Albany Auto Repair

This unfortunately is not something you can identify on your own.  There are multiple reasons why a heater is not properly functioning.  This is where a good mechanic comes in handy.  Crabtree Automotive has two amazing technicians that can diagnose anything.     Here is a list of some signs to keep a lookout for which will help with diagnosing.   Not hot air coming through the vents. Airflow doesn’t seem to blow as hard. Odd odor coming from the vent. Windows fogging. When you check your overflow reservoir there is nothing in it.   Check engine light. Your vehicle is overheating. Coolant is leaking.     These issues can be very costly if left unchecked.  Save yourself some money and have a trusted mechanic look at it right away.  These issues can be something as simple as closed or clogged vents, extremely dirty air filters, broken heating controls, to as severe as heater core problems, failing ... read more

Why are my headlights so dim?   Luckily this is typically a very quick, easy, and cheap fix.  The most common issue is that your bulb is starting to burn out.     Here are a few common issues:     Your Headlight Lense.  Is it starting to yellow or get discolored?  Is it no longer clear?  A quick but temporary fix is to use a Headlight Restoration Kit to help clear up that discoloration.   Discolored Bulbs.  The bulbs themselves could have build-up on the inside causing the light to be dim.  For this you just need to replace the bulb.     Here are a couple bigger issues:   Wire Corrosion.  If the wires are damaged or corroded it keeps electricity from flowing as needed thus giving the headlights less power and making them less bright.  This is definitely something a mechanic will need to diagnose and fix. Alternator.  Your alternator provides power to most of your ... read more

I like my brakes to stop my car and I am sure you do to!  It is vitally important to change your brake pads before they get too worn.  Brakes need to be clean, free of any liquids.  A quick brake inspection should be done at every oil change, every 3-5 thousand miles.  On average brakes should be replaced every 25,000 miles depending on your driving conditions.  Stop and go traffic is very hard on brakes.   Here are 4 signs that you waited too long to replace your brakes:  1.  You hear a grinding noise when applying the brake pedal.   2.  You should never feel vibration or pulsation when braking. 3.  Noise!  Squeaking, squealing, screeching.     Brakes are meant to keep you from an accident.  Save yourself some time and money by maintaining your brakes (replacing before they are worn down) and not waiting until it is too late.  At Crabtree Automotive we do a complimentary inspection on ... read more

As a technician it makes us confused why manufactures are starting to recommend more and more mileage in between oil changes.  A lot of things can happen in 10,000 miles.    Oil changes are inexpensive compared to replacing an engine.  In these pictures you can see what happens when regular maintenance is not being done.  The Engine oil pickup is completely plugged with oil sludge.  Lack of service is the main cause.  A plugged oil pickup can severely cause a lack of oil flow to the engine, resulting in severe engine damage.                                                           Give us a call today to find out what we recommend for your vehicle.  There is a mileage difference between regular and synthetic oil changes.  It doesn't matter whether you drive a Honda or a Volks ... read more

Crabtree Automotive is proud to help sponsor this great event! This is the biggest OBS Ford specific event in the country! The event kicks-off this year on Friday afternoon at an awesome new location just outside Salem at the Powerland Heritage Park! The new venue offers tons of grass and shade parking as wells as 14 unique on-site heritage museums with something for everyone (vintage and antique cars/trucks and heavy equipment). More details about the venue can be found here: https://www.antiquepowerland.com/   Get More Details Here:  https://obssolutions.net/products/2022-no-bs-obs-truck-show-n-swap?variant=4179

You would be surprised how quickly your cabin air filter can get filled with dirt and debris!    Smoke from fires, dirt from Farmers tilling up their ground, trees, etc.  This is why we check it at every oil change.   The cabin air filter is responsible for filtering out pollutants from the air into the cabin.  If your cabin air filter is dirty it will be unable to do its job allowing pollen and other allergens into your vehicle.   By keeping a clean filter it will allow proper airflow through your ventilation system keeping your components from being overworked and having the possibility of burning your motor and causing your air conditioning to stop working.   A sign your filter might need to be changed is if your vents aren't blowing as strong as they used to.   At Crabtree Automotive we work on all makes and models of vehicles, even European.  From Honda's to Audi's.  Just give us a call ... read more

It depends on your vehicle, if it is gas or diesel, and driving conditions.  We suggest a service to check the tune up components for wear and tear which is done on every oil change that comes through our shop.  You can look in your owner’s manual for a general idea but we would suggest going with what your trusted shop recommends as they know your car and your driving conditions the best.       https://www.crabtreeautorepair.com/appointments

Just like your engine oil, transmission fluid breaks down and has a service life depending on the vehicle and what its job duties are. Service intervals can be found in your owner's manual but we have found these intervals to not be adequate with today’s driving conditions.  We suggest every 30,000 miles on vehicles and if extreme towing is all the vehicle does it is always good to shoot for 15,000 to 20,000 miles.  Maintaining and servicing your vehicle will prolong its life immensely so you don’t have the costly expense of replacing a transmission at the most inopportune time.  Knowing when maintenance is due is also a great way to budget your finances.       https://www.crabtreeautorepair.com/appointments

Whether purchasing from a dealership or a private party you will ask if the vehicle can be taken to a certified automotive facility.  (ASE trained technicians, a NAPA auto care center or a Tech Net Shop).   Most dealerships and private parties are fine with this.  If they don’t want to oblige then this might have red flags and you should probably pass over this vehicle.  Here at Crabtree Automotive we do a 36-point inspection for any minor or major issues.  This gives you an idea if you need to negotiate the price and to know what the vehicle’s future operating costs are.       https://www.crabtreeautorepair.com/appointments

    These thorough inspections take anywhere from 1-2 hours. This is because we test drive for any driving concerns. Also making sure the AC is blowing cold and the power windows and locks are working as they should. Also checking for any leaks and corrosion and make sure it wasn't in any wreck. We scan the computer to make sure there are no stored codes. Then we go in-debth and check fluids, steering and suspension, braking system, and engine cooling system. All of this comes to you via text message or email. You can take the time to look at all the photos and videos showing the issues our technicians ran across.   https://www.crabtreeautorepair.com/appointments