Bennett Auto Center

Below are some services Bennett's Auto Center handles and a guideline for maintenance services:

Oil Change

In engines, there is inevitably some exposure of the oil to products of internal combustion, and microscopic coke particles from black soot accumulate in the oil during operation. Also the rubbing of metal engine parts inevitably produces some microscopic metallic particles from the wearing of the surfaces. Such particles could circulate in the oil and grind against the part surfaces causing wear. The oil filter removes many of the particles and sludge, but eventually the oil filter can become clogged, if used for extremely long periods. The motor oil and especially the additives also undergo thermal and mechanical degradation. For these reasons, the oil and the oil filter need to be periodically replaced.

Cooling System Flush

Coolant is a depletion of buffering ingredients and becomes extremely corrosive, literally eating holes in cooling system components. By-products of corrosion damage, as well as rust and scale, clog the passageways that conduct the water through the radiator and choke off the flow. This may result in an overheated engine that may be damaged beyond repair.  The solution is to do a cooling system flush.  The entire cooling system is first cleaned and then all debris and worn out coolant is completely removed from the system. Then, fresh new premium coolant is added. Conditioners are also included to prevent rust and corrosion and a universal cooling system sealer is also included to prevent leaks.

Belts & Hoses

The timing belt is a notched rubber belt that allows the crankshaft to turn the camshaft.  The camshaft opens and closes the valves in synchronicity with the movement of the pistons.  A timing belt may also be called a Gilmer belt or a camshaft drive belt.  If your timing belt breaks, your engine will stop working, stranding you wherever you may be.  Even worse, it could cause major engine damage.  That’s why it’s important to have your timing belt regularly inspected by your mechanic.  Your mechanic will look for two things:  wear and slippage.  Cracks or stripping indicate it’s time for belt replacement. If the belt is loose or it’s slipped, the valves could open at the wrong time and be struck by the pistons, causing major damage.  Generally, timing belts should be replaced every 50,000 to 60,000 miles.

Serpentine belts also known as drive belts; provide power to the air conditioning compressor, power steering pump, cooling fan, air injection pump, and more.  If your serpentine belt breaks, all of the engine parts it is powering will stop working. Your engine could overheat and be damaged. It’s very important to have your serpentine belt inspected by your mechanic.  Your mechanic will look for cracks, wear, and stripping these are all signs your serpentine belt is in danger of failing. It’s recommended to have your serpentine belt inspected every time you have your oil changed.  Warning sounds include a screeching noise coming from your engine, especially during start-ups on cold mornings or on sharp turns.  Studies have shown that serpentine belts most often fail between 36,000-50,000 miles.

Hoses - Coolant hoses include the upper radiator hose, the lower radiator hose, heater hoses and in some cars the bypass hose.  Hoses provide a flexible connection for coolant flow between the engine and the radiator and the engine and the heating block.  Your manufacturer recommends you have your vehicle hoses and accompanying clamps inspected twice a year. Tiny cracks can form from the inside that can eventually lead to a burst hose and overheated engine.

Batteries

Common causes of premature battery failure can be:  Loss of electrolyte (which account for over 50% of the failures) due to under-hood heat or overcharging, Deep discharges (leaving your lights on), Misapplication or using an undersized battery, Undercharging or loose alternator belt , Excessive vibration (due to a loose hold own clamp), Using tap water, Corrosion, and Freezing.  Bennett’s Auto Center carries a full line of batteries for vehicles.  Come in and purchase one or let one of our professional mechanics do the install work for you.

Bennett's offers FREE battery swap & charging system.  Please inquire for more detials.

Headlights

Headlamp systems require periodic maintenance. Sealed beam headlamps are modular; when the filament burns out, the entire sealed beam is replaced. Most vehicles in North America made since the late 1980s use headlamp lens-reflector assemblies that are considered a part of the car, and just the bulb is replaced when it fails. Manufacturers vary the means by which the bulb is accessed and replaced. Headlamp aim must be properly checked and adjusted frequently. Misaimed lamps are dangerous and ineffective, especially to oncoming drivers.

Over time, the headlamp lens can deteriorate. It can become pitted due to abrasion of road sand and pebbles and can crack, admitting water into the headlamp. "Plastic" (polycarbonate) lenses can become cloudy and discoloured. This is due to oxidation of the painted-on lens hardcoat by ultraviolet light from the sun and the headlamp bulbs at Bennett's. If it is minor, it can be polished out using a reputable brand of a car polish that is intended for restoring the shine to chalked paint. In more advanced stages, the deterioration extends through the actual plastic material, rendering the headlamp useless and necessitating complete replacement. Sanding or aggressively polishing the lenses can buy a small amount of time, but doing so removes the protective coating from the lens, which when so stripped will deteriorate faster and more severely.

The reflector, made out of vapourised aluminum deposited in an extremely thin layer on a metal, glass or plastic substrate, can become dirty, oxidised, or burnt, and lose its specularity. This can happen if water enters the headlamp, if bulbs of higher than specified wattage are installed, or simply with age and use. Reflectors that are degraded, if they cannot be cleaned, must be replaced.

Alignment

Wheel alignment is part of standard automobile maintenance that consists of adjusting the angles of the wheels so that they are set to the car maker's specification. The purpose of these adjustments is to reduce tire wear, and to ensure that vehicle-travel is straight and true (without "pulling" to one side).

Windshield Wipers

Wiper blades are one of the most neglected components on vehicles today. Many blades are cracked, split, torn, brittle, worn or otherwise in obvious need of replacement. Others may still look good, but do a bad job of wiping when put to the test.

Ninety percent of all driving decisions are based on a clear unobstructed view of the road, which means good visibility is absolutely essential.  This is especially true during wet weather when vision may be obscured by water, road splash, sleet or snow on the windshield. Good visibility requires wipers that are in good condition. If the wipers are chattering, streaking or otherwise failing to wipe cleanly and consistently, you need new blades.  Bennett's offers RainX windshield wipers which are the best quality at discount shop prices.

Maine State Inspection

Maine requires all motor vehicles to undergo a safety inspection once a year. Vehicles registered in Cumberland County are also required to undergo an emissions test. Inspections are conducted at automobile dealerships, service stations and garages. To insure inspection mechanics are complying with the state's many safety provisions, motor vehicle inspectors conduct periodic reviews of their practices and facilities, and investigate complaints. At Bennett's Auto Center, appointments are not necessary to have your vehicle inspected.

Tire Rotation

Tire rotation or rotating tires is the practice of moving automobile wheels and tires from one position on the car, to another, to ensure even tire wear. Tire wear is uneven for any number of reasons. Even tire wear is desirable to maintain consistent performance in the vehicle.  Car manufacturers will recommend tire rotation frequency and pattern. Depending on the specifics of the vehicle, tire rotation may be recommended every 7,500 miles.

Factory Maintenance

If you want your vehicle to provide you with continued reliability for years to come, a regular maintenance program that the factory suggests, must be followed. Keeping to a maintenance schedule will ensure a reliable vehicle and a higher resale value. Studies have shown that a well maintained car costs about 12 cents per mile to operate while a poorly maintained one is over 22 cents per mile due to the additional repairs and depreciation.

Tune Up

The term "tune up" was originally derived from the practice of tuning an engine's ignition timing. Modern automobiles use self-correcting, computer-controlled ignition, and so tuning is required very rarely.  However, the term has survived to refer to a single service that covers multiple components, usually the following:

• Replacement of the fuel filter.
• Replacement of all spark plugs and wires. This may involve removing a manifold on certain engines, especially those with a V cylinder configuration.
• Replacement of various other ignition components, such as the distributor cap and rotor.
• Adjustment of the distributor cap angle on vehicles without electronic, or 'distributorless', secondary ignition usually with the aid of a timing light.
• Inspection of serpentine belts and replacement as needed.
• Replacement of the air filter.
• Adjustment of the clutch on cars equipped with a manual transmission.
• Battery service as needed, including cleaning any corrosion on the terminals.
• Replacement of the PCV valve.

Preventative Maintenance

If your car is to provide you with continued reliability for years to come, a regular maintenance program must be followed. Keeping to a maintenance schedule will ensure a reliable vehicle and a higher resale value. Studies have shown that a well maintained car costs about 12 cents per mile to operate while a poorly maintained one is over 22 cents per mile due to the additional repairs and depreciation.