Gab's Auto Repair Blog

In the Phoenix area, a properly functioning air conditioning system is essential for comfort, and even safety. Recognizing the early signs of AC trouble can potentially save you from more expensive repairs. At Gab’s Auto Repair , we provide expert automotive AC repair in the greater Phoenix area. Here are four common symptoms of a car AC problem. Weak or Warm Airflow If the air coming from your vents is not as cold or powerful as it used to be, it’s often the first indication of a problem. This could be due to issues like a failing compressor or a dirty cabin air filter. In some cases, the airflow may feel lukewarm despite the AC being set to the coldest temperature. This type of issue could worsen over time if not addressed promptly. Unusual Noises When the AC Is Running Your vehicle’s AC system should operate quietly. If you hear hissing, clunking, or rattling when you turn on the air conditioning, there may be something wrong. These noises could be caused by a worn-out compressor or loose components within the AC unit. Odd sounds are a clear sign that the system is under stress and that parts may be close to failing. AC System Fails to Turn On When your car’s air conditioning doesn’t respond at all, it may be due to an electrical issue such as a blown fuse. In some cases, the compressor clutch may fail, preventing the system from running. An unresponsive AC system should be inspected quickly to determine the root cause and avoid further complications. Bad Smells Coming from the Vents Foul odors when you turn on the AC can indicate mold or mildew growth in the system. Moisture buildup creates an ideal environment for such growth, which can produce a musty smell. This can make your driving experience unpleasant and even pose a health risk to those with allergies or respiratory sensitivities. Cleaning or replacing the cabin air filter and inspecting the evaporator core may be necessary. Car A/C 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 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 !

Your vehicle’s cooling system plays a critical role in maintaining engine temperature and preventing overheating. When any part of the cooling system starts to fail, it can lead to serious engine damage if not addressed quickly. Knowing the warning signs and understanding common problems can help you catch issues early and avoid more expensive repairs. At Gab’s Auto Repair, we provide expert cooling system repair in the greater Phoenix area. Here are four common cooling system problems that should be fixed as soon as possible. Coolant Leaks One of the most obvious and urgent cooling system issues is a coolant leak. If you notice a bright green, orange, or pink fluid (your coolant might be a different color) pooling under your vehicle, there’s a good chance it’s coolant. Leaks can occur from a cracked hose, a damaged radiator, or a failing water pump. Even a slow leak can cause your coolant level to drop, putting your engine at risk of overheating. If you suspect a leak, have it inspected and repaired immediately to avoid further damage. Radiator Problems The radiator is at the heart of your vehicle’s cooling system, responsible for releasing the heat absorbed by the coolant. If the radiator becomes clogged, corroded, or develops a crack, it can’t do its job properly. This can lead to high engine temperatures and potentially a full-blown overheating situation. A faulty radiator needs to be repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Faulty Thermostat The thermostat regulates the flow of coolant between the engine and the radiator. If it gets stuck in the closed position, coolant won’t circulate properly, and the engine can quickly overheat. On the other hand, if it’s stuck open, the engine may not reach its optimal operating temperature. A malfunctioning thermostat is a relatively inexpensive fix, but ignoring it can lead to major engine trouble. Water Pump Failure The water pump is responsible for keeping the coolant moving throughout the engine. If the pump fails, coolant can’t circulate, and the engine temperature can skyrocket. Signs of a bad water pump include a whining or grinding noise. Water pump failure can quickly lead to major engine damage, so it’s vital to address it right away. 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 nearby 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!

At Gab’s Auto Repair, we’re proud members of the Phoenix small business community. It’s our mission to exceed our customers’ expectations by consistently doing top-quality work at fair prices. Whether you need an oil change or engine repair, our local mechanics will work diligently to complete the job to the highest standards. And we’re grateful when our customers offer feedback about the work that we did for them. Here’s a look at some of our recent customer reviews. “I’ve never had a bad experience going to Gab! I’ve been a customer with them for YEARS. Do yourself a favor by doing business with Gab! Extremely professional and knowledgeable!” — James D. “Used Gab’s for many years and it’s always delivered a great level of service at a competitive price.” —Stephen K. “I’ve been going to Gab’s for 3 years. I love every time I go. Everyone is so nice and friendly. I never have to wait. They get my car right in and the job is always perfect, along with any explanation and remarks. I will continue going there! Thanks to everyone!” — Janey S. “This is my go-to mechanic. When my car needs work I take it to Gab's. They take the time to see what's going on and explain it to me in plain English. No BS, no surprises, no extra charges to bump up their quotas. I've been a client for 20 years. They take great care of their customers and are reasonably priced.” — Marcy M. “I have been going to this Auto Service for 4 years and the service has always been of top quality. They have never tried to oversell. I would recommend to my friends this auto service.” — Luis N. “Honest & reliable, a rare find in a big city. Highly recommend for auto repairs & maintenance!” — Lynn B. 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. And be sure to check out our current special offers !

Your car’s shocks play a crucial role in maintaining a smooth and stable ride. They help absorb impacts from the road, keep your tires in contact with the pavement, and improve overall handling. Over time, shocks wear out and lose their ability to perform effectively, leading to performance and safety issues. At Gab’s Auto Repair, we provide expert suspension repair in the greater Phoenix area. Here are four signs that it’s time to replace your car’s shocks. Excessive Bouncing After Hitting Bumps One of the most obvious signs of worn-out shocks is excessive bouncing after hitting bumps or potholes. When shocks are functioning properly, they absorb impacts and quickly stabilize the vehicle. If your car continues to bounce several times after going over a bump, it’s a sign that the shocks can no longer control the movement of the suspension. This not only makes for an uncomfortable ride, but can also reduce your ability to control the vehicle on rough roads. Uneven or Excessive Tire Wear If your tires are wearing down unevenly or more quickly than usual, worn shocks could be to blame. When shocks lose their ability to keep the tires firmly on the road, the tires may experience inconsistent contact with the pavement. This leads to sections of the tire tread wearing out faster than others. This can compromise traction, making driving more hazardous, especially in wet conditions. Leaking Shock Absorbers A visible fluid leak from your shocks is a clear indication that they need to be replaced. Shocks rely on hydraulic fluid to absorb and dampen impacts. When seals wear out, fluid can leak from the shock body, reducing their effectiveness. If you notice oily residue or wet streaks on the shocks or surrounding suspension components, it’s a sign that they are no longer functioning properly and should be replaced as soon as possible. Longer Stopping Distances Worn shocks can negatively affect your vehicle’s braking performance. Since shocks help keep the tires in proper contact with the road, their failure can lead to longer stopping distances. If you find that your car takes longer to come to a stop or nose-dives forward when you brake, failing shocks could be the cause. 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 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 !

While an illuminated check engine light doesn’t always mean a major repair is needed, it should never be ignored. This warning light is part of your vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system and can indicate a wide range of issues, from minor malfunctions to serious engine trouble. At Gab’s Auto Repair, we provide expert check engine light diagnostics and repair in the greater Phoenix area. Here are five common reasons the check engine light may turn on. Malfunctioning Mass Airflow Sensor The mass airflow (MAF) sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine and helps ensure the proper air-to-fuel ratio for combustion. A malfunctioning MAF sensor can lead to poor acceleration, rough idling, and decreased fuel-efficiency. Replacing a faulty MAF sensor is a relatively straightforward repair that can improve overall performance. Failing Ignition Coils or Spark Plugs Spark plugs and ignition coils play a crucial role in igniting the air-fuel mixture. When they start to fail, the engine may misfire, hesitate during acceleration, or run roughly. Regular maintenance, including replacing spark plugs at the recommended intervals, can help prevent this issue from triggering the check engine light. Catalytic Converter Problems The catalytic converter is responsible for reducing harmful emissions by converting pollutants into less harmful gases. If it has a problem, the check engine light will likely illuminate. A failing catalytic converter can lead to poor engine performance, reduced fuel-economy, and increased emissions. Faulty Oxygen Sensor The oxygen sensor monitors the level of unburned oxygen in the exhaust system and helps regulate the air-fuel mixture. If the sensor becomes faulty, it can cause the engine to run inefficiently, leading to reduced fuel-economy and increased emissions. If left unaddressed, it can lead to issues with the catalytic converter. Loose or Faulty Gas Cap Something as simple as a loose or damaged gas cap can trigger the check engine light. The gas cap seals the fuel system, and if it’s not tightly secured, fuel might evaporate before your engine gets the chance to put it to use. Check Engine Light Diagnostics & 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!