Tangent and Albany Auto Repair

If your car is shaking when turning then you may have an issue with one of your steering components. It could be loose or worn out. In order for us to know exactly which component it is then we need to look at it for you, and possibly perform a test.  Give us a call and let us take care of you.  Happy Adventures,  Heather

Typically when you go to start your car and you only getting a clicking it is usually do to your starter needing replacement. A starter has brushes and contacts inside and after so many "starts" they can wear out and stop working. This means a new starter and getting you back on the road. Give us a call and let us take care of you. Happy Adventures,  Heather

We recommend to change the oil in your diesel pickup every 5,000 miles. A lot can happen in 5,000 miles to your engine and it's components. Small issues that you don't notice can become big ones if not taken care of or noticed. We do an inspection on every vehicle that we see every time we see it.  If you think it's time for an oil change on your diesel give us a call and we'll take care of that for you.  Happy Adventures, Heather

Many vehicles come equipped with a sensor that tells you that your brake pad is low and it's time for replacement, others have a "squealer" and when the brake pad gets low then it will start to make a noise. Neither of these work 100% of the time. The best way to know for sure is to have them checked each time you have your oil changed. That way you know in advance and you can plan ahead.  Each time we see your car/van/pickup - what ever it is that you drive - we do a full 52 point inspection, that includes all fluids, brakes, tires, belts and electrical. We want to make sure you're safe on all your travels and that you have nothing to worry about.  Give us a call or stop by and we'll make sure you're ready to go.  Happy Adventures, Heather

If your car is shaking when braking it could be an issue with the pads or the rotors, the best way to know is to have it checked. We do free brake inspections, give us a call or request an appointment on-line and we will get to the bottom of your issue.  Happy Adventures, Heather

Your vehicle can have two types of brakes one are disc brakes and the other are drum brakes. The drums will always be in the rear of the vehicle and the disc can be in the front and or rear also depending on the make and model.  Front and rear disc brake pads should be changed will they are between 2-3 mm of material left. For brakes shoes they should be changed at 2 mm. As for how often that just depends on the type of driving you do and where you're driving. If you drive the freeway then your brakes will probably last longer than if you drive in town all day. If you're towing and going through the mountains expect to change your brakes more frequently.  We do free brake inspections so stop by and we will make sure you're safe on all your adventures.  Happy Adventures, Heather

I know today is black Friday and that itself has become a national holiday, but with all of that please remember to shop at the local stores in your town. They are small businesses trying to provide for there families, they work long hours with very little reward other than to know they are making a difference in the lives of the people who they employ and to there children. We are a small business too and sometimes people forget.  Please remember to shop small and support that local family who is doing their best to make a difference. Happy Adventures,  Heather

Tires wear more in the center when they are over inflated. Proper air pressure is important to your tire health and longevity. It also affects your fuel mileage and vehicle handling.  If you are concerned about your tire pressure stop by and we will check them for you. Happy Adventures Heather 

A couple weeks ago Jason and I were fortunate enough to get to go with our oldest son to a water polo tournament in Modesto California. We made it a family trip and it was an awesome experience. The boys did well in the tournament and I look forward to going again in the future.  That being said it made me think that the holidays are not to far away and with that comes all the travel to grandma's house and to visit all those friends and relatives. This is the time to get your vehicle in to have it checked out. We can give you a list of anything that is important and those things that need to be taken care of in the future. We all just want to get where we are going without having to think about having car issues. Give us a call and we will schedule you an appointment so you get to grandma's house on time.  Happy Adventures Heather

Fall seems to have finally arrived in the pacific northwest,  I have finally become a summer person so I am now mourning the warm weather and sunny days. I know we need the rain and I am grateful for a chance to curl up on the couch with a good book and just relax for a moment.  With all of that comes fall and winter driving. If you grew up in the northwest rain isn't a new thing to you and you should be an expert by the time you get your license, although there are those days that after that long hot spell that the roads are slick and we tend to forget.  Please be safe and just give yourself a little more room to stop. Enjoy those all those fun fall events and colors.  Happy Adventures Heather