American Five Star Auto Repair & Transmission Blog

Your vehicle’s braking system is one of its most critical safety components. When brakes start to malfunction, it puts you, your passengers, and others on the road at risk. Recognizing early signs of brake trouble can help you avoid more expensive repairs and prevent dangerous situations. At American Five Star Auto Repair & Transmission, we provide expert brake repair in the greater Tempe, AZ area. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it's important to have your brakes inspected by the mechanic as soon as possible. Squealing or Grinding Noises One of the most obvious signs of brake trouble is unusual noise when you apply the brakes. A high-pitched squealing sound often indicates that the brake pads are worn down and need to be replaced. This sound comes from a built-in wear indicator designed to alert you before damage occurs. If you hear a grinding noise, it likely means the brake pads are completely worn out and metal is grinding against metal, which can severely damage the rotors. Spongy Brake Pedal A brake pedal that feels soft, spongy, or sinks to the floor when pressed is a serious warning sign. This can indicate air in the brake lines or a brake fluid leak, which creates a major safety hazard. These issues can significantly reduce your braking power, increasing the risk of an accident. Vibrations When Braking If you feel vibrations when you apply the brakes, it may signal that the brake rotors are warped or uneven. Warped rotors can occur due to excessive heat buildup. This not only affects the comfort of your drive but also reduces braking efficiency, especially during emergency stops. Warning Light on the Dashboard Modern vehicles are equipped with sensors that monitor the braking system. If the brake warning light or ABS (anti-lock braking system) light comes on, it means the system has detected a potential problem. While it might be something simple, it could also signal a more serious issue that requires immediate attention. Car Pulling to One Side If your car pulls to one side when braking, it could be a sign of a stuck caliper. This kind of pulling can make it harder to control your vehicle and is especially dangerous in wet or high-speed conditions. A technician can confirm the root cause and restore balanced braking. Brake Repair in Tempe, AZ When you need auto repair in Tempe, AZ and the surrounding area, contact American Five Star Auto Repair & Transmission at  480-613-5335  . 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!

At American Five Star Auto Repair & Transmission, it’s our mission to consistently exceed our customers’ expectations by providing expert repairs and maintenance at fair prices. Whether you need light maintenance or in-depth repairs, our local mechanics will work meticulously to complete the job to the highest standards. And we appreciate it when our customers offer feedback about their experiences with us. Here’s a look at some of our recent customer reviews. “Service and communication is awesome-really honest mechanics, Chad is our guy.” — Susan A. “Very professional and great communication with their customers. Would highly recommend.” — Tim G. “Everyone there are extremely friendly and the work they have done on my vehicle has been wonderful. Highly recommend American Five Star Auto Repair.” — Ruth R. “Great experience, best auto shop I've been to in AZ no doubt. Got the job done on time and at a great rate. Will only use this shop for my auto needs. Thank you.” — Clay D. “Took my car right away without an appointment. Took care of the issue in less than 24 hours AND listed out some other things that will need to be addressed without making me feel pressured! These guys are one of a kind and I HIGHLY recommend them!” — Brian V. “American Five Star is the very best vehicle repair shop in the metro area! If you're nervous about car repair and worry about being taken for a ride, make a beeline for American Five Star; they are honest and their work is outstanding... and their customer service is amazing.” — Wendy H. “I love how well they take care of my car, I’ve gotten a lot of work done on my 2015 Honda Civic (salvaged) like a broken valve, new engine mounts, etc., and 5 stars is definitely the rating I’d give them. Thank you!” — Noah L. “Always spot on, they go the extra mile to make the job right. Honest repair shop.” — Melody M. Auto Repair in Tempe, AZ When you need auto repair in Tempe and the surrounding area, contact American Five Star Auto Repair & Transmission at  480-613-5335  . Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment for car care in the greater Tempe area!

A healthy transmission smoothly transfers power from the engine to the wheels and allows you to shift gears properly. But when the transmission starts to develop issues, ignoring the warning signs can lead to more expensive repairs or even complete failure. Recognizing early symptoms of transmission trouble can help you address problems before they escalate. At American Five Star Auto Repair & Transmission, we provide expert transmission repair in the greater Tempe, AZ area. Here are four common signs of a transmission problem. Delayed or Slipping Gears One of the most noticeable signs of a transmission issue is when the vehicle hesitates or struggles to shift gears. If you experience a delay when shifting from park to drive or notice that the engine revs without a corresponding increase in speed, your transmission may be slipping. Slipping gears can happen due to low transmission fluid or internal wear, and it should be addressed immediately to avoid further damage. Unusual Noises While Driving A properly functioning transmission should operate smoothly and quietly. If you hear strange noises such as whining, buzzing, clunking, or grinding, it could indicate a serious problem. These sounds may be caused by low or degraded transmission fluid, worn-out components, or internal mechanical failure. Any unusual noise coming from the transmission should be inspected by a professional before it worsens. Leaking Transmission Fluid Transmission fluid is essential for lubricating moving parts and maintaining the system’s efficiency. If you notice reddish fluid pooling under your car, it may be a sign of a transmission fluid leak. Low fluid levels can cause overheating, increased friction, and eventual transmission failure. Checking the transmission fluid regularly and addressing any leaks promptly can prevent significant damage. Burning Smell A burning smell coming from your vehicle is never a good sign, and if it's related to the transmission, it could indicate overheating fluid. Transmission fluid helps to cool and lubricate internal components, but if it becomes low, it can start to overheat and break down. Overheating can cause serious damage to transmission parts. If you notice a burning odor, have your transmission checked as soon as possible. Transmission Repair in Tempe, AZ When you need transmission repair in Tempe and the surrounding area, contact American Five Star Auto Repair & Transmission at  480-613-5335  . At our local auto shop, we can expertly handle your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment!

Recognizing early warning signs of engine trouble can help you address problems before they become severe. By paying attention to how your vehicle behaves, you can help prevent breakdowns and extend the life of your engine. At American Five Star Auto Repair & Transmission, we provide expert engine repair in the greater Tempe, AZ area. Here are five common signs of an engine issue. Strange Noises Coming from the Engine Unusual sounds such as knocking, tapping, or grinding can indicate serious engine problems. A knocking noise could be a sign of worn-out bearings. Tapping noises may signal low oil levels. Grinding sounds might indicate a problem with the water pump or alternator. Any persistent or loud noise should be inspected by the mechanic to help prevent more serious damage. Loss of Power/Poor Performance If your vehicle loses power while driving or feels sluggish, you’ve got a sign of an issue with the engine. Reduced performance can be caused by problems such as clogged fuel injectors, a failing mass airflow sensor, or worn-out spark plugs. If your car is not responding as it normally would, it’s best to have it checked to avoid further complications. Discolored/Excessive Smoke from the Exhaust The color of the smoke coming from your exhaust can tell you a lot about potential engine problems. Blue smoke indicates that oil is burning. White smoke suggests coolant is leaking into the combustion chamber, which may be due to a blown head gasket. Black smoke signals that the engine is burning too much fuel. If you notice discolored/excessive smoke coming from your exhaust, it’s essential to diagnose and fix the problem quickly. High Engine Temperature If your temperature gauge rises above normal levels, it’s an indication that your engine is overheating. Overheating can be caused by failing cooling system components, such as a malfunctioning thermostat, a leaking radiator, or a broken water pump. Driving with an overheated engine can lead to severe damage. Check Engine Light The check engine light is a clear indication that something is wrong with your engine. While it could be triggered by a minor issue like a loose gas cap, it can also signal more serious problems, such as a failing oxygen sensor, catalytic converter trouble, or ignition system failure. Ignoring the check engine light can lead to bigger and more expensive repairs, so it’s best to visit the shop for diagnostics ASAP. Engine Repair in Tempe, AZ For auto repair in Tempe, AZ and the surrounding area, contact American Five Star Auto Repair & Transmission at  480-613-5335  . Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!