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Trusted Brake Pad Replacement in Appleton, WI

Don’t Wait for Brake Failure, Replace Pads Before It’s Critical

For expert brake pad replacement, trust a local Appleton auto repair shop that puts your safety first. When your brakes start to squeak, grind or feel soft, don’t wait. At Matthews Tire, our ASE-certified technicians inspect your full brake system and install high-quality pads, rotors and hardware for lasting performance you can count on.

  • Family-owned, proudly serving Appleton since 1952
  • Upfront quotes with no hidden fees or surprises
  • Thousands of happy customers and counting
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4.6 average rating | 2230+ reviews
A+ Rating

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Find Our Auto Repair Shop Near You in Appleton West

We’re conveniently located on College Avenue, between North Lynndale Drive and North Bluemound Drive. We're only minutes from the Fox River Mall and downtown Appleton. Whether you're heading to work or running errands, our Appleton auto repair shop is easy to get to and even easier to work with.

If you're coming from out of town or traveling on Highway 41, we're located just one mile off the main highway, making us a quick stop for preventive maintenance or a routine oil change.

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Find Our Auto Repair Shop Near You in Appleton East

We're located right off Highway 441 by the Marcus Valley Grand Cinema and the Quality Inn & Suites. This location makes for an easy stop for drivers from Darboy and surrounding neighborhoods.

Coming from out of town or traveling on Highway 441? We’re located just off the highway, with plenty of shopping, dining and entertainment options nearby. It's perfect if you’d rather stay busy while we take care of your vehicle’s oil change or maintenance.

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Customer Testimonials

Hear from our many satisfied customers in Northeast Wisconsin. Learn why so many drivers trust their vehicles, tires and safety on the road with Matthews Tire.

They were super easy to work with and helped me out in a pinch. My brakes went out (line broke) not far from them, but I live 2.5hrs away. They were able to inspect the car right away and order the parts for my 16yr old car and get me back on the road with only a minimal amount of time needing a rental. Amy was very friendly at the counter and Ethan was thorough and explained the estimate and issues clearly! Highly recommend them to anyone in the area or unfortunate enough to break down near them!

— Joel Hassler

Appleton, WI
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5.0 star rating

Great service every time! I had a vibration on the highway, Mitch knew right away what to do, they solved that mess and even caught the rear brakes before they started grinding. They sent me a full report with pictures and a plan to keep my truck on track for maintenance. There's nowhere I trust more in Appleton!

— Mark Seawell

Appleton, WI
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5.0 star rating

I have been doing business here for over 20 years. I have purchased many sets of tires, had brake work and alignments done, and I am sure many other things... What great service! Hats off to Dave and the rest of the Matthews crew!

— Rick Volkman

Appleton, WI
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5.0 star rating

Excellent brake service on my wife's car. Price came in as quoted and service was finished on time. The shuttle to and from work is great. The staff is courteous and friendly. Communication is excellent. Thanks!

— SMT Musco

Appleton, WI
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5.0 star rating

2 tires and new brakes same day I inquired.

— Robert Zabel

Appleton, WI
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5.0 star rating

They did an excellent job with the rotation and brakes on my car. Fast and courteous service.

— Terri Verhagen

Appleton, WI
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5.0 star rating

Was in town for a wedding and needed to get my brakes worked on and an oil change. They were able to get me in super quick and it was great!

— Audra Pieper

Appleton, WI
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5.0 star rating

I brought my vehicle in for squeaky brakes and instead of fixing it and charging me, they actually told me that it didn't need repair! Instead of getting a few hundred bucks, they got a customer for life.

— Paul Wisneski

Appleton, WI
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5.0 star rating

Read more testimonials and hear in-depth customer feedback on the customer stories page.

Customer Stories

Top-Rated Brake Pad Replacement in Appleton

Why Choose Our Brake Pad Replacement Service in Appleton, WI?

We’re more than just an auto shop. We’re part of the Appleton community. Here’s why drivers trust us for brake pad replacements, brake rotor replacements, full brake repairs and more in Appleton, WI.

  • Expert Technicians: With automotive experience since 1952, our team services all makes and models, from family sedans to performance vehicles.
  • Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees, just clear, honest estimates before we start work.
  • State-of-the-Art Equipment: We use modern diagnostic tools to ensure precise brake pad replacements for optimal safety.
  • Local Convenience: With locations across Northeast Wisconsin, we understand the unique driving conditions in our region.

Whether it’s routine brake pad maintenance or fixing squeaky brakes, we treat every vehicle with care. At Matthews Tire, we’ve been keeping Appleton drivers safe on the road for over 70 years.

Mechanic installing new brake pad on front disc brake at auto repair shop in Appleton, WI.
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5.0 star rating

“I have been doing business here for over 20 years. I have purchased many sets of tires, had brake work and alignments done, and I am sure many other things... What great service! Hats off to Dave and the rest of the Matthews crew!”

— Rick Volkman

Because Brakes Matter Most When You Least Expect It

Your brakes are your first line of defense on the road. Whether you’re stopping at a light or reacting in an emergency, your safety and the safety of everyone in your vehicle, depends on them working exactly as they should. At Matthews Tire, we take brake service seriously, inspecting every component and replacing worn pads with precision and care.

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Appleton Brake Pad Replacement

Common Signs You Need Brake Pad Replacement

Not sure if your brake pads are worn out? Here are some clear signs to watch for:

  • Squealing, squeaking or grinding sounds when you slow down
  • Longer stopping distances or feeling like your car isn’t responding as quickly
  • Spongy or soft brake pedal that doesn’t feel right under your foot
  • Shaking or pulsing when you press the brakes
  • Dashboard warning light for your brake system

You can also take a look, if your pads look thinner than 1/8 inch (3–4 mm), it’s time to get them replaced.

At Matthews Tire, we inspect your brakes thoroughly and explain exactly what’s needed, no guesswork. No pressure. Staying ahead of brake wear helps you drive with confidence and stop safely, every time.

Close-up of new brake rotor and caliper on vehicle lift at brake shop in Appleton, WI.
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5.0 star rating

“I brought my vehicle in for squeaky brakes and instead of fixing it and charging me, they actually told me that it didn't need repair! Instead of getting a few hundred bucks, they got a customer for life.”

— Paul Wisneski

Schedule Brake Pad Replacement in Appleton

How Often Should You Change Brake Pads?

Brake pads typically need replacement every 30,000 to 70,000 miles, but that range depends on how and where you drive. City traffic, frequent braking and hilly terrain wear out pads faster.

If your brakes are squealing, feeling sluggish or your pads are getting thin, it’s time to get them checked. As a rule of thumb, if they’re less than 1/8 inch thick, it’s safer to replace them.

At Matthews Tire, we’ll inspect your brakes thoroughly and help you plan ahead. This way you’re not caught off guard by worn pads or expensive repairs. Staying ahead of wear means better safety, better performance and fewer surprises.

Auto technician tightening brake caliper over new rotor during brake service in Appleton, WI.
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5.0 star rating

“All info was clearly explained and the final option was cost effective. No upsell or pressure to spend more than needed. Their advice was honest, cost-effective and trustworthy.”

— Katie Byrum

Protect Yourself and Your Family, Book Brake Service Now

Brake problems won’t fix themselves, and the longer you wait, the more dangerous and expensive they become. Whether you’re hearing a squeak, feeling a vibration or just due for a checkup, our team is here to help. Let Matthews Tire give you the confidence that your brakes are ready for whatever the road brings.

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Frequently Asked Brake Repair Questions

How long does brake pad replacement take at your Appleton shop?

Most brake pad replacements take about 30 minutes to 1 hour. Some may take 1 to 2 hours if complications come up. Caliper issues or rotor resurfacing or replacement can extend the time needed.

For your convenience, we’re located right off College Avenue. It’s easy to drop your car off and swing back after shopping at the Fox River Mall or grabbing coffee downtown.

Is there anything about driving in Appleton that causes faster brake wear?
Definitely. Short trips and frequent braking add up fast. Frequent travel on busy roads like Wisconsin Ave or College Ave can wear your brakes out quicker. This is especially true when driving near the Fox River Mall and surrounding shopping areas. These areas are often very busy and lead to a lot of stop-and-go traffic.
Do you service brake pads for electric or hybrid cars in Appleton?
We sure do. We’ve worked on Teslas, Priuses and other hybrids for Appleton drivers. Regenerative braking systems still use standard pads that wear over time, just at a slower rate.
Is it a good idea to replace brake pads before winter driving in Appleton?
Absolutely. You want reliable stopping power before the snow starts falling. With the amount of salt and slush we see here, worn pads can become a safety issue fast, especially when you’re driving near icy intersections or Highway 41.
How do you know if you need brake pads replaced in Appleton’s winter conditions?
Snow, ice and road salt can speed up brake wear in Appleton. If you hear squeaking or grinding, or if it takes longer to stop, come in for a quick inspection. That’s especially important during the colder months when braking power really matters.
How close are you to Appleton neighborhoods like Grand Chute or Kimberly for brake repairs?
We’re located right on the edge of Grand Chute, just off West College Avenue and minutes from Fox River Mall and Highway 41. If you’re coming from Kimberly, Darboy, Combined Locks or Harrison, our Appleton East location is just minutes away. Our Appleton East shop is right off Highway 441, near the Marcus Valley Grand Cinema and the Quality Inn & Suites. Whether you’re on the east or west side of Appleton, both of our locations are easy to reach from anywhere in the Fox Cities.

Experience Auto Excellence

Never settle for subpar, overpriced auto services ever again! The ASE-certified technicians at Matthews Tire are here to bring you world-class service, dealer-level auto parts and unbeatable value on every service.

From tire installations, oil changes and alignments to full-service brake repairs, engine overhauls and more, we’ll keep you rolling.

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