Goodyear Gemini to host car-care clinics for women

To celebrate National Fall Car Care Month in October, Goodyear Gemini is hosting complimentary Women's Car Care Clinics in major market locations throughout the U.S.

Held in conjunction with the "Be Car Care Aware" educational campaign, the clinics are designed to better acquaint women with their vehicles' maintenance needs.

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The clinics will focus on familiarizing participants with their vehicles and the need for preventive maintenance.

The idea of car repairs can make some women uneasy. So to boost their car-care confidence, Goodyear Gemini has developed a specially designed women's-only car-care clinic to provide women with the information to master the art of car maintenance and automotive self-reliance.

Techniques taught will include how to perform brake check intervals, check fluids and filters, inspect belts and hoses, and check tire pressure and tread depth. Technicians also will educate participants about suspension components, batteries and cables. Explaining maintenance logs and their importance also will be at the top of the checklist as will the explanation of diagnostics and a brief introduction to the complexities of onboard computers.

Gemini believes that just by making a few regular checks, women and all motorists alike can decrease the chances of breakdown and ensure a vehicle is in tiptop condition for the winter season ahead.

"If women put off visiting a repair shop because they feel 'out of their element,' they open themselves up to possible breakdowns or other problems," said Mike Dever, director of the NASCAR Performance Network -- a network of automotive repair shops which boasts more than 1,950 Goodyear Gemini locations as members. "Goodyear Gemini is committed to helping women understand more about their cars, the benefits of having them properly maintained, as well as the warning signs of compromised systems and components."

Women attending a Gemini car-care clinic will receive a thank-you goodie bag that will include: Goodyear Gemini coffee mugs, air gauges, tire depth gauges, Car Care Guides, air fresheners, Encon safety glasses, GoJo hand cleaner and additional items with a total value of more than $40. Participants at each clinic also will have the opportunity to register to win two Cup Series garage passes to a race of their choice via a drawing immediately following the event.

The following Gemini Automotive Service Centers across the country will serve as clinic site locations:

Columbus

• 7-9 p.m., Oct. 16
• Boyd's Polaris Tire & Service
• 1290 E Powell Rd.
• Lewis Center, Ohio 43035
• 614-540-2693

Charlotte

• 6-8 p.m., Oct. 17
• Griffin Brothers Tire Sales
• 10123 Park Rd
• Charlotte, N.C. 28210
• 704-341-8473

Baltimore / Washington D.C.

• 9-11 a.m., Oct. 27
• Ken's Service Center
• 7104 Minstrel Way
• Columbia, Md. 21045
• 410-720-5305

Although the clinics are free, interested participants should contact a Goodyear Gemini Automotive Service Center above at least two days prior to the clinic to register as space is limited.