The team behind State College's best-protected cars.
Brakeout Auto is a ceramic coating, paint protection film, and detailing company serving State College, PA and the surrounding Centre County area. Founded in 2023 by State College natives Sullivan Barter and Everett Barter, we install long-lasting, glass-like protection from our dedicated State College shop.
A dedicated coating shop in State College.
Brakeout Auto is a locally owned ceramic coating, paint protection film, and auto detailing company based in State College, Pennsylvania. We don't just clean cars — we correct, protect and preserve their finish for the long haul.
Our ceramic coatings are installed at our dedicated State College facility, where a controlled, climate-stable environment lets the coating bond and cure exactly as the manufacturer intends. Proper prep is everything: every vehicle is washed, decontaminated and paint-corrected before a single layer goes on, so we're sealing in a flawless finish — not locking in swirls and defects.
Our work covers the full range of automotive appearance and protection: ceramic coating, paint correction, paint protection film (PPF), window tinting, vinyl, and interior and exterior detailing. We coat everyday commuters, trucks, SUVs and high-performance exotic vehicles — and we bring that same standard to boats, RVs and aircraft. Whatever you drive, we treat it as if it were our own.
You can find us at 143 Hawbaker Industrial Dr, Suite 104, State College, PA 16803, and reach our team directly at (814) 424-5367. We're happy to walk you through coating options and get your install on the schedule.
From a summer job to Centre County's #1 shop.
Brakeout Auto started the way many of the best small businesses do — as a high school summer job for two brothers who happened to love cars.
What began as a way to earn money over the summer quickly turned into a genuine passion. Brothers in the work and lifelong State College natives, Sullivan and Everett Barter cared less about the paycheck and more about the transformation — the moment a customer sees their paint deeper, glossier and better protected than the day they bought it. In 2023, they made it official and founded Brakeout Auto.
Since launching in 2023, the Brakeout Auto team has cared for hundreds of vehicles across State College and the surrounding region. With every project, the team refined its process, invested in better equipment and earned manufacturer certifications, expanding from interior and exterior detailing into ceramic coating, paint correction, window tinting, vinyl and paint protection film. The business grew almost entirely through word-of-mouth referrals — one happy customer telling the next.
That growth shows. Brakeout Auto has earned more than 500 five-star reviews, climbed from #2 to #1 Best Auto Detailing in Centre County's Favorites, and built a team of six trained professionals — all in just a few years. But the heart of it hasn't changed: it's still a passion project, run by local people who take real pride in their community and in every car they touch.
Brakeout Auto Is Founded
A high school summer job becomes a real company. Sullivan and Everett Barter officially establish Brakeout Auto in State College, Pennsylvania.
Recognized By The Community
Brakeout Auto is voted #2 Best Auto Detailing in Centre County's Favorites and named a Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite — early proof that the work was resonating well beyond word of mouth.
Voted #1 In Centre County
Brakeout Auto climbs to #1 Best Auto Detailing in Centre County's Favorites, becoming the region's top-voted choice for ceramic coating, paint correction and protection.
500+ Five-Star Reviews & Growing
An established company with a dedicated State College shop, a team of six and manufacturer certifications from System X and 3M, Brakeout Auto carries 500+ five-star reviews and an A rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Meet Sullivan & Everett Barter.
Brakeout Auto is owned and operated by two State College natives who turned a teenage summer job into Centre County's #1-voted shop. They are hands-on owners: customers regularly mention them by name in reviews because, more often than not, it's Sullivan and Everett doing the work themselves.
Sullivan Barter
Sullivan is a co-founder and owner of Brakeout Auto and a graduate of Penn State's University Park campus, where he earned a degree in accounting. That financial and operational discipline shapes how Brakeout Auto is run — transparent pricing, organized scheduling and a business built to last. Customers regularly name Sullivan in their reviews for the quality and care of his work.
Everett Barter
Everett is a co-founder and owner of Brakeout Auto. He was enrolled in the Smeal College of Business at Penn State's University Park campus and made the bold decision to leave during his second year to pursue Brakeout Auto full-time — betting on the business he and Sullivan were building. That all-in commitment is a big part of why Brakeout grew so quickly.
Why local ownership matters
Sullivan and Everett both grew up in State College, and they treat every vehicle as if it were their own — because they understand what it means to take pride in your ride. When you book Brakeout Auto, you're not handing your car to a faceless chain. You're trusting two local owners whose names, reputations and community standing are attached to every single coating and detail.
The full Brakeout Auto crew.
Brakeout Auto is a team of six trained, dedicated and genuinely passionate professionals who live and breathe car care. Our technicians progress through a structured skill-tier system — from Level 0 in training up to Level 3 — so every vehicle is matched with the right experience for the job.
Sullivan Barter
Penn State accounting graduate who leads the business and operations side of Brakeout Auto.
Everett Barter
Left Penn State's Smeal College of Business to build Brakeout Auto full-time.
Braeden
Brakeout Auto's most senior technician, named by customers for thorough, careful paint correction and coating prep.
Owen
A trained Level 1 technician delivering Brakeout Auto's standard on every job.
Will
A trained Level 1 technician focused on consistent, high-quality results for every customer.
Josh
Currently completing Brakeout Auto's hands-on training program on his way to becoming a certified technician.
Whether you're driving an everyday commuter or a rare, high-performance exotic, every member of the Brakeout Auto team treats your vehicle with the same level of detail and respect. We also proudly support other local, family-owned businesses by sourcing our detailing and coating supplies from trusted partners in the area.
Every service your vehicle needs.
Brakeout Auto is a complete automotive appearance and protection company. Here is what our State College team handles, with ceramic coating at the heart of it.
Ceramic Coating
Long-term paint protection with a deep, durable, high-gloss, hydrophobic finish.
Paint Correction
Removal of swirls, scratches and oxidation to restore clarity before coating.
Paint Protection Film (PPF)
Self-healing film that defends against rock chips and road debris.
Window Tinting
Precision-cut films that block UV rays, reduce heat and sharpen the look.
Vinyl
Vinyl application for a custom, protected and personalized finish.
Car Detailing
Full interior & exterior detailing that prepares and preserves every finish.
Monthly Maintenance Detailing
Recurring care plans that keep your coating and finish performing at their best.
Boat, RV & Aircraft Detailing
The same premium standard for every craft, vessel and recreational vehicle.
The reputation, in plain numbers.
When you're choosing who gets to touch your vehicle, reputation matters. Here is the verifiable track record behind Brakeout Auto — every claim below is something you can check for yourself.
Five-Star Reviews
Brakeout Auto has earned more than 500 five-star reviews across our Google listings, Facebook and Nextdoor — with a consistent 5.0 average rating.
Centre County's Favorites 2025
Voted the #1 Best Auto Detailing business in the 2025 Centre County's Favorites — a climb from the #2 spot we earned in 2024.
Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite
Recognized with multiple Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite awards — a trust signal voted on directly by local neighbors.
Better Business Bureau Rating
Brakeout Auto holds an A rating from the Better Business Bureau, with ownership publicly listed for full transparency.
Certified Ceramic Coating Installer
Brakeout Auto is a certified System X installer — applying ceramic coatings to the manufacturer's professional standard.
Certified 3M Installer
Certified 3M installers for window tint, paint protection film (PPF) and vinyl — backed by one of the most trusted names in automotive film.
Hundreds Of Vehicles Coated & Detailed
Founded in 2023 and growing fast — hundreds of vehicles coated and detailed across State College and Centre County, with real, repeatable results.
Owned By Penn State Locals
Owners Sullivan and Everett Barter are State College natives and Penn State alumni with their names and reputations attached to every install.
Dedicated State College Facility
Coatings are installed in a controlled, climate-stable shop — the conditions a ceramic coating needs to bond and cure to its full hardness and gloss.
Trained, certified professionals.
Brakeout Auto isn't a weekend operation. Our team is professionally trained and carries manufacturer certifications — so the coatings and films we apply to your vehicle are installed exactly the way they're designed to be.
Certified System X Installer
Brakeout Auto is a certified System X installer, qualified to apply System X ceramic coatings to the manufacturer's professional standard for long-term paint protection.
Certified 3M Installer
We are certified 3M installers for window tint, paint protection film (PPF) and vinyl — using premium 3M films backed by one of the most trusted brands in the industry.
Trained & Certified Through EPD
Members of the Brakeout Auto team completed professional training and certification through EPD in Charleston, South Carolina.
Beyond manufacturer certifications, every Brakeout Auto technician develops through an in-house skill-tier system. Each technician advances by demonstrating consistent, high-quality work — which means the person caring for your vehicle has been trained and verified, not simply handed a buffer.
Level 0 — In Training
Learning the Brakeout Auto process hands-on under senior supervision.
Level 1 Technician
Trained and cleared to deliver Brakeout Auto's core detailing and prep services.
Level 2 Technician
Experienced technician handling advanced correction and protection work.
Level 3 Technician
Senior technician — Brakeout Auto's highest hands-on skill tier.
Serving drivers across Centre County.
From our State College shop, Brakeout Auto serves drivers across the region. We proudly coat and protect vehicles for customers throughout these communities:
What you can count on.
Our mission is simple: honest, professional and efficient service on every job. We may not be the cheapest option in State College — and we won't pretend to be — but we promise unmatched passion, attention to detail and a real drive to exceed your expectations.
Where do you install ceramic coatings?
Ceramic coatings are installed at our dedicated State College facility, where a controlled, climate-stable environment lets the coating bond and cure properly. A clean, temperature-stable space is essential for a flawless, long-lasting result.
Who owns Brakeout Auto?
Brakeout Auto is owned by State College natives Sullivan Barter and Everett Barter, who co-founded the company in 2023 and remain hands-on with the work.
How long has Brakeout Auto been in business?
Brakeout Auto was founded in 2023 and has grown from a high school summer job into an established company with a team of six and 500+ five-star reviews.
Are Brakeout Auto's installers certified?
Yes. Brakeout Auto is a certified System X ceramic coating installer and a certified 3M installer for window tint, paint protection film and vinyl, with team training completed through EPD.
What awards has Brakeout Auto won?
Brakeout Auto was voted #2 Best Auto Detailing in Centre County's Favorites in 2024 and #1 in 2025, has earned multiple Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite awards, and holds an A rating from the Better Business Bureau.
What areas do you serve?
We serve State College and surrounding Centre County communities, including Bellefonte, Boalsburg, Port Matilda, Pleasant Gap and many more — see the full list above.
How do I book a ceramic coating?
Book online any time at brakeoutauto.com, or call the team directly at (814) 424-5367. We'll help you choose the right coating package for your vehicle.
Ready to see your car at its best?
Join the 500+ Centre County drivers who trust Brakeout Auto with their vehicles. Book your ceramic coating today.