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Your transmission works hard, but like all parts of a vehicle, it will eventually require maintenance. No matter the age or type of vehicle you drive, if you're looking for excellent service in the Bay Area, you can find it at Carnamic. Keep reading to learn more about what a transmission service involves and how to schedule a service appointment today. What is a Transmission? What Does It Do? A vehicle’s transmission is a mechanical component that transfers the power generated by the engine to the wheels. It changes the vehicle’s gears as you push down on the pedal, regulating the speed and the engine’s revolutions per minute (RPM) while preserving fuel consumption. The transmission is one of the most important systems in your vehicle - and among the most expensive. Regular service is essential to helping your vehicle run its best and avoiding expensive repairs to your transmission system. It will remove contaminants and buildup, allowing your vehicle to shift smoothly and run as it should. During Transmission Service Typically, a transmission service involves a few steps that are necessary to keep your vehicle’s transmission healthy and running smoothly. Each vehicle may require different actions, but most transmission services involve: Draining old transmission fluid Removing and replacing the filter Cleaning the transmission pan Inspecting and cleaning the sump Inspecting for metal shavings or particle (signs of significant damage) So, how often does your vehicle need transmission service? The answer is dependent on the age, make, and model of your vehicle. Most will need service every two years or 30,000 miles, but other factors could impact your need for transmission service. You can look at your vehicle manual or discuss your needs with a skilled technician. Schedule Transmission Service in the Bay Area Is your vehicle due for transmission service? Do you need an expert to inspect your vehicle and get to the bottom of your transmission problems? You can schedule transmission service at your nearest Carnamic! Our convenient locations throughout the Bay Area provide specialized services as well as regular maintenance. Contact us today to schedule.

Your vehicle’s brakes are essential to helping you get around the Bay Area safely. However, like all car parts, brake components wear out eventually. In order to stay safe, it’s important to learn the signs that your brakes need to be inspected. At Carnamic, we’re dedicated to helping our customers learn more about how their vehicles work and how to avoid extensive repairs. Keep reading to learn some of the most common signs that your brakes need to be replaced or serviced. Noises Typically, any strange or unexpected noise coming from your vehicle is a sure sign that something is wrong. That’s true for your brakes, too; if you hear squealing, squeaking, grinding, or another noise while braking, it’s a good sign that you should get your brakes inspected. Pulling Does your car pull to one side while you’re coming to a stop? Uneven brake wear can lead to serious repairs, so it’s a good idea to take your vehicle to a technician as soon as possible. Vibration Feeling vibrations in the vehicle or steering wheel should be a cause for concern when it comes to your brakes. If you only feel the vibrations when you press the brake pedal, that’s a good sign that your brakes are due for service. Visible Wear and Tear Most parts of the braking system aren’t immediately visible, but if you take a closer look, you can learn a lot about the state of your brakes. Check out the thickness of your brake pads to determine whether it’s time for them to be replaced; typically, those under ¼ inch need to be replaced with new pads. Unresponsive/ Too Sensitive Brakes If you’re been driving your vehicle for a while, you’re probably familiar with how it feels when you hit the brakes. Any sudden changes, such as less response or increased sensitivity when braking, are clear signs that something might be wrong. Brake Inspections and Repairs in the Bay Area You deserve quality, trustworthy service for your vehicle. The skilled technicians at Carnamic are here to help with all your brake needs! From service to inspections and repairs, our team provides excellent service to keep your vehicle safe on the roads of the Bay Area including San Leandro, Redwood City, Hayward, and San Jose. Schedule online at your nearest location or contact us to discuss your brake service needs.

Your car requires a lot of different types of fluids to run properly. Because vehicles and their components are mostly made of metal, different fluids and oils are necessary to keep parts lubricated and running smoothly. From the basics like engine oil to transmission fluid, there’s a lot to know about, and many drivers aren’t sure about which fluids their vehicles need. Keep reading to learn more about the different fluids your vehicle uses and how frequently they should be changed. Engine Oil Forgetting to change engine oil is a mistake most aren’t quick to forget. That’s because engine oil is vital to operating a car. Without it, various engine parts will wear out, overheat, and eventually ruin the entire engine. While many older vehicles require an oil change every 3,000 miles or 3 months, newer models may be able to travel up to 10,000 miles on a single oil change. Check your owner’s manual or ask a trusted technician to learn how often your oil needs changed. Coolant Although engine oil helps regulate your engine’s temperature, coolant is also required to keep things from overheating. Again, how often you need to change your coolant depends on the vehicle, and different models use different types of antifreeze. Transmission Fluid Your vehicle’s transmission system helps you shift gears as you drive, whether your vehicle is manual or automatic. Each type requires a different type of fluid; while manual transmission fluid should be changed between 30,000-60,000 miles, you can drive an automatic transmission up to 100,000 miles before the fluid should be flushed and replaced. Brake Fluid Replacing your brake fluid at the proper time doesn’t just keep the braking system working, it also makes it safe to drive. Brake fluid is used in hydraulic braking systems to keep your brakes responsive, but it can absorb water and rust different components of your braking system. Replace brake fluid around the 30,000-mile mark or whenever you replace your brake pads or rotors. Car Fluid Changes Made Easy at Carnamic Is it time to replace any of the fluids in your vehicle? From wiper fluid to full fluid flushes, you can expect top-notch service at your nearest Carnamic. We have service stations at our dealerships around the Bay Area with trained technicians who can help you with all of your vehicle’s service and maintenance needs. Schedule online or contact us today to learn more!

Spring is right around the corner, which means picnics, road trips, and spring cleaning. Part of your spring cleaning checklist should include vehicle maintenance, and we’ve created the ultimate car maintenance list to check off as the seasons turn. Oil and Filter Different vehicles may require more or less frequent oil changes. For example, most older vehicles recommend an oil change every 3 months or 3,000 miles. On the other hand, a newer model might call for an oil change at the 10,000-mile mark. Check your owner’s manual for oil change recommendations, and don’t forget to give the oil levels a quick check when you hit the fuel station. Fluids Oil isn’t the only important fluid in your vehicle. Transmission fluid, coolant, brake and power steering fluid, and even windshield wiper fluid all require frequent checks to keep your vehicle running smoothly and prevent repairs. Although we don’t experience too many extreme temperature fluctuations in the Bay Area, it’s still a good idea to check your fluids as seasons change. Tires Properly maintained tires increase your fuel economy and keep you safe on the road. Check the pressure and tread on each tire, including the spare. It may also be time to rotate your tires to increase their longevity and keep your vehicle well-balanced. Rotating your tires helps the tread wear evenly to help them last longer and perform better. Read here to learn more about how to tell when it's time for new tires. Lights Your vehicle’s lights perform an essential function, but it’s one that’s often overlooked. The headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and cabin lights should all be checked frequently. Battery Nobody expects to head out for a trip only to find their car won’t start. A dead battery is a major inconvenience, so inspect the battery and cables to ensure there’s no corrosion and perform a battery test often. Exterior When was the last time you waxed your car or applied other protection products? Sun, weather, and regular driving can cause chips and cracks in your paint. To keep your car looking its best, regularly wash it off and wax at regular intervals. Maintain Your Vehicle at Carnamic Whether you need the full checklist worth of maintenance or just one task, the Carnamic team is here to help. Visit one of our Bay Area service centers for specialized service tailored to your vehicle or contact us to schedule an appointment.

Many drivers overlook the importance of well-kept tires. Either they simply don’t think of their tires or don’t want another expense; however, neglected tires can leave you stranded on the side of the road or worse. Luckily, though, there are some basic signs that you need new tires. Signs You Need New Tires Low Tread Worn tread is one of the most easy-to-identify signs that your tires need to be replaced. Tire tread is essential in helping your car grip the road, especially around corners or on wet streets. Most drivers can’t identify low tire tread just by looking at it, but there’s one simple trick you’ve probably heard of, and that’s the penny test. Dig a penny out of your spare change, then turn Lincoln on his head. Insert the penny in between the tire tread; if the tread depth is above his head, it’s time for new tires. Simple as that! Uneven Wear Is your tire tread uneven? If there’s less tread on one part of your tire, they probably need to be replaced. There are several things that can cause uneven tread wear: misalignment, issues with the steering system, and neglecting to rotate your tires all contribute to uneven wear on your tires. Bulges, Cracks, or Other Damage When it comes to damage on tires, it’s only a matter of time before they pop. Cracks can be caused by weather or age, and simply bumping into a curb can lead to bulges. Any type of damage to a tire will compromise its integrity, so if you see any bulges, cracks, or other damage, be sure to replace the tire as soon as possible. Age/Mileage How long has it been since you’ve purchased new tires? How far have you driven on those tires? Both age and mileage driven can be good indicators of when it’s time to replace your tires. Most tire manufacturers have recommendations on when their tires should be replaced. If you aren’t sure about either, you can do the penny test or bring your vehicle in for an inspection. Need new tires? Visit Carnamic today! At Carnamic, we offer a wide selection of tires for every Bay Area driver. We carry all major brands of tires, all installed by our factory-trained technicians at all of our Bay Area locations. Contact us today to schedule a tire inspection or to order a new set of tires.

No matter how carefully you treat your vehicle, it will eventually require service. In fact, regular service and routine maintenance are the best ways to care for your car. At Carnamic, we offer top-quality vehicle service all across the Bay Area. Whether it’s a quick oil change, brake service, or full vehicle inspection, Carnamic’s service team has you covered with locations in San Leandro, San Jose, Redwood City, and Hayward. Why choose Carnamic for vehicle service and maintenance? Instead of taking your vehicle to the closest repair shop, why not take it to a service station that knows your vehicle the best? We specialize in Kia, Hyundai, INFINITI, Mitsubishi, and Nissan with years of experience performing service and repairs on all models and model years. Our dealerships are conveniently located throughout the Bay Area, so you can be sure there’s a Carnamic service station near you. Service, Repair, and Maintenance No matter how simple or complex, our service team can fix it. We use genuine parts installed by skilled technicians, resulting in nothing less than your total satisfaction. Not sure what's wrong? No worries - our team can get to the bottom of your car issues and find a solution. Our services include: Vehicle Inspections Oil and Filter Changes Electrical Service Brake Adjustment and Replacement Muffler and Exhaust Repair Tires Transmission Service There’s no job too big or small for Carnamic. We also offer full service packages, and don’t forget to check out our parts and service specials to save on your regular maintenance. Tired of repairing your current car? Carnamic will buy your used car! We also offer great deals on trades if you decide to buy or lease a new or pre-owned vehicle from Carnamic. R Schedule Service Today Do you have questions about our services or want to schedule an appointment? Contact our service department today! A knowledgeable member of the Carnamic team can assist you with getting you the service that you deserve.

Did you know that most electric vehicles actually require less maintenance than a gas-powered car? Although they may seem mysterious and complicated, taking care of your new EV is actually fairly simple. There are no oil changes, spark plug replacement, or trips to the fuel station, which can save you money in the long-run. So, what types of service does an EV actually require? All models differ slightly, but you can follow our rough guide to EV maintenance to find out! Battery An internal combustion engine vehicle also uses a battery, but it’s a much different type than that used in an electric vehicle. Where an ICE battery is used to start the vehicle, an EV battery actually powers the vehicle - and keeps it running as you drive. However, that doesn’t mean that the battery requires much maintenance, if any. An EV battery is designed to run for much longer than a traditional car’s battery, and typically isn’t meant to be replaced. Maintaining your EV battery is as simple as driving smart - that is, taking care of your vehicle by keeping it out of extreme temperatures and following charging guidelines. Brakes and Pads You can expect the same brake and brake pad services for an EV as you would any other vehicle. The same goes for tire rotations and other similar services. Since you don’t need oil changes, it can help to set a reminder for brake service since that’s when you’d typically get your brakes checked. Fluids Like a conventional internal combustion engine-powered vehicle, most EVs use a cooling system to keep the battery and motors at a safe temperature. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended scheduled maintenance on the coolant. Of course, your EV will also need other fluids like windshield wiper fluid, transmission fluid, and brake fluid, among others. Fast and Friendly Car Maintenance at Carnamic Do you have an EV or plug-in hybrid that needs service? You can trust your closest Bay Area Carnamic to perform all the maintenance you need! Schedule online or call our service department to schedule today.

Understanding when your brakes are about to fail can not only save you a lot of money in repairs, but it can also help keep you safe. There are several components to a braking system, each of which can eventually wear out. But since you can’t actually see many parts of your brakes, how can you tell when you need new ones? Signs You Need New Brakes Warning Light Different types of vehicles have different warning lights. The most well-known is, of course, the check engine light. However, many also have a brake warning light. It’s the most obvious sign of brake issues, and it can point to a problem with your brake system. Before you bring your vehicle in for service, check that your parking brake isn’t engaged, since that can also trigger the light. Low Fluid Levels It’s important to check your engine oil and other fluids often, and checking your brake fluid levels should be on that list. If you notice that your brake fluid is low, it might simply need to be flushed and replaced. It could also indicate a leak or other issue in the brake line, so it’s not a bad idea to have a technician take a look. Grinding sounds often require immediate attention that you can’t ignore. Squealing or Squeaking Strange noises are a clear indication that something is wrong with your vehicle. If you hear high-pitched squealing or squeaking when you brake, all signs point to worn brake pads or an issue with your rotors. Brake pads can easily be replaced, so if the sound continues even after you have fresh pads, be sure to inspect further. Vehicle Pulling to One Side If you notice pulling or drifting to one side when you brake, your thought might immediately jump to an issue with your steering. That could be the case, but sometimes it can mean that your brakes are wearing unevenly. Sensitive or Unresponsive Brakes You know your vehicle better than anyone, so if your brakes suddenly feel more or less sensitive than usual, and getting them looked at can help you avoid a collision - or major repairs. Schedule Brake Service Today Driving around the Bay Area can be a challenge, even when your brakes are in great condition. If you notice one of the issues above, avoid the hassle and bring your vehicle into your nearest Carnamic location for service! Our experienced technicians can get to the bottom of your brake issues and help you drive safely.

Most drivers have experienced that sinking feeling when the check engine light suddenly pops up on the dashboard. Should you pull over right away? Take it to the nearest auto repair shop? The check engine light could mean anything from a triggered oxygen sensor to something more serious like failing brakes, and the only way to know is to perform an engine diagnostics test. Luckily, you can turn to Carnamic’s trained technicians to find out what’s going on with your engine and recommend how to fix it. What is an engine diagnostics test? During an engine diagnostics, a technician will connect to your vehicle’s computer with a specialized machine. Your vehicle’s computer system will send a code to the machine that tells the technician what might be wrong with your vehicle. Despite the name, engine diagnostics doesn’t typically “diagnose” a problem; instead, it points the trained technician in the right direction to be able to fix the issue. Sometimes, the source of the light isn’t actually the engine. A diagnostic test can point to an issue in another part of your vehicle, including the brakes, exhaust, transmission, and more. Other times, the cause of the light can be as simple as a faulty spark plug or corroded connector. That’s why it’s so important to leave the diagnostics to the experts since they can tell the difference between a quick fix and a deeper issue. Once the problem is taken care of, the technician might run another test to ensure the problem has been solved. How can I schedule engine diagnostics in the Bay Area? If you’re looking for fast and friendly engine diagnostics services in the Bay Area, you’ve come to the right place! Carnamic has several locations with trained experts who can get to the bottom of your car troubles. Don’t wait for a small issue to turn into a big problem - contact Carnamic to schedule your engine diagnostics today!

Fall is one of the best times of year to enjoy the Bay Area. Cooler nights, mild days, and the distinct lack of ice makes the Bay Area enjoyable during the fall months. But just because we don’t face traditional winter weather doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t prepare our vehicles for different seasons. In fact, some of our best fall vehicle maintenance tips apply to drivers in all weather conditions. Keep reading to learn how you should prepare your vehicle for the coming fall and winter months. Fall/Winter Vehicle Maintenance Checklist Whether you’re coming out of a busy summer of cross-country roadtrips or warm weather activities around the Bay Area, you’ll want to perform some basic maintenance to ensure your vehicle is ready for fall. Fluids Between long drives and stop-and-go city traffic, your vehicle’s fluids more than likely need a refresh. Follow the oil change recommendations in your owner’s manual, and don’t forget about other fluids like coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid. Not sure which fluids should be swapped? Consult a Carnamic technician! Tire Tread and Pressure Tires are often overlooked as one of the most important aspects of a vehicle’s performance. Measure your tire’s tread levels in different locations of the tire to check for even wear, then use a pressure gauge to check for proper pressure. If any of your measurements are off, be sure to swap out your old tires for new ones and get regular tire rotations to help the new set last longer. Brakes Good tires are nothing without good brakes, and you want to make sure everything in your braking system is healthy at each change of season. Pads, rotors, and brake lines can all wear down over time, so get everything checked out by a technician to make sure everything is in working order. Battery Nobody wants to go to start their vehicle only to be met with a clicking sound and no power. Even if you aren’t stuck in the freezing weather, waiting for a jump can be inconvenient. So before fall hits, it can be a good idea to have your battery inspected. That includes connectors, corrosion on any part of the battery, and measuring the battery power with a tool called a multimeter. Schedule Your Vehicle Maintenance at Carnamic Do you need a vehicle inspection or other maintenance services before fall hits? Schedule your service today at Carnamic! We have several locations across the Bay Area specializing in Mitsubishi, Kia, INFINITI, and more, so contact us today and get your vehicle ready for fall.

Nobody likes being faced with an unexpected repair bill, especially when it’s out of budget. What do you do when you have an auto repair that’s not covered by your warranty or insurance? Auto repair financing is an option to help you when you need the extra cash to cover a big repair. It’s like a car loan, but specifically for repairs, covering a specific amount with set repayment terms. If you need repair financing in the Bay Area, you can turn to Carnamic. Learn more about our financing options and what they can cover below! What does auto repair financing cover? Auto repair financing can cover just about any type of maintenance or repair that you can’t immediately pay for out of pocket. That can include everything from new tires to oil change and even electrical services. Windshield wipers, broken windows, fuel flushes - everything is covered with an auto repair loan, and you can get more than one service done at a time. Once you apply and get approved, you can put that amount toward any type of services or repairs to get your vehicle back on the road. Then, all you need to do is make monthly payments, which are usually short-term. How do I apply for auto repair financing? You can apply for financing at one of our Bay Area dealerships or right here on our website. Loans are subject to credit approval, and your interest rate and payment terms may vary. After you’re approved, you can bring your vehicle to any of Carnamic’s Bay Area dealerships. We have several locations that specialize in different brands, including Kia, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Hyundai, and INFINITI. Each location has a service center with trained technicians who can complete your repairs with precision and skill, allowing you to drive away with confidence. Auto Repair Financing at Carnamic Applying for financing at Carnamic is simple. You can contact our finance team for more details and assistance with your application. If you’d rather trade in your vehicle, we can help with that, too! View our inventory of new and used vehicles before making a trade and skipping repairs altogether. Either way, your Bay Area Carnamic has everything you need to get behind the wheel of the vehicle you need.

Well-maintained brakes are essential to your safety. When you notice a strange sound or haven't had them checked in a while, you can bring your vehicle in to your local Carnamic dealership for proper service. We have several Bay Area locations with skilled technicians ready to perform brake inspection and service on a variety of vehicles. Types of Brake Service Your braking system is made up of several parts that work together. When one part is worn out or needs repair, it can throw off the entire system and lead to an unsafe vehicle. That's why the Carnamic service team performs a variety of brake service: Brake Inspection and Diagnostics Brake Fluid Replacement Brake Rotor Service and Repair Brake Pad Replacement How often should you have your brakes checked? Like any type of auto service, the frequency you'll need to have your brakes replaced depends on the vehicle. However, to prevent costly repairs, you can have your brakes inspected as often as you take your vehicle in for service. That can include alignments, oil changes, and any other type of routine maintenance. Replacing the pads and flushing the fluid can go a long way in helping your braking system last longer - plus, it will keep you safer on the road. Signs Your Brakes Need Service Of course, issues with your braking system can seemingly appear out of nowhere. If it's been a while since you've had your brakes inspected or serviced, there are some signs you can look out for to know if it's time for repair. Squealing sound while braking Grinding or crunching sound Thin or worn-out brake pads Leaking brake fluid Vibrations while driving or braking Pulling to one side during braking Schedule Brake Service at Carnamic If your brakes are past due for an inspection or you notice any of the above signs, it's time to bring your brakes in for service at your local Carnamic dealership. We have locations throughout the Bay Area including San Leandro, Hayward, San Jose, and Redwood City for fast, convenient, and reliable service from our qualified service technicians. So if you suspect an issue with your braking system, don't hesitate and face costly repairs. Contact us for a service today!