Tangent and Albany Auto Repair

When deciding where to service your vehicle, weighing the options between a dealership and a local independent shop is crucial. Dealerships come with brand-specific knowledge, but local independent shops boast a plethora of advantages appealing to a wide spectrum of drivers.   Choosing a local independent shop brings the perk of personalized service to the forefront. The atmosphere here contrasts sharply with the often impersonal vibe found in dealerships. Local shops excel in forging lasting relationships with their clientele, with mechanics frequently greeting customers by name and offering a customized service experience that's tough to find elsewhere. Cost efficiency is another hallmark of local independent shops. Thanks to lower overhead compared to dealership franchises, these shops often offer more affordable solutions for both routine upkeep and more extensive repairs. Independent mechanics are also known for their willingness to seek out budget-friendly alternatives ... read more

  The abrupt cessation of a medium duty truck can be a truck owner's worst nightmare, causing not only inconvenience but potentially significant disruptions to business operations. When a reliable workhorse comes to a sudden halt, it's time to roll up your sleeves and dive into the possible reasons behind the unexpected shutdown. Let's explore some common culprits that could be responsible for your medium duty truck's sudden stoppage. 1. **Fuel System Failures:** One of the primary reasons a medium duty truck might come to a standstill is fuel-related issues. This could range from an empty fuel tank to a clogged fuel filter or a malfunctioning fuel pump. Insufficient or contaminated fuel can disrupt the combustion process, causing the engine to stall.     a. **Check the Fuel Level:** It may seem obvious, but ensuring that your truck has an adequate amount of fuel is the first step in troubleshooting a sudden shutdown.     b. **Inspect the F ... read more

A medium duty truck is a workhorse on the road, designed to handle substantial loads with power and efficiency. However, when these reliable vehicles start experiencing a loss of power, one common culprit that often flies under the radar is an air restriction issue.  1. **Understanding the Role of Air Intake:** The air intake system plays a crucial role in the performance of a medium duty truck. It ensures that the engine receives a consistent and clean supply of air for combustion. This air is essential for the optimal mixing of fuel, facilitating efficient combustion and power generation. 2. **Common Causes of Air Restriction:**     a. **Clogged Air Filters:** Over time, air filters accumulate dirt, debris, and contaminants, gradually restricting the airflow. Regularly inspect and replace air filters to ensure a continuous and clean air supply to the engine.     b. **Faulty Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF):** The MAF sensor measures the amount of air entering t ... read more

There's nothing more frustrating for a truck owner than experiencing a sudden loss of power in their reliable medium duty truck. When your vehicle, which is designed to handle substantial loads, starts underperforming, it can disrupt your daily operations and leave you searching for answers.  1. **Fuel System Issues:** One of the primary culprits for a power loss in medium duty trucks is problems within the fuel system. Issues such as clogged fuel filters, a malfunctioning fuel pump, or injectors can significantly impact the delivery of fuel to the engine. Inadequate fuel supply can result in reduced power and poor performance. Regularly inspect and replace fuel filters as part of your maintenance routine to avoid such problems. 2. **Air Intake Restrictions:** Proper combustion requires a precise mixture of fuel and air. If the air intake system is compromised due to a clogged air filter or a malfunctioning mass airflow sensor, it can lead to a decrease in engine power. Re ... read more

In the world of medium duty trucks, where reliability and performance are paramount, the key to a smooth journey lies in proactive and proper maintenance. Your medium duty truck is not just a mode of transportation; it's an essential tool for your business or operations. **1. Reliability on the Road:** A well-maintained medium duty truck is a reliable companion on the road. Regular maintenance, including checks on essential components such as brakes, tires, and fluids, ensures that your truck is always in optimal condition. Reliability is not just about avoiding breakdowns; it's about having the confidence that your truck can handle the challenges of the road smoothly. **2. Increased Longevity:** Proper maintenance is like a longevity potion for your medium duty truck. Regular oil changes, filter replacements, and inspections contribute to the overall health of your engine and other vital components. This, in turn, extends the lifespan of your truck, reducing the likelihood ... read more

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

Happy 1st day of fall! Preparing your vehicle for the fall season involves specific considerations to ensure safety and functionality as the weather changes. Here are the top 10 things to do to get your vehicle ready for fall: Check Heater and Defroster: Ensure your vehicle's heater and defroster are working properly. As the weather gets colder, you'll need these systems to keep the interior warm and to maintain clear visibility. Inspect Tires and Tread Depth: As road conditions change with wet leaves and potential early frost, adequate tire tread becomes even more critical. Check tire pressure and consider switching to winter or all-season tires for improved traction. Replace Wiper Blades and Fill Washer Fluid: Fall often brings rain and fog, so replace worn wiper blades to maintain clear visibility. Also, ensure your windshield washer fluid is topped up with a solution that can handle colder temperatures. Battery ... read more

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 additives. Fouling: Fouling occurs when the spark plug becomes covered in a layer of fuel, oil, or other contaminants. This can cause misfires and other engine problems. If ... read more

A turbocharger is a device used in internal combustion engines to increase their power output by forcing more air into the engine. It works by using exhaust gases to spin a turbine, which then drives a compressor that pumps more air into the engine's intake system. When an engine burns fuel, it produces exhaust gases that exit the engine through the exhaust system. These exhaust gases have a lot of energy in them, and a turbocharger uses this energy to spin a turbine. As the turbine spins, it drives a compressor, which forces more air into the engine's intake system. This additional air allows more fuel to be burned, which results in more power output from the engine. The turbocharger is essentially a type of forced induction system that increases the density of the air entering the engine, allowing more fuel to be burned and producing more power. It is commonly used in high-performance cars, trucks, and other vehicles to increase their power output without adding excessive w ... read more

Changing your transmission fluid is an important part of maintaining the health and longevity of your vehicle. Here are a few reasons why you should have your transmission fluid changed: Prevents damage to your transmission: Over time, transmission fluid can become contaminated with dirt, debris, and metal particles that can cause damage to your transmission if left unchecked. Regularly changing your transmission fluid can help prevent this damage and extend the life of your transmission. Improves transmission performance: As transmission fluid ages, it can become thick and sluggish, making it harder for your transmission to shift gears smoothly. Changing your transmission fluid can help improve your transmission's performance and make shifting gears easier and smoother. Saves you money in the long run: By preventing damage to your transmission and improving its performance, regular transmission fluid changes can help you avoid expensive repairs or even a complete transmission r ... read more