Tangent and Albany Auto Repair

Owning or operating a medium duty truck involves tackling heavy tasks and enduring rigorous conditions. To ensure your truck remains a reliable workhorse, it's vital to pay attention to an often overlooked component: the rear differential. This crucial part allows the wheels of your truck to rotate at different speeds, particularly important when you're making turns. Let’s chat why regular maintenance of your truck’s rear differential is so crucial: Prevents Wear and Tear With every mile you drive, your truck's differential is put under immense stress, much like the strain on a heavy iron rod being twisted by hand. This can cause significant wear and tear on its components without proper lubrication and periodic maintenance. Keeping everything well-lubricated and checked regularly helps minimize this risk and ensures all parts function smoothly. Enhances Performance Servicing the differential not only maintains but can improve your truck’s handling. This i ... read more

When diesel engines produce smoke, it's usually indicative of two potential issues that can impact their performance. The first common cause is an excessive amount of fuel entering the engine without being efficiently utilized during combustion. This can occur due to issues such as a malfunctioning fuel injector or an incorrect fuel-to-air ratio. The second reason for smoke in diesel engines is related to oil consumption. If the engine is burning oil along with fuel, it can result in visible smoke emissions. This scenario often points to problems like worn-out piston rings, valve seals, or other components in the engine that are allowing oil to enter the combustion chamber. Addressing these issues promptly is crucial for maintaining the optimal efficiency of your engine. When too much fuel goes unburned or when oil is consumed improperly, it can lead to decreased fuel efficiency, increased emissions, and potential damage to engine components over time. Regular inspections and ma ... read more

Medium duty trucks are the backbone of local commerce, relied upon for their versatility and durability in performing a variety of tasks—from delivery services to municipal operations. One key particular component is the wheel bearing. Proper maintenance of wheel bearings is crucial not only for the performance of a truck but also for safety on the road. The Essence of Wheel Bearings in Medium Duty Trucks: Wheel bearings are integral to the truck's wheel assembly, enabling smooth rotation of the tires on the road. They bear the brunt of the truck's weight while minimizing friction during tire rotation, which is vital for efficient, safe driving. Given the substantial loads carried by medium duty trucks and the distances they travel, the wheel bearings face significant stress and are prone to wear and tear.   Recognizing the Signs of Wheel Bearing Wear: The first step in maintaining wheel bearings is recognizing the signs of wear and tear. Drivers may notice a hummi ... read more

The heart of your vehicle's engine is intricately driven by a series of belts, including the serpentine and timing belts. These belts are crucial for the smooth functioning of your engine and, ultimately, your vehicle. Today, we'll explore why regular belt replacements are essential to maintaining your vehicle’s reliability and ensuring it runs smoothly. Behind the seamless operation of your vehicle lies the constant duty of belts, which drive vital components. The wear and tear on these belts due to heat, friction, and exposure to environmental elements can lead to cracks, fraying, and other deterioration signs. Inspecting and replacing these belts promptly can help maintain their integrity and avoid possible failures. Proper tension is required for belts to operate efficiently. Worn belts may loosen, causing slippage and decreased efficiency, which impacts the overall performance of the engine. Regular replacements ensure belts maintain the right tension, optimizing p ... read more

Finding out that your car has overheated can indeed be a worrying ordeal. We aim to shed light on the factors that lead to such situations, providing you with knowledge on preventive actions and effective solutions. Cooling System Failures: A leading cause of car overheating lies within issues in the cooling system. This crucial system includes the radiator, water pump, thermostat, and coolant. Any cooling system component that is faulty can prevent the system's ability to manage the engine's temperature effectively.   Faulty Thermostat: The thermostat has a vital function in managing the coolant flow throughout the engine. If it becomes stuck or doesn't operate as it should, it could interrupt the coolant flow. This disruption might result in inadequate cooling and, eventually, overheating of the engine.   Coolant Leaks: Leaking coolant can stem from several issues like damaged hoses, a corroded radiator, a malfunctioning water pump, or a failing gasket. When ... read more

When deciding where to service your vehicle, weighing the options between a dealership and a local independent shop is crucial. Dealerships come with brand-specific knowledge, but local independent shops boast a plethora of advantages appealing to a wide spectrum of drivers.   Choosing a local independent shop brings the perk of personalized service to the forefront. The atmosphere here contrasts sharply with the often impersonal vibe found in dealerships. Local shops excel in forging lasting relationships with their clientele, with mechanics frequently greeting customers by name and offering a customized service experience that's tough to find elsewhere. Cost efficiency is another hallmark of local independent shops. Thanks to lower overhead compared to dealership franchises, these shops often offer more affordable solutions for both routine upkeep and more extensive repairs. Independent mechanics are also known for their willingness to seek out budget-friendly alternatives ... read more

The braking system stands as a pillar of safety in your vehicle's architecture. While the routine of oil changes and tire pressure checks is almost religiously followed by many, the critical practice of changing brake fluid frequently gets sidelined.    Moisture in the brake fluid is inevitable due to its nature, which means it naturally draws moisture from the air. This moisture infiltrates the braking system, leading to corrosion and potentially diminishing your brakes' effectiveness. As the water content rises, the brake fluid's boiling point drops, a concerning issue under high-stress driving conditions. Brake fluid is tasked with performing under the high heat generated during intense braking or extended periods of use. Should the fluid's boiling point be surpassed, brake fade may occur. This phenomenon reduces braking efficiency as vapor forms within the brake lines. Regularly changing the brake fluid ensures it remains at an ideal boiling point, safeg ... read more