Car Care Clinic helps take the mystery out of car repair. Listed here are some of the basic services we provide. Read on to gain a better understanding of the systems and parts at work under the hood of your vehicle.

1. 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, we a Car Care Clinic help:

Troubleshooting Guide For Batteries »
These are common indications that you may need a new battery or battery connections. If you experience any of these problems, schedule an appointment with your Car Care Clinic.

• Your vehicle won't start.
• The vehicle is silent when you turn the key in the ignition.
• Your vehicle makes a clicking noise but won't start.
• The battery keeps running down.
• The battery seems weak and fails to crank your engine normally.

2. 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 Car Care Clinic
During a belt inspection, technicians at Car Care Clinic facilities check each belt for:

• Glazing, cracking, peeling and softening
• Proper tensioning
• Proper drive pulley alignment

During a hose inspection, technicians at Car Care Clinic facilities:

• Check for leaks
• Check for hardening, cracking and softening
• Perform a cooling system pressure test to help check for leaks

3. 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 Car Care Clinic at least twice 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.

Troubleshooting Guide for Brakes »
Here are some common signs when you should take your vehicle to Car Care Clinic for brake service.

• Your vehicle pulls to one side when you apply the brakes.
• The brake pedal sinks to the floor when pressure is maintained.
• You hear or feel a scraping or grinding sensation during braking.
• You hear a high-pitched, piercing metallic sound while the vehicle is in motion.
• The "brake" light on the instrument panel lights up.

4. 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 a Car Care Clinic facility 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

5. 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 a Gemini Automotive Care facility 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

6. 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 Car Care Clinic to make sure your vehicle's fluids are:

• Filled to the proper level
• Clean and clear
• Free of leaks

Troubleshooting Guide for Fluids »

If you notice stains, puddles or drops of fluid under your vehicle, check them immediately, and call Car Care Clinic.

• Yellowish green, pastel blue or fluorescent orange colors could indicate an overheated engine, or an antifreeze leak caused by a bad hose, faulty water pump or leaking radiator.
• Dark brown or black oily fluid usually means the engine is leaking oil. This could be caused by a bad seal or gasket.
• Red oily fluid indicates a transmission or power-steering fluid leak.
• Clear water isn't usually a problem. It's probably normal condensation from your vehicle's air conditioner.

7. Heating & Air Conditioning

To keep warm and cozy or cool and comfortable, it's best to maintain your heating and air conditioning systems with Car Care Clinic Service.

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

8. 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 Car Care Clinic 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

9. 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 Car Care Clinic 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

Troubleshooting Guide for Suspension Systems »
Suspension problems can cause a vehicle to become hard to control. If you experience any of the following problems, make sure you schedule an appointment with Car Care Clinic

• You hit a bump and you notice your vehicle keeps bouncing for a while.
• It's more difficult to turn the steering wheel, or it feels like something is binding or dragging.
• The steering wheel moves too easily.
• Your vehicle pulls to one side while you're driving.
• You must constantly correct the direction of the car by turning the steering wheel when you're driving.
• Your steering wheel jumps or jerks when you're idling or driving slowly.
• Your steering wheel begins to vibrate.
• The steering wheel wobbles side-to-side when you're traveling at steady speeds.
• When you turn a corner, you hear a knocking, clunking and/or squeaking noise.
• When you turn the steering wheel all the way in one direction, you hear a whining or moaning sound.

10. 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 a Car Care Clinic for:

Changing a Flat Tire

Flat tires are very inconvenient. While there is nothing you can do to prevent a flat tire, you can help minimize the hassle and damage to your tire by being prepared. Click on the link below for a list of guidelines on how to properly and safely change a flat tire. Make sure you talk to a technician at a Gemini Automotive Care facility if you have any questions.
MAKE SURE YOU ALWAYS HAVE:

• An inflated spare tire
• A jack
• A lug wrench
• Bracing material, such as a small piece of wood or a brick

IN CASE OF A FLAT TIRE

• STOP AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
  Driving on your flat can destroy the tire and damage your wheels.

• FLAT ON FLAT.
  Try to stop on even, flat pavement if you can.

 

• LOOSEN THE LUG NUTS.
  The first crank is the toughest; do it before you jack up the vehicle.

• JACK IT UP
  Place your jack under the vehicle as instructed in your vehicle's owner's manual, being sure not to wedge it against fiberglass trim or other flimsier material.

• GET BRACES.
  If you parked on uneven ground, place a wedge behind the tires you're not changing and level the jack with your bracing material before jacking up the vehicle.

• REMOVE THE LUGS.

• REMOVE THE FLAT TIRE.

• MOUNT THE SPARE TIRE.

• REPLACE THE LUGS.
  Try to tighten each lug equally to keep your spare evenly mounted.

• LOWER THE JACK.

• ONE MORE TWIST.
  With the vehicle on solid ground, the spare may have shifted. Give each lug one more twist to be sure.

• DRIVE AWAY — SLOWLY.
  Spare tires often have speed and usage limits listed on the sidewall. Follow these guidelines and get to a Gemini Automotive Care Provider as soon as possible.

Tire Balancing

Balancing your tires is important. If overlooked, unbalanced tires can lead to uneven wear, vibration and potentially unsafe driving conditions. Your local technician at a Gemini Automotive Care facility can help determine whether your tires need to be rotated and balanced based on wear or mileage.
Getting your tires balanced can mean:

• Smoother ride
• Increased Comfort
• Less driver fatigue
• Enhanced tire wear
• Enhanced for tires and drive train components

Tire Installation

Tires should be selected by the correct size for the vehicle, and should be purchased in sets of four, or at least matching sets of two on each axle. Visit Car Care Clinic for proper installation of your new tires. It includes:

• Inspecting the lug nuts for wear
• Installing new valve stems
• Mounting the tires
• Proper balancing
• Checking the disc brake caliper clearance, as well as the distance between calipers, wheels and rims to inspect for no interference
• Tightening lugs to proper torque as determined by the manufacturer

Tire Rotation

• Rotating your tires means moving them from one side of the vehicle to the other, moving them from front to back or a combination of both. Regular tire rotation helps avoid uneven tire wear that can lead to poor performance and gas mileage.

• Some tires need rotated at specific intervals, while others will need rotated depending on the wear. To find out when your tires need rotated, check your vehicle's owner's manual or ask Car Care Clinic

Wheel Alignment

Wheel alignment is the position of your wheels relative to your vehicle. When properly aligned, your wheels will point in the same direction as the vehicle. To maintain proper control of your car, you must keep your wheels in proper alignment. Otherwise, steering will become difficult, your tires will wear unevenly and your fuel economy will decrease. An alignment check at Car Care Clinic includes:

• Inspection of the steering and suspension components
• Examination of the tires for size, inflation and wear
• Comparison of your alignment to vehicle manufacturer guidelines

Troubleshooting Guide For Tires »
Keep an eye out for these common signs that you may need new tires or service. If your vehicle exhibits any of these symptoms, take it to Car Care Clinic.

• When driving, your car pulls to one side or the other.
• You notice rhythmic vibrations.
• Your tires are wearing unevenly.
• Your tires won't maintain proper air pressure.

11. 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 Car Care Clinic 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