Tangent and Albany Auto Repair

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Monthly Archives: October 2018

There is a battery light on? What is it?

There is a battery light on? What is it?

That is your battery warning light and it should be a picture of a batter and it should be red. This sign is an indication that the battery in your car is having an issue, and may not be charging anymore.  If you spot this while driving, the first thing to do is to turn off all electrical components in your car. This includes the air conditioning, heating, stereo, interior lighting, seat heaters/coolers. Don't switch off the headlights if you are driving at night, but if you are driving during the day turn off the day time running lights.  If at all possible stop by and we will help you resolve this issue before it causes more trouble.  Happy Adventures Heather

What is the oil can icon on the dash for?

What is the oil can icon on the dash for?

  That is your engine oil pressure light, it should look like an oil pitcher and it will be red. If that ever comes on when you are driving please pull over, it can mean that your engine is low on oil and if you were to keep driving it could cause major damage to your engine. It doesn't always mean that it is low on oil or that there is an issue, but it is best to treat it that way just to be safe.  So, if you spot that light on your dash while you are driving, pull over, turn off the engine and call for a professional to help. Happy Adventures Heather

My left turn signal is blinking faster than the right. Why?

My left turn signal is blinking faster than the right. Why?

Typically when one side is blinking faster than the other it means that you have a bulb that has gone bad and needs to be replaced. If the bulb has been replaced recently then it is probably the socket which the bulb goes into that has an issue.  We always have the most common bulbs on had for just a time like this, stop by and we can make sure you're safe on the road. Happy Adventures Heather

What are the warning lights on my dash?

What are the warning lights on my dash?

There are so many different lights on your dash, and many times they can be confusing so I figured we should go through them one by one. The first one we will cover is the traction control light.  Modern cars have excellent traction sensors onboard that accurately detects the tires’ traction on the road. It is a yellow illuminated sign that shows a car with zigzag skid marks. This indicates that your car is losing traction. On seeing this sign, you should slow down to let the tires regain their grip on the road. This lights up for a few seconds, so if you still notice the sign even after you have stopped, then it is clearly a faulty sensor.  Almost all modern vehicles have these sensors, ie: gas, diesel, hybrid and electrics too. We can check the sensors for you and give you piece of mind.  Happy Adventures Heather

Where can I get electrical issues fixed?

Where can I get electrical issues fixed?

We work on electrical issues along with everything else that your vehicle may need. Electrical issues can range from a bad fuse, to a starter or alternator, wiring, issues with starting or your battery, headlights, turn signals, heater and air conditioning electrical and fuel issues to a fantom ghost that pops up now and then.  We know how frustrating it is when your vehicle isn't performing as it should. We do our best to get your vehicle back to you as soon as we can. If we are ever delayed we will call and let you know right away so it's never a last minute shock.  Give us a call and let us take care of you. Happy Adventures Heather

My car isn't turning over?

My car isn't turning over?

  When your car isn't turning over or cranking it could be from something super simple like a battery or it could be something a little more serious. The best thing is to have it towed and let us take a look at it for you.  Happy Adventures Heather

Why does my car shake at highway speed?

Why does my car shake at highway speed?

Most of the time when we have a high-speed shake the problem is tire balance not alignment. It may also be caused by a bad tire or an out of  round tire, your service center can inspect the tires and let you know just what needs to be done to correct the problem. If you are having this kind of issue it should be checked sooner than later, if you have a bad tire it may let you down any time or any where. We had a little visitor to the shop today. She was just so adorable! Happy Adventures Heather

Why does my car wander all over the lane?

Why does my car wander all over the lane?

This can be caused my many things from low tire pressure to major suspension problems. You should get to your service center as soon as you can for a safety inspection to determine exactly whats going on.  Happy Adventures Heather

How often should I change my oil?

How often should I change my oil?

  Car manufacturers are extending oil change intervals to 7,500 miles or more, there is even a commercial on TV that says you only need to change your oil on an annual basis. There are a few problems with waiting so long to change your oil. One is oil consumption - these same manufactures that tell you only to change your oil every 7,500 miles don't tell you that you engine can consume/burn up to 1 quart of oil per 500 miles. Yes you read that correctly 500 miles. For some people that is one or two tanks of fuel. That means if your car holds 5 quarts of oil, that you will be out of oil before you get to 2,500 miles, unless you are checking your oil every time you get fuel; this could cause catastrophic failure to your engine. It would not be covered under your factory warranty - they expect you to check your oil to make sure it's at the proper level and if you're not then it is considered neglect. We still recommend that if your car uses regular oil then to change it ... read more

Why should I get a pre-purchase inspection?

  I can give you a hundred or more reasons to get a pre-purchase inspection on a used vehicle. Now if it's new and I mean no previous owner and no mileage new then of course you don't need one, but if you are not the first owner, and it's ever been used as a loaner vehicle or rented out - PLEASE get an inspection. Those are the first vehicles that get abuse. The low mileage lease returns are another example, many of those haven't been maintained properly and you will end up with not only a payment but a list of maintenance that needs to be done too.  Getting a new car or a new to you car should be fun and not stressful. The cost of an inspection can save you thousands and give you piece of mind.  Happy Adventures Heather  

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