Sunset Tire & Auto Repair + Brakes logo

Sunset Tire & Auto Repair + Brakes

Brake shop · Vernon Hills, IL · reviewed since 2014

How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%85+46.4Reliability 24%78+18.9Value 14%91+12.9Replies to reviews 7%70+4.9Experts Score= 83Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.83SCORE
AGradeLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#137 of 218 auto repair shopsPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 37%
4.9 ★★★★★ 754 Google reviews · 24 photos
95%five-star reviews
4.86★last 12 monthsAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
3.7%1–2★ in 2 yearsShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
54%reviews answered by the owner
Oct 2026latest review

Sunset Tire & Auto Repair + Brakes at a glance

Customers frequently praise the shop for its punctuality, clear communication, and competitive pricing on services like brake repairs, tire changes, and oil changes. Many reviewers highlight the staff's willingness to explain necessary work and accommodate urgent requests quickly. However, a minority of low-star reviews criticize the business for refusing specific repairs, charging for diagnostic work without resolving issues, and adding unexpected fees to final bills.

  • Google rating: 4.9 out of 5 from 754 reviews (95% five-star).
  • Reviews on this page: 755 Google reviews (626 with written comments, 10 with photos).
  • Owner responses: the business replied to 54% of reviews.
  • Most recent review: October 31, 2026.
  • Service: Auto Repair Shop serving Vernon Hills, Illinois.

Data from Google, last updated October 31, 2026.

Score profile vs other auto repair shops

Score per factor (100 = best)Each factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: momentum and value; weakest: replies to reviews.

Satisfaction85Reliability78Craft & service–Value91Momentum100Replies to reviews70Satisfaction: 85 (median 90)Reliability: 78 (median 87)Value: 91 (median 100)Momentum: 100 (median 100)Replies to reviews: 70 (median 61)
This companyAuto Repair Shops median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactionSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Sunset Tire & Auto Repair + Brakes: 85/100 on this factor. Category median: 90.A
85
ReliabilityReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Sunset Tire & Auto Repair + Brakes: 78/100 on this factor. Category median: 87.B
78
Craft & serviceCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 100.–
–
ValueValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Sunset Tire & Auto Repair + Brakes: 91/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
91
MomentumMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Sunset Tire & Auto Repair + Brakes: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Sunset Tire & Auto Repair + Brakes: 70/100 on this factor. Category median: 61.B
70

Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.

Star ratings

755 Google reviews we collected

  • 5 stars71795%
  • 4 stars122%
  • 3 stars41%
  • 2 stars41%
  • 1 star182%

Praise vs complaints

Phrases our text analysis found in 626 written reviews

  • Praise1,08497%
  • Complaints323%

PriceGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.

Price verdicts customers left with their Google review

  • Great price5040%
  • Reasonable6653%
  • Overpriced65%
  • Not sure32%

Topic share

How often each topic comes up in the written reviews

  • Staff & attitude28926%
  • Quality & results21419%
  • Speed & response18717%
  • Would recommend13712%
  • Price & value12811%
  • Honesty & trust1009%
  • Communication615%

What customers talk about

We read 626 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.

  • “Friendly, professional and expedited service with reasonable rates.”
    “We came on time and guy on recaption was very rude and refused do service for us.”
  • “I have always had exceptional service at Sunset Tire and Auto.”
    “I wouldn’t go here again for even a flat tire WORST SHOP IN LAKE BLUFF!”
  • “Professional, very communicative, friendly and efficient.”
    “Owners play stupid say they have cameras but never showed proof.”
  • “Highly recommend sunset to anyone looking for trustworthy, professional services.”
    “I would not return and would not recommend this shop.”
  • “Diego kept us informed on a complete brake job with a very competitive price that met our time frame.”
    “Over priced, slow, and deceiving.”
  • “I had never met her before, but what a wonderfully bright personality, she really, genuinely cares about her customers and the quality of work done at Sunset!”
    “Overall was triple the price of competitors, slower than promised and lied about the price initially.”
  • “…because of how personable and welcoming Diego was, the breakdown and clear explanation of what they do and how they can overcome obstacles with any is…”

People customers mention

  • Chris 25 reviews
  • Automotive 19 reviews
  • Diego 16 reviews
  • Maricela 16 reviews
  • Angel 16 reviews
  • Bluff 12 reviews

praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.

Reviews for your job

Customers hired Sunset Tire & Auto Repair + Brakes for 8 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.

Recent reviews

Cheryl1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 4 days ago★★★★★

I was recommended by a long time customer. She was absolutely right, the work and detail to taking care of my car was excellent.

Reasonable priceAir & cabin filter replacementOil change
Chloe1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 6 days ago★

They confirmed that they could work on my car even before I arrived. After a series of diagnoses they decided they couldn’t work on my car. And charged me for a service that did nothing to help the problem. And stuck me with a $600 bill.

Overpriced
Kevin9 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a week ago★★★★★

Friendly, professional and expedited service with reasonable rates. I will be bringing my cars for future services.

Reasonable priceTires
DonLocal Guide · 41 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited a week ago★★★★★

very knowledgeable and personal service, impressive/professional shop with capabilities to perform a wide range of services.

Reasonable priceSteering & suspension repairService not listed
Robert10 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a week ago★★★★★

Diego kept us informed on a complete brake job with a very competitive price that met our time frame. We will return and pass the word along.

Great priceBrakes
Shailesh2 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited 2 weeks ago★★★★★

We currently have four cars. I do not hesitate for one minute to bring our cars to Sunset. Maintenance is cheap and repairs are expensive. Diego and his crew help me understand what needs to be done on my cars and why, leading to proper maintenance. Eventhough, some repairs are unavoidable, they still have to…

Photos

Customer reviews

4.9 ★★★★★ 754 reviews on Google · rating breakdown

Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).

Jobs customers hired them for — from Google's service tags and the review text
Team members customers mention
Filter by topic — each topic is highlighted in the reviews in the same color
Lee4 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Lee has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Great service, better than the dealership.

  • Price assessment: Great price
Response from the owner · a day ago

Okay, that 1 is getting printed and hung on my wall 🥹 Your Cooper came in towed with dashboard lights everywhere and a battery that failed its load test, so Santiago put in a fresh OEM Mini battery and got her starting strong again 🚗💨✨ Diego kept it simple and honest right here on Skokie Valley in Lake Bluff, and that's exactly how European auto repair should feel 😄 Welcome to the Sunset family 🧡 ~ Maricela, Owner 🌅

Cheryl Garamoni1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews Cheryl has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

I was recommended by a long time customer. She was absolutely right, the work and detail to taking care of my car was excellent.

  • Price assessment: Reasonable price
  • Services: Air & cabin filter replacement, Oil change
Response from the owner · 3 days ago

A referral from a long time client is the best compliment we could ask for 🥹🧡 Those are the people who know exactly what Sunset is about, so we had a reputation to live up to the moment you pulled in. So glad the oil change and fresh air and cabin filters felt like real care and not just a quick in and out 🔧 The detail you noticed is the whole point of how we do things here on Skokie Valley in Lake Bluff 🚗💨✨ Welcome to the Sunset family, and tell your friend she's got great taste 😄 ~ Maricela, Owner 🌅🔧

Donot Reply4 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Donot has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Not competent in fixing vehicles they claim they are able to work on.

  • Price assessment: Overpriced
  • Services: Auto engine diagnostic
Response from the owner · 5 days ago

6 reviews at 1 star each, from 6 accounts, in 15 minutes. We will not answer frustration with frustration. Here is simply what happened, because our neighbors deserve the full story. A 2013 Honda Pilot with 184,246 miles came to us on October 14 with several warning lights on, and we took every concern seriously. Our techs went through the whole car for free and documented 37 findings with photos and video. For the brake computer fault, they followed Honda's own steps: they confirmed it had power, ran the software update she approved online in writing, and the light stayed on, which showed the computer itself had failed inside. We then priced a new Honda module and a used one, with every risk of the used option written out in plain English, and on October 20 she chose not to move forward with either, or with the other needs we found, like 2 dead tire sensors, tires past their safe life, and 1 cylinder misfiring because oil is getting past worn piston rings, something this engine is known for. We understand her frustration with the warranty, and honestly we share it. We spent days on the phone with her warranty company Omega. They paid $55 toward her oil change and said no to the module, no to the sensors, and no to the testing, and the 1 other covered path was an engine claim that has to run through whichever shop takes the engine apart. While all of this went on, she drove our loaner car free for a full week and the inspection cost her nothing. We wish her nothing but well, and if she ever wants to finish the job with us, our door stays open. ~ Maricela, Owner

Chloe1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews Chloe has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

They confirmed that they could work on my car even before I arrived. After a series of diagnoses they decided they couldn’t work on my car. And charged me for a service that did nothing to help the problem. And stuck me with a $600 bill.

  • Price assessment: Overpriced
Response from the owner · 5 days ago

6 reviews at 1 star each, from 6 accounts, in 15 minutes. We will not answer frustration with frustration. Here is simply what happened, because our neighbors deserve the full story. A 2013 Honda Pilot with 184,246 miles came to us on October 14 with several warning lights on, and we took every concern seriously. Our techs went through the whole car for free and documented 37 findings with photos and video. For the brake computer fault, they followed Honda's own steps: they confirmed it had power, ran the software update she approved online in writing, and the light stayed on, which showed the computer itself had failed inside. We then priced a new Honda module and a used one, with every risk of the used option written out in plain English, and on October 20 she chose not to move forward with either, or with the other needs we found, like 2 dead tire sensors, tires past their safe life, and 1 cylinder misfiring because oil is getting past worn piston rings, something this engine is known for. We understand her frustration with the warranty, and honestly we share it. We spent days on the phone with her warranty company Omega. They paid $55 toward her oil change and said no to the module, no to the sensors, and no to the testing, and the 1 other covered path was an engine claim that has to run through whichever shop takes the engine apart. While all of this went on, she drove our loaner car free for a full week and the inspection cost her nothing. We wish her nothing but well, and if she ever wants to finish the job with us, our door stays open. ~ Maricela, Owner

sue martinez1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews sue has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Love this place.

  • Price assessment: Reasonable price
  • Services: Tires, Oil change
Response from the owner · a week ago

Love this place back at you, that short and sweet review just made my whole morning 🥹 Your 2010 Golf got 4 brand new Hankook WeatherFlex GT tires plus a full synthetic oil change and Santiago took care of every bit of it 🚗💨✨ Diego made sure your $50 birthday gift from Sunset Rewards came off too and that complimentary safety inspection was on us 😄 Rolling on Skokie Valley in Lake Bluff with free rotations for the life of those tires, that is how we do German car repair around here 🧡 ~ Maricela, Owner 🌅

Kevin K.9 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Kevin has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Friendly, professional and expedited service with reasonable rates. I will be bringing my cars for future services.

  • Price assessment: Reasonable price
  • Services: Tires
Response from the owner · a week ago

Friendly, professional AND fast? That's the trifecta we chase every single day on Skokie Valley 🧡 So glad your tire visit felt quick and fair instead of a whole ordeal 🛞✨ And bringing my cars, plural?? Consider the whole fleet officially adopted into the Sunset family 🥹🚗💨✨ Thanks for trusting us here in Lake Bluff ~ Maricela, Owner 🧡🌅

Don NemerovLocal Guide · 41 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Don has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

very knowledgeable and personal service, impressive/professional shop with capabilities to perform a wide range of services.

  • Price assessment: Reasonable price
  • Services: Steering & suspension repair, Service not listed
Response from the owner · 2 years ago

Mr. Nemerov, Thank you so much for sharing your experience and for your thoughtful words about our team and shop. 🌟 It’s wonderful to know our service and capabilities left a positive impression. We understand that pricing is an important consideration, and we work hard to ensure it reflects the quality, transparency, and care we pour into each visit. Our goal is to offer exceptional value with a personal touch, and we appreciate your honest feedback as we strive to exceed expectations. Your trust means the world to us, and we're here whenever you need reliable, friendly service you can count on. Looking forward to helping you stay safely on the road! 🚗🛠️✨

Ignacio Barcala Perez10 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Ignacio has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Great job and excellent service!

  • Price assessment: Reasonable price
  • Services: Tires
Response from the owner · a week ago

Great job and excellent service, short and sweet and we'll take it 😄🧡 Your 2021 Jeep Wrangler left with a fresh tire installation, four Hankook Dynapro HT2s mounted and balanced, plus a four wheel alignment so they wear evenly for miles to come 🛞 And since it was your first visit to Sunset Tire, Gavin set you up with our tire package too, free rotations and balancing and free flat repairs for the life of those tires 🔧 So glad the price felt as right as the work did. Welcome to the Sunset family here on Skokie Valley in Lake Bluff, we've got your Jeep covered on the road ahead 🚗💨✨ ~ Maricela, Owner 🧡🌅

Debbie Borsic8 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Debbie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Great job Thanks

  • Price assessment: Great price
  • Services: Transmission
Response from the owner · 2 months ago

A great price AND a great job? Now that’s a combo we love 😍🚗✨ Thank you for trusting us with your transmission service, Debbie. We appreciate those 5 stars more than you know! 🧡🌅 Maricela

Robert Foss10 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Robert has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Diego kept us informed on a complete brake job with a very competitive price that met our time frame. We will return and pass the word along.

  • Price assessment: Great price
  • Services: Brakes
Response from the owner · a week ago

Complete brake job and done on your timeline, that is exactly how we want it to feel 🥹 Diego keeping you in the loop while Alejandro swapped front and rear brake pads and rotors on that 2013 Subaru Outback, plus a brake fluid flush and a complimentary safety inspection 🚗💨✨ Your front pads were free for Brakes for Breasts and both brake jobs carry free lifetime brake pads 😄 Competitive price, honest updates, and brake service you can trust here in Lake Bluff, thank you for choosing us 🧡 ~ Maricela, Owner 🌅

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Business details