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Professional Brake Rotor Repair in Appleton, WI

Safe Braking Starts With Precision Rotor Service

If your car shakes, squeals or takes too long to stop, your brake rotors might be to blame. At our Appleton auto repair shop, Matthews Tire provides expert brake rotor resurfacing or replacements. Our ASE-certified technicians explain what’s needed and why, helping you stay safe without spending more than you need to.

  • Family-owned and operated in 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 Rotor Replacement in Appleton, WI

Why Appleton Drivers Trust Matthews Tire for Brake Rotor Replacement

Brakes feel off? Experiencing shaking, squealing or just not stopping like they should? You need a shop that gives you straight answers, not scare tactics. Here’s how we can help:

  • No guesswork, no surprises. We explain what’s wrong, what needs fixing and what can wait. You’ll get upfront pricing and clear options, so you can make the right decision for your budget.
  • ASE-certified technicians with years of hands-on experience. Our technicians have experience in brake pad replacements, wheel alignments, engine repairs, wheel and tire repairs and more!
  • Clear, honest pricing plus money-saving coupons available to help you stay safe without breaking the bank.
  • Locally owned since 1952 and trusted by generations of Appleton families.
  • Shuttle service, free pickup and delivery, and a cozy waiting area with Wi-Fi and coffee for your convenience.

Whether it’s routine maintenance, brake rotor replacement or a complete brake system overhaul, we treat every vehicle with the same level of 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

Feel Something Off? Don’t Let Bad Rotors Put Your Safety at Risk

Shaking, grinding or slow stops could be a sign your rotors need attention. The sooner we look, the more likely we can save you from bigger repairs, or worse, unsafe driving conditions. At Matthews Tire in Appleton, we’ll inspect everything, explain your options and help you make the most cost-effective, safety-first decision.

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Appleton Brake Rotor Repair

Common Signs Your Brake Rotors Might Need Attention

If your brakes don’t feel right, it could be your rotors. This is especially true when driving through stop-and-go traffic on busy Appleton roads like Wisconsin Avenue or College Avenue. Catching rotor issues early can help you stay safe and avoid bigger repair bills later. Here’s what to watch for:

  • Shaking when you brake: A vibrating steering wheel or pedal often means your rotors are uneven or worn.
  • Squealing or grinding noises: If brake pads wear down too far, they can damage the rotor surface.
  • Slower stopping: Worn or overheated rotors can make your brakes feel spongy or less responsive.
  • Visible wear or rust: Look through your wheels for deep grooves, discoloration or cracks.
  • Brake warning light: Usually tied to pads or fluid, but can signal deeper issues when combined with these symptoms.

Worried it might be serious? Stop by for a brake inspection. Our team will check your rotors, explain what’s going on and help you decide the most cost-effective next step, whether that’s resurfacing or full replacement.

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

Brake Rotor Service Near You in Appleton, WI

What to Expect During a Brake Rotor Inspection

When you bring your vehicle in, here’s what our certified technicians will do:

  1. Inspect brake pads and rotors: We’ll check thickness, wear patterns and look for scoring, warping or overheating.
  2. Measure rotor thickness: If rotors are still within safe limits, we may recommend resurfacing instead of replacing.
  3. Check calipers and fluid: We’ll ensure your braking system is working as a whole, not just the rotors.
  4. Give you honest, pressure-free recommendations: You’ll know exactly what’s needed and why, no upsells, no surprises.

Not all rotor issues require full replacement. Our job is to help you choose the safest, most cost-effective fix.

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

Don’t Let a Small Brake Problem Turn Into a Big One

Minor rotor issues can become major repairs if ignored. If you’re noticing vibrations, noise or just haven’t had your brakes checked in a while, now’s the time. Our Appleton team offers fast, honest inspections, no pressure, just the answers you need to stay safe and save money.

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Frequently Asked Brake Rotor Replacement Questions

How long does brake repair take at your Appleton shop?

A full brake repair typically takes between 1.5 to 3 hours, though the exact time can vary depending on the condition of your braking system and the type of vehicle. A standard job that includes replacing brake pads and rotors on one axle (either front or rear) generally takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. If your vehicle also needs caliper replacement or brake fluid bleeding, the repair can take closer to 3 hours or more.

Several factors can affect how long a brake repair takes, including rusted or seized parts, high-performance or luxury vehicle requirements, and whether any diagnostic work is needed (like checking the ABS system). While some brake repair can go quickly, it’s a good idea to plan for a half-day visit, just in case additional issues are discovered once the wheels come off.

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 constant braking add up fast. Frequent travel on busy roads like Wisconsin Avenue or College Avenue can wear your brakes out quicker. Especially driving around the Fox River Mall and surrounding shopping areas. These areas are often very busy and lead to a lot of stop-and-go traffic.
Can I just replace my brake pads without replacing rotors in Appleton?
Sometimes, yes, but not always. In Appleton’s climate, rotors often rust or warp due to winter salt and moisture. We’ll inspect them and let you know if they’re still within spec or if new pads would wear unevenly on damaged rotors.
Is it a good idea to replace brakes 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 brakes 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. Especially during the colder months when braking power really matters.
What should you do if my brakes feel soft while driving around Appleton?
If your brake pedal feels spongy or takes longer to stop, especially near busy intersections like Richmond St. and College Ave., you should have them looked at right away. That could mean air in the lines or a more serious issue.
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. We’re located right off Highway 441 by the Marcus Valley Grand Cinema and the Quality Inn & Suites. Whether you’re on the east or west side of Appleton, both 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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