Gab's Auto Repair Blog

Your vehicle’s brakes are its most critical safety system, and any issues should be taken seriously. Brake failure commonly involves some type of warning. Ignoring these signs can put you, your passengers, and other drivers at risk. By recognizing the early indications of brake problems, you can schedule repairs before your braking system becomes a danger on the road. At Gab’s Auto Repair, we provide expert brake repair in the greater Phoenix area. Here are four common warning signs of brake failure. Soft Brake Pedal If your brake pedal suddenly feels soft, spongy, or sinks closer to the floor than usual, it’s a major red flag. This change in pedal feel often points to air in the brake lines or low brake fluid, perhaps due to a leak, which creates a major safety risk. A soft pedal should never be ignored, as it can quickly worsen and leave you unable to stop your vehicle safely. Grinding or Screeching Sounds Unusual noises when braking almost always indicate a problem. A high-pitched screeching sound typically means your brake pads are worn down. Grinding noises are even more concerning, as they suggest the brake pads are completely worn out and metal is contacting metal. Continuing to drive with grinding brakes can damage your rotors and compromise your ability to stop. Vibrations When Braking If you feel shaking when slowing down, your vehicle may have warped brake rotors. Warping is commonly caused by excessive heat buildup. Vibrations not only reduce your braking efficiency but also signal that your brakes are under stress—and may be on the path toward failure if not repaired. Dashboard Brake Warning Light Most modern vehicles are equipped with sensors that alert you to brake system problems. If your brake warning light illuminates, it’s important to have your vehicle inspected immediately. This may indicate low brake fluid or other issues that could affect your braking performance. Even if the car seems to stop normally, the warning light should be taken seriously. Brake Repair in Phoenix, AZ When you need auto repair in Phoenix and the surrounding area, contact Gab’s Auto Repair at  602-404-3690  . At our nearby 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 car’s alternator plays a crucial role in keeping your vehicle running. It generates the electrical power needed to charge your battery and operate essential systems such as the lights, radio, and air conditioning. When the alternator starts to fail, your car’s performance and reliability can quickly decline. Ignoring the signs can lead to a dead battery that leaves you stranded. At Gab’s Auto Repair, we provide expert alternator replacement and auto electric repair in the greater Phoenix area. Here are five warning signs that it may be time to replace your alternator. Problems with Lights One of the common signs of alternator trouble is dimming or flickering headlights and dashboard lights. Because the alternator powers your car’s electrical system, any inconsistency in its output can cause the lights to fluctuate. This uneven lighting is often a clear indication that the alternator is struggling to maintain a consistent voltage level. Warning Light on the Dashboard Most vehicles are equipped with a dashboard warning light shaped like a battery or labeled ALT or GEN. When this light comes on, it usually means there’s an issue with the charging system. While the problem could be related to the battery, a failing alternator is one of the most common causes. If this light appears and stays on, it’s important to have your charging system tested right away to prevent a sudden loss of power. Electrical System Malfunctions A failing alternator may cause various electrical components to act unpredictably. You might notice slow or malfunctioning power windows, dim interior lighting, or a struggling air conditioner. Since the alternator provides electricity to these systems, a weak or failing one can lead to inconsistent performance. If multiple electronic accessories are behaving strangely at the same time, the alternator could very well be to blame. Dead or Weak Battery While a bad battery is often the first suspect when your car won’t start, the underlying issue may actually be a failing alternator. If the alternator isn’t properly charging the battery, it will gradually lose power until it can no longer start the engine. If your battery dies repeatedly even after being replaced or recharged, it’s a strong sign that the alternator isn’t doing its job. Unusual Noises A failing alternator can produce grinding or whining noises caused by worn bearings or a belt-related issue. Abnormal noises should never be ignored, as they can indicate that the alternator may be close to failure. Alternator Replacement & Auto Electric Repair in Phoenix When you need auto repair in Phoenix and the surrounding area, contact Gab’s Auto Repair at  602-404-3690  . Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment! And be sure to check out our current special offers !

At Gab’s Auto Repair, our team takes great pride in earning our customers’ satisfaction by doing exceptional work at fair rates. No matter the scope of the work, our local mechanics will work efficiently to get it done right and in a timely manner. And we appreciate it when our customers provide feedback about our work. Here’s a look at some of our latest customer reviews. “These guys know what they are doing, and I’m not taking my vehicles anywhere else. Period.” — Butch S. “Appointment easily scheduled. Mark greeted me cordially. They took me in early. They never tried to upsell. I was in and out for routine maintenance. The whole experience was smooth. Excellent service. I highly recommend Gab’s.” — Edward D. “Gab’s is honest and they have a no fuss approach. As a woman I appreciate feeling like they’re not always trying to convince me I need to do more or con me in some way. This is a rare thing and you are a diamond in the rough. Thank you!” — Kelli R. “I have been a customer of Gab’s for a long time. I know very little about cars and have had to rely on this shop to keep my only, somewhat aged car in good condition. This shop has consistently provided good advice, excellent service, and competitive prices. And this is every time I have needed them to fix a problem. I am extremely confident in recommending this shop to anyone who is looking to find a reliable and honest shop. Thank you, Gab’s.” — Annie N. “I started using Gab’s when my former shop permanently closed. I bounced around different places for over a year before I came to Gab’s. Since then, I’ve used them from oil changes to engine diagnostics to radiator replacements. They have been trustworthy and fairly priced which is hard to find in the automotive repair industry. I would highly recommend them!” — Bob L. Auto Repair in Phoenix, AZ When you need auto repair in Phoenix and the surrounding area, contact Gab’s Auto Repair at  602-404-3690  . At our nearby auto shop, we can expertly address your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. And be sure to check out our current special offers !

Few things are as stressful for drivers as seeing the temperature gauge climb into the red or spotting steam pouring from under the hood. An overheating car is not only inconvenient, but can also lead to serious engine damage if not addressed quickly. At Gab’s Auto Repair, we provide expert cooling system repair in the greater Phoenix area. Here are four common reasons that vehicles overheat. Faulty Thermostat The thermostat controls the flow of coolant through the engine. When working correctly, it ensures that the engine warms up efficiently and stays within a safe operating temperature range. If the thermostat becomes stuck in the closed position, it prevents coolant from circulating, causing heat to build up rapidly. Generally, a malfunctioning thermostat is relatively inexpensive to replace, but ignoring it can result in costly repairs from overheating. Radiator Issues The radiator is responsible for dispersing heat from the coolant, and when it isn’t functioning properly, your car can quickly run hot. Clogged radiator passages, leaks, or a failing radiator fan are all common culprits. Dirt, debris, or corrosion inside the radiator can also reduce its effectiveness. Ensuring the radiator is clean and leak-free is essential for keeping your car’s temperature under control. Water Pump Failure The water pump is at the heart of the cooling system, circulating coolant throughout the engine and radiator. If the pump malfunctions, coolant circulation will stop, and overheating will occur. Small leaks and whining noises are warning signs. Addressing these issues promptly helps avoid complete pump failure and a potential breakdown. Low Coolant Levels Coolant plays the vital role of absorbing heat from the engine and carrying it to the radiator, where it is released. If the coolant level is too low due to leaks, the engine can quickly overheat. Sometimes leaks occur in hoses, the radiator, or the water pump, which allows coolant to escape. Cooling System Repair in Phoenix, AZ When you need auto repair in Phoenix and the surrounding area, contact Gab’s Auto Repair at  602-404-3690  . At our nearby 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 !

When healthy, your vehicle’s suspension system plays a vital role in providing a smooth ride and maintaining control while driving. It absorbs the bumps in the road, keeps your tires in contact with the pavement, and promotes safe handling. But over time, components like shocks, struts, springs, and control arms can wear out or become damaged. If your suspension isn’t working properly, it can affect your safety and comfort. Recognizing the signs of suspension trouble early can help you avoid more expensive repairs. At Gab’s Auto Repair, we provide expert suspension repair in the greater Phoenix, AZ area. Here’s a look at four warning signs of suspension trouble. Your Ride Feels Bumpier Than Usual One of the most common signs of suspension trouble is a noticeably rough ride. If you start to feel every bump and dip in the road, it could be a sign that your shocks or struts are worn out and no longer absorbing impact the way they should. You might also notice that your vehicle bounces excessively after hitting a bump. When the suspension is working properly, it should dampen the motion quickly rather than letting the car continue to bounce. The Vehicle Pulls to One Side While Driving If your car tends to drift or pull to one side, even when you're driving on a straight road, this could point to an issue with the suspension system. While alignment problems can also cause this symptom, worn or damaged suspension components—such as control arms or bushings—can make your vehicle harder to keep in a straight line. Ignoring this issue can lead to uneven tire wear and reduced control. Uneven Tire Wear When your suspension system isn’t functioning properly, it can cause uneven pressure on the tires. This often leads to irregular or uneven tread wear. If you notice that one tire is more worn than the others or that the tread looks patchy, it may be due to a suspension issue that’s affecting how the tires make contact with the road. Catching this early can help you avoid premature tire replacement. The Car Nosedives When Braking A healthy suspension system helps keep the vehicle balanced during braking. If your car lurches forward or "nosedives" when you hit the brakes, especially during sudden stops, it could mean you’re dealing with worn-out shocks This affects braking efficiency and can make your stopping distance longer, which is a serious safety concern. Suspension Repair in Phoenix, AZ For expert auto repair in Phoenix and the surrounding area, contact Gab’s Auto Repair at  602-404-3690  . Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment! And be sure to check out our current special offers !