Tangent and Albany Auto Repair

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

Few things are as frustrating as turning the key in the ignition and hearing nothing worse, just a faint click. A car that won't start is a common problem that can leave you feeling stuck and wondering what's gone wrong.  The most common reason a car won't start is a dead battery. Car batteries provide the electrical power needed to start the engine, and over time, they can lose their charge. This can happen for a variety of reasons. If you've accidentally left your headlights or interior lights on overnight, the battery might be drained. Hot or cold weather can also impact battery performance, as freezing temperatures can reduce the battery's ability to hold a charge and scorching tempertures can do the same. Additionally, car batteries naturally degrade over time and may no longer hold a charge as they age, leading to a dead battery when you least expect it. If your battery is in good condition but your car still won't start, the problem could be with t ... 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 air conditioning system in your car is essential for comfort during the hot months, and the evaporator core is a critical component, without it the rest of the system will not work.  Your evaporator core is typically inside the dashboard. Your the evaporator core circulates refrigerant, which absorbs heat from the cabin air and expels it. The refrigerant, passing through the evaporator core, changes from liquid to gas, absorbing heat from the air in the process. A fan blows air through the evaporator core's fins, cooling it before it enters the cabin, thus reducing the temperature and providing you with cold air. The evaporator core also removes moisture from the air. As the warm, humid air passes over the cold fins, moisture condenses and is collected in a drain pan, ensuring the air in your car remains dry and comfortable.  Your evaporator core can fail from a couple of common problems. It may develop leaks due to corrosion, physical dama ... read more

Ever wondered what the EGR valve in your car does? If you're curious about this little component and how it helps your vehicle run cleaner, you've come to the right place. The EGR valve stands for Exhaust Gas Recirculation valve. It's a crucial part of your car's engine system that helps reduce pollution. By recirculating a portion of your exhaust gases back into the engine, it lowers the emissions of harmful nitrogen oxides that are released into the atmosphere. Here’s a step-by-step look at how the EGR valve works: Exhaust Gases: When your engine burns fuel, it creates exhaust gases. These gases include harmful substances like nitrogen oxides. Recirculation: Instead of letting all the exhaust gases leave through the tailpipe, the EGR valve redirects some of them back into the engine’s intake manifold. Mixing: Once the exhaust gases are back in the intake manifold, they mix with fresh air and fuel. Th ... 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

The check engine light can be triggered by a variety of issues, ranging from minor to serious.  - The simplest reason would be a loose gas cap. A loose or damaged gas cap can cause the check engine light to come on, due to the fuel tank not having the proper seal. It’s a simple fix, just tighten it. The gas cap being loose can lead to reduced fuel economy and increased emissions. - A faulty oxygen sensor can set off your check engine light as well. Your vehicle can have multiple oxygen sensors. Your oxygen sensor measures the amount of unburned oxygen in the exhaust and helps adjust the engine’s air-fuel mixture. When your oxygen sensors are working correctly then your fuel economy can go up.  - An issue with your catalytic converter. Your catalytic converter reduces emissions in the exhaust. When it fails, it can the check engine light to come on, poor run ability and performance.  - You could have a mass airflow sensor that is either dirty or that is re ... read more

Ford diesel pickups are designed for heavy-duty work, yet fuel system problems can impede their efficiency. Being aware of potential issues can aid in maintaining optimal performance. Fuel Pump Failures - which can lead to difficult starts, engine stalling, or total engine shutdown, are a frequent issue. Replacing the fuel filter regularly and opting for quality fuel can help prolong your fuel pump's lifespan. Clogged Fuel Filters - A clogged fuel filter can impede fuel flow, causing diminished engine performance and reduced fuel economy. Adhering to the manufacturer's guidelines for fuel filter replacement is critical to prevent this problem. Water in the Fuel System - Water in the fuel system can severely damage both injectors and the fuel pump. Employing a water separator and consistently draining trapped water can avert such damage. Maintaining a clean and efficient fuel system is vital for your diesel pickup's durability and performance. We can take care of yo ... read more

Those who drive a Honda LOVE them. Jason has had a few over the years and has loved each one of them. They drive great, they get wonderful fuel mileage and they are reliable. There are few things that can and do come up, they are a mechanical object so anything is possible.  We have found that some have an oil consumption issue. The older ones for sure will consume oil. As long as it's within the 1 quart per 1,000 miles then you're usually okay. It's when it is consuming more than that it can become an issue. To avoid engine damage, it's important to check your oil levels regularly, and if it's low then top off your oil. If you notice excessive oil consumption which is more than 1 quart of oil per 1,000 miles then it needs checked.  Almost all Honda engines have timing belts. The timing belt needs to be changed every 60,000 to 90,000 miles depending on your engine. Waiting to have this replaced can cause extensive engine damage if the timing be ... read more