Tangent and Albany Auto Repair

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

Your diesel engine may have had a block heater installed at the factory, if not then it's a good idea to have one installed if you live in cooler climates. It can help extend the life of many of your engine componets including the starting system. It helps to keep the oil warmer, so it can easily lubricate the internal componets quicker along with shortening warm up time saving fuel and gets you where you want to be sooner.  Give us a call at 541-791-2886 or request an appointment online. Happy Adventures, Heather

DEF is urea that helps clean the exhaust before it's released from your vehicle. DEF stands for diesel exhaust fluid just in case you were wondering. If your vehicle has the system on it, then it's required for the engine to run correctly. There is a difference between the three systems and the type of fluid so if you're refilling it on your own just make sure you have the right stuff for it.  2012 was the last year that it wasn't federally mandated that you had to have a DEF system on your diesel vehicle. Ford and Chevy both went to the DEF systems before it was mandated and Dodge switched in 2013.  If you have questions give us a call at 541-791-2886 and we would be happy to help out.  Happy Adventures, Heather

It has happened to everyone, you think you're good and the next thing you know you're sitting on the side of the road wondering what to do next. If your vehicle has an diesel engine nd it runs out of fuel it's a bit more complicated than if you drove a vehicle with a gas engine.  After putting fuel in it you need to cycle the key 3-6 times holding it in the on position to prime the system. After that it should start. If it's older than a 1995 it's a bit more complicated. If you have questions or need your diesel serviced or repaired, give us a call 541-791-2886 or request an appointment online at www.jhautomotiveinc.com/appointments Happy Adventures, Heather

When you're check engine light comes on it means that an error has occurred with the operating system in your car. It can be anything from a faulty fuel cap to a sensor or issue with the transmission. It's best to have it checked just to make sure it's not something that can cause damage.  Give us a call or request an appointment online and let us take care of you.  Happy Adventures, Heather

Your air filter is a filter that allows clean air to enter your engine. If your air filter is dirty, clogged or damaged it can prevent clean air from getting into your engine making it not run properly and it can cause poor fuel mileage.  Your cabin air filter is different from your engine air filter. If you live in an area that is dusty or if your drive on dirt or gravel roads frequently then you will probably have to change your air filter more often.  If your wondering what your air filter looks like give us a call or request an appointment online and we will give it a check for you.  Happy Adventures, Heather

Depending on your specific engine your car should have a tune up anywhere from 30,000 to 90,000 miles. When a tune up is performed the spark plugs and wires/boots are changed. The spark plugs are an important component that allows your engine to perform to the best of it's ability. When they are worn it can cause run-a-bility issues.  If it's been awhile since you had a tune up on your engine give us a call or request an appointment online and we will let you know how often and when it should be done.  Happy Adventures, Heather  

Your brake lines are rubber and like all things they deteriorate over time and should be replaced. This isn't something that should be replaced often, they should be inspected at every oil change and replaced every 100,000 miles.  Happy Adventures, Heather

  If your car is shaking when at a stop you could have an issue with a motor mount or a misfire in your engine. With either of those things it's best to have it checked out for your safety and for the health of your engine. Give us a call and we will make sure you're safe on all your travels.  Happy Adventures, Heather

Spark plugs should be changed every 30K to 90K depending on the type and your engine. When your spark plugs are old they do not work as well and then your engine does not work as well and it can cause issues from run-ability to poor fuel mileage.  Give us a call and we can let you know if you're due for new spark plugs. Happy Adventures, Heather