Gab's Auto Repair Blog

Your vehicle’s alternator is essential to its electrical system, responsible for keeping the battery charged and powering various components. When an alternator starts to fail, it can lead to a host of problems. At Gab’s Auto Repair, we provide expert alternator replacement and auto electric repair in the greater Phoenix area. Here are five warning signs of alternator trouble. Battery Warning Light on the Dashboard Vehicles commonly have a battery warning light that may illuminate if there’s an issue with the electrical system, often tied to the alternator. Although this light is typically associated with battery problems, it can also signify an alternator issue. If this light comes on, it’s best to visit the shop for diagnostics. Dim or Flickering Lights Dim or flickering headlights and interior lights are often an early sign of alternator failure. When the alternator isn’t supplying enough power, it affects the brightness of these lights, especially when you’re running multiple electrical components. If you notice your lights dimming or flickering, it’s wise to get the alternator checked before the problem worsens. Electrical Accessory Malfunctions A failing alternator may cause your vehicle’s electrical systems to behave unpredictably. You might experience issues with power windows, radio, air conditioning, or dashboard indicators. Modern cars are packed with electronics, so if you start seeing odd behavior in any of these systems, it could indicate that the alternator isn’t providing adequate power, causing them to act erratically. Frequent Battery Problems A failing alternator can make it seem like the battery itself is the issue, as it’s unable to keep the battery properly charged. If you find yourself needing frequent jump-starts, or if a relatively new battery keeps dying, the alternator could be the true culprit. Strange Noises Unusual sounds coming from under the hood, such as grinding or whining noises, can also indicate alternator trouble. These sounds might occur due to an alternator bearing or belt issue. If you hear these noises, don’t ignore them—have the alternator inspected to prevent the issue from escalating. Alternator Replacement & Auto Electric Repair in Phoenix When you need auto repair in Phoenix and the surrounding area, contact Gab’s Auto Repair at  (602) 780-3118  . At our nearby auto shop, we can expertly handle your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment! And be sure to check out our current special offers !

When your engine starts to act up, addressing the issue quickly can help prevent more expensive repairs. Ignoring early signs of engine trouble could lead to catastrophic failure and leave you stranded on the road. At Gab’s Auto Repair, we provide expert engine repair in the greater Phoenix area. Here are five common signs of an engine problem. Check Engine Light Turns On The check engine light is often the first warning sign that something is wrong under the hood. While this light can indicate a wide range of issues—from a loose gas cap to a more serious engine problem—it's crucial not to ignore it. It’s important to bring your vehicle to the shop ASAP for diagnostics. Strange Noises An engine should generally run smoothly, without any unusual sounds. If you start to hear knocking, tapping, or grinding noises, it could signal problems with internal engine components. Knocking sounds, in particular, often point to worn-out bearings, which could eventually lead to engine failure if not addressed promptly. If you hear any unfamiliar noise, have the mechanic investigate right away. Discolored/Excessive Exhaust Smoke Your car's exhaust can tell you a lot about the health of your engine. If you notice excessive smoke coming from the tailpipe, it could be a sign of a serious issue. Different colors of smoke indicate different problems. Blue smoke usually means oil is burning, which could signal worn valve seals. White smoke could indicate a coolant leak, which may be a sign of a blown head gasket. Black smoke is often a sign that the engine is burning too much fuel. Decreased Performance There’s cause for concern if your engine feels sluggish, or you notice a significant drop in power, acceleration, or fuel-efficiency. Several issues could cause decreased engine performance, such as a clogged air filter, fuel delivery problems, or a faulty sensor. Don’t ignore these symptoms, as they could worsen and potentially leave you with a more costly repair. Unusual Smells Odd smells coming from your engine compartment are never a good sign. If you detect a burning odor, it could mean that oil is leaking onto hot engine parts. A sweet smell often indicates a coolant leak, while a gasoline smell could mean there's a fuel leak. Any strong, unusual smell coming from your car should be taken seriously, and you should have your engine checked as soon as possible. Engine Repair in Phoenix, AZ When you need auto repair in Phoenix and the surrounding area, contact Gab’s Auto Repair at  (602) 780-3118  . Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment! And be sure to check out our current special offers !

At Gab’s Auto Repair, we strive to earn our customers’ satisfaction by consistently providing top-quality repairs and maintenance at fair rates. No matter how big or small the job, our local mechanics will work meticulously to get it done right the first time. And we appreciate it when our customers offer feedback about their experiences with us. Here’s a look at some of our latest customer reviews. “Gab’s is always great to me. The techs here have properly diagnosed problems for me that were missed by mechanics at other shops. They have done the same for friends and family that I have sent there after bad experiences elsewhere. Always friendly and very honest, this is one of the only shops I trust with my vehicles.” — Nick P. “I have taken my car here twice now and each time has been a great experience. My car has gotten fixed in a timely manner. I couldn't recommend this establishment enough if you want to be treated with consideration, have your concerns heard, and receive amazing service. I will be a loyal customer for as long as I am living in the Scottsdale/Phoenix area.” — Alicia G. “Gab’s is fabulous!! Got a quote from the dealer for an AC issue that was almost $4k with all the extra unnecessary services they recommended. Took my car to Gab’s and it was less than $200. Totally trust them and they treated us so well. The whole team was great!! Thank you so much!!” — Loren Y. “Gab’s Auto Repair is a phenomenal shop and is the only place we take our 2020 Toyota RAV4. They are very knowledgeable and honest because they don't recommend fixing what's not broke. We're grateful that we have found a straight shooter in auto repair and maintenance who we can recommend to our family and friends.” — Phil E. “I'm very happy with the service I received from this shop. The manager knows his stuff and they have friendly staff. They kept me informed throughout the process and were able to complete all of my repairs within one day. I'm happy to refer my friends and family to Gab's Auto.” — Linda S. Auto Repair in Phoenix, AZ When you need auto repair in Phoenix and the surrounding area, contact Gab’s Auto Repair at  (602) 780-3118  . At our local auto shop, we can expertly address your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment! And be sure to check out our current special offers !

A well-functioning cooling system is crucial for your vehicle's health, as it is integral to preventing the engine from overheating. When coolant leaks occur, they can lead to significant engine damage if not addressed promptly. At Gab’s Auto Repair, we provide expert cooling system repair in the greater Phoenix area. Here’s a look at five signs that your car may have a coolant leak. Coolant Pooling Under the Car One of the most obvious signs of a coolant leak is a visible puddle of coolant under your car. Coolant typically has a distinct color, such as green or orange (though your color could be different), and a slightly sweet smell. If you notice a pool of brightly colored liquid under your vehicle, there’s a strong chance that you have a coolant leak. Overheating Engine An overheating engine is a major red flag that your car may be losing coolant. The cooling system relies on a proper coolant level to regulate the engine’s temperature. If there’s a leak, the coolant level drops, leading to overheating. Keep an eye on the temperature gauge on your dashboard—if it runs hotter than usual, it may be due to a leak. Low Coolant Level Regularly checking your coolant level is part of basic vehicle maintenance. If you find that the coolant level is frequently low, even after topping it off, you likely have a leak. A significant drop in coolant level over a short period is a strong indication that there’s a problem that needs attention. It’s important to remember that for safety reasons, you should only check/add coolant when the engine is cool. White Exhaust Smoke White smoke coming from the exhaust pipe can signal a serious coolant leak, specifically into the engine itself. This occurs when coolant leaks into the combustion chamber and burns along with the fuel. This could indicate a blown head gasket. Coolant Smell If you smell a sweet, syrupy odor while driving or immediately after turning off the engine, it might be due to a coolant leak. It’s important to always pay attention to unusual smells in your vehicle, as they can be early signs of underlying problems. Cooling System Repair in Phoenix, AZ When you need auto repair in Phoenix and the surrounding area, contact Gab’s Auto Repair at  (602) 780-3118  . At our local auto shop, we can expertly address your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment! And be sure to check out our current special offers !

Your car's suspension plays a crucial role in ensuring smooth and safe driving. But as the miles add up, suspension components can wear out or become damaged, leading to issues that can affect both comfort and safety. At Gab’s Auto Repair, we provide expert suspension repair in the greater Phoenix, AZ area. Here’s a look at five warning signs of suspension trouble. Bumpy or Rough Ride A noticeable change in the smoothness of your ride can indicate suspension issues. If you start feeling every bump and dip on the road, or if your car bounces excessively after hitting a bump, it might be due to worn-out shocks or struts. These components are designed to absorb shocks and maintain stability, so any decline in their performance can affect ride quality. Pulling or Drifting During Turns When your car pulls to one side while turning or experiences drifting, it could be due to suspension problems. This issue can arise from worn-out or damaged suspension components affecting the alignment of your wheels. Uneven Tire Wear Uneven tire wear is often a sign that something is wrong with the suspension. If you notice that one or more tires are wearing down faster on one side compared to the other, it could signal problems such as misaligned wheels or worn-out suspension components. Oily or Damaged Shock Absorbers It’s smart to periodically check your shock absorbers for signs of leakage. Leaking shocks not only compromise ride comfort, but can also affect the handling and stability of your vehicle. If you notice any signs of leakage, it's important to have your suspension system inspected by the mechanic. Knocking or Clunking Sounds Unusual noises, such as knocking or clunking sounds when driving over bumps or uneven surfaces, often indicate loose or worn suspension parts. These sounds can stem from worn-out bushings, ball joints, or other components. Ignoring these noises can lead to further damage and safety risks. Suspension Repair in Phoenix, AZ When you need auto repair in Phoenix and the surrounding area, contact Gab’s Auto Repair at  (602) 780-3118  . At our nearby auto shop, we can expertly address your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call today to schedule an appointment! And be sure to check out our current special offers !