Automobile Repair in Gilbert, AZ
Here’s what makes Thompson’s different from every other towing company in Gilbert: we don’t just tow your car — we fix it too. Thompson’s Auto Repair & Towing has operated as a full-service auto repair shop and towing company under one roof for over 30 years. That means when your car breaks down on the Loop 202, on Gilbert Road, or in your driveway, you make one call. We tow it, we diagnose it, we fix it. No middle man, no second tow to another shop, no repeating yourself to three different service writers. Bryan Vivian built this business on a simple idea: take care of the whole problem. That’s what we do, every day, for drivers all over Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, and the East Valley. Call 480-418-9206.
Why Choose Thompson’s for Auto Repair
Gilbert has plenty of auto repair shops. So why come to us?
First, the obvious: if your car needs a tow AND a repair, we handle both. That saves you time, money, and the hassle of coordinating between two companies. Your car goes straight from the breakdown location to our repair bay — no sitting in an impound lot for three days waiting for a second tow.
Second, we’ve been doing this for over 30 years. Bryan Vivian opened Thompson’s when Gilbert was still mostly farmland. He’s watched the town grow from a few thousand people to one of the largest cities in Arizona, and he’s been fixing cars the whole time. Our mechanics have seen every make, every model, and every problem. There isn’t much that surprises us.
Third, we’re honest. We’ll tell you what’s wrong, what it’ll cost, and how long it’ll take. If we think a repair isn’t worth it on your vehicle, we’ll say so. We’re not trying to upsell you on services you don’t need. Gilbert is a community, and we’ve built our reputation on trust. You can also find us online at thompsonsautorepair.com for more about our repair services.
Auto Repair Services We Offer
We’re a full-service shop. Here’s what we handle:
Engine Diagnostics & Repair
Check engine light on? Rough idle? Loss of power? We run full computer diagnostics and pinpoint the problem. Whether it’s a sensor, a vacuum leak, a misfiring cylinder, or something more serious, we’ll find it and fix it.
Brake Service & Repair
Squealing brakes, grinding, pulling to one side, soft pedal — we replace pads, rotors, calipers, brake lines, and master cylinders. Brake work isn’t something to put off, especially with the stop-and-go traffic on Gilbert Road and the 202.
Transmission Service
Hard shifting, slipping gears, transmission warning lights — we diagnose transmission problems and perform fluid changes, filter replacements, and repairs. We’ll be upfront about whether a repair makes sense or if you’re looking at a rebuild or replacement.
Oil Changes & Routine Maintenance
Regular oil changes, filter replacements, fluid top-offs, and multi-point inspections. We use quality oil and filters, and we’ll check your tires, belts, and hoses while we’re at it. This is the stuff that keeps your car running for 200,000 miles instead of 100,000.
AC Repair & Service
This is Arizona. Your AC isn’t optional — it’s survival equipment. If your car’s AC is blowing warm, making noise, or not working at all, we diagnose the issue and fix it. Refrigerant recharge, compressor replacement, condenser repair, blend door actuators — we handle it all. Don’t suffer through a Gilbert summer without AC.
Electrical System Repair
Dead battery, alternator failure, bad starter, wiring issues, blown fuses, malfunctioning sensors — modern cars are loaded with electronics, and when something goes wrong, it takes the right diagnostic tools and experience to sort it out. We have both.
Suspension & Steering
Clunking over bumps, pulling to one side, uneven tire wear, bouncy ride — these are signs of worn shocks, struts, ball joints, tie rods, or control arm bushings. We inspect, diagnose, and replace suspension components to get your ride back to normal.
Cooling System Service
Overheating is one of the most common problems in Arizona. We repair radiators, water pumps, thermostats, heater cores, and cooling fans. If your temperature gauge is climbing, don’t keep driving — pull over and call us before you warp a head.
Belt & Hose Replacement
Arizona heat destroys rubber. Serpentine belts, timing belts, radiator hoses, and heater hoses degrade faster here than anywhere else. We inspect them and replace them before they leave you stranded.
How Our Tow-and-Repair Process Works
Step 1: Call 480-418-9206. Tell us what happened — your car won’t start, it’s making a noise, it broke down on the road, whatever. If it needs a tow, we’ll send one.
Step 2: We tow it to our shop. Your car goes directly from the breakdown location into our service bay. No delays, no impound lots.
Step 3: We diagnose the problem. Our mechanics run a thorough inspection and tell you exactly what’s wrong, what it costs to fix, and how long it’ll take.
Step 4: You approve the repair. No work happens without your say-so. We’ll give you the full picture and let you decide.
Step 5: We fix it. Parts sourced, repair completed, vehicle tested. You pick it up and drive home.
One call. One company. Done.
Service Areas
We provide auto repair and towing services throughout Gilbert and the East Valley:
- Power Ranch
- Agritopia
- Val Vista Lakes
- Morrison Ranch
- Seville
- SanTan Village area
- Heritage District (Downtown Gilbert)
Nearby cities: Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, Tempe, Scottsdale, and Phoenix.
Frequently Asked Questions — Auto Repair
Do I have to use Thompson’s for the tow and the repair?
Nope. We’re happy to just tow your car, or just do the repair work. But if you want the convenience of one company handling everything, that’s where we shine.
What brands do you work on?
All of them. Ford, Chevy, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai, Kia, Subaru, BMW, Mercedes, Jeep, Ram, GMC — domestic and import. If it has an engine, we can probably fix it.
How long do repairs typically take?
It depends on the job. An oil change is same-day. Brake pads are usually same-day. Engine diagnostics are typically a few hours. Bigger jobs — transmission, engine repair — could be a few days depending on parts availability. We’ll give you a realistic timeline upfront.
Do you provide estimates before doing the work?
Always. We diagnose the problem, tell you what it’ll cost, and wait for your approval before turning a wrench. No surprises.
Is Thompson’s Auto Repair the same as the towing company?
Same owner, same location, same team. Thompson’s Auto Repair & Towing is one business that does both. You can learn more at thompsonsautorepair.com.
Call Thompson’s Auto Repair — 480-418-9206
Whether your car needs an oil change, new brakes, engine repair, or a full diagnosis after a breakdown, Thompson’s is Gilbert’s one-stop shop. Over 30 years in business, honest pricing, and the only auto repair shop in the East Valley that’ll tow your car in and fix it under the same roof.
Call 480-418-9206 today. Let’s get your car right.