Purpose:
Pads and shoes are the wearable friction elements of the braking system. When installed properly, they should provide reliable
and quiet braking for many miles.

Description:
Historically, pads and shoes contained a lining material made of asbestos or asbestos compounds. Today's friction lining may
contain semi-metallic compounds, non-asbestos organic compounds, and ceramics, among others.

Maintenance Tips/Suggestions:
Have your car's brakes inspected annually to make sure everything's OK. It's always best to be able to plan ahead for brake work
by knowing brake condition as your car ages. Brakes are a normal wear item for any car, so sooner or later they're going to need
replacement. Planning can also save you money, because the brakes won't get to the "metal-to-metal" point, which usually means
expensive rotor or drum replacement. Symptoms of brake problems may include dragging brakes, squealing brakes, a pulsating
brake pedal (with ABS not functioning), grinding brakes, a low brake pedal or pulling when braking. If your car exhibits any of these
symptoms, have it checked out by a qualified technician as soon as possible.

Source: Car Care Council

Purpose:
An automatic transmission/transaxle changes the engine’s speed and torque in relation to the speed and torque of the drive
wheels. This keeps the engine’s output matched as close as possible to varying road speeds and loads. The torque converter,
connected to the transmission/transaxle input shaft, connects, multiplies and interrupts the flow of engine torque into the
transmission.

Description:
An aluminum case containing a torque converter, an arrangement of planetary gears, clutches & bands, servos, a hydraulic
system, solenoids, and a valve body. On front wheel drive cars, the transmission and differential are combined into a single
housing called a transaxle.

Maintenance Tips/Suggestions:
Most of today’s automatic transmissions/transaxles do not require any regular adjustments. Check your owner’s manual to see
if any adjustments are required. Owner’s manual recommendations on transmission fluid changes vary considerably and may
go as high as 100,000 miles or more. For best results, have your car’s transmission fluid and filter changed every two years or
24,000 miles. Fact is, the overwhelming majority of transmission failures are heat-related, and automatic transmission fluid
breaks down rapidly when subjected to high temperatures. Driving conditions such as trailer towing, quick stops and starts,
ascending and descending mountains, and wheel-spinning in slippery conditions are but a few scenarios that can devastate the
life of the transmission fluid. Although changing the fluid yourself is not difficult, it’s probably best left to a qualified service
technician. This is also a good time to drain the transmission fluid from the torque converter, if possible. Consult your technician
to see if this can be done.

Source: Car Care Council

Purpose:
A manual transmission changes the engine’s speed and torque in relation to the speed and torque of the drive wheels.
This keeps the engine’s output matched as close as possible to varying road speeds and loads.

Description:
An aluminum or iron housing containing an arrangement of bearings, synchronizers, shift forks, gears and shafts. The
input shaft receives engine torque from the clutch disc and the output shaft delivers power to the driving wheels. On front
wheel drive cars, the transmission and differential are combined into a single housing called a transaxle.

Maintenance Tips/Suggestions:
Check your car’s owner’s manual to find out when your car’s transmission might require a lubricant change. The level of
lubricant should also be checked at every oil change. Make sure that any lubricant used for changes or for “top-off” meets
the requirements of the car manufacturer. This information is also in your owner’s manual. Symptoms of faults inside the
transmission may include difficulty when shifting gears, grinding when shifting gears, a growling or whining noise with the
transmission in a certain gear range, and popping out of gear. Pinpointing problems in the transmission is best left to a
professional technician.

Source: Car Care Council

Purpose:
The clutch disc transmits engine torque directly to the input shaft of the transmission. The clutch disc, when coupled with the
pressure plate and flywheel, makes and breaks the flow of power from the engine to the transmission.

Description:
The clutch disc consists of a metal disc covered with a frictional facing similar to brake shoes or pads. The lining is made of a
woven or molded non-organic material that also contains particles of soft metal such as aluminum or brass. This improves the
strength of the lining and a series of radial grooves in the lining's face enhances the grip between the flywheel and the disc.
A splined hub in the center of the disc mates with the transmission's input shaft, thereby providing a direct mechanical coupling
between the two. A group of torsion springs located between the clutch hub and lining dampens driveline shock and vibration.
The clutch disc is located between the flywheel and pressure plate.

Maintenance Tips/Suggestions:
Since pressure to the clutch disc is applied and released continuously throughout the course of normal driving, the clutch disc
lining will wear over time making it a normal wear item. Clutch chatter is a common symptom that may indicate a worn clutch,
but this symptom could also be caused by oil leaking from the engine onto the clutch assembly, a poor flywheel surface, damaged
pressure plate release levers, a sprung clutch disc hub and improper alignment between the engine and transmission. Another
common clutch problem is clutch slippage. This can be caused by a variety of factors such as a damaged pressure plate, worn,
binding or misadjusted linkage, incorrect clutch components, and even normal wear. A dragging clutch is the least common
symptom and is just the opposite of slippage. Drag occurs when the clutch doesn't release at all, or releases only partially. Clutch
drag is usually caused by a worn, binding or misadjusted clutch linkage. Drag can also be caused by air in the hydraulic clutch
linkage, damaged pressure plate fingers, and binding of the clutch disc on the input shaft. To get to the heart of your car’s clutch
problem, have a professional technician road test your car to confirm the symptoms you’re experiencing. It’s the best first step of
a proper diagnosis.

Source: Car Care Council

Purpose:
The timing belt maintains crankshaft-to-camshaft synchronization, keeping valve operation matched to piston position. On some
engines, the belt also drives other components. These include the oil pump, water pump, and balance shafts.

Description:
Many of today’s engines use timing belts, but not all. Some engines still use a timing chain and sprocket arrangement. A timing
belt is a precision component with teeth that mesh exactly with its mating sprockets. Especially critical is uniformity of the teeth
and their spacing. The belt’s teeth are precision molded from a special rubber compound for good mesh and long life. The belt's
inherent tensile (stretch-resistant) qualities come from high strength cords that run parallel with the direction of belt travel.

Maintenance Tips/Suggestions:
Check your car’s owner’s manual for information on timing belt maintenance. Manufacturers generally recommend a certain
mileage for belt replacement. If the timing belt is not replaced at the suggested interval, the belt could break, leaving you stranded
and possibly causing major engine damage. If you’re having the timing belt replaced, consider replacing other parts that may be
accessed at the same time. The water pump, timing belt sprockets and tensioning pulleys are good examples. Check with a
qualified service technician if you have questions about your car’s needs for timing belt maintenance.

 

Source: Car Care Center

Purpose:
Tires serve as the wearable part of the overall tire/wheel assembly, but they also play a large role in vehicle safety. Today's
tires must provide good traction under a wide range of driving and road conditions while providing long tread wear.

Description:
Tires are simply the wearable and therefore replaceable part of the tire/wheel assembly. Although many different types of tire
designs have been used since the dawn of the automobile, the radial tire has virtually replaced all other varieties. Radial tires,
by far, deliver better safety and handling, fuel economy, steering, traction and cornering. The typical radial tire consists of a bead,
a casing, belts, and tread. Today, nearly all tires have belts made from steel. Radial tires also last much longer than any previous
tire design. Although driving habits and tire care play a key role in tire life, radial tires may last as long as 100,000 miles. Virtually
all of today's tires used on automobiles, and many used on light trucks, have a tubeless design. This means there is not a
separate balloon-like tube inside the tire, as was the case with older tire designs.

Maintenance Tips/Suggestions:
Check tire pressure frequently and also inspect the tires for abnormal tread wear and cuts and bruises along the sidewall. Rotate
and balance the tires on a regular basis. If your car has a flat, have the tire professionally repaired. Since most flats are caused by
damage to the tire, such as a puncture, anything less than quality repairs can affect the integrity of the tire. The best way to repair a
tire is to have it removed from the rim, the inside inspected and corrective measures taken. The quick plug, done from the outside,
is no longer recommended by the tire industry. According to experts, the repair could fail, inviting a blowout. When replacing tires,
install only tires of the size recommended for your vehicle. Installing the wrong tires can result in contact with body panels or steering
and suspension parts. The wrong tires can also affect speedometer readings and engine/transmission control.

Source: Car Care Council

Purpose:
Tire rotation helps to equalize tread wear and is critical to gain the maximum life from your tire investment.

Description:
Tire rotation refers to the regular practice of switching the position of each tire on the car.

Wheel balance refers to the proper distribution of weight around a revolving tire and wheel assembly. Poor wheel balance
can have a marked impact on both your car and your safety.

Proper wheel balance ensures that the wheels, while spinning, do not have a heavy spot that can cause vibration and
premature wear of tires, struts, shocks and other steering and suspension components. When combined with proper
wheel alignment, balanced wheels ensure smooth and enjoyable driving.

Maintenance Tips/Suggestions:
Refer to your owner's manual for the recommended rotation interval and pattern; generally a rotation interval of 6,000 miles
is recommended. The rotation pattern varies with different makes and models, which shows the tire locations during rotation.
Some vehicles have different size tires on the front and back or directional tires. This limits the locations that a tire may take
on the vehicle. When in doubt, check the owner's manual or consult a professional technician for guidance. Tire rotation time
also offers a good opportunity to have the tires and wheels balanced. It's another step you can take to maximize your tire
investment.

The most common signs of unbalanced tires are vibration and noise problems. When driving with an out-of-balance wheel, the
wheel literally bounces down the road rather than spinning smoothly. This can affect the speed, handling and mileage of your car.
Many of today's cars have lightweight suspension systems and are therefore, more sensitive to imbalance than older cars. It's a
good idea to have your car's wheels balanced when rotating the tires, about every 6,000 miles. It's not uncommon for wheels to
lose a wheel weight from time to time; so periodic balancing minimizes the impact of unbalanced wheels on your car.

Source: Car Care Council

AAA Mobile Battery Service comes to YOU for on-the-spot car battery testing, sales and installation

• FREE testing of your present battery and electrical system
• FREE delivery of battery and FREE installation in most vehicles*
• Competitively priced - save money through exclusive Member discounts;** genuine AAA branded batteries
• 6-year prorated warranty, 3-year FREE replacement
• FREE Recycling - we use environmentally friendly methods.

AAA's Commitment to Service

AAA Mobile Battery Service is designed with our members in mind. It is an example of AAA's commitment to always providing the very best road service to members. You will not find this service offered by any other national motorclub. To request a AAA Battery Service as part of the road service, please call: 1-800-AAA-HELP or click on Road Service Online. You can also price a battery from AAA with just a few keystrokes. To get your online quote, go to AAA.com/BatteryService, use the pull-down menu to indicate your vehicle’s make, model, year and engine. When you’re ready, request free on-the-spot installation at member-exclusive prices with a freshness guarantee and 72-month nationwide warranty. Plus, we recycle every battery we replace.

Starter
Purpose:
The starter cranks the engine when the ignition switch is turned to the start position. The starter drive uses an overrunning clutch
that freewheels if the engine starts while the starter is still engaged, reducing the likelihood of damage to the starter drive and ring
gear.

Description:
The starter consists of an electric motor that powers a starter drive-a special pinion gear designed to engage with the ring gear of the
flywheel or torque converter. Many of today's starters also use a gear reduction to increase the torque output of the starter. The starter
is usually mounted to the rear of the engine or the front of the transmission housing.

Maintenance Tips/Suggestions:
To ensure good starter performance, check your vehicle's battery cables at every oil change. The cables should be tight and free from
corrosion. Corroded or loose connections can cause slow cranking, arcing at cable connections, and other electrical system problems.
The battery case and terminals can be cleaned using a mixture of baking soda and water. As an added measure to fight terminal
corrosion, chemically treated felt rings can be placed over the battery posts. Each spring, prior to travel season, it's wise to have your
car's starter tested as part of a comprehensive starting, charging and battery test. This test will determine whether your car's starter is
drawing its normal amount of current. Excessive current draw usually means a worn starter and results in hard starting. Take your car to
a professional service technician to get to the heart of your car's starting system problem.

---

Alternator
Purpose:
The alternator generates direct current for recharging the battery and for powering vehicle electrical loads

Description:
The alternator consists of a spinning set of electrical windings called a rotor, a stationary set of windings called a stator, a rectifier
assembly, a set of brushes to maintain electrical contact with the rotor, and a pulley. All of these parts except the pulley are contained
in an aluminum housing. Today's alternators use compact, electronic voltage regulators that may be housed inside the alternator or
the voltage regulator function may be handled by the vehicle's powertrain control module (PCM).

Maintenance Tips/Suggestions:
Have the alternator's drive belt tension checked at every oil change. A loose belt can reduce alternator output and run down your car's
battery. Each spring, prior to travel season, it's wise to have your car's charging system tested as part of a comprehensive starting,
charging and battery test. This test will determine whether your car's alternator is putting out the proper amount of current and voltage.
Your car's alternator is designed to recharge the battery after slight discharging such as engine starting; the alternator is not designed
for charging heavily discharged ("dead") batteries. Relying on the alternator to charge a heavily discharged battery can overload the
alternator and cause damage. In such cases, use a battery charger instead. An alternator problem can cause a discharged battery, poor
accessory and light operation, frequent bulb replacement, repeat voltage regulator failures, erratic engine operation, or a dashboard
warning light to illuminate. To pinpoint the cause, have your car's charging system checked out by a qualified service technician.

Source: Car Care Council

Cars manufactured since 1996 can have up to three computers networked together to control and monitor several safety and
performance systems, and just like your personal computer or video player, those computers need upgrading. But it isn¹t in the best
interest of automotive manufacturers to let vehicle owners know it¹s time to take their car in for an upgrade of its computer system.
When you do take your car in, charges may run to $75 for the check and reprogramming.  AAA New Jersey Car Care Center will now
do computer vehicle software upgrades, thanks to the purchase of new testing equipment which includes thousands of upgrades
published in the past two years by the manufacturers. This equipment allows access to manufacturer¹s websites to download computer upgrade
programs.

Computer Controls
Automotive computer systems control drivability, suspension, cabin temperature, brakes (anti-lock braking systems), and in some cases,
the sound system, and need upgrading just like a laptop or desktop system. The question is, how is it done on your car and who does this
service? Until recently the only automotive computer upgrading (reprogramming) was done at manufacturers¹ service shops. There has
been reluctance on the part of manufacturers to notify owners that a computer in their car may need an upgrade.  The fear is tens of
thousands of car owners would descend upon dealers seeking upgrades, even at a cost of $75.Consequently, upgrades normally occur
today when a vehicle is taken to a shop for repairs and a computerized diagnosis is needed, or when a vehicle is under warranty and a
recall has been issued, which may be a programming issue.

Reprogramming Fixes
What are some issues drivers face when a vehicle hasn¹t been upgraded? They can include a steering wheel shaking when the engine
turns over, loss of the drive belt when starting the vehicle, hesitations when pushing the gas pedal, erratic idling speeds, poor mileage,
door lock malfunction and more. Manufacturers have quietly published thousands of upgrades in the past two years. To perform them, a
repair shop needs certified equipment and licenses to manufacturer¹s web sites for download. Our equipment is compatible with the same
diagnostic machines repair shops use when making DMV inspections.

This equipment allows upgrading and reprogramming of all automotive computers in 30 minutes to an hour, depending upon the vehicle.

Additional Benefit: We currently utilize Ph2 Auto Logic Software which allows a comprehensive look at how all the computerized systems in a car are functioning. An automotive mechanic can determine if a complicated repair is properly completed. This verifies the repairs without the customer having to take a 40-mile drive to make sure everything is working properly ­ a convenience to the customer, and the repair facility.

Source: Car Care Council