Tangent and Albany Auto Repair

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

When it comes to the smooth operation of your vehicle, many factors play a crucial role, and among them are the often-overlooked motor mounts and transmission mounts. These sturdy components are responsible for securing your engine and transmission, ensuring they work seamlessly with the frame of your vehicle. Let's chat about the significance of motor and transmission mounts, their functions, signs of wear, and why keeping an eye on them is essential for a trouble-free ride. Understanding Motor Mounts: A Sturdy Foundation Motor mounts, also known as engine mounts, are structural components that connect your vehicle's engine to its frame. Their primary function is to support the engine and absorb the vibrations and movements generated during operation. This ensures a smooth and stable ride, preventing excessive noise and reducing the impact of engine vibrations on the vehicle and its occupants. Signs of Worn Motor Mounts: 1. Excessive Vibrations: If you notice an ... read more

Your pickup could be shaking from a bad u-joint in the driveline. It's best to have it checked out, if you leave it to long it could cause damage to your driveline and other components.  Give us a call or schedule online and we will make sure you're safe and good to go.  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 you have a transmission mount that is going bad you will probably feel more vibration, perhaps hear some clunking in your vehicle. If your car is making starting to have a vibration where it didn't before you should have it checked to make sure you stay safe on the road.  Happy Adventures Heather

Why does my car shake when accelerating? This could be from a faulty motor mount or a tire weight. The best way to know is to have it checked to make sure you're safe on the road. Give us a call or use our online schedule to make an appointment. Happy Adventures Heather

When does my car need a tune up? That just depends on the engine that you have in your vehicle. Some are due every 30,000 miles and others can wait until every 90K. Either way regularly scheduled maintenance is the best thing for the health of your vehicle and to keep you on your way. Give us a call and we will get you on the schedule. Happy Adventures Heather

  We had this question the other day and I thought wow that is an awesome question. Most people just assume that it's just a good thing to have and really and that it is updated technology.   I found this picture on-line and I thought it was the perfect way to describe the difference between the two.   Without ABS in a hard braking situation you could slide and then possibly lose control of your vehicle. If you have ABS then your brakes will pulsate in a hard brake and allow you to remain in control of your vehicle.   Most vehicles are now equipped with ABS as a standard feature. For those looking for a classic or older model car this is something that you should ask about.     Happy Adventures Heather

For one when is it happening? Let's just say it's happening when you are braking. This is more than likely an issue with your brake rotors. When you apply the brakes and the pad meets the rotor it transfers a small amount of material from the pad to the rotor, if this happens at an uneven rate then it can create a variation in thickness. This variation when braking can cause the shaking.  Unfortunately there are a hundred different theories and ideas. When this happens though the rotors and pads will should be replaced for the shaking to stop.  There are many other reasons for your vehicle to shake when driving. I would recommend having it looked at just to keep you safe.  Happy Travels, Heather  

    Searching through google today so many of you had questions concerning your car while it was at an idle. Typically your car should be running smooth while you are sitting at a light, parking lot or your driveway. This will be true for the everyday vehicle, for those who have a sports car or a performance car that will is not as true of a statement, but let's focus on the majority here. If you're having an issue it could very well be a motor mount or transmission mount. Those are the parts that mount your engine and transmission to the frame of your vehicle. After a period of time they begin to break down and they can break or crack causing excess movement of your engine or transmission. Some of the newer ones are a hydraulic mount and will be begin to leak as they get older. I would consider them a wearing item on any vehicle that will eventually have to be replaced, but typically not to often.  If you're having an issue with your vehicle please let u ... read more