Tangent and Albany Auto Repair

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Tag Archives: engine

Spark plugs and your Medium Duty Truck

Your medium-duty truck's engine is a complex symphony of components working together, and at the heart of this orchestration are the spark plugs. Though often overlooked, these small devices play a critical role in the combustion process, impacting your vehicle's performance, fuel efficiency, and overall reliability. 1. **Optimal Combustion:**    The primary function of spark plugs is to ignite the air-fuel mixture within the engine cylinders. Over time, the electrodes on spark plugs can wear down, leading to inefficient combustion. Changing your spark plugs ensures that the ignition system operates at its best, promoting optimal combustion for a smoother-running engine. 2. **Fuel Efficiency:**    Worn-out spark plugs can contribute to decreased fuel efficiency. Inefficient combustion results in incomplete burning of fuel, leading to wasted energy and reduced miles per gallon. By installing new spark plugs, you maximize the efficiency of the combustion p ... read more

Categories:

Medium Duty

Why is it important to change my diesel's fuel filter

While the engine is often considered the heart of a vehicle, the fuel system plays a vital role in ensuring its optimal performance. Among the crucial components of this system is the diesel fuel filter.  1. **Contaminant Removal:**    Diesel fuel, like any other fluid, is susceptible to contamination over time. Impurities such as dirt, debris, water, and microscopic particles can find their way into the fuel. The fuel filter acts as a guardian, capturing these contaminants before they reach the engine. Regular filter changes prevent the accumulation of harmful substances that could compromise engine efficiency. 2. **Optimal Engine Performance:**    A clogged or dirty fuel filter can impede the flow of diesel fuel to the engine. Reduced fuel flow results in an inadequate supply of fuel to the combustion chamber, affecting the engine's performance. Changing the fuel filter at recommended intervals ensures a consistent and sufficient fuel supply, allowing t ... read more

What maintenance does my medium duty truck need?

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

Categories:

Medium Duty

Why should I change my engine oil

Why should I change my engine oil

Your vehicle's engine is a marvel of engineering, but even the most robust engines need proper care to ensure longevity and optimal performance. At the heart of this care routine is the simple yet immensely important task of changing your engine oil.  1. **Lubrication and Friction Reduction:** Engine oil serves as the lifeblood of your vehicle's engine, providing vital lubrication to various moving parts. As your engine runs, these parts generate heat and friction. Clean and fresh oil forms a protective layer, reducing friction and preventing excessive wear and tear. Regular oil changes ensure that this protective layer is consistently maintained, preserving the health of your engine. 2. **Engine Cooling:** In addition to reducing friction, engine oil plays a crucial role in cooling the engine. As it circulates through the engine, oil absorbs heat generated during combustion. Over time, this heat absorption can cause the oil to break down and become less effective. Cha ... read more

Categories:

Oil Change

Why did my car start shaking

Why did my car start shaking

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

Why do I need to replace my engine and transmission mounts?

Why do I need to replace my engine and transmission mounts?

When it comes to the smooth operation of your vehicle, many factors play a crucial role, and among them are the often-overlooked motor mounts and transmission mounts. These sturdy components are responsible for securing your engine and transmission, ensuring they work seamlessly with the frame of your vehicle. Let's chat about the significance of motor and transmission mounts, their functions, signs of wear, and why keeping an eye on them is essential for a trouble-free ride. Understanding Motor Mounts: A Sturdy Foundation Motor mounts, also known as engine mounts, are structural components that connect your vehicle's engine to its frame. Their primary function is to support the engine and absorb the vibrations and movements generated during operation. This ensures a smooth and stable ride, preventing excessive noise and reducing the impact of engine vibrations on the vehicle and its occupants. Signs of Worn Motor Mounts: 1. Excessive Vibrations: If you notice an ... read more

Categories:

Repair

What does a ball joint do?

A ball joint is a crucial component in the suspension system of a vehicle. Its primary function is to connect the control arms (or wishbones) to the steering knuckles, allowing for the flexibility of movement in different directions. This connection enables the front wheels to pivot and move up and down, facilitating the vehicle's suspension and steering systems. The ball joint consists of a ball and socket mechanism. The ball joint is attached to the control arm at one end and to the steering knuckle at the other end. The ball inside the joint allows for a smooth articulation, allowing the wheel to turn left and right, and to move up and down over bumps and irregularities in the road. Over time, ball joints can wear out due to the constant movement and stress they endure. When a ball joint fails, it can lead to issues such as poor steering control, uneven tire wear, and compromised handling. Therefore, regular inspection and maintenance of ball joints are important for ensuring ... read more

Categories:

Suspension

Why do I need new spark plugs?

Why do I need new spark plugs?

Spark plugs are an important component of the ignition system in your vehicle. Over time, spark plugs can become worn out, corroded, or covered in deposits, which can lead to poor engine performance and reduced fuel efficiency. Here are some reasons why you might need new spark plugs:Wear and Tear: Like any other part of your car, spark plugs wear out over time. The electrodes on the spark plugs can become worn down, which can cause misfires and other engine issues.Corrosion: Corrosion can occur on the spark plug due to exposure to moisture or other contaminants in the engine. This can cause the spark plug to fail to ignite the fuel mixture properly.Deposits: Deposits can build up on the spark plug over time, which can reduce its effectiveness in igniting the fuel mixture. This is often caused by oil or fuel additivesFouling: Fouling occurs when the spark plug becomes covered in a layer of fuel, oil, or ... read more

Categories:

Spark plugs

Why do I need a check engine light diagnostic performed?

You will need to have a proper diagnosis performed on your vehicle when this light appears on your vehicle's dashboard.  Today's vehicles have complex systems that can set your check engine light off for various reasons. The problem could be simple or extreme depending upon the codes that are stored in your car or pickup's computer. The situation could become drastically worse if the check engine light is flashing. In this instance, it is not a good idea to drive the vehicle. Having a proper check engine light diagnostic performed by a qualified mechanic could save you a lot of time and aggravation. Give us a call and let us take care of you. Happy Adventures, Heather Our specials can be found here - Specials - J & H Automotive, Inc Ready to make an appointment … Appointments - J &am ... read more

Why does my diesel have a long crank when starting?

Why does my diesel have a long crank when starting? Your long crank while starting your diesel could be from a couple of different reasons. If your diesel has glow plugs, then this could be the issue. Your glow plugs over time will wear out and stop working properly. Glow plugs unlike spark plugs do not have a maintenance interval. They do not have a maintenance interval because they are only used when starting the vehicle. When they start to fail you will have a longer than normal crank or your check engine light may come on. When you have a long crank, it is hard on your batteries and your starter. Over time it will shorten the life span of your batteries and starter. This will cause them to need to be replaced.  Give us a call and let us take care of you. Happy Adventures, Heather   Check us out at https://www.facebook.com/JHAutomotiveInchttps://www ... read more

Categories:

Diesel
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