Gab's Auto Repair Blog

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 !

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 !