Tangent and Albany Auto Repair

Those who love Fords, love Ford diesel pickups - if you're a Chevy, GMC or Dodge person I will get to them too - I promise. Fords are renowned for their strength and reliability, there are a few things you should know about your diesel engine.  This can help you maintain your truck and avoid costly repairs. Injector Failure - premature fuel injector failure which is often caused by poor-quality fuel. Symptoms include rough idling, misfires, and a significant drop in fuel efficiency. Regularly using high-quality diesel, changing your fuel filter and regular maintenance can prevent premature failure. They are a wearing part though so they will need to be replaced at some point.  Turbocharger Problems - is your turbocharger lagging? Or has it failed?  These problems might be due to oil contamination, wear, or excessive exhaust temperatures. Regular oil changes and keeping an eye on your truck's exhaust system can help prevent a ... 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

Finding out that your car has overheated can indeed be a worrying ordeal. We aim to shed light on the factors that lead to such situations, providing you with knowledge on preventive actions and effective solutions. Cooling System Failures: A leading cause of car overheating lies within issues in the cooling system. This crucial system includes the radiator, water pump, thermostat, and coolant. Any cooling system component that is faulty can prevent the system's ability to manage the engine's temperature effectively.   Faulty Thermostat: The thermostat has a vital function in managing the coolant flow throughout the engine. If it becomes stuck or doesn't operate as it should, it could interrupt the coolant flow. This disruption might result in inadequate cooling and, eventually, overheating of the engine.   Coolant Leaks: Leaking coolant can stem from several issues like damaged hoses, a corroded radiator, a malfunctioning water pump, or a failing gasket. When ... read more

Discovering a puddle of coolant beneath your car can be a cause for concern, as it indicates a potential issue within the vehicle's cooling system. Let's chat about the common reasons why cars may leak coolant and the importance of addressing coolant leaks promptly to maintain your vehicle's optimal performance. 1. **Damaged Radiator:**    A damaged or corroded radiator can be a primary culprit for coolant leaks. Over time, exposure to heat and environmental factors can lead to cracks or weakened areas in the radiator, allowing coolant to escape. 2. **Worn or Loose Hose Connections:**    The cooling system relies on hoses to transport coolant between the radiator, engine, and other components. If these hoses become worn, cracked, or have loose connections, it can result in coolant leaks. Regular inspection and replacement of damaged hoses are crucial preventive measures. 3. **Faulty Water Pump:**    The water pump is responsible for cir ... read more

Your car could be overheating due to a leak in the cooling system. If there is not enough coolant sometimes called antifreeze in your system then it will cause your engine to overheat. When this happens it can cause damage to your engine.  Give us a call and let us take care of you.  Happy Adventures,  Heather

Your vehicle may be overheating due to low coolant from a coolant leak. Coolant is an important component in your car - just an important as fuel. Coolant keeps your engine at a proper temperature and prevents damage. The cooling system consists of your radiator, water pump, thermostat, radiator hoses, heater hoses, expansion plugs, and heater core.  If you have a coolant leak give us a call and we will let you know what needs to be done to get you back on the road again. 541-791-2886 Happy Adventures, Heather  

Your car could overheat because of a handful of reasons, the first would be to check to make sure it has coolant (antifreeze) in it and that it is the correct type for your engine. After that it could be a number of mechanical or electrical issues that is causing your issue. The best way to know for sure and to prevent damage to your engine is to have it checked.  Give us a call and we will make sure you're safe on all your travels. 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

If your pickup or car is overheating it needs to be checked out. An overheating issue can cause engine damage and then a simple fix could lead to a much more complicated fix. Give us a call and we will get you in and make sure you don't have a bigger issue going on. Happy Adventures, Heather