Tangent and Albany Auto Repair

Owning or operating a medium duty truck involves tackling heavy tasks and enduring rigorous conditions. To ensure your truck remains a reliable workhorse, it's vital to pay attention to an often overlooked component: the rear differential. This crucial part allows the wheels of your truck to rotate at different speeds, particularly important when you're making turns. Let’s chat why regular maintenance of your truck’s rear differential is so crucial: Prevents Wear and Tear With every mile you drive, your truck's differential is put under immense stress, much like the strain on a heavy iron rod being twisted by hand. This can cause significant wear and tear on its components without proper lubrication and periodic maintenance. Keeping everything well-lubricated and checked regularly helps minimize this risk and ensures all parts function smoothly. Enhances Performance Servicing the differential not only maintains but can improve your truck’s handling. This i ... read more

When diesel engines produce smoke, it's usually indicative of two potential issues that can impact their performance. The first common cause is an excessive amount of fuel entering the engine without being efficiently utilized during combustion. This can occur due to issues such as a malfunctioning fuel injector or an incorrect fuel-to-air ratio. The second reason for smoke in diesel engines is related to oil consumption. If the engine is burning oil along with fuel, it can result in visible smoke emissions. This scenario often points to problems like worn-out piston rings, valve seals, or other components in the engine that are allowing oil to enter the combustion chamber. Addressing these issues promptly is crucial for maintaining the optimal efficiency of your engine. When too much fuel goes unburned or when oil is consumed improperly, it can lead to decreased fuel efficiency, increased emissions, and potential damage to engine components over time. Regular inspections and ma ... read more

Maintaining the exhaust system of your medium-duty truck is crucial for optimal performance. An exhaust blockage can lead to a range of issues, from decreased efficiency to total vehicle downtime. In this exploration, we'll unpack the reasons behind exhaust blockage in medium-duty trucks, discuss common culprits, and share actionable solutions to keep your vehicle running smoothly. The exhaust system is integral to the functioning of your medium-duty truck. It safely escorts combustion by-products out of the engine, contributing to the engine's efficiency, reducing noise, controlling emissions, and even optimizing fuel consumption. A blockage within this system can therefore significantly affect your truck's performance. Accumulation of Soot and Carbon Deposits- The build-up of soot and carbon in exhaust components like the diesel particulate filter (DPF) and exhaust manifold is a normal byproduct of combustion that can escalate into a blockage issue if not properly manag ... read more

Your vehicle is more than just a mode of transportation; it's an investment in convenience, freedom, and, most importantly, your safety. Just like any investment, proper care and maintenance are essential to ensure that it serves you well for years to come.  1. **Extended Lifespan:** Regular maintenance is akin to giving your vehicle a prescription for a long and healthy life. Simple tasks such as regular oil changes, tire rotations, and fluid checks can significantly extend the lifespan of your vehicle. By addressing minor issues promptly, you prevent them from escalating into major, costly problems down the road. 2. **Optimal Performance:** Think of your vehicle as an athlete; it performs at its best when it's in peak condition. Regular maintenance, including air filter changes, spark plug replacements, and fuel system cleanings, ensures that your vehicle operates at its optimal level. This not only enhances performance but also contributes to better fuel efficiency ... 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

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

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

Nestled within the intricate machinery of your engine lies a critical component responsible for maintaining synchrony among its various moving parts—the timing belt. Let's chat about the importance of changing your timing belt, the role it plays in engine operation and the potential consequences of neglecting its replacement. 1. **Vital Engine Synchronization:**    The timing belt, also known as a camshaft drive belt, is responsible for synchronizing the rotation of the engine's crankshaft and camshaft. This synchronization is crucial for precise opening and closing of the engine's valves, ensuring optimal combustion and overall performance. 2. **Preventing Catastrophic Engine Damage:**    Timing belts are subject to wear and tear over time. If a timing belt fails or breaks, the consequences can be severe. In interference engines, where the valves and pistons share the same space, a broken timing belt can lead to a collision between them, re ... read more

The transmission of your medium-duty truck is a complex and vital component that plays a key role in the vehicle's overall performance. Ensuring its health and longevity through proper maintenance is crucial for a smooth and efficient ride. Let's chat about the essential aspects of transmission maintenance to keep your medium-duty truck shifting gears with precision. Fluid Levels and Quality: The transmission fluid is the lifeblood of your truck's transmission system. Regularly check the fluid levels using the dipstick, ensuring they fall within the recommended range. Additionally, pay attention to the quality of the fluid – it should be clean and transparent. If the fluid appears discolored or has a burnt smell, it's time for a change. Regular Fluid Changes: Transmission fluid degrades over time due to heat and friction. Regular fluid changes are essential to maintain proper lubrication and cooling within the transmission. Refer to the manufacturer ... read more

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