Tangent and Albany Auto Repair

Why does my car shake when I drive? If your car is shaking when you drive then the first thing you need to check is your tires. If you have a low tire, one that is out of balance, out of round or damaged then it can cause your car to shake, especially at highway speeds. Uneven tire wear, a flat spot, or a problem with the tire alignment can also lead to shaking.    Another possible cause is a problem with the brakes. If you feel the shaking more when you apply the brakes, it could indicate that your brake rotors are warped. This warping happens over time due to the intense heat generated during braking. When the rotors are no longer perfectly flat, your brake pads can't grip them smoothly, which causes vibrations. Your car's suspension and steering components could also be to blame. Worn-out or damaged parts in the suspension system, like the shocks, struts, or ball joints, can make your car feel unstable and cause it to shake. Problems with the steering system ... read more

Your pickup truck is built to handle tough tasks, whether it's hauling heavy loads, driving on rough terrain, or simply getting you from point A to point B safely. To keep it performing at its best, a well-maintained suspension and steering system is crucial. The suspension and steering systems in your pickup work together to provide a comfortable ride, precise handling, and overall safety. Here’s a quick overview of what each system does: Your suspension system includes components like shocks, struts, springs, and control arms. Its main job is to absorb the impact from road bumps and uneven surfaces, keeping your ride smooth and your tires in contact with the road. Your steering system allows you to control the direction of your truck. It includes parts like the steering wheel, steering column, rack and pinion, and tie rods. Over time, the suspension and steering components in your truck can wear out or become damaged. Worn-Out Shocks and Struts: Shocks and struts play ... read more

As winter recedes and the roads clear, ensuring your vehicle is in prime condition for the spring should be a top priority. One of the most critical, yet often overlooked, maintenance tasks is wheel alignment. Winter conditions can be particularly harsh on your car's suspension system, and a proper alignment is essential for safe driving and prolonging the life of your tires. Why Alignment Matters After Winter Winter roads can be treacherous with potholes, ice, and obstacles that can take a toll on your vehicle's alignment. Proper alignment ensures your tires meet the road at the correct angle, your wheels are pointing straight, and your tires are centered in the wheel wells. Here’s why it’s vital to check alignment after winter: Extended Tire Life: Incorrect alignment can cause uneven tire wear, leading to premature replacement. Aligning your car ensures tires wear evenly, extending their lifespan and saving you money. Improved Fuel Efficiency: A vehicle with m ... read more

Your car might be shaking due to a faulty u-joint. Your u-joint is one piece of your drive lines components. This connects your transmission to your axles and/or differentials. Over time the joint will wear out and this will cause a shaking or vibration while driving. It typically is very minor and gets progressively worse overtime.  Give us a call to schedule your appointment and let us take care of you.  Happy Adventures,  Heather

That depends on where you live and how much driving you do, even if you have snow tires in certain situations you're still going to need to put chains on. As for snow tires unless you live in an area that has consistent ice you would be fine with stud less snow tires instead of studded tires.  If you have questions about the correct tires for your vehicle give us a call at 541-791-2886 Happy Adventures,  Heather  

Your tires have wear bars on them and they should be replaced when you get to the wear bars. At that point they do not have enough tread left to displace water and could cause you to hydroplane on water.  If you're unsure if your car is ready for tires stop by and we will check them for you and let you know if you're due. I would also suggest an alignment whenever you get new tires. It's protection on the investment you made on your car.  Happy Adventures, Heather

I know today is black Friday and that itself has become a national holiday, but with all of that please remember to shop at the local stores in your town. They are small businesses trying to provide for there families, they work long hours with very little reward other than to know they are making a difference in the lives of the people who they employ and to there children. We are a small business too and sometimes people forget.  Please remember to shop small and support that local family who is doing their best to make a difference. Happy Adventures,  Heather

Tires wear more in the center when they are over inflated. Proper air pressure is important to your tire health and longevity. It also affects your fuel mileage and vehicle handling.  If you are concerned about your tire pressure stop by and we will check them for you. Happy Adventures Heather 

When your steering wheel is not straight it can be an issue with your alignment. Not all roads are maintained the same and some can have pot holes. If you hit one of those just right it can cause the tire alignment to be off making your steering wheel off center and your steering and suspension could be misaligned causing uneven tire wear and poor handling.  Give us a call to set up an appointment and we will do an alignment check for you. We recommend that you have an alignment performed on your vehicle every 12 months and each time you purchase new tires.  Happy Adventures Heather

We know you have many choices for who you take your vehicle to for service, and we appreciate that you put your trust in us and letting us take care of you and your vehicle. We realize that we may not always be the most convenient choice, but we promise that you will not get better service and attention to detail anywhere else.  We take care of all years, makes and models. We can service your gas, diesel, hybrid and electric. Jason and the team make sure they are up to date on technology and they are able to diagnose your electrical problems along with engine and transmission issues. We can take care of all your engine, transmission, brakes, air conditioning, suspension and everything in between too.  The next time you are looking to service your vehicle give us a call and we will take care of you.  Happy Adventures Heather