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Batteries
The primary job of your vehicle’s battery is to help start the
engine. However, it also stores energy generated by the alternator
and runs the secondary electrical systems or additional components
in your vehicle. To help you take care of your battery, technicians
at Carney Tire & Car Care Center will:
- Tighten loose hold-down clamps and terminals
- Remove corrosion
- Check the alternator belt tension and wear
Belts & Hoses
Belts and hoses are extremely important to your vehicle. If they fail, your vehicle could break down. To help prevent this, make sure your belts and hoses are checked at regular intervals. An easy way to remember is to have them checked every 3,000 miles or with every oil change at your Gemini Automotive Care Provider. During a belt inspection, technicians at Carney Tire & Car Care Center check each belt for:
- Glazing, cracking, peeling and softening
- Proper tensioning
- Proper drive pulley alignment
During a hose inspection, technicians at Carney Tire & Car Care Center:
- Check for leaks
- Check for hardening, cracking and softening
- Perform a cooling system pressure test to help check for
leaks
Brakes
Brakes are one of the most important components on your vehicle.
You need the confidence of knowing that when you press your foot
to the brake, your vehicle is going to stop. That's why it's important
to keep these tips in mind to help keep your brakes functioning
properly: Have your brakes checked by your Gemini Automotive Care
Provider at least once a year — more often if you drive frequently
in city traffic or live in a hilly area. Never drive with the parking
brake on. If you hear a high-pitched squeak when you use the brakes,
have them checked. If you hear a scratching or grinding noise when
not braking, this also can be a sign of a brake or bearing issue
and should be inspected immediately. Check your brake fluid along
with other car fluids. If you have to add fluid more than once every
few months, you may have a leak.
Drivelines
The driveline of your vehicle takes the power generated by the
engine and transforms it into the rotation of the wheels, and therefore,
the speed of the vehicle. Here are some tips for maintaining your
driveline: Watch and maintain the proper level of transmission fluid
Ask a technician at Carney Tire & Car Care Center to inspect your
CV and universal joints for loss of lubricant or excessive movement
Bring your vehicle in for a test drive to check for any noises or
vibration taking place during acceleration that could indicate a
joint problem
Electrical Systems
Your vehicle's electrical system is made up of a complex network of circuits that create, store and distribute energy where it's needed. Much of your electrical system maintenance can be done through Gemini Automotive Care Providers. During a battery inspection, technicians at Carney Tire & Car Care Center check:
- Overall car battery and case condition
- Cable connections
- Hold-down hardware
Checking the starter means:
- Inspecting cable connections
- Inspecting mounting bolts and brackets
- A Starter Electrical "Draw" Test, to check the amount of electricity needed to turn the engine over
Checking the alternator means:
- Conducting an overall visual inspection
- Inspecting the drive belt
- Inspecting the mounting brackets
- Testing electrical connections
- A Charging System Test to ensure that the alternator current
and voltage are to manufacturer's specifications.
Engine Diagnostics
Today's vehicles are equipped with highly sophisticated electronic engine control systems. The computer receives information from a network of sensors and switches that tells your ignition, fuel and emission control systems what to do. At the first sign of any engine problems, such as rough running, low fuel economy, failure to pass an emissions test or dashboard warning lights, be sure to get service as soon as possible. By tapping into your vehicle's computer, technicians at Carney Tire & Car Care Center can check a multitude of engine components:
- Ignition system
- Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
- Restraint systems
- Fuel injection system
- Emissions Electrical
Fluids Every vehicle needs several automotive fluids in order to run properly. Some of the most important fluids include engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, antifreeze and power steering fluid. Bring your vehicle to a Gemini Automotive Care Provider to make sure your vehicle's fluids are:
- Filled to the proper level
- Clean and clear Free of leaks
Heating & Air Conditioning
To keep warm and cozy or cool and comfortable, it's best to maintain your heating and air conditioning systems with your Gemini Automotive Care Provider. A thorough inspection includes: Inspecting the interior controls and blower Checking radiator coolant level, hoses, pressure cap and thermostat Testing the compressor belt Checking for leaks or other damage System testing includes:
- A cooling system pressure test
- Comparing the A/C pressure to manufacturer specifications
- Testing the A/C system for refrigerant leaks
- Checking the interior vent air temperature
Oil, Lube & Filter
Change Your vehicle relies on oil, lubrication and an oil filter to keep it running smoothly. Every three months or 3,000 miles, your vehicle should be ready for an oil change. Check owner’s manual for specific recommendations for your vehicle. Oil, lube and filter changes at your Gemini Automotive Care Provider include:
- Changing the oil filter
- Checking the air filter
- Checking and topping off all fluids under the hood
- Lubricating all fittings
- Checking engine for leaks
- Checking belts and hoses
- Checking tire pressure
- Checking entire undercarriage
Preventative Maintenance
Bringing your vehicle to your Gemini Automotive Care Provider
for regular service is the best way for you to save money on automotive
costs and save time on easily avoidable mechanical problems. To
keep your car running longer, schedule regular maintenance for tire-
and manufacturer-recommended engine maintenance. It will help you
avoid the problems that cost you extra time and money.
Steering & Suspension Systems
The steering and suspension systems bear the weight of your vehicle, keep the tires on the road and help you experience a smooth, controlled ride. To help make sure your steering and suspension systems are working properly, a technician at Carney Tire & Car Care Center can examine all of your steering and suspension components, including:
- Tie Rod Ends (inner and outer)
- Idler Arm
- Pitman Arm
- Rack and Pinion Unit
- Rack and Pinion Bellows
- Boots Springs Shock and/or Struts
Tire Services
Taking Care Of Your Tires
With some simple maintenance, your tires can help keep you on
the road for thousands of trouble-free miles. Visit a technician
at Carney Tire & Car Care Center to keep you running safely and
smoothly.
Tune-Ups
A tune-up is essential to vehicle maintenance. It helps prevent problems while identifying and replacing worn parts. Maintaining a regular tune-up schedule will help your vehicle last longer, as well as get better gas mileage and performance. Most vehicles require regularly scheduled tune-ups around every 30,000 miles. Check your vehicle's owner's manual to see if this is correct for your vehicle. A thorough tune-up performed by a technician at Carney Tire & Car Care Center includes:
- Replacing the air filter
- Replacing the fuel filter(s)
- Installing new spark plugs and replacing any worn spark plug wires
- Inspecting and installing a new distributor cap if one is needed
- Inspecting and installing a new rotor if the old one has cracks, burning or carbon build-up Inspecting the valve-cover gasket and adjusting the valves (on vehicles with adjustable valves)
- Checking and topping off all fluids
- Checking the battery and cleaning the terminals
- Replacing the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve, if clogged