Gab's Auto Repair Blog

Keeping your vehicle's transmission healthy is essential for ensuring smooth performance and avoiding costly repairs. The transmission is one of the most critical components of your car, and with proper care, it can operate efficiently for years. At Gab’s Auto Repair, we provide transmission service in Phoenix that’ll help to keep your vehicle shifting smoothly. Here are five tips for maintaining a healthy transmission. Check Transmission Fluid Regularly Transmission fluid is essential for lubricating and cooling the internal components of your transmission. Low or dirty fluid can lead to overheating and excessive wear. Make it a habit to check your transmission fluid regularly, ensuring it's at the correct level and has a clean, reddish color. If you notice a burnt smell or darkened fluid, it’s likely time for a fluid change. Avoid Aggressive Driving Rapid acceleration, abrupt stops, and frequently shifting gears can put unnecessary stress on your transmission. Smooth driving habits help reduce wear and tear on your transmission system. Also, avoid towing heavy loads if your vehicle isn’t designed for it. Service Your Transmission Periodically Regular maintenance is crucial for a healthy transmission. Follow your manufacturer's recommended service schedule, which typically includes fluid changes, filter replacements, and inspections. Routine service helps identify potential issues early and reduces the risk of costly breakdowns. Use the Right Transmission Fluid Not all transmission fluids are the same, and using the wrong type can result in significant damage. Always refer to your vehicle’s manual to ensure you're using the correct fluid. If you're unsure, consult the mechanic to avoid costly mistakes. Address Issues Promptly Strange noises, slipping gears, and delayed shifting are signs of a transmission problem. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to more severe damage and expensive repairs. If you notice any irregularities, have your transmission inspected by the mechanic as soon as possible. Transmission Service in Phoenix 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 !

Your vehicle's brakes are one of its most critical safety features, ensuring you can stop quickly and safely. However, like any part of your car, brakes can wear out and suffer damage. Ignoring early signs of brake trouble can lead to dangerous driving conditions and more expensive repairs. At Gab’s Auto Repair, we provide expert brake repair in the greater Phoenix area. Here are six common signs of brake trouble. Squealing or Squeaking Noises If you hear a high-pitched squealing sound when you apply the brakes, it’s likely the brake pads are wearing thin. Many brake pads come with built-in wear indicators that emit this noise to alert you it’s time for replacement. Ignoring this sound can lead to rotor damage. Grinding Sound A grinding noise often indicates that your brake pads have completely worn down, and the metal backing is now making contact with the brake rotor. This reduces braking efficiency and can also damage the rotors, leading to costly repairs. If you hear grinding, have your brakes inspected immediately. Vibrations When Braking If you notice vibrations when you apply the brakes, it could be a sign of warped brake rotors. Rotors can warp due to excessive heat. Warped rotors reduce the contact surface between the brake pad and rotor, affecting stopping power and vehicle stability. Soft or Spongy Brake Pedal When your brake pedal feels soft or spongy, it’s a sign that there could be air in the brake lines or a problem with the brake fluid. This could also indicate a brake fluid leak. Since brake fluid is essential for creating the hydraulic pressure needed to stop your car, this issue requires immediate attention. With leaking brake fluid, you should get towed to the shop. Veering If your car veers to one side when you brake, it could mean a caliper is seizing up, possibly because of corrosion. This creates an immediate safety hazard and needs to be resolved ASAP. Brake Warning Light Modern vehicles come equipped with a brake warning light on the dashboard. If this light illuminates, it could indicate issues such as low brake fluid or faulty wheel speed sensors. This light should be brought to the mechanic’s attention promptly. Brake 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 complete 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 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 !