Tangent and Albany Auto Repair

An overheating car can be caused by various issues within the cooling system. The cooling system is responsible for regulating the engine temperature and preventing it from getting too hot. Here are some common reasons why a car might overheat: 1. **Low Coolant Level:** Insufficient coolant (antifreeze) in the radiator can lead to inadequate heat dissipation. Check the coolant level in the reservoir and radiator regularly, and top it up if necessary. 2. **Coolant Leaks:** Leaks in the cooling system, such as from a radiator hose, water pump, or radiator, can result in a loss of coolant. This leads to a decrease in the system's ability to cool the engine. 3. **Faulty Thermostat:** The thermostat regulates the flow of coolant through the engine. A malfunctioning thermostat may get stuck closed, preventing proper coolant circulation and causing the engine to overheat. 4. **Faulty Water Pump:** The water pump is responsible for circulating coolant through the engine and radiator. I ... read more

When it comes to the smooth operation of your vehicle, many factors play a crucial role, and among them are the often-overlooked motor mounts and transmission mounts. These sturdy components are responsible for securing your engine and transmission, ensuring they work seamlessly with the frame of your vehicle. Let's chat about the significance of motor and transmission mounts, their functions, signs of wear, and why keeping an eye on them is essential for a trouble-free ride. Understanding Motor Mounts: A Sturdy Foundation Motor mounts, also known as engine mounts, are structural components that connect your vehicle's engine to its frame. Their primary function is to support the engine and absorb the vibrations and movements generated during operation. This ensures a smooth and stable ride, preventing excessive noise and reducing the impact of engine vibrations on the vehicle and its occupants. Signs of Worn Motor Mounts: 1. Excessive Vibrations: If you notice an ... read more

A ball joint is a crucial component in the suspension system of a vehicle. Its primary function is to connect the control arms (or wishbones) to the steering knuckles, allowing for the flexibility of movement in different directions. This connection enables the front wheels to pivot and move up and down, facilitating the vehicle's suspension and steering systems. The ball joint consists of a ball and socket mechanism. The ball joint is attached to the control arm at one end and to the steering knuckle at the other end. The ball inside the joint allows for a smooth articulation, allowing the wheel to turn left and right, and to move up and down over bumps and irregularities in the road. Over time, ball joints can wear out due to the constant movement and stress they endure. When a ball joint fails, it can lead to issues such as poor steering control, uneven tire wear, and compromised handling. Therefore, regular inspection and maintenance of ball joints are important for ensuring ... read more

Winter is here, and it's time to think about the best tires for snowy roads. Two main types are studded and studless snow tires, and each has its own strengths. Let's explore the differences to help you choose the right ones for your winter drives.  Studless Snow Tires: Quiet and Snow-Friendly Studless snow tires are made with a softer material to grip snowy surfaces better. They don't have metal studs, so they're kinder to roads. These tires work well in the snow, giving you good control and handling. Their soft rubber can bend with the snowy road bumps. Good Things about Studless Snow Tires: 1. All-Around Use: These tires work great in different winter conditions, making them good for places with lots of snow. 2. Not Too Loud: Because of their soft material, these tires don't make much noise on dry roads, so your ride is smoother and quieter. 3. Gentle on Roads: They're less likely to damage roads, which is good if you're in an area that ca ... read more

Travel season is an ongoing affair, and your checklist should adapt to the circumstances. Below, we've assembled a comprehensive list of must-haves for your journeys. Oregon's climate is a diverse tapestry, with each part of the state offering its unique weather conditions. The coast is often marked by blustery, rainy weather with a touch of chilliness. The mountains introduce the challenges of snow, ice, and wind. The Willamette Valley delivers a mixed bag of meteorological surprises, including plenty of rain, wind, fog, occasional hail, and rare snow and ice occurrences. Our temperatures are typically moderate, but we do encounter a few stretches of cold weather each year. Snowfall is a fleeting guest. Venture eastward across the mountains to the high desert of central Oregon, and you'll find even colder winters, considerable snowfall, and bone-chilling temperatures. Yet, the azure skies and sunny days compensate for the frigidity. As you proceed further east, the patter ... read more

Happy 1st day of fall! Preparing your vehicle for the fall season involves specific considerations to ensure safety and functionality as the weather changes. Here are the top 10 things to do to get your vehicle ready for fall: Check Heater and Defroster: Ensure your vehicle's heater and defroster are working properly. As the weather gets colder, you'll need these systems to keep the interior warm and to maintain clear visibility. Inspect Tires and Tread Depth: As road conditions change with wet leaves and potential early frost, adequate tire tread becomes even more critical. Check tire pressure and consider switching to winter or all-season tires for improved traction. Replace Wiper Blades and Fill Washer Fluid: Fall often brings rain and fog, so replace worn wiper blades to maintain clear visibility. Also, ensure your windshield washer fluid is topped up with a solution that can handle colder temperatures. Battery ... read more

Spark plugs are an important component of the ignition system in your vehicle. Over time, spark plugs can become worn out, corroded, or covered in deposits, which can lead to poor engine performance and reduced fuel efficiency. Here are some reasons why you might need new spark plugs: Wear and Tear: Like any other part of your car, spark plugs wear out over time. The electrodes on the spark plugs can become worn down, which can cause misfires and other engine issues. Corrosion: Corrosion can occur on the spark plug due to exposure to moisture or other contaminants in the engine. This can cause the spark plug to fail to ignite the fuel mixture properly. Deposits: Deposits can build up on the spark plug over time, which can reduce its effectiveness in igniting the fuel mixture. This is often caused by oil or fuel additives. Fouling: Fouling occurs when the spark plug becomes covered in a layer of fuel, oil, or other contaminants. This can cause misfires and other engine problems. If ... read more

A turbocharger is a device used in internal combustion engines to increase their power output by forcing more air into the engine. It works by using exhaust gases to spin a turbine, which then drives a compressor that pumps more air into the engine's intake system. When an engine burns fuel, it produces exhaust gases that exit the engine through the exhaust system. These exhaust gases have a lot of energy in them, and a turbocharger uses this energy to spin a turbine. As the turbine spins, it drives a compressor, which forces more air into the engine's intake system. This additional air allows more fuel to be burned, which results in more power output from the engine. The turbocharger is essentially a type of forced induction system that increases the density of the air entering the engine, allowing more fuel to be burned and producing more power. It is commonly used in high-performance cars, trucks, and other vehicles to increase their power output without adding excessive w ... read more

Changing your transmission fluid is an important part of maintaining the health and longevity of your vehicle. Here are a few reasons why you should have your transmission fluid changed: Prevents damage to your transmission: Over time, transmission fluid can become contaminated with dirt, debris, and metal particles that can cause damage to your transmission if left unchecked. Regularly changing your transmission fluid can help prevent this damage and extend the life of your transmission. Improves transmission performance: As transmission fluid ages, it can become thick and sluggish, making it harder for your transmission to shift gears smoothly. Changing your transmission fluid can help improve your transmission's performance and make shifting gears easier and smoother. Saves you money in the long run: By preventing damage to your transmission and improving its performance, regular transmission fluid changes can help you avoid expensive repairs or even a complete transmission r ... read more

Getting your car ready for back to school involves ensuring its safety, reliability, and functionality. Here are the top 10 things to do to prepare your car for the upcoming school season: Check Fluids: Ensure that your car's fluids are at appropriate levels. This includes engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield washer fluid. If any of these fluids are low or dirty, have them replaced or topped up. Inspect Tires: Check the tire pressure and tread depth. Properly inflated tires improve fuel efficiency and handling, while good tread depth ensures safe traction. Consider rotating or replacing tires if needed. Brake Inspection: Have your brakes inspected by a professional. Ensure that brake pads and rotors are in good condition, as reliable brakes are crucial for safety. Battery Check: Inspect your car's battery for signs of corrosion and ensure it has sufficient charge. Cold weathe ... read more