Tangent and Albany Auto Repair

Diesel fuel injectors operate under high pressure. They inject fuel into the combustion chamber at precise moments, creating a fine mist that mixes with air. This mixture ignites when compressed by the piston, producing power. Types of Diesel Fuel Injectors There are several types of diesel fuel injectors, each with its own characteristics: Common Rail Injectors: These injectors use a high-pressure common rail system to deliver fuel to the injectors. They offer precise control over fuel injection timing and quantity. Unit Injector: This type combines the injector and fuel pump into a single unit, simplifying the fuel delivery system. Pumpe Düse (PD): PD injectors incorporate a pump and injector in a single unit, providing high injection pressure and precise control. Common Diesel Fuel Injector Problems Diesel fuel injectors can experience various issues, including: Clogging: Contaminants in the fuel can clog the injector nozzles, leading to reduced fuel ... read more

Brake pads are one of the most critical components of your car's braking system. They are responsible for stopping your vehicle, and their condition can significantly impact your safety on the road. While they may not be as glamorous as other car parts, understanding brake pads and their importance is essential for every driver. What are Brake Pads? Brake pads are friction materials that press against a rotor (or drum) to slow down or stop a vehicle. They are typically made of a composite material containing asbestos-free fibers, metal, and various binders. The specific composition of a brake pad can affect its performance, durability, and noise level. How Do Brake Pads Work? When you press the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure is applied to the brake calipers. This pressure forces the brake pads against the rotors, creating friction. This friction converts kinetic energy (the energy of motion) into heat, causing the vehicle to slow down or stop ... read more

  Brake grinding is a common automotive issue that can signal a variety of problems. While it's often attributed to worn brake pads, there are other potential causes. Understanding the root of the problem is crucial for ensuring your safety and preventing costly repairs. Common Causes of Brake Grinding: Worn Brake Pads: This is the most frequent culprit. When brake pads wear down to their metal backing plates, they can grind against the rotors, causing a harsh noise. Metal-to-Metal Contact: If the brake pads have worn completely, metal-to-metal contact can occur, leading to severe damage to the rotors and brakes. This is a dangerous situation and requires immediate attention. Foreign Objects: Rocks, debris, or other objects can become lodged between the brake pads and rotors, causing a grinding noise. Warped Rotors: Overheating or excessive braking can warp rotors, leading to uneven wear and vibration. Signs of Brake Trouble: Grinding or squealing n ... read more

If you've ever driven a car, chances are you've seen that dreaded blinking light on your dashboard. It's the check engine light, and it can be a source of stress and anxiety for any driver. But don't panic just yet. In most cases, the check engine light doesn't mean your car is about to fall apart. What Does the Check Engine Light Mean? The check engine light is essentially a warning signal from your car's onboard computer. It indicates that there's a problem with one or more of your vehicle's systems. While it can be a sign of a serious issue, it's often something minor that can be easily addressed. Common Causes of the Check Engine Light Loose Gas Cap: This is one of the most common reasons for the check engine light to come on. A loose gas cap can cause the fuel system to leak, triggering a code. Oxygen Sensor Issues: Oxygen sensors monitor the amount of oxygen in your exhaust. If they're malfunctioning, it can affect your car ... read more

We've all been there, that weird noise when your turning. At first you wonder if you actually heard it at all and then you hear it again and think oh no, I might have a problem. If you've heard a clicking noise it's not something you should ignore. It could be serious and we want to keep you safe on the road. There are a few things that can cause a clicking noise on your vehicle. One is worn out CV joints. CV joints are located at the end of the axle shafts. All of those revolutions overtime wear things out. CV joints are a wearable item and it's not an uncommon repair for a vehicle. Especially if you have over-sized tires. If you're having a noise when turning it needs to be checked sooner rather than later. If it goes on to long it could cause your axle to break.  Your wheel bearings are another piece that will cause a noise when turning. Your wheel bearings spin smoothly eliminating the friction from between the wheel and the axle. If it is worn out or da ... read more

When your car’s engine starts to overheat, it’s a clear sign that something is wrong with the cooling system. The cooling system is designed to regulate your engine's temperature, ensuring it stays within a safe operating range. If this system fails, your engine can overheat, leading to serious damage if not addressed promptly. Understanding the causes of overheating can help you take quick action and prevent costly repairs. Coolant Leaks One of the most common reasons for an overheating engine is a coolant leak. Coolant, also known as antifreeze, is the liquid that circulates through the engine to absorb heat and keep it cool. If there’s a leak in the system, the coolant level can drop too low, reducing its ability to cool the engine. Common places for coolant leaks include the radiator, hoses, water pump, and head gasket. You might notice puddles of green, orange, or pink fluid under your car, or see steam coming from under the hood if the coolant is leaking ... read more

If you've ever had your car stall you know how frustrating and frightening it can be.  When I hear that an engine is stalling my first thought is besides the normal oh crap is do we have an issue with the fueling system? If your engine is not getting enough fuel then it can cause it to stall. One possible reason that it's not getting enough fuel would be a clogged or restricted fuel filter. Your fuel filters job is to keep dirt and debris out of your engine and over time it can become clogged with that debris. Your fuel filter should be replaced every 10,000 to 15,000 miles. As a quick note not every vehicle has a serviceable fuel filter. Many fuel filters are part of the fuel pump and are a only changed when the fuel pump fails. That brings us to our next option - a failed fuel pump. If your fuel pump has failed then it would cause your car to stall and not re-start. Your fuel pump will not give you warning when it has decided to stop working. There is one thing t ... read more

That spot under your car is never a welcome sight, yet one that we have all had the joy to experience at one or another during our lives. The first question is what is it? It could be oil, transmission fluid, gear oil, coolant, the list goes on. Either way we both know that it needs to be addressed before it becomes a bigger problem.  Let’s just say it’s an oil leak. We can discuss the other fluids and where they leak from another day. Where is this oil leak coming from? Most likely a worn-out gasket or seal. That is the most common place for an oil leak to start, and like most things in life one day are not there and the next they are. Sometimes they start slow and other times they just want to leak.  Any oil leak is bad, engine oil is vital to keeping your engine running smoothly and if it has a leak that means that it may not have enough. Let’s start from the top of the engine and work our way down. The topmost gasket on your engine is your valve cover ... read more

Have you ever noticed that your car seems to drift to one side when you’re driving straight or when you let go of the steering wheel? This is known as pulling, and it’s a sign that something isn’t quite right with your vehicle. Driving a car that pulls to one side can be frustrating and even dangerous, so it’s important to understand what might be causing it and how to fix it. Misaligned Wheels One of the most common reasons your car might pull to one side is misaligned wheels. Wheel alignment refers to the angle at which your wheels meet the road. If the alignment is off, your car will naturally drift to the left or right instead of going straight. Misalignment can happen gradually from regular driving or suddenly after hitting a pothole, curb, or other obstacles. If your car is pulling and you haven’t had an alignment check in a while, it’s a good idea to have it looked at. Proper alignment not only helps your car drive straight but also improve ... read more

If you’ve noticed a strong smell of gasoline in or around your car, it’s something you shouldn’t ignore. A gas smell isn’t just unpleasant—it can be a sign that something is wrong with your vehicle and couple potentional be dangerous.  One of the most common reasons your car might smell like gas is a gasoline leak. There are several places where a leak can occur: - Fuel lines - your fuel lines carry gasoline from the tank to the engine. If these lines become cracked, damaged, or loose, gas can leak out, causing a strong smell. Leaks in the fuel lines are particularly dangerous because they can lead to fire hazards. - Fuel Tank - The gas tank itself can develop leaks due to corrosion, damage, or wear and tear. If the tank is leaking, you might notice the smell of gas, along with puddles of gasoline under your car. - Fuel Injectors - Fuel injectors are responsible for spraying fuel into the engine’s cylinders.  - Gas Cap ... read more