<prompt> Human: I have heard its one of the oldest scams in the book -- but now that Im actually living it, Im not sure what to do. What do you advise? Other facts: - I live literally a half-mile from the car repair place.- They graphically described me getting into an accident if I choose to drive home. - They said I cant drive my car out of there because the brakes are unsafe.- They said I will need a tow truck if I want my car. - I am a woman. Update: I had my car towed to another family owned shop recommended by our neighbors towing was courtesy of AAA. They said that the first shop was not only overcharging us but outright scamming us. We did not even need the tow truck. Got it just to be safe as recommended here. They are replacing our front brakes for 150 as opposed to the 750 job quoted at Midas. Thanks for all your advice.Assistant: They dont have any right to withhold your vehicle from you.Brakes that wear out make a squealing noise for a long time and are still reasonably safe may not have 100 stopping power, but.... You would feel and hear it when stopping.If its any consolation, its pretty normal for men to be upsold on auto repairs as well. First lesson of car ownership is to say no lots of times when talking with any mechanic.Human: Yeah, I have driven some jalopies seriously with brakes that were literally grinding into the steel of the wheel, or whatever. Im no car expert but the squeaky sounds of our 2013 sonata dont indicate anything THAT serious. Then again, Im not an expert. We can always get Triple A to tow it out for free, if we have to.  <response>: On a slightly different note, why are you waiting until they get so bad to get your brakes done? Literally neglecting one of, if not, the most important part of your car that can result in causing injury to yourself andor others. 