Great service - professional and courteous- Thank you Austin, Cecelia and Malicai - I'll be back read more

I've been a loyal customer and enthusiastic fan of BrakeMax on 1st Street in Tucson since 2005. For many years, I trusted this location with all of my family's vehicle maintenance and repairs. I've recommended them to many of may friends and coworkers. Unfortunately, my recent experiences have left me disappointed and questioning whether I can continue doing business here. One ongoing issue involves a vehicle that has been regularly maintained since we purchased it in 2011. The fuel gauge developed a problem, and over the course of more than a year the shop replaced two fuel pumps and performed various troubleshooting efforts, yet the issue remains unresolved. During that process, I was also quoted over $1,000 for a fuel pump pigtail repair. After researching the part myself, I found the pigtail available for less than $20. Experiences like this made me begin questioning both the diagnosis and the value being provided. They simply can't fix the problem. More recently, I brought in another vehicle for significant maintenance, including A/C service, brake work, and a new belt. When I picked up the vehicle and drove away, it immediately developed a loud squealing noise that had not been present beforehand. I returned to the shop and was told by the manager that it was simply excess grease and that the noise would go away on its own. It did not. Seven weeks later, the noise became even worse, so I brought the vehicle back. This time I was told the belts were fine and that I needed a new A/C compressor, resulting in yet another major repair estimate. Given that the A/C system had recently been serviced and the noise appeared immediately after the belt replacement, I expected a more thorough explanation and a willingness to investigate whether the prior repair work could be related. What concerns me even more is that routine preventive maintenance is supposed to provide peace of mind and help prevent larger problems down the road. When I bring a vehicle in for recommended maintenance, my expectation is that the work is genuinely necessary, performed correctly, and contributes to the long-term reliability of the vehicle. Instead, I have repeatedly left feeling as though the focus was on generating additional repair recommendations and expenses while the original concerns remained unresolved. That experience has made it very difficult to trust the advice I am receiving. After more than 20 years as a customer, the greatest disappointment is not the money I've spent. It's the loss of confidence. Trust is earned over time but can be lost quickly when concerns are dismissed, diagnoses change repeatedly, and accountability is lacking when problems arise after service. I no longer feel confident that routine maintenance recommendations are being made or performed with the level of care and attention that customers deserve. This used to be a shop I recommended without hesitation. Since Charlie Thomas left, the experience has changed significantly. Unfortunately, after these experiences, my trust in the shop has been seriously damaged, and I am not sure I will be returning. I understand that diagnosing automotive problems can be difficult and that not every repair will solve an issue on the first attempt. What I expect, however, is transparency, accountability, and a willingness to stand behind the work performed when problems arise. read more

As a young woman who doesn't like getting my cat fixed because people take advantage of someone like me, I really appreciated their care (especially David). They fixed issues that other mechanics haven't been able to find and also advocated for me when it came to adding discounts or removing costs. They were great at explaining what was going on as well, and made sure I was always in the loop. read more

I had the pleasure of working with Malachi, he's great! My oil change was speedy, and my coupon was honored. My car is running smooth. Great value. I'll be back! read more

They were dismissive when I pointed out the parts were going for $45 at AutoZone. They claimed the parts were $150. This was the cost of a set of front brakes pads for a Kia soul. They pressured and scared me into paying over $700 to change out my front brake pads and rotors. The manager told me parts are cheaper online and did not care at all that his parts were more than three times more expensive than what a reasonable expenditure should be for that part. I hope no one ever frequenced their business again. No one I know will ever go to break max. I'm going to make it my life's soul mission to ensure no one ever frequents this fraudulent business again. How they haven't been sued yet for fraud surprises me. Not only did they scam me on the brakes, but they also tried to pull one over on me regarding my serpentine belt and transmission fluid. I asked the gentleman to point out where in the photo or where on the belt there were cracks in the belt - but he could not. He had no shame and did not seem to care about his sloppy workmanship. As for the transmission fluid, I took it to an actual reputable shop who told me the transmission fluid was essentially new. When I confronted the manager about this at brake Max he did not care. I repeat he did not care. In summation, no one should ever go to break max unless they want to get fleeced out of money they worked hard for and have to take the car back weeks later because of the shoddy workmanship by incompetent employees. read more

I had a coupon for a $49 synthetic oil change and they did the oil change and I assume they did it and replaced the filter. I will be checking the latter, based on my previous experience. Also, their windshield sticker Uhh, synthetic oil should last 7500-10,000 miles. However, as I expected based on my previous experience, I was told that I needed front and rear struts replaced along with rear brake pads and rotors. They said they would not turn the rotors. I declined and tested my struts and my Subaru apparently did not bounce when pushed. I also priced the struts they wanted to sell me for $499 each. I could buy the same model number struts at Autozone for $182 each. So, the oil change was great but I learned my lesson with Brake Max years ago that I need to be very careful about making their recommended repairs. read more

This went well. My pedal went soft after my last service. The flushing of the brake lines was incomplete and left a little Air in the line. So , a quick check on reasonable Problems went fast. Now the pedal feel is like new. Much safer... read more

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Have found the team on Jenna Nicole most helpful and friendly. They do need to hire more mechanics since occasional delays in service. My whole family take their cars there. Oil change for my Mercedes quick and reasonably priced. read more

They lied flat out. And tried to sell me work my car did not need done should be zero stars not one. Don't trust them find another place to take your car. read more

informed that it was $405.43 total and everything should be fine. Once I got home, I noticed that there was air hissing out of the front of the car, and was instructed to bring the car back to get checked out. Wife couldn't hear the leak, since she is deaf. After a reevaluation, the service writer informed me that there was going to be another 665.99 bill to fix the issue, but for now, they will take out whatever amount of freon out of the system for now. If the tech did a proper vacuum test with how bad the leak was, they should have known that adding any freon would have leaked out and should not have been charged for most of the charges. Felt like this was handled without having a full understanding of what is going on and a true plan of action. Wife was under the impression that there were no leaks and the original $400 bill fixed the problem to start with. If she knew that this was the plan of action, we would not have followed through with this at this time, since we don't have the money for a $1000 bill, and we paid $400 and still did not fix the problem. Since the $400 bill did not fix the problem, wew should get some of that money back. This ended up being a waste of both parties time, and taking advantage of the customer. We will fight for it! STOP being dishonest and taking advantage of OUR MONEY!!!! read more

Save yourself the time and don't come here. The service here was absolutely ridiculous. I came in respectfully and explained the service I needed on my car, the man I spoke to was dismissive. I had a diagnosis for my car done somewhere but they didn't want to take it and do their own diagnosis. I understand so I agree to pay for this new diagnosis, after waiting of course they come back with an outrageous price for the service when I already know what needs to be done. I absolutely believe they've tried to take advantage of me and gouge me for a ridiculous price. read more

Total ripoff, rude,abnoxioys!! Oil change includes oil filter, yet my receipt said another $10 was charged for a new oil filter! I 2as charged an additional $56.xx for oil. $15 coupon applied, still final bill for oil change qas $87.xx!! Rude counter and initial phone service. Very poor. The clerk at the counter was doing 5 different things when checking me in n out. Mechanic took 15 minutes to reverse my car out of the bay. He left grease from his hand on my driver door. I just washed my car!! My seat cushion was not put back on my seat. They said they repaired a clip, but they did not. Total ripoff, rude, disrespectful. It's just as bad or worse than Midas. I'll go back there when pigs fly and hell freezes over, NEVER!! I won't give them one more penny, EVER!! read more

I had an oil change and tire rotation performed at Brakemax back in November of 2023. I recently was in Florida and needed an oil change and tire rotation. The oil change was performed, however the tire rotation could not be done. The tech brought me back to my vehicle to have me look at something. The reason they couldn't perform the tire rotation was because one of the lug nuts was cross-threaded. I surmise that rather than starting the lug nut by hand, someone just loaded into the impact wrench and tried to install it. I did not want to chance having a flat on that tire, so I had the stud replaced to the tune of $287. When I returned to Tucson, I went to where the previous oil change was performed to voice my complaint. They said they had written on the work order that they couldn't rotate the tires on account one of the studs was cross-threaded, which is not true. They told me the District Manager would call me, well that's been well over 2 weeks ago. The store manager was also not available at the time I went in. Brakemax does not live up to customer service. read more

BRAKEmax Tire & Service Centers - Cross-threaded stud and lug nut. - Oil Change Stations Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

I wrote before but it was removed. Went in for an oil change on my Ford which I have had done previously by other places one being the dealership that I bought from and another Brake Max. This Brake Max did a full synthetic oil change without asking me if that's what I wanted (which in the past was never done). It cost $93 for an oil change, never in my 44 years for driving have I paid that much for this service. It would've been nice if the manager would've asked me if that's what I wanted. His excuse was that "you need to take care of your car". read more

Today will be the last time this brake max card gets used. Seriously what you charged my wife for 2 shocks, that clearly I could have bought 8 shocks for, and mind you better quality. And to charge that much in labor to install 2 shocks completley a rip off seriously over 300 in labor to remove 4 bolts that hold the 2 shocks on. Should have not taken more than 30 minutes to change both those shocks. Clearly no quality in sorry workmanship. And wondering exactly how bad her battery was. Sad to call yourselves professionals when you're criminal. read more

I took my 2013 infusion into Brake Max on Pantano and Speedway been there four times and they kept telling me that I needed suspension and tires and shocks the story is not true I took it across the road and after spending over $1,000 for two front tires at discount it was my upper suspension in the front they never said a word they kept having me come back and come back they're rip off they're not what they used to be I took it across the road and they told me the truth break Max is not what they used to be it's all commercial so everybody pay attention read more

Charlie and his crew are great. I always get awesome and honest service and would recommend it to everyone. Thank you Brakemax.

I feel like I was cheated and won't be doing business here again. I have an old car, I know repairs will happen, but every time I've brought in into this shop more things start magically needing replacement. I got my brakes done a couple months ago, which they didn't do right the first time and had to do it again, and then magically the ABS traction light is on. I go in to get the antifreeze leak fixed and got quoted $2100 for the heater core and the water pump. I found out after the fact that "repair pal" quoted both for less than $1000. I payed over TWICE as much because I don't know anything about cars and I trusted this shop. THEN to add insult to injury they broke my window switches in the cab so that 2 are falling off now AND my AC is magically not working now too. The windows were shut and the AC was working when I brought it then, and when I picked it up the windows were DOWN and the AC would barely blow and the air was hot. They either don't know what they are doing or they are taking advantage of people. read more

BRAKEmax Tire & Service Centers - Oil Change Stations Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

I was misdiagnosed for A/C compressor, mechanics need to be correctly inspecting vehicles before throwing a quote which was also outrageous. Need to be accurate, get second opinion first. read more

Took our Ford Edge for right rear tire check, we were told screw in white wall and needed to replace all four tires since they couldn't replace just one. Took the car to Discount Tire, small screw, repaired and rebalanced at no charge. BrakeMax on 1st Avenue, dishonest read more

We had Charlie,mgr completely check and speck out our 2006 loaded with extras Buick Lucerne which we love in preparation for a long journey to a graduation in Indiana. I am happy to report that the car runs like new and the 2 week round trip we completed was without car issues or problems. We have been loyal customers of BrakeMax for years and highly recommend especially the 1st street lctn. Thank you BrakeMax! Kevin & Marilyn. read more

OK, I have more than just two Check-ins here. This recent trip on 12/28/13 was another amazing cost-saving trip. I went in to get yet another free oil change and lunch for "Customer Appreciation Day." What, this is my fourth free oil change? I also had to have a couple of gaskets changed, so I had them do the work. $96, not bad. But then I add my 10% teacher discount. Then they noticed that I had a chip and a crack in my windshield. They give everyone a $50 gift card to anyone replacing a windshield. I have a zero deductible on my insurance. I apply the gift card to the gasket servicing. It costs me only around $40 now. I love it. To top it off, today's special was buy a $100 gift card for $80. I bought two because I know I've got $380 worth of front end alignment work coming up. If I could have afforded it, I would have purchased four cards. Great discount day for me. As usual, no one pressured me into anything. Listening the interaction with other customers, it is the same thing. They don't do high pressure sales here. If they find a problem, they tell you and they tell you how long you can wait before you should get it fixed. They also give you estimates on cost. I think they are good. It's hard to find honest car shops of any kind. read more

I had air conditioning work done. They were friendly, professional and explained what needed to be done. I would highly recommend this establishment read more

If I could give ZERO STARS I would. Never ever take your car here. I made an appointment for 11am and had to be at work at 5pm and they close at 5pm so I saw no issue since I had an appointment but apparently that didn't matter. I was only getting a simple OIL CHANGE and it took 6 HOURS and was barely finished before they closed and I was late for work. There rude, stupid and money hounds. They also ruin my friends car while just working on his cabin filter and somehow his seat COULDN'T RECLINE and they almost CLOSED WITH HIS CAR THERE! he had also made an appointment for 11am. read more

I decided to come back in to this Brake Max to give them another shot. This place has continued to improve over the past couple of years from what I can tell. They definitely impressed me with the service performed with two oil changes I had done in the span of several months. The employees were very friendly, professional, and efficient throughout the entire process. The waiting room was clean, quiet, and comfortable. Not only were they able to get me in at the last minute on a Monday, they even accommodated me in letting me use a specific oil I brought in for my vehicle. I may have had a questionable experience during my first visit, but I will continue to come here for maintenance in the future. Thanks guys! read more

BRAKEmax Tire & Service Centers - Great clean spot to wait while they work on your vehicle. - Oil Change Stations Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

This place always does a great job. I came in the other day, it was really busy so I made an appointment for the next day. They're probably busy because they have great customer service skills and if you're able to talk with the staff, they're really cool and personable. They do great work too. Also, place is always clean, you can judge a lot about a place from their floors and bathrooms read more

BRAKEmax Tire & Service Centers - Oil Change Stations Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Car: 97 Geo Prizm 130,000 Tim was an awesome guy and he truly made me feel comfortable as far as customer service gos. They had hot coffee and a good sitting area. Plus they take you home if you dont want to wait it out. As for the price in maintenance service, I think it's still a little steep. Had a valve gasket replaced and a simple diagnostic check (engine light came on) for a whopping $275. Most of that which was cost in labor. Went home kicking myself knowing I could have done the work at home for a hell of a lot cheaper. Of course after watching a few YouTube videos for difficulty level. They also recommended a Tune-up for a cost of $363.90. Ugh no thank you. Found all my part on Rockauto for $54.00. Doing this one myself. Oh well, you live and you learn I guess. read more

I have been going to the First Avenue location for several years and have always received honest evaluations of my vehicles, and never had work forced upon me. read more

I called to see if they could replace my right rear brake light. I asked Charlie how much it was and he said just get over here. Charlie helped me and he put in the brake light for nothing. He did it for free which is an unusual service these days. I do go to them for all my other car needs, but they did not know that, so this was really special. I would recommend this establishment for all of your car needs. Thanks guys! read more

If I could give this place ZERO stars, I would. I don't like their DECEITFUL advertising and they are completely incompetent. I came in with a flier mailed to me. When my car was ready, I asked for the price advertised and I was told it was only if I applied for a credit card. I didn't see any notice that was required. There's nothing except for: "Apply Today for BRAKEmax VIP Card for Huge Savings", off to the side in a blue area. I had the ad flier with me. Why would I want to apply for a credit card just for an oil change? That affects my credit score. The add says, "Plus $4.99 disposal fee, shop supplies, and tax extra." I was expecting to pay $59.99 for the synthetic oil change plus $4.99 disposal fee plus tax. My bill was $88.45. That's about an extra $30. That's a HUGE difference. I don't know if that's even legal. I don't think I got the synthetic oil that I paid for. The mechanic didn't even get my mileage correct and was 708 miles off. His inability to even get my mileage correct has me wondering what else he screwed up. Apparently, you go to work for a place like this if you are an inexperienced, inept mechanic. I'm upset with this place. I won't be back. I feel fortunate that they didn't work on my brakes though. :-( read more

Not happy with this place. Came here to get my a/c fixed and they wrote up a ticket for over $1000 dollars. The ticket had an oil change, replace all the filters, (which were only a few months old), fuel injection service, cooling system flush, Brake flush service. WTF! I told them no and took my car back. Just because I have an expensive car doesn't mean you can rip-me-off. read more

DO NOT GO HERE...for that matter ANY BRAKEmax!! They are bad business and will try to get as much money out of you as you can. If you be a lady, well they think that your "small woman brain" is too simple to understand the complex natures that exist with car repairs. I had my brake done here a while back, and when I started to hear "squeaking" I took it in for its regular oil change. Of course you always get a free brake inspection (right before they give you a list of unnecessary repairs). The gentleman came back after looking at my car and said, (I quote), "Wow, who ever did you brakes last did a really terrible job." ME: "Well that's funny because I am pretty sure I had all four brakes done HERE.." MECHANIC: "Oh no I checked you only had the front ones done here, I checked to make sure so I didn't stick me foot in my mouth...hahaha" ME: "haha...Really.....CHECK. AGAIN." [ And he does...the look on his face was classic, and was followed by a rambling explanation as to why he said his company did a terrible job on my brakes.] ME: "So you guys do a terrible job on your customers brakes, that is very comforting." MECHANIC: "Well what I MEANT to say was that foreign cars are different and some cars BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH." In short this place is shady, misleading, and in business to make money with no regard for ethics. I have never been back. read more

Took vehicle in for oil change. Receipt shows that they rotated tires, which didn't happen since the front drivers side tire was a little low and still was low after they were done. On the receipt it also states that they checked tire pressure which is wrong again since drivers side tire was still low and they documented pressures higher then recommended. Since they did not rotate the tires I am sure that the documented brake pad thickness was made up as well since you have to take off the tires in order to check the brake thickness. Also, the tread depth on the tires was documented and surprisingly all tires have the same exact tread depth which I know is wrong since I had them recently checked when I bought the vehicle. To me, BRAKEmax showed me that they make up information when it comes to the safety of their customers. It also makes me wonder if they even changed the oil as well. read more

Didn't rotate the tires which was a part of the service requested. Cashier asked if I want the tires rotated and I said yes. This is unacceptable. I don't have a confidence in this place and won't be coming back. Service took 1h30m with the Appointment. That's not including rotating the tires after I noticed it. On a positive note -- they do have wi/fi here which is convenient if you want to write a review on yelp right away. read more

Customer service on point. Charlie and the guys never give me the runaround. They keep it honest and friendly. Wont take my car anywhere else. read more

Bait and switch, lies, and horrible customer service. I've been here two times before today and have been satisfied with the service until today. I always research a place before I go and make sure they're not going to try to overcharge me, just because they might think I do not know better. I have 3 people to call to make sure mechanics and car places are not trying to cheat me. So today, I go in for my alternator problem. I need a replacement, but I asked for an estimate first. I made an appointment at 7:30am online. After about 10 minutes of looking at my car, the technician said 360. I asked: "After tax?" He said yes and lifetime warranty. I asked "Parts AND Labor?" He said yes. I should have gotten both in writing, I know better for next time. So I said go ahead (as I had been warned that the part itself is $150 but the labor would be pricey by my experts). They estimated about an hour of work, so I settled in to wait. 1.5, 2 hours later, still no update or sign they were working on it. My hood was propped open, yet no one around. Finally, 2.5 hours later, I saw my car being pulled into the parking lot. I jumped up and waited to be helped. I asked why it took so long? They got snippy and said "Well car work takes a long time." Really? Well I then asked "Well was there something wrong? I know cars can have problems. Any reason it took 2 times longer than expected?" Reply:"We wanted to test it to make sure it was working." What did they charge? 390! I said, "What about the $360?" They said it was 360 before tax. A total lie! I protested, but they wouldn't budge. I was already late for work (since this was getting to be 10am) so I then asked about the warranty. They said 90 days labor!! I said "What happened to lifetime??" They conversed and said "Ok, 1 year labor." Wow. What a bunch of liars and con artists. I will never go back here again and I agree with the first review of this place. What a bunch of crooks. read more

I've been here a couple times for oil changes, but oil changes are pretty basic and hard to screw up. I have an older car, so finding something that could use replacing eventually isn't hard. The techs at Brakemax are more than eager to replace just about everything on your car, and hopefully in the process fix something that's broken. The service at this location has always been adequate and the guys working there have been nice, but they can take their ASE certifications and shove it up their tailpipe. Any idiot can swing a wrench, but real mechanics actually diagnose and repair problems. A good mechanic will tell you what needs to be done, what can be done later, and what repairs are worth doing. read more

Interestingly, no one ever reached out offline. It has been months now since the business' response.

Honest car shop - wow!!!! After the Honda dealership told me I had 1mm left on my brake pads I brought my car here to get them replaced - these guys told me I had 3-4mm left and that they would change them if I wanted them too, but that I had another 3-6 months left on them!!! **Honesty!!!** Awesome! When checking out my brakes they caught two things the dealership missed in my 'bumper to bumper trip check' - my back brakes needed cleaning and this was why there was extra wear to the front brakes. It was cheap to have them cleaned and made a world of difference in how my car performed afterwards. I appreciate these guys SO much for being honest. They could have made money off me but chose to be honest instead - wow. Waiting area has wifi and is comfortable. In the morning there is fresh coffee. read more

Great Job! I took my Honda to have a starter installed and since I'm pushing 100K; I also had the Timing Belt, Water Pump and Motor Mounts replaced. They had me in and out in 1 day! I ususally do the work myselft but decided that I'd rather not fuss with this project. I'm really glad I decided to get the work done and was thrilled by how it was handled. The pricing was fair, the work was done quickly and correctly, the staff was proffessional. What else can you ask for! read more