from my customers that its Toyota's fault. If so many customers from your shop continue to have this problem- guess is that its something your doing- If you have a problem this is how they correct it. I even told him all of the items on the truck that are still under warranty so if there was somthing wrong I would take it back to those folks- why pay twice I said. I have front end damage from this, and already spent a lot paying for the new ball joint. They should not have let it leave their shop pulling like that! Scary, think twice before going to these guys. read more

Not Free Brake Inspection, that's so wrong. Same management today as when I went into Altadena's BrakeMasters late in the day a while ago for a brake inspection on my Buick, during which the technician broke a retaining clip on a rear drum brake. It was after 5pm, my car still up on the lift, and they called the parts shop to run over with a replacement clip so my brakes could be reassembled. This part took about 45 minutes to arrive (not my fault) and Javiar charged me $10 for the part that THEY broke (though it was no doubt worn). The rub..? The parts store told me the next day that I could buy the part for $1.50, so the shop got it for about $1. So much for the Free Brake Inspection... it's not free if they want to go home at 5pm and your car is stuck on the lift after an employee breaks a part on your car. read more

Brought my car in 4 alignments on more than one occasion. Manager is incredibly helpful. Staff is quick and efficient. Had an issue where I had to bring it back, they took care of it without any questions could not say more about these guys they're great read more

BEWARE OF THIS PLACE! I came here from a referral from America's Tire for an oil change. I called and they said they had availability and would give me $8 discount due to the referral. I drove to this hole in the wall place and the guy brought my car in. He came in to tell me that my car requires synthetic oil, not regular which no one has ever told me the whole time I had the car, so I am thankful for that (hence, the one star). So we proceed to ask him how much it is for synthetic oil and he said $75 out the door. So I say but the sign behind you says the price is $69.99 and if you're giving me $8 off how does that make sense? He then says "that's an old price and I'm already giving you $10 off."So why isn't your board of prices not updated and how does that make sense? He can't answer the question and keeps saying he's giving me $10 off. SO how much is the oil change and he doesn't want to tell me the price, he says $75 out the door. I guess he tried to cheat me because it was my mom and I and we are both girls, but it's not rocket science to see that you're ripping us off. He's even charging more than a dealer for God's sake. On top of the hole in the wall place you call a business with 3 chairs to wait. I advise you all to take your business somewhere else instead of getting service from these shady people! read more

Great service everytime I come here. I've been coming here since 2005. And Javier has always been honest, friendly, and always great service. read more

Great service, I've had to replace a number of parts throughout the years. I trust them with my old 80's van which is used on sets. Javier is easy to work with and I ditto all the positive remarks. read more

I would not go to this place! Their computers are not updated for newer cars. Just walked out after the guy told me he didn't want to work on my car. Truly disappointed. read more

I've been coming here since my college days. 3 cars later I'm still bringing my car here for brakes. Javier is super nice and is not out to cheat you. He has helped me out several times including when I couldn't get my originally factory installed oil filter off my brand new Subaru when I was doing an oil change at home. When my brakes have been noisy I've brought in my car assuming I needed new brakes only to have Javier tell me they are still good. These guys do good work and have earned my trust. Also they are great for wheel alignments too. read more

Slow does not even BEGIN to describe this place. I dropped my car off at 9:00 this morning, there were 3 cars in the lot and one in a service bay. I told them I had the lifetime brakes on my car and wanted to get them serviced. An hour later I called back because I had not heard from them and they said they did not have the pads in stock (this has happened literally EVERY time I have been here). They were ordering the pads and would call me when the car was ready. Two hours after that I called again and they said the pads should be in the shop in about 30 minutes and then it's about 20 minutes to install them. An hour after that I called AGAIN and they said they got the pads in, but haven't installed them. When I inquired as to why they have taken 4 hours just to get the pads in the store I was told that it is a busy day. So busy that I was at most the 5th car in line when I dropped it off. One hour after dropping off they were ordering pads, so who knows what happened for the other 3 hours of the day. At the 4 hour mark I was again promised that it would be about 30 minutes to get the pads installed. I was also told that they were going to resurface the rotors, which I had been told on the previous calls would not be possible with the rotors on my car. This is also something I recall happening from my previous trips to this location. All in all, I'm regretting bringing my car here this morning because now I have spent most of my day waiting on them. I've been to many other car service shops with previous cars and have NEVER waited over 4 hours to have a simple brake pad replacement. Even taking my 2001 Civic to the Honda dealership ended with less hassle and time wasted. This is my last time visiting Brake Masters for this very reason. The only reason I'm giving 2 stars instead of 1 is that the people can actually speak English and understand my frustration when I call. Perhaps the second star isn't warranted for something so basic. We'll see if I have to edit this after picking up my car....if I ever get to pick up my car that is. read more

This Brake Masters does so much more than just brakes..I was so desperate on Christmas Eve , because it felt like the bottom of my car was falling out.. literally metal on metal every time I stepped on the brakes, and shaking underneath as well. I could not find any mechanic opened because it was Christmas Eve, but luckily Brake Masters was opened early .I brought my car in at 7;30 am , and although the shop was suppose to close at 2:00 pm, they stayed open an extra hour to finish my car..I am so relieved because now my car runs smoothly , and when I brake, I do not hear any grinding and there is no more shaking..Everyone here is so helpful, polite , and I would recommend this Brake Masters to anyone with car issues[ not only brake issues] Amazing! thank you to the whole staff with much gratitude[ I was able to make it to my family Christmas reunion because this Brake Masters really cares! read more

We have been bringing our cars to Javier/Brakemasters for over 10 years for all of our mechanical needs and they are the best reliable mechanics ever. The staff is very pleasant and helpful. Thank you Brakemasters-Altadena. The White Family read more

My brakes were in bad shape, and I couldn't afford to go to the Infiniti dealership to have them fixed. So I went down the street to Brake Masters... and I'm really glad I did! I was a bit nervous to use brake pads that weren't from Infiniti - I had heard that they would be squeaky. But not only did I get an excellent price from Javier for all 4 brakes, they're quiet and work fantastic! I was super impressed w/ Javier. He called me while the car was being serviced to tell me the price would be CHEAPER because they didn't need to replace the rotors afterall! How many times are you told that your bill will be less??? Thanks Javier for the lifetime brakes (you just have to pay labor cost when you need new ones).... I love it! read more

Excellent experience! Came in for brake pads for our Ford Mustang, no appointment needed. They were busy but we were in and out in an hour! Courteous, friendly staff! Prices are fair and the lead mechanic is very knowledgable. read more

My 65 Skylark is a dream after having Javier and his guys work on it. Everything people say her about Javier being friendly and helpful is absolutely true. I was referred by a friend and couldn't have been happier with the price, service and work done. Highly recommend. read more

Be Careful of this place!!! Especially you don't know much about cars!! They will try to bullshit you and charge high price for things you don't need. I brought my car here and they said a bunch of things I need to change and ask for 680! After I show my hesitation, the price drop to 600 right the way. I decided to wait and check out other places. And the end I pay only 400 to fix things that need to be fixed at another place. read more