Tangent and Albany Auto Repair

Brake pads are one of the most critical components of your car's braking system. They are responsible for stopping your vehicle, and their condition can significantly impact your safety on the road. While they may not be as glamorous as other car parts, understanding brake pads and their importance is essential for every driver. What are Brake Pads? Brake pads are friction materials that press against a rotor (or drum) to slow down or stop a vehicle. They are typically made of a composite material containing asbestos-free fibers, metal, and various binders. The specific composition of a brake pad can affect its performance, durability, and noise level. How Do Brake Pads Work? When you press the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure is applied to the brake calipers. This pressure forces the brake pads against the rotors, creating friction. This friction converts kinetic energy (the energy of motion) into heat, causing the vehicle to slow down or stop ... read more

  Brake grinding is a common automotive issue that can signal a variety of problems. While it's often attributed to worn brake pads, there are other potential causes. Understanding the root of the problem is crucial for ensuring your safety and preventing costly repairs. Common Causes of Brake Grinding: Worn Brake Pads: This is the most frequent culprit. When brake pads wear down to their metal backing plates, they can grind against the rotors, causing a harsh noise. Metal-to-Metal Contact: If the brake pads have worn completely, metal-to-metal contact can occur, leading to severe damage to the rotors and brakes. This is a dangerous situation and requires immediate attention. Foreign Objects: Rocks, debris, or other objects can become lodged between the brake pads and rotors, causing a grinding noise. Warped Rotors: Overheating or excessive braking can warp rotors, leading to uneven wear and vibration. Signs of Brake Trouble: Grinding or squealing n ... read more

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 vehicle’s brakes are one of its most critical safety systems. Properly functioning brakes allow you to control your vehicle’s speed, avoid collisions, and navigate safely through traffic. Recognizing and addressing brake issues promptly can make all the difference in keeping you and your passengers safe on the road. Before diving into common brake problems, it’s helpful to understand the basics of how your vehicle’s braking system works. The braking system primarily consists of: Brake Pads and Shoes: These are the components that press against the rotors or drums to create friction and slow down your vehicle. Rotors and/or Drums: These are the surfaces that the brake pads and shoes press against to create the necessary friction. Brake Calipers: These are the components that hold the brake pads and press them against the rotors. Brake Fluid: This hydraulic fluid transfers the force from your foot on the brake pedal to the brake components, allowing them to ... read more

The open highway beckons, promising adventure and escape. But before you buckle up and blast the tunes, a little preparation can ensure your road trip is smooth sailing (or cruising, as the case may be). This guide will equip you with the knowledge to get your car road-ready and yourself packed and prepped for an unforgettable journey.   First off get a Checkup:  Schedule a pre-trip inspection. They'll ensure your car is in tip-top shape, checking fluids, tires, belts, hoses, and lights. Fluids and Filters: Fresh oil, coolant, and wiper fluid are essential. Consider replacing air filters for optimal engine performance and cabin comfort. Tire Talk:  Check tire pressure and tread depth. Don't forget the spare! A roadside tire change is much easier with a properly inflated spare. You can request this to be checked at your vehicle inspection.  Pack an Emergency Kit:  Be prepared for minor mishaps. Include a jack, lug wrench, jumper cables, flares, a fla ... read more

Maintaining a medium-duty truck is essential for ensuring optimal performance, longevity, and safety on the road. To simplify this process, we've compiled a comprehensive maintenance checklist that covers all the crucial aspects of keeping your medium-duty truck in top-notch condition. Follow this guide regularly to identify and address potential issues before they become major problems. 1. **Engine Checks:**    - Regularly inspect your truck's engine for any signs of leaks, unusual noises, or changes in performance.    - Check and change the engine oil according to the manufacturer's recommendations.    - Inspect the air filter and replace it if it's dirty or clogged. 2. **Fluid Levels:**    - Monitor the levels of essential fluids, including coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and power steering fluid.    - Top off fluids as needed and address any leaks promptly. 3. **Tire Inspections:**    - Conduct ... read more

Experiencing vibrations or shakes while driving can be disconcerting, raising concerns about your vehicle's performance and safety.  1. **Wheel and Tire Imbalances:**    One of the most frequent reasons for a car to shake is imbalances in the wheels and tires. Uneven distribution of weight or tire wear can lead to vibrations, especially at higher speeds. Regular tire rotations and wheel balancing can help prevent this issue. Tire rotations should be done every 5,000 miles.  2. **Wheel Misalignment:**    Misaligned wheels can cause uneven tire wear and result in vibrations. If your car consistently pulls to one side, it's a sign of potential wheel misalignment. Aligning the wheels properly can eliminate shakes and improve overall handling. We recommend an annual alignment for you vehicle. Pot holes and other hazards can cause your alignment to be misaligned.  3. **Worn or Unbalanced Tires:**    Tires with uneven wear or those that ... read more

Winter is here, and it's time to think about the best tires for snowy roads. Two main types are studded and studless snow tires, and each has its own strengths. Let's explore the differences to help you choose the right ones for your winter drives.  Studless Snow Tires: Quiet and Snow-Friendly Studless snow tires are made with a softer material to grip snowy surfaces better. They don't have metal studs, so they're kinder to roads. These tires work well in the snow, giving you good control and handling. Their soft rubber can bend with the snowy road bumps. Good Things about Studless Snow Tires: 1. All-Around Use: These tires work great in different winter conditions, making them good for places with lots of snow. 2. Not Too Loud: Because of their soft material, these tires don't make much noise on dry roads, so your ride is smoother and quieter. 3. Gentle on Roads: They're less likely to damage roads, which is good if you're in an area that ca ... read more

Teaching your teenager about maintaining a vehicle is a valuable life skill that can save them money, ensure their safety, and promote responsible ownership. Here are some important things your teen should know: Regular Maintenance Schedule: Explain the importance of regular maintenance tasks, such as oil changes, tire rotations, air filter replacements, and fluid checks. Following the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule helps keep the vehicle running smoothly and prevents potential issues. Oil Changes: Teach your teen how to check the oil level and understand when an oil change is needed. Explain the different types of motor oil and why choosing the right one is essential. Tire Care: Show them how to check tire pressure and tread depth. Properly inflated tires improve fuel efficiency and handling, while good tread depth ensures safe driving in various weather conditions. Fluid Checks: Familiarize y ... read more

Why does my car shake when I brake? If your car starts shaking when you brake, it could be a sign of brake problems. There are several things that can cause this issue, and it's important to have your brakes checked out as soon as possible if you're experiencing this problem. In this blog post, we will discuss the different causes of car shaking and what you can do to fix them. When a car is shaking when braking, it's typically caused by one of three things: worn-out pads, warped rotors, or misaligned wheels. Worn-out pads are the most common issue, as they can cause excessive vibration when applied. Warped rotors are another common issue that causes shaking, and this occurs when the rotors become uneven due to excessive heat and wear. Lastly, misaligned wheels can also cause cars to shake when braking, as they can cause the brakes to be applied unevenly or sporadically. The best way to address these issues is by having a professional inspect your bra ... read more