Tangent and Albany Auto Repair

We've all been there, that weird noise when your turning. At first you wonder if you actually heard it at all and then you hear it again and think oh no, I might have a problem. If you've heard a clicking noise it's not something you should ignore. It could be serious and we want to keep you safe on the road. There are a few things that can cause a clicking noise on your vehicle. One is worn out CV joints. CV joints are located at the end of the axle shafts. All of those revolutions overtime wear things out. CV joints are a wearable item and it's not an uncommon repair for a vehicle. Especially if you have over-sized tires. If you're having a noise when turning it needs to be checked sooner rather than later. If it goes on to long it could cause your axle to break.  Your wheel bearings are another piece that will cause a noise when turning. Your wheel bearings spin smoothly eliminating the friction from between the wheel and the axle. If it is worn out or da ... read more

When your car’s engine starts to overheat, it’s a clear sign that something is wrong with the cooling system. The cooling system is designed to regulate your engine's temperature, ensuring it stays within a safe operating range. If this system fails, your engine can overheat, leading to serious damage if not addressed promptly. Understanding the causes of overheating can help you take quick action and prevent costly repairs. Coolant Leaks One of the most common reasons for an overheating engine is a coolant leak. Coolant, also known as antifreeze, is the liquid that circulates through the engine to absorb heat and keep it cool. If there’s a leak in the system, the coolant level can drop too low, reducing its ability to cool the engine. Common places for coolant leaks include the radiator, hoses, water pump, and head gasket. You might notice puddles of green, orange, or pink fluid under your car, or see steam coming from under the hood if the coolant is leaking ... read more

If you've ever had your car stall you know how frustrating and frightening it can be.  When I hear that an engine is stalling my first thought is besides the normal oh crap is do we have an issue with the fueling system? If your engine is not getting enough fuel then it can cause it to stall. One possible reason that it's not getting enough fuel would be a clogged or restricted fuel filter. Your fuel filters job is to keep dirt and debris out of your engine and over time it can become clogged with that debris. Your fuel filter should be replaced every 10,000 to 15,000 miles. As a quick note not every vehicle has a serviceable fuel filter. Many fuel filters are part of the fuel pump and are a only changed when the fuel pump fails. That brings us to our next option - a failed fuel pump. If your fuel pump has failed then it would cause your car to stall and not re-start. Your fuel pump will not give you warning when it has decided to stop working. There is one thing t ... read more

That spot under your car is never a welcome sight, yet one that we have all had the joy to experience at one or another during our lives. The first question is what is it? It could be oil, transmission fluid, gear oil, coolant, the list goes on. Either way we both know that it needs to be addressed before it becomes a bigger problem.  Let’s just say it’s an oil leak. We can discuss the other fluids and where they leak from another day. Where is this oil leak coming from? Most likely a worn-out gasket or seal. That is the most common place for an oil leak to start, and like most things in life one day are not there and the next they are. Sometimes they start slow and other times they just want to leak.  Any oil leak is bad, engine oil is vital to keeping your engine running smoothly and if it has a leak that means that it may not have enough. Let’s start from the top of the engine and work our way down. The topmost gasket on your engine is your valve cover ... read more

Have you ever noticed that your car seems to drift to one side when you’re driving straight or when you let go of the steering wheel? This is known as pulling, and it’s a sign that something isn’t quite right with your vehicle. Driving a car that pulls to one side can be frustrating and even dangerous, so it’s important to understand what might be causing it and how to fix it. Misaligned Wheels One of the most common reasons your car might pull to one side is misaligned wheels. Wheel alignment refers to the angle at which your wheels meet the road. If the alignment is off, your car will naturally drift to the left or right instead of going straight. Misalignment can happen gradually from regular driving or suddenly after hitting a pothole, curb, or other obstacles. If your car is pulling and you haven’t had an alignment check in a while, it’s a good idea to have it looked at. Proper alignment not only helps your car drive straight but also improve ... read more

If you’ve noticed a strong smell of gasoline in or around your car, it’s something you shouldn’t ignore. A gas smell isn’t just unpleasant—it can be a sign that something is wrong with your vehicle and couple potentional be dangerous.  One of the most common reasons your car might smell like gas is a gasoline leak. There are several places where a leak can occur: - Fuel lines - your fuel lines carry gasoline from the tank to the engine. If these lines become cracked, damaged, or loose, gas can leak out, causing a strong smell. Leaks in the fuel lines are particularly dangerous because they can lead to fire hazards. - Fuel Tank - The gas tank itself can develop leaks due to corrosion, damage, or wear and tear. If the tank is leaking, you might notice the smell of gas, along with puddles of gasoline under your car. - Fuel Injectors - Fuel injectors are responsible for spraying fuel into the engine’s cylinders.  - Gas Cap ... read more

You know me I love a good list. Today let's discuss noises coming from your vehicle - and I don't mean the good kind. Any noise that isn't normal is concerning. Whether it happens when you start your car, accelerate, or brake, that high-pitched squeal is a sign that something needs attention. 1. Worn-Out Brake Pads One of the most common reasons for a squealing noise is worn-out brake pads. Your car’s brake pads are designed to wear down over time as they press against the brake rotors to slow down your car. When the pads get too thin, a small metal indicator embedded in the pad will make contact with the rotor, causing a squealing noise. This sound is actually a built-in warning system telling you it’s time to replace the brake pads. Ignoring this noise can lead to more serious problems, like damage to the rotors, which can be more expensive to repair. If you hear squealing when you brake, it’s a good idea to have your brake pads inspected an ... read more