I contacted GabsGarage several months before the work was performed because I needed a coolant flush and had seen her content online. Based on her posts, she appeared detail-oriented and committed to doing things correctly. When our schedules finally aligned, I also decided to have my entire brake system serviced, including OEM rotors, brake pads, and two front calipers.
Before the work even began, there were several concerns. I received multiple calls claiming I had purchased the wrong parts despite the parts being VIN-matched. There was repeated pressure to use aftermarket parts through an AutoZone discount instead of the OEM parts I had already purchased. After checking with AutoZone, it was confirmed that my rotors were correct and only required the included adapter hardware.
What I expected to be a routine repair turned into a lengthy and frustrating ordeal. The work extended late into the evening, and it became apparent that the necessary tools and preparation were lacking despite claims of extensive mechanical experience. During the brake job, the master cylinder was damaged and had to be replaced. The truck was left with virtually no braking ability because the system had not been properly bled. I was charged additional labor costs resulting from issues that arose during the repair process, and the truck ultimately had to remain overnight while I arranged transportation home.
The original labor quote was approximately $1,000. By the time the work was completed, I had paid roughly $1,660 in labor alone.
Approximately ten days later, I experienced a complete brake failure while driving late at night. The brake pedal went straight to the floor, forcing me to rely on the emergency brake to safely reach a gas station. Upon inspection, the master cylinder reservoir was below the minimum level. The following day, another mechanic found that both front calipers were leaking brake fluid due to improper installation, the brake system still contained air, and there were multiple leaks that made the vehicle unsafe to drive.
In addition to the brake issues, I began experiencing engine misfires within 24-48 hours of the coolant flush. After investigating, I found coolant in multiple spark plug wells and provided photographic evidence showing orange coolant contamination. The issue required drying the wells and replacing spark plugs and ignition coils at additional expense. Responsibility for this issue was denied despite the evidence provided.
What concerns me most is not simply the cost, but the safety implications. Improperly installed brake components and brake fluid leaks could have resulted in a serious accident. Had the brake failure occurred on I-95 at highway speeds rather than on a local road, the outcome could have been much worse.
While I have no personal issues with Gabs as an individual, my experience with the quality of work, the substantial increase in labor charges, the lack of accountability, and the safety-related failures left me extremely dissatisfied. Based on my experience, I would not recommend GabsGarage for major repairs involving critical vehicle systems such as brakes.
UPDATE: 07/16/2026
The owner responded by alleging harassment and implying inappropriate conduct. I want to clearly state that all interactions were strictly professional and related solely to paid automotive services. I stand by the factual accuracy of this review which is supported by repair invoices, photographs and documentation from a second licensed mechanic and can be provided. read more