Tangent and Albany Auto Repair

Why Is My Car's A/C Blowing Hot Air? Experiencing a blast of hot air from your car's A/C on a scorching day can be frustrating. Several factors might be causing this issue.  Refrigerant Leak One of the primary reasons your car's A/C might be blowing hot air is a refrigerant leak. The refrigerant is essential for cooling the air inside your car, and if there’s a leak, the A/C system can’t function properly. Leaks can occur due to damaged hoses, connections, or the compressor itself. The A/C compressor will not turn on if the refrigerant is low.  Faulty Compressor The compressor is where the magic happens. It compresses the refrigerant and circulates it through the system. If the compressor fails, the refrigerant won't move, and you’ll get nothing but warm air. If you're compressor is failing or has failed it may make strange noises and typically you will have a complete lack of cooling.  Clogged Condenser The refrigerant gets hot ... read more

Youu might have heard the term "diesel engine runaway." This frightening phenomenon occurs when a diesel engine revs uncontrollably, often leading to severe damage if not promptly addressed. Understanding the causes behind this issue can help prevent it and help prepare you if it ever occurs. A diesel engine runaway happens when the engine starts to consume fuel uncontrollably. Unlike gasoline engines, diesel engines rely on compression to ignite the fuel, which means they can run on a variety of fuel sources, including engine oil or other flammable substances that might find their way into the combustion chamber. This is where the problem begins. One common cause of diesel engine runaway is a failure in the turbocharger. The turbocharger, which boosts engine power by forcing more air into the combustion chamber, can leak oil from its seals into the intake system. When this oil gets into the combustion chamber, the engine treats it as fuel. Since the engine can keep ru ... read more

Overheating can be a serious concern for any vehicle, especially pickup trucks, which are often subjected to heavy loads and tough driving conditions. As an automotive expert, I'll guide you through the common reasons why your pickup might overheat and what steps you can take to prevent this issue, ensuring your truck runs efficiently and safely. Understanding Overheating in Pickup Trucks: Overheating occurs when your engine's temperature exceeds its normal operating range, and it can lead to significant engine damage if not addressed promptly. Several factors can contribute to your pickup truck overheating, from simple maintenance overlooks to more serious mechanical failures. Common Causes of Overheating: Cooling System Leaks: One of the most common causes of overheating is a leak in the cooling system. Hoses, the radiator, water pump, thermostat housing, and the heater core are all common leak points. Coolant leaks reduce the overall fluid level, impairing the system&rsquo ... read more

The shocks on your vehicle, often paired with struts, play a crucial role in maintaining a smooth and stable ride. They are key components of your vehicle's suspension system, ensuring that your car handles road irregularities with ease, maintaining comfort and safety. However, like all mechanical parts, shocks wear out over time and need replacing to ensure optimal vehicle performance. As an automotive expert, I’m here to guide you through why keeping your shocks in good condition is essential for your driving experience. Shocks are essentially hydraulic pump-like devices that help control the impact and rebound movement of your vehicle's springs and suspension. Apart from smoothing out bumps and vibrations, they also keep your tires in constant contact with the road, which enhances safety and control. When shocks begin to wear, they can no longer perform these critical functions effectively. The primary reason to replace old shocks is for safety. Worn shocks reduce th ... read more

The cooling system of a vehicle is a key player in maintaining the engine's longevity and efficiency. Designed to keep the engine from overheating while it generates power, this system circulates coolant to absorb and dissipate heat effectively. However, just like any other part of your vehicle, the cooling system requires regular maintenance to function properly. Neglecting this crucial system can lead to a host of problems, from minor inconveniences to major engine failures. As an automotive repair expert, I'll explain why regular service of your cooling system is essential for your vehicle's health. The primary role of the cooling system is to prevent the engine from overheating. The engine operates efficiently within a certain temperature range. If the cooling system fails, the engine temperature can rise excessively, leading to overheating. This can cause engine components to malfunction, warp, or even melt, potentially resulting in costly repairs or complete engine f ... read more

For those who are wondering a front differential is only found in four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles. It plays a crucial role when you need all four wheels to have power. This functionality is vital for maintaining traction and stability. Like any part of a vehicle, the front differential can fail, leading to potential driving hazards and costly repairs. Common Causes of Front Differential Failure One of the primary reasons for front differential failure is insufficient lubrication. The differential contains gears and bearings that need constant lubrication to operate smoothly. This prevents excess heat and a costly breakdown. Another cause can be the use of incorrect lubricants. Each vehicle has specific requirements for the type of lubricant needed. This is based on its design and operational demands. Using the wrong type can lead to increased friction among the moving parts. Physical damage from road debris or accidents can also lead to differential problems. For inst ... read more

Diesel engines are known for their efficiency and durability, which is largely due to their unique fuel injection system. Unlike gasoline engines that mix air and fuel before they enter the combustion chamber, diesel engines inject fuel directly into compressed, hot air at high pressure. This method, known as direct injection, allows for greater efficiency and power in diesel engines. Fuel injectors are complex mechanisms that must deliver fuel at the right moment, in the correct quantity, and in a precise pattern. This precision ensures optimal combustion, which leads to better engine performance and fuel efficiency while minimizing harmful emissions. Symptoms of Faulty Fuel Injectors Decreased Fuel Efficiency: If your diesel engine starts consuming more fuel than usual, a faulty injector could be the culprit. Engine Misfires: When fuel injectors do not deliver fuel properly, it can cause the engine to misfire, which you might notice as a stutter or hesitation when the engine is runni ... read more

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

Medium duty trucks are the backbone of local commerce, relied upon for their versatility and durability in performing a variety of tasks—from delivery services to municipal operations. One key particular component is the wheel bearing. Proper maintenance of wheel bearings is crucial not only for the performance of a truck but also for safety on the road. The Essence of Wheel Bearings in Medium Duty Trucks: Wheel bearings are integral to the truck's wheel assembly, enabling smooth rotation of the tires on the road. They bear the brunt of the truck's weight while minimizing friction during tire rotation, which is vital for efficient, safe driving. Given the substantial loads carried by medium duty trucks and the distances they travel, the wheel bearings face significant stress and are prone to wear and tear.   Recognizing the Signs of Wheel Bearing Wear: The first step in maintaining wheel bearings is recognizing the signs of wear and tear. Drivers may notice a hummi ... read more

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