Gab's Auto Repair Blog

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 !

A well-maintained engine not only lasts longer, but also delivers better performance, fuel-efficiency, and reliability. The good news is that you don’t need to be a mechanic to help extend your engine’s life. With a few simple habits and timely maintenance, you can help keep your engine running smoothly for many miles to come. Change the Oil on Schedule One of the most important things you can do for your engine is to get regular oil changes. Engine oil lubricates moving parts, reduces friction, and helps dissipate heat. Over time, oil breaks down and gets contaminated with dirt and debris, making it less effective. Skipping oil changes can lead to increased wear and even engine failure. Following the manufacturer’s recommended oil change interval helps ensure your engine stays protected. Keep the Cooling System in Good Shape Engines generate a lot of heat, and the cooling system plays a critical role in keeping temperatures under control. If the coolant level is low or the radiator and hoses are in poor condition, the engine can overheat, which can cause serious damage. Regularly checking/maintaining coolant levels (after the engine has cooled down) and ensuring the system is flushed at recommended intervals can go a long way in preventing overheating. Replace the Air Filter When Needed Your engine needs clean air to function efficiently. A clogged air filter restricts airflow, forcing the engine to work harder and reducing fuel-efficiency. Replacing the air filter at recommended intervals—or more often if you drive in dusty conditions— helps to keep your engine breathing easy and running strong. Address Warning Lights Promptly When your check engine light comes on, it might be tempting to ignore it—especially if the vehicle seems to be running fine. But even minor issues can turn into major problems if left unchecked. That light is your car’s way of telling you something isn’t right. Diagnosing and fixing the issue early can prevent more serious damage and keep repair costs lower in the long run. Engine Repair & Maintenance in Phoenix, AZ For an experienced mechanic 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 !

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 !