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!

A well-functioning suspension system is critical for a smooth ride and safe handling. If your car’s suspension starts to fail, it can affect comfort, performance, and safety. At American Five Star Auto Repair & Transmission, our local mechanics provide expert suspension repair in the greater Tempe, AZ area. Here are five common signs of suspension trouble to watch for. Excessive Bouncing or Rough Ride When your car bounces excessively after hitting a bump or feels unusually rough, it’s a sign of worn-out shocks or struts. These components help absorb impacts and maintain control. If they’re damaged, you’ll likely feel every bump on the road. Uneven Tire Wear Uneven tire wear is often a result of suspension problems. If the system isn’t distributing weight evenly, certain tires will wear down faster. Misalignment or worn suspension components can lead to this issue, reducing tire life and increasing the risk of blowouts. Drifting or Pulling During Turns If your car feels like it’s drifting or pulling to one side when you’re turning, it could mean the suspension system isn’t keeping the vehicle stable. This can be caused by worn shocks, struts, or other suspension components that no longer provide adequate support. Sagging or Uneven Stance A visibly sagging or uneven vehicle stance is another common sign of suspension issues. If one side of your car sits lower than the other, it could be due to a damaged spring or other worn suspension parts. This can also affect handling and increase tire wear. Nose-Diving When Braking If your car’s front end dips dramatically when braking, it’s a sign that your shocks or struts are worn out. This problem reduces your braking efficiency and can increase stopping distances, posing a serious safety risk. Suspension 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 handle your car’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment!

The alternator is a vital component of your car’s electrical system, responsible for keeping the battery charged and powering electrical functions while the engine is running. When the alternator starts to fail, it can lead to various issues that affect your vehicle’s performance and reliability. Recognizing the signs of alternator trouble can help you address the problem before it leaves you stranded. At American Five Star Auto Repair & Transmission, we provide expert alternator replacement and auto electric repair in the greater Tempe, AZ area. Here are five common symptoms of alternator trouble. Dashboard Warning Light Vehicles are commonly equipped with a warning light—usually in the shape of a battery or marked ALT or GEN—to indicate a problem with the charging system. If this light comes on, it often signals an issue with the alternator. While this warning light doesn’t specify the exact problem, it serves as an important indicator that your electrical system needs inspection. Dead Battery While a failing battery can be the root cause of a no-start situation, a bad alternator can also lead to a dead battery. If your alternator isn’t charging the battery properly, the battery will gradually lose its charge, leaving you unable to start your vehicle. Dimming/Flickering Lights Another red flag for alternator trouble is dim or flickering headlights and interior lights. The alternator generates the power required to keep these lights at full brightness. If it’s not functioning correctly, your vehicle may not produce enough power to sustain consistent lighting. Unusual Noises Strange noises coming from under the hood can also point to alternator trouble. A failing alternator may produce a whining or grinding sound, which could be caused by a worn-out bearing or a belt problem. These noises often indicate that the alternator’s internal components are deteriorating and require attention before the alternator fails completely. Issues with Electrical Accessories A failing alternator can disrupt your car’s electrical functions. You may notice that power windows operate slowly, the radio cuts out, or other electronic accessories like the air conditioning or heated seats work inconsistently. These malfunctions occur because the alternator isn’t supplying enough power to support all the electrical systems in your car. Alternator Replacement & Auto Electric 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  . Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment!