Tangent and Albany Auto Repair

(541) 248-1346
Mon - Fri: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Monthly Archives: March 2019

When I brake it grinds

When I brake it grinds

Unless you're using a mortar and pestle while in your car - and really you shouldn't then you should never hear grinding in and around your car, especially when braking. A grinding noise typically means that your brake pad/shoe has worn out and you now have metal on metal for braking and number 1 that isn't safe and 2 it means that you will have to have your brake rotors along with your brake pads replaced.  We do a 52 point inspection that includes all of your brake components every single time we see your car. We make sure that you're safe to be on the road and on all your adventures. Your brake pads start around 10 mm, so when you get to 4 mm we let you know that you'll need to replace them in the future. It could be 6 months or 2 years, it just depends on your driving and the type of vehicle that you drive. They should be replaced somewhere between 2 and 3 mm, for safety purposes. Yes you still have a little life left in those pads, but I don't want to ... read more

Categories:

Brakes

When I start my car it clicks

When I start my car it clicks

Typically when you hear a click when attempting to start your car it is a sign that you have an issue with your starter. The starter has a solenoid and over time they wear out and need to be replaced. The solenoid itself can be replaced, but it is typically more cost effective to just replace the starter assembly. There are other reasons that you may hear a click too. The best decision would be to have it checked out just to make sure prior to replacing something that may not need to be replaced. Give us a call at 541-791-2886 or request an appointment online.  Happy Adventures, Heather  

Categories:

Starting

Why won't my car start

Why won't my car start

There are quite a few reasons that your car may not start. The first thing we check is also the easiest it's your battery. Batteries have a life span of 5-7 years depending on the quality of the battery and the climate that you live in. If you have dramatic highs and lows, then it can shorten you battery life. Likewise if you live in an area that doesn't have those then your battery may live longer than the 7 years.  Give us a call and let us take care of you 541-791-2886 Happy Adventures, Heather  

Categories:

Starting

My diesel isn't making enough power

My diesel isn't making enough power

When your vehicle has a lack of power. We start by checking for leaks and/or other issues. If none are apparent then we suggest starting by changing your fuel filter. If your fuel filter is plugged then it can cause a lack of power when the engine is under load due to a lack of fuel. This is a common problem and easily fixed.  Give us a call 541-791-2886 or request an appointment online Happy Adventures, Heather

What happens if my car overheats?

What happens if my car overheats?

If your vehicle overheats then it can cause engine damage. This can happen due to several reasons, but the most common is a lack of coolant. When you don't have enough coolant it will cause the engine to overheat. Water is not good enough to keep your engine at a proper operating temperature, you need antifreeze/coolant to keep it at the proper temperature.  Give us a call or request an appointment online and we will help you.  Happy Adventures, Heather

My wheel is hot and my brakes are making a noise.

My wheel is hot and my brakes are making a noise.

When your wheel is hot and brakes are making noise it's a clear indication that you have a caliper that has seized and it has done damage to your brake pad and rotor. When this happens you will need to replace the brake calipers, rotors and pads. At times you have a caliper that sticks on occasion and then will release again, when this happens that calipers should be replaced and if the rotors are still in good condition they will be fine but brake pads will need to be replaced also.  When your caliper is sticking it causing the brakes to be on all the time and that effects drive-a-bility, fuel economy and overall handling of your vehicle.  If you think you're having brake issues give us a call or request an appointment online. Happy Adventures, Heather

Why does my car shake at idle?

Why does my car shake at idle?

Shaking at an idle is typically from either a misfire on the engine or from a motor/transmission mount that is worn out. Engine and transmission mounts take a lot of stress. Every time you run your car your engine vibrates and all of those vibrations are absorbed through your engine and transmission mounts. Over time they wear our and need to be replaced. There is no maintenance schedule for them, and they typically last for a long time.  If you're concerned about a shake in your car give us a call or request an appointment online and let us take care of you.  Happy Adventures, Heather  

Happy Spring!

Happy Spring!

Spring has finally arrived in the Willamette Valley and I am more than ready for warmer weather. Every season as it's own requirements and challenges. Spring in Oregon is rain and more rain with a few sunny days sprinkled in between. It's what makes Oregon so green and beautiful so I don't mind to much.  For the kids spring break is next week and for my family that means day trips here and there, along with a lot of spring cleaning and organizing. We never really get to far from home this time of year. My car is on the schedule for an oil change this week along with an inspection to make sure those day trips are without issue and it's one less thing I need to worry about.  Give us a call to schedule your appointment for your next oil change and we'll do an inspection for you too.  Happy Adventures,  Heather 

Sometimes my car won't start after I turn it off

Sometimes my car won't start after I turn it off

Modern vehicles have many sensors that can fail causing your vehicle to not start after you've turned it off, it can be an intermittent issue or it could be something that happens suddenly. Either way being stuck isn't fun and we all have busy lives and places to go. If your car is having these issues give us a call or request an appointment online and we'll get you back to where you want to be. Happy Adventures,  Heather

My car is leaking oil - what now?

My car is leaking oil - what now?

Any type of fluid leak on your vehicle should be examined to prevent a breakdown or damage to the components of your vehicle.  An oil leak from your engine could be damaging if not taken care of. Oil lubricates the internal components of your engine making sure everything is working properly. When your engine is low on oil it can cause friction and heat.  Give us a call or request an appointment online and let us take care of you. Happy Adventures, Heather

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