The team behind State College's best-protected cars.
Brakeout Auto PPF is a paint protection film, ceramic coating and window tinting shop serving State College, PA and the surrounding Centre County area. Founded in 2023 by State College natives Sullivan Barter and Everett Barter, we hand-cut and install self-healing film for an invisible, factory finish — backed by a 10-year warranty.
A dedicated PPF shop built for flawless installs.
Brakeout Auto PPF is a locally owned paint protection film shop based in State College, Pennsylvania. We don't just add shine — we shield your paint from the road so it stays factory-fresh for years.
Every install happens in our dedicated, climate-controlled bay— the clean, dust-free, temperature-controlled environment that flawless film work demands. PPF is a precision craft: each panel is measured, hand-cut and tucked so the edges disappear and the film looks like it came from the factory. That isn't something you rush in a driveway, which is exactly why we bring your vehicle into the shop.
Our work covers the full range of paint protection and styling: paint protection film (PPF), ceramic coating, window tinting, vinyl wraps and paint correction. From partial fronts to full-body coverage, we protect everyday commuters, trucks, SUVs and high-performance exotic vehicles alike. 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 are available seven days a week to fit your install around your 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 car looking better than the day they bought it. In 2023, they made it official and founded Brakeout Auto Detailing, LLC.
Since launching in 2023, the Brakeout Auto team has protected 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 into paint protection film, ceramic coating, window tinting and vinyl. 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 Detailing, LLC 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 vehicle protection — from paint protection film to ceramic coating.
500+ Five-Star Reviews & Growing
An established LLC with a dedicated State College suite, 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 installs 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 choose 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 install.
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 installers 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 precise, careful hand-cut film work.
Owen
A trained Level 1 technician delivering Brakeout Auto's installation 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 care and respect. We also proudly support other local, family-owned businesses by sourcing our films and supplies from trusted partners in the area.
Every service your vehicle needs.
Brakeout Auto PPF is a complete paint protection and styling shop. Here is what our State College team installs, all done in-house in our climate-controlled bay.
Full Front PPF
Edge-to-edge protection for the hood, fenders, bumper, mirrors and headlights.
Track Package PPF
Targeted high-impact coverage built for spirited driving and track days.
Full Body PPF
Every painted panel wrapped in self-healing film for total protection.
Custom Coverage PPF
Build-your-own coverage, hand-cut to exactly the panels you want.
Ceramic Coating
Long-term paint protection with a deep, durable, high-gloss finish.
Window Tinting
Precision-cut films that block UV rays, reduce heat and sharpen the look.
Vinyl Wraps
Custom color changes, accents and wraps for a personalized, protected finish.
Paint Correction
Removal of swirls, scratches and oxidation to restore factory clarity before film or coating.
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 Detailing 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 paint protection film (PPF), window tint and vinyl — backed by one of the most trusted names in automotive film.
Hundreds Of Vehicles Protected
Founded in 2023 and growing fast — hundreds of vehicles protected 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.
Self-Healing Film & Warranty
We install premium self-healing film backed by a 10-year manufacturer warranty against yellowing, cracking and lifting.
Trained, certified professionals.
Brakeout Auto isn't a weekend operation. Our team is professionally trained and carries manufacturer certifications — so the products 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 paint protection film (PPF), window tint 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 installer 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 roll of film.
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 installation services.
Level 2 Technician
Experienced technician handling advanced film and protection work.
Level 3 Technician
Senior install technician — Brakeout Auto's highest hands-on skill tier.
Serving drivers across Centre County.
Drivers bring their vehicles to our State College shop from across the region. We proudly protect cars for State College and communities throughout Centre County:
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 does Brakeout Auto install PPF?
Every install is done in our dedicated, climate-controlled bay in State College. Paint protection film demands a clean, dust-free, temperature-controlled environment, so we bring your vehicle into the shop rather than working outdoors.
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 3M installer for paint protection film, window tint and vinyl, and a certified System X ceramic coating installer, 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 get a PPF quote?
Request a free quote any time at brakeoutauto.com, or call the team directly at (814) 424-5367.
Ready to protect your car?
Join the 500+ Centre County drivers who trust Brakeout Auto with their vehicles. Get your free PPF quote today — we'll help you choose the right coverage for your vehicle.