Big Al's Mufflers & Brakes

Write a Review757-480-3547

CLOSED NOW - Opens at 8:30am

Not a fan. Took my car in at 1230 PM for a brake fluid flush, tire rotation, and brake pad/rotor inspection (just a look over) while telling them to call me before doing ANY other maintenance. I also asked if they could take a look at the brake lights to see why they weren't working because they stopped working after the brakes became sluggish and ineffectual. I was told a little condescendingly that brake lights are actually powered by electricity so I would have to go somewhere else (which I find weird because one of their coupons includes a "lighting inspection" service). Called at 4:30 PM and they still hadn't taken a look at the car but said they would get it in before close and let me know the status. Close time rolled around and no call. In the wake of a 6 inch or so snowstorm they were closed all day the next day. Part of me finds that understandable but part of me doesn't. Either way, my fiance had no transportation for 2.5 days after this because she can't drive my standard vehicles.



The next day I called a half hour after opening. They said the car was in the shop being looked at and the would call me when it was completed. 2 hours later I got the call it was finished but that their parking lot was not plowed and they couldn't get the car out of the bay and would call when it was plowed. At a half hour before close they called to inform me the lot was now plowed, with not nearly enough time to get there before close.



After picking up the car the next day on my way home I took a look at the receipt (should have looked earlier but was just happy to have my car back). I noticed I was charged $40 for "brake cleaning and adjustment" but no charge for "tire rotation." I shrugged it off and thought well they didn't charge me for the rotation so we'll call it even then.



All of these things I was willing to dismiss and was going to leave a 4 star review until I got home to take a look around the car (again also should have done before I left the shop) and noticed that the front drive side tire was still the one that was missing a hubcap from before the "rotation." Meaning they never rotated my tires at all. This was the last straw because now I either have to do it myself or bring it back in somewhere.



The sad part for this business is they're conveniently located near me and I own 4 vehicles (one of them a dually truck) meaning they could have expected years of much business from me. Not anymore; I'll be looking for somewhere else to take my cars thank you very much.



DON'T GET ME WRONG THOUGH. IF YOU'RE LOOKING TO GET SOMETHING FOR A CHEAP PRICE & DON'T MIND WAITING A FEW DAYS JUST TO FIND OUT THEY ONLY DID MOST OF WHAT YOU ASKED, GO AHEAD & VISIT BIG AL'S!

Im pretty happy, I had a failed inspection and I thought my muffler was toast. They quickly saw it within an hour of dropping it off and called me to let me know it was just a broken bracket and weld in the rear. Total was only 19.60. Kudos to them for being timely and honest. I recommend this place.

Quick service... Proficient... Awesome customer service

I was at the Chesapeake location on Battlefield Blvd. recently for some exhaust work. I replaced the flex pipe on my Hyundai & torch welded it myself. Of course torch welding under a car if a pain & the weld gave out. Took it in for them to look at it. They Mig welded it for me in 15 minutes. PERFECT WELD, DIRT CHEAP! Great customer service, Excellent results! If I would have known about them sooner I could have saved myself a lot of aggravation!

Went to Big Al's for an oil change on a busy Saturday and was treated with the utmost courtesy and respect. I was in and out in under an hour. They are honest and do not charge hidden fees for labor that they don't advertise. I highly recommend them!!