Tangent and Albany Auto Repair

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

Those who love Fords, love Ford diesel pickups - if you're a Chevy, GMC or Dodge person I will get to them too - I promise. Fords are renowned for their strength and reliability, there are a few things you should know about your diesel engine.  This can help you maintain your truck and avoid costly repairs. Injector Failure - premature fuel injector failure which is often caused by poor-quality fuel. Symptoms include rough idling, misfires, and a significant drop in fuel efficiency. Regularly using high-quality diesel, changing your fuel filter and regular maintenance can prevent premature failure. They are a wearing part though so they will need to be replaced at some point.  Turbocharger Problems - is your turbocharger lagging? Or has it failed?  These problems might be due to oil contamination, wear, or excessive exhaust temperatures. Regular oil changes and keeping an eye on your truck's exhaust system can help prevent a ... read more

Seeing white smoke from your diesel engine can be alarming. Not only is it a sign that something isn’t right, but it can also indicate other underlying issues that may need immediate attention.  White smoke from a diesel engine often indicates the presence of un-burned fuel or coolant in the exhaust system. When these substances are not properly combusted, they create a white vapor that exits through the exhaust. Typically un-burnt fuel causes black smoke, but we have seen it cause white smoke as well.  The primary reason for white smoke is a coolant leak. When coolant leaks into the combustion chamber - and it doesn't belong there. It mixes with the diesel fuel, causing incomplete combustion. This result can be from a damaged head gasket, a cracked engine block, or a faulty cylinder head. A sure sign of a coolant leak is a sweet smell accompanying the white smoke or a noticeable drop in the coolant level.  Another common reason for white smoke is ... read more

Why Is My Car's A/C Blowing Hot Air? Experiencing a blast of hot air from your car's A/C on a scorching day can be frustrating. Several factors might be causing this issue.  Refrigerant Leak One of the primary reasons your car's A/C might be blowing hot air is a refrigerant leak. The refrigerant is essential for cooling the air inside your car, and if there’s a leak, the A/C system can’t function properly. Leaks can occur due to damaged hoses, connections, or the compressor itself. The A/C compressor will not turn on if the refrigerant is low.  Faulty Compressor The compressor is where the magic happens. It compresses the refrigerant and circulates it through the system. If the compressor fails, the refrigerant won't move, and you’ll get nothing but warm air. If you're compressor is failing or has failed it may make strange noises and typically you will have a complete lack of cooling.  Clogged Condenser The refrigerant gets hot ... read more

Youu might have heard the term "diesel engine runaway." This frightening phenomenon occurs when a diesel engine revs uncontrollably, often leading to severe damage if not promptly addressed. Understanding the causes behind this issue can help prevent it and help prepare you if it ever occurs. A diesel engine runaway happens when the engine starts to consume fuel uncontrollably. Unlike gasoline engines, diesel engines rely on compression to ignite the fuel, which means they can run on a variety of fuel sources, including engine oil or other flammable substances that might find their way into the combustion chamber. This is where the problem begins. One common cause of diesel engine runaway is a failure in the turbocharger. The turbocharger, which boosts engine power by forcing more air into the combustion chamber, can leak oil from its seals into the intake system. When this oil gets into the combustion chamber, the engine treats it as fuel. Since the engine can keep ru ... read more

Experiencing your car dying while driving can be a startling and stressful event. Understanding the possible reasons behind this issue is essential for both safety and peace of mind. Let's explore some common causes for this problem and how they can be addressed. Fuel System Issues A common culprit for a car dying while on the move is a fuel system problem. If your fuel pump fails or your fuel filter is clogged, the engine might not be getting the fuel it needs to keep running. Regular maintenance, including fuel filter replacement and checking the fuel pump, can help prevent these issues.  Electrical Problems Electrical issues can also lead to your car shutting off unexpectedly. A failing alternator, for example, might not charge the battery properly, leading to a sudden loss of power. Similarly, problems with the wiring or ignition system can disrupt the electrical flow necessary for the engine to function. Keeping an eye on your battery’s health and having your el ... read more

Overheating can be a serious concern for any vehicle, especially pickup trucks, which are often subjected to heavy loads and tough driving conditions. As an automotive expert, I'll guide you through the common reasons why your pickup might overheat and what steps you can take to prevent this issue, ensuring your truck runs efficiently and safely. Understanding Overheating in Pickup Trucks: Overheating occurs when your engine's temperature exceeds its normal operating range, and it can lead to significant engine damage if not addressed promptly. Several factors can contribute to your pickup truck overheating, from simple maintenance overlooks to more serious mechanical failures. Common Causes of Overheating: Cooling System Leaks: One of the most common causes of overheating is a leak in the cooling system. Hoses, the radiator, water pump, thermostat housing, and the heater core are all common leak points. Coolant leaks reduce the overall fluid level, impairing the system&rsquo ... read more

The shocks on your vehicle, often paired with struts, play a crucial role in maintaining a smooth and stable ride. They are key components of your vehicle's suspension system, ensuring that your car handles road irregularities with ease, maintaining comfort and safety. However, like all mechanical parts, shocks wear out over time and need replacing to ensure optimal vehicle performance. As an automotive expert, I’m here to guide you through why keeping your shocks in good condition is essential for your driving experience. Shocks are essentially hydraulic pump-like devices that help control the impact and rebound movement of your vehicle's springs and suspension. Apart from smoothing out bumps and vibrations, they also keep your tires in constant contact with the road, which enhances safety and control. When shocks begin to wear, they can no longer perform these critical functions effectively. The primary reason to replace old shocks is for safety. Worn shocks reduce th ... read more