Tangent and Albany Auto Repair

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Monthly Archives: April 2019

Coolant - what it is and why you need it.

Coolant - what it is and why you need it.

The coolant or antifreeze that your vehicle uses depends on the year, make, model and engine of your vehicle. The purpose of coolant/antifreeze is to keep the engine cool under harsh operating conditions and also prevents damage in extreme cold conditions.  It also provides anti corrosion protection due to the many different types of metals that your engine is made up of.  Water is not coolant and should not be used as such. It should ONLY be used in emergency situations until you can get more coolant/antifreeze in your car.  Happy Adventures, Heather

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Coolant

Why isn't my car shifting?

Why isn't my car shifting?

A shifting issue with your transmission can be from low fluid, if your transmission is leaking fluid then the fluid would be low causing the transmission to not function properly due to low oil. The other reason could be an internal failure. There are also sensors that can fail or in some vehicles cables that break that could also contribute to the issue. The best way to know why it's doing what it's doing is to have it examined.  Give us a call and let us take care of you. Happy Adventures, Heather

Categories:

Transmission

Why is brake fluid important?

Why is brake fluid important?

Your brake fluid flows through your brake hydraulics from the brake master and slave cylinders or your ABS pump to the calipers and/or wheel cylinders. If your fluid is contaminated with debris that debris it can get plugged in the lines causing your brakes to not work properly. If you have excess moisture it can rust the internal components and cause the fluid to boil which would also prevent your brakes from working properly. A brake fluid service doesn't sound important, but it is an important safety item.  Give us a call and let us take care of you.  Happy Adventures, Heather

Why doesn't my heater blow hot?

Why doesn't my heater blow hot?

When your heater isn't blowing hot it is typically an indication that you may have low coolant or you have a coolant hose that is plugged. When you don't have enough coolant in your engine, it will overheat, but it will also cause the thermostat to work overtime to keep your engine cool. When this happens it's not producing heat and your heater will not work.  Give us a call and let us take care of you and all of your automotive needs.  Happy Adventures, Heather

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Heater, Coolant

I think I have an oil leak. Is my car going to blow up?

I think I have an oil leak. Is my car going to blow up?

That depends on how much oil you are losing through the oil leak. If your engine doesn't have enough oil in it then yes it can "blow up". What happens is the engine seizes when the internal parts aren't lubricated and they stop rotating. If your engine has an oil leak the best thing for it is to have it repaired. Gaskets and seals wear out over time and they are a maintenance item. Unlike a tune up or transmission fluid service they don't have a mileage or timeline, when they're worn out they need replaced. Fortunately most gasket and seal replacements cost considerably less than a new engine.  Give us a call or request an appointment online and let us take care of you.  Happy Adventures, Heather  

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Oil Leak

What is a tune up?

What is a tune up?

A tune up is when we replace the spark plugs and wires and or boots on your engine. We also replace the fuel filter if it is external. Depending on the age and engine we may also need to replace the distributor cap and ignition rotor. Tune ups should be done every 30,000 to 90,000 miles - this is a wide range and it all depends on your engine.  Give us a call to set up your appointment today.  Happy Adventures, Heather

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Tune up

When should my tires be rotated?

Most tire installers recommend to have your tires rotated every 5,000 miles, and we don't disagree with that at all. We typically recommend that you have them rotated with your oil change. We want to save you a trip and just take care of it all at once.  Give us a call to schedule your appointment. Happy Adventures, Heather    

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Tire Rotation

My transmission is leaking

My transmission is leaking

The bottom of your transmission has a pan on it with a gasket, over a period of time that gasket can wear out and it will need to be replaced. It's another item that we suggest doing with maintenance. Your transmission fluid should be serviced every 30,000 to 50,000 miles. Yes I realize that there are plenty of places out there and manufactures that say you only need to change your fluid every 100,000 or it's "lifetime" fluid. To have your transmission repaired or replaced it can be expensive, and fluid services can extend the life of your transmission by 100,000+ miles if serviced on a regular schedule.  Give us a call or request an appointment online and let us take care of you.  Happy Adventures, Heather

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Transmission

Why won't my diesel truck start?

Why won't my diesel truck start?

Anytime that your vehicle doesn't want to start it can be frustrating. It can be anything from a bad starter, ignition switch to an issue with your glow plugs.  We're here to take care of you and all of your automotive needs. From gas to diesel, hybrid and electric we take care of all makes and models.  Happy Adventures, Heather

Categories:

Diesel

Why does my car squeak when I go over bumps?

Why does my car squeak when I go over bumps?

If your car is squeaking when you go over bumps - like speed bumps or railroad tracks - then your shocks and/or struts are probably worn out and are in need of replacement. Your shocks and struts due to be replaced every 75,000 to 100,000 miles. They wear over time so it isn't that noticeable that your vehicle isn't handling as well and the ride quality isn't what it was when you first bought your vehicle.  Give us a call or request an appointment online and let us take care of you.  Happy Adventures, Heather   

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