Our story of serving Houston motorists started 65 years ago…

In 1959, on Elgin Avenue in Houston, Texas the original Southwestern Muffler, now Southwest Muffler & Brake, was born from the enterprising spirit of L.C. “Gus” Gostecnik. What started as a bold venture selling tailpipes and exhaust pipes to local parts houses evolved into a warehouse operation that created Houston’s very first performance dual exhaust kits.

Gus’s knack for innovation and his commitment to quality laid the groundwork for a new era of automotive excellence. With the acquisition of a pipe bending machine and later, auto lifts from New Orleans, he established a tradition of hands-on service and superior products.

In 1977, Lynn “Goose” Gostecnik took the helm, expanding the company with a second location and a new name, Brake Works. This expansion solidified our reputation as Southwestern Muffler & Brake Works, a name that would stand for trust and expertise in Houston’s auto repair landscape.

Embracing the modern era without losing sight of our roots, we rebranded as Southwest Muffler & Brake in 2012. Our commitment to Uncle Gus’s vision remains unshaken — providing our customers with convenient, immediate, and exceptional one-day service.

In 2023, a new chapter began when Harrison Rusk, a second-generation automotive repair operator, purchased the business from Lynn Gostecnik. Harrison brings with him a dedication to integrity, honesty, and transparency, ensuring that these core values remain at the heart of our operations.

As a family-owned entity, we pride ourselves on our independence and the personal touch we offer, a stark contrast to the impersonal nature of franchises and larger chains.

With Harrison at the helm, we remain steadfast in our commitment to quality service and customer care. Our team of skilled technicians is dedicated to providing reliable and thorough automotive repairs, ensuring that each customer receives the highest standard of service. Thank you for choosing us for your automotive repair needs. We look forward to serving you with the honesty and dedication that have been the cornerstone of our business for over sixty years.