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American Five Star Auto Repair & Transmission Blog

By American Five Star Auto Repair & Transmission October 24, 2024
At American Five Star Auto Repair & Transmission, we strive to earn our customers’ satisfaction by doing top-quality work at fair rates. No matter if you need an oil change or complex transmission repair, our local mechanics will work diligently to get the job done right the first time. 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 latest customer reviews. “American Five Star is the premier auto repair shop for all your auto needs. It has been over a year now since I had major engine repair and my car is still operating better than ever. What is the most unique about American Five Star is the amount of expertise, high technical knowledge, and speed. If you go here, your vehicle will absolutely be in better condition than when you came in, it will be completed timely, and the staff is extremely friendly.” — Jake A. “The team here at American Five Star Auto Repair does an amazing job. They are friendly, efficient and their prices are great.” — Katherine C. “Awesome customer service and always keeping me updated regarding the vehicle, really taking time to fix the problem with my vehicle. Awesome place to get your vehicle repaired.” — Bella H. “Wonderful experience with the staff, mechanics and owner. They take excellent care of my BMWs.” — Andrea R. “Wonderful customer service and workmanship. This is the best mechanic shop I've ever been to. They're thorough with inspections, realistic with expectations, and so transparent with everything. Really feel like they're looking out for my best interest.” — Carlos C. “I run a company that relies on our vehicles on a daily basis. Having a truck or van down for too long is not an option. With that being said the crew at American Five Star understands that and does what they can to get me in and out as quick as possible and at a very competitive rate. Their work is great and I trust them with my personal vehicles as well as my fleet.” — Travis W. 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!
By American Five Star Auto Repair & Transmission September 24, 2024
Your vehicle’s cooling system is crucial for preventing the engine from overheating. When issues arise within the cooling system, it’s important to address them promptly to avoid costly repairs and potential engine damage. At American Five Star Auto Repair & Transmission, we provide expert cooling system repair in the greater Tempe area. Here are four signs that your vehicle's cooling system is failing. Overheating Engine One of the most obvious signs of a cooling system problem is an overheating engine. If the temperature gauge on your dashboard climbs into the red zone or you see a warning light indicating high engine temperature, it's a clear sign that your cooling system isn’t functioning properly. Overheating can be caused by a variety of issues, such as a malfunctioning thermostat, low coolant levels, or a blocked radiator. Coolant Leaks Coolant leaks are another common indication of cooling system trouble. You might notice puddles of green, orange, or pink fluid (your coolant might be a different color) under your vehicle, particularly after it has been parked for a while. Leaks can occur from places such as hoses, the radiator, or the water pump. Ignoring a coolant leak can lead to low coolant levels and overheating. Steam Coming from the Engine If you see steam coming from under your hood, it's a strong indication that your engine is overheating. Steam is often caused by coolant boiling within the cooling system, which can occur if the coolant level is too low. Pull over safely if you see steam, as continuing to drive may cause serious engine damage. Unusual Engine Noises Unusual sounds coming from your engine, particularly a grinding or squealing noise, can be a sign of cooling system issues. These noises might indicate a failing water pump or a slipping belt, both of which are crucial components of the cooling system. If the water pump isn’t circulating coolant properly, your engine is at risk of overheating. Cooling System 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  . At our local auto shop, we can expertly address your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs.Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment!
By American Five Star Auto Repair & Transmission August 23, 2024
Transmission fluid is essential to keeping your vehicle's transmission operating smoothly. It lubricates, cools, and helps transmit power, making it a vital component of your car's overall performance. When the transmission fluid level drops, it can lead to serious issues that may cause significant damage if not addressed promptly. At American Five Star Auto Repair & Transmission, we can expertly handle issues related to transmission fluid. Here are five warning signs that your transmission fluid is too low. Slipping Gears One of the most common signs of low transmission fluid is gear slipping. If your vehicle unexpectedly changes gears or has difficulty staying in gear, it could indicate that there’s not enough transmission fluid to maintain proper pressure in the transmission system. This can be particularly dangerous while driving, as it may cause your car to lose acceleration unexpectedly. Delayed Shifting When the transmission fluid level is low, you might notice a delay when shifting gears, especially when moving from park to drive or reverse. This delay occurs because the transmission is struggling to build up enough hydraulic pressure to shift gears smoothly. Unusual Noises A healthy transmission should operate quietly, but low fluid levels can cause a variety of noises, including whining, humming, or clunking sounds. These noises often occur when the transmission is straining due to inadequate lubrication. If you hear any unusual sounds coming from your transmission, it’s crucial to investigate promptly. Overheating Transmission Transmission fluid helps cool the transmission by dissipating heat generated during operation. Low fluid levels can lead to overheating, which may manifest as a burning smell. Overheating can cause significant damage to your transmission, so it’s important to address this issue as soon as possible. Transmission Fluid Leaks If you notice puddles of reddish-colored fluid under your vehicle, your transmission might be leaking. A leak can quickly reduce the fluid level, leading to the symptoms mentioned above. Checking for leaks regularly and addressing them promptly can help prevent low transmission fluid and the associated issues. Transmission Repair in Tempe, AZ For transmission repair in Tempe and the surrounding area, contact American Five Star Auto Repair & Transmission at  480-613-5335  . 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!
By American Five Star Auto Repair & Transmission July 27, 2024
When the check engine light illuminates, it's a sign from your car that something isn't right. While the issue could be minor, it's always best to investigate promptly to avoid more serious problems. At American Five Star Auto Repair & Transmission, we provide expert check engine light diagnostics and repair in the greater Tempe area. Here’s a look at five common reasons the check engine light illuminates. Oxygen Sensor Failure The oxygen sensor monitors the level of unburned oxygen in your vehicle's exhaust system and sends this information to the engine control unit (ECU). This helps the engine run efficiently and reduce emissions. A faulty oxygen sensor can lead to decreased fuel-economy, increased emissions, and potential problems with the catalytic converter. Catalytic Converter Issues The catalytic converter is an important component of your vehicle’s exhaust system. It helps convert harmful pollutants into less harmful emissions before they exit the exhaust system. If the catalytic converter fails, your car will not only emit more pollutants, but you can also experience reduced performance and fuel-economy. Mass Airflow Sensor Problems The mass airflow (MAF) sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine and helps the ECU determine the proper amount of fuel to inject. If the MAF sensor is faulty, it can result in incorrect air-fuel mixtures, leading to poor engine performance. Loose or Faulty Gas Cap One of the simplest reasons for a check engine light to illuminate is a loose or faulty gas cap. The gas cap seals the fuel system. If it’s loose or faulty, fuel may evaporate before you get the chance to run on it. Spark Plug or Ignition Coil Issues Spark plugs and ignition coils are essential for igniting the air-fuel mixture in your engine’s cylinders. Worn-out spark plugs or faulty ignition coils can cause misfires, leading to rough engine performance. Regular replacement of spark plugs and ignition coils can help keep your engine running smoothly. Check Engine Light 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  . At our local auto shop, we can expertly address your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs.Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment!
By American Five Star Auto Repair & Transmission June 19, 2024
Healthy brakes are crucial for staying safe during your daily commute. When you first suspect an issue with your brakes, you’ll want to visit the shop for an inspection. At American Five Star Auto Repair & Transmission, we provide expert brake repair in the greater Tempe, AZ area. Here’s a look at six warning signs of brake trouble. Squeaking or Squealing Noises If you hear a high-pitched squealing noise when you apply the brakes, it’s often a sign that the brake pads are worn and need to be replaced. Most brake pads have a built-in wear indicator that produces this sound as an early warning. Ignoring this can lead to more serious issues, including damage to the rotors. Grinding Sounds A grinding noise usually indicates that the brake pads are completely worn out, and the metal parts of the brakes are rubbing against each other. This can cause significant damage to the rotors. If you hear grinding, it’s important to have your brakes inspected immediately. Vibrating Feeling a vibration or pulsation when you press the brake pedal can indicate warped rotors. Warped rotors can occur from excessive heat buildup. This issue can affect braking efficiency and needs to be addressed ASAP. Spongy or Soft Brake Pedal If your brake pedal feels spongy or sinks to the floor when you press it, there could be air in the brake lines or a brake fluid leak. This problem can severely affect your ability to stop quickly, making it a serious safety concern. You shouldn’t drive with a brake fluid leak. Rather, you should get towed to the shop. Pulling to One Side When your vehicle pulls to one side while braking, it may indicate that a caliper has seized up due to corrosion. Because this creates a serious accident risk, your car shouldn’t be driven in this condition. Brake Warning Light If your brake warning light illuminates, it could be due to issues such as low brake fluid or faulty wheel speed sensors. An illuminated brake warning light should be promptly brought to the mechanic’s attention. Brake 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  . At our local auto shop, we can expertly address your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call today to schedule an appointment!
More Posts
By American Five Star Auto Repair & Transmission October 24, 2024
At American Five Star Auto Repair & Transmission, we strive to earn our customers’ satisfaction by doing top-quality work at fair rates. No matter if you need an oil change or complex transmission repair, our local mechanics will work diligently to get the job done right the first time. 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 latest customer reviews. “American Five Star is the premier auto repair shop for all your auto needs. It has been over a year now since I had major engine repair and my car is still operating better than ever. What is the most unique about American Five Star is the amount of expertise, high technical knowledge, and speed. If you go here, your vehicle will absolutely be in better condition than when you came in, it will be completed timely, and the staff is extremely friendly.” — Jake A. “The team here at American Five Star Auto Repair does an amazing job. They are friendly, efficient and their prices are great.” — Katherine C. “Awesome customer service and always keeping me updated regarding the vehicle, really taking time to fix the problem with my vehicle. Awesome place to get your vehicle repaired.” — Bella H. “Wonderful experience with the staff, mechanics and owner. They take excellent care of my BMWs.” — Andrea R. “Wonderful customer service and workmanship. This is the best mechanic shop I've ever been to. They're thorough with inspections, realistic with expectations, and so transparent with everything. Really feel like they're looking out for my best interest.” — Carlos C. “I run a company that relies on our vehicles on a daily basis. Having a truck or van down for too long is not an option. With that being said the crew at American Five Star understands that and does what they can to get me in and out as quick as possible and at a very competitive rate. Their work is great and I trust them with my personal vehicles as well as my fleet.” — Travis W. 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!
By American Five Star Auto Repair & Transmission September 24, 2024
Your vehicle’s cooling system is crucial for preventing the engine from overheating. When issues arise within the cooling system, it’s important to address them promptly to avoid costly repairs and potential engine damage. At American Five Star Auto Repair & Transmission, we provide expert cooling system repair in the greater Tempe area. Here are four signs that your vehicle's cooling system is failing. Overheating Engine One of the most obvious signs of a cooling system problem is an overheating engine. If the temperature gauge on your dashboard climbs into the red zone or you see a warning light indicating high engine temperature, it's a clear sign that your cooling system isn’t functioning properly. Overheating can be caused by a variety of issues, such as a malfunctioning thermostat, low coolant levels, or a blocked radiator. Coolant Leaks Coolant leaks are another common indication of cooling system trouble. You might notice puddles of green, orange, or pink fluid (your coolant might be a different color) under your vehicle, particularly after it has been parked for a while. Leaks can occur from places such as hoses, the radiator, or the water pump. Ignoring a coolant leak can lead to low coolant levels and overheating. Steam Coming from the Engine If you see steam coming from under your hood, it's a strong indication that your engine is overheating. Steam is often caused by coolant boiling within the cooling system, which can occur if the coolant level is too low. Pull over safely if you see steam, as continuing to drive may cause serious engine damage. Unusual Engine Noises Unusual sounds coming from your engine, particularly a grinding or squealing noise, can be a sign of cooling system issues. These noises might indicate a failing water pump or a slipping belt, both of which are crucial components of the cooling system. If the water pump isn’t circulating coolant properly, your engine is at risk of overheating. Cooling System 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  . At our local auto shop, we can expertly address your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs.Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment!
By American Five Star Auto Repair & Transmission August 23, 2024
Transmission fluid is essential to keeping your vehicle's transmission operating smoothly. It lubricates, cools, and helps transmit power, making it a vital component of your car's overall performance. When the transmission fluid level drops, it can lead to serious issues that may cause significant damage if not addressed promptly. At American Five Star Auto Repair & Transmission, we can expertly handle issues related to transmission fluid. Here are five warning signs that your transmission fluid is too low. Slipping Gears One of the most common signs of low transmission fluid is gear slipping. If your vehicle unexpectedly changes gears or has difficulty staying in gear, it could indicate that there’s not enough transmission fluid to maintain proper pressure in the transmission system. This can be particularly dangerous while driving, as it may cause your car to lose acceleration unexpectedly. Delayed Shifting When the transmission fluid level is low, you might notice a delay when shifting gears, especially when moving from park to drive or reverse. This delay occurs because the transmission is struggling to build up enough hydraulic pressure to shift gears smoothly. Unusual Noises A healthy transmission should operate quietly, but low fluid levels can cause a variety of noises, including whining, humming, or clunking sounds. These noises often occur when the transmission is straining due to inadequate lubrication. If you hear any unusual sounds coming from your transmission, it’s crucial to investigate promptly. Overheating Transmission Transmission fluid helps cool the transmission by dissipating heat generated during operation. Low fluid levels can lead to overheating, which may manifest as a burning smell. Overheating can cause significant damage to your transmission, so it’s important to address this issue as soon as possible. Transmission Fluid Leaks If you notice puddles of reddish-colored fluid under your vehicle, your transmission might be leaking. A leak can quickly reduce the fluid level, leading to the symptoms mentioned above. Checking for leaks regularly and addressing them promptly can help prevent low transmission fluid and the associated issues. Transmission Repair in Tempe, AZ For transmission repair in Tempe and the surrounding area, contact American Five Star Auto Repair & Transmission at  480-613-5335  . 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!
By American Five Star Auto Repair & Transmission July 27, 2024
When the check engine light illuminates, it's a sign from your car that something isn't right. While the issue could be minor, it's always best to investigate promptly to avoid more serious problems. At American Five Star Auto Repair & Transmission, we provide expert check engine light diagnostics and repair in the greater Tempe area. Here’s a look at five common reasons the check engine light illuminates. Oxygen Sensor Failure The oxygen sensor monitors the level of unburned oxygen in your vehicle's exhaust system and sends this information to the engine control unit (ECU). This helps the engine run efficiently and reduce emissions. A faulty oxygen sensor can lead to decreased fuel-economy, increased emissions, and potential problems with the catalytic converter. Catalytic Converter Issues The catalytic converter is an important component of your vehicle’s exhaust system. It helps convert harmful pollutants into less harmful emissions before they exit the exhaust system. If the catalytic converter fails, your car will not only emit more pollutants, but you can also experience reduced performance and fuel-economy. Mass Airflow Sensor Problems The mass airflow (MAF) sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine and helps the ECU determine the proper amount of fuel to inject. If the MAF sensor is faulty, it can result in incorrect air-fuel mixtures, leading to poor engine performance. Loose or Faulty Gas Cap One of the simplest reasons for a check engine light to illuminate is a loose or faulty gas cap. The gas cap seals the fuel system. If it’s loose or faulty, fuel may evaporate before you get the chance to run on it. Spark Plug or Ignition Coil Issues Spark plugs and ignition coils are essential for igniting the air-fuel mixture in your engine’s cylinders. Worn-out spark plugs or faulty ignition coils can cause misfires, leading to rough engine performance. Regular replacement of spark plugs and ignition coils can help keep your engine running smoothly. Check Engine Light 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  . At our local auto shop, we can expertly address your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs.Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment!
By American Five Star Auto Repair & Transmission June 19, 2024
Healthy brakes are crucial for staying safe during your daily commute. When you first suspect an issue with your brakes, you’ll want to visit the shop for an inspection. At American Five Star Auto Repair & Transmission, we provide expert brake repair in the greater Tempe, AZ area. Here’s a look at six warning signs of brake trouble. Squeaking or Squealing Noises If you hear a high-pitched squealing noise when you apply the brakes, it’s often a sign that the brake pads are worn and need to be replaced. Most brake pads have a built-in wear indicator that produces this sound as an early warning. Ignoring this can lead to more serious issues, including damage to the rotors. Grinding Sounds A grinding noise usually indicates that the brake pads are completely worn out, and the metal parts of the brakes are rubbing against each other. This can cause significant damage to the rotors. If you hear grinding, it’s important to have your brakes inspected immediately. Vibrating Feeling a vibration or pulsation when you press the brake pedal can indicate warped rotors. Warped rotors can occur from excessive heat buildup. This issue can affect braking efficiency and needs to be addressed ASAP. Spongy or Soft Brake Pedal If your brake pedal feels spongy or sinks to the floor when you press it, there could be air in the brake lines or a brake fluid leak. This problem can severely affect your ability to stop quickly, making it a serious safety concern. You shouldn’t drive with a brake fluid leak. Rather, you should get towed to the shop. Pulling to One Side When your vehicle pulls to one side while braking, it may indicate that a caliper has seized up due to corrosion. Because this creates a serious accident risk, your car shouldn’t be driven in this condition. Brake Warning Light If your brake warning light illuminates, it could be due to issues such as low brake fluid or faulty wheel speed sensors. An illuminated brake warning light should be promptly brought to the mechanic’s attention. Brake 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  . At our local auto shop, we can expertly address your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call today to schedule an appointment!
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