If you’re like most drivers, you probably only think about your car’s tune-up when there’s something wrong. You might not know it, but there are a lot of benefits to getting a regular tune-up, and the best part is that it’s not as expensive or time-consuming as you might think. In this article, we’ll discuss all the basics of auto tune-up that you need to know. Keep reading to learn more.
What Is An Auto Tune-Up?
An auto tune-up is a service performed on a vehicle to keep it running in peak condition. The frequency of tune-ups varies depending on the make and model of your car, but most mechanics recommend having one every year or two. During a tune-up, your mechanic will inspect and clean key components of your car’s engine, like the spark plugs, air filter, and fuel system. They might also adjust other parts like the throttle body and valves. All these elements work together to keep your car running smoothly and efficiently.
Why Is An Auto Tune-Up So Important?
Your car is made up of a lot of moving parts, and over time these parts can start to wear down. This wear and tear can lead to decreased performance and fuel efficiency, and in some cases can even cause breakdowns. That’s why it’s important to keep your car in good condition with regular tune-ups. During a tune-up, your mechanic will inspect your vehicle and perform any necessary maintenance or repairs. This can include things like changing the oil, checking the brakes, or replacing spark plugs. By keeping up with tune-ups, you can help prevent more serious problems down the road and keep your car running smoothly for years to come. Getting a tune-up regularly can help you avoid costly repairs down the road. It can also improve your gas mileage.
What Does An Auto Tune-Up Include?
Depending on how much you drive and where your car is garaged, the average lifespan of a vehicle can vary. It’s always best to check with an auto mechanic or professional retailer if in doubt about what type will work for yours though. Here are some of the common things included during an auto tune-up:
- Replacing the air filter.
This is one of the most important and simplest things you can do to keep your vehicle running well. A clean air filter allows the engine to breathe better, which results in improved performance and fuel economy.
- Engine oil and filter change.
This is the most basic and important service for your car. Your engine oil keeps all the moving parts in your engine lubricated, helps to cool the engine, and also cleans the engine by suspending dirt and debris in it. Over time, however, your oil breaks down and gets dirty, so it needs to be changed regularly. Check your owner’s manual to see how often to change your oil.
- Changing the spark plugs.
This is one of the most common and essential maintenance tasks for keeping your car running smoothly. Spark plugs ignite the air/fuel mixture in the engine, so it’s important to keep them clean and in good condition. You’ll know it’s time to change your spark plugs when you notice a decrease in fuel economy, an increase in emissions, or if your engine is misfiring.
- Ignition component renewal.
This is one of the most common services, and it’s also one of the easiest to understand. Your car’s ignition system has several key components, including spark plugs, plug wires, and the coil pack. Over time, these parts can wear out or become damaged, causing your car to misfire or run poorly. A simple tune-up will renew these parts and have your engine running like new again.
How Often Should You Have Your Auto Tuned-Up?
It’s generally recommended that you have your car tuned up every 30,000 miles or every two years, whichever comes first. Of course, this varies depending on the make and model of your vehicle – some will need it sooner, and some can go longer between tune-ups.
How Much Does An Auto Tune-Up Cost?
The cost of a tune-up can vary depending on the services included and the make and model of your vehicle. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $200 for a basic tune-up.
So, there you have it, the basics of auto tune-ups that you need to know. It’s important to keep your car in good shape by getting regular tune-ups, and we hope this article has helped to clear up any questions you may have had about the process. If you’re ready to schedule your next tune-up, or still have questions in mind, give us a call today. We would be happy to help.
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If you’re considering making a change to an independent auto repair mechanic trusted by thousands of happy customers, look no further than Autotech Blackhawk. Why? We differ from other automotive repair shops because we are a relationship shop. This means that the more of your car repair needs we support you with, the better able we are to customize our recommendations based on your driving habits and needs. Whether you want to keep the daily driver in ‘good enough’ condition, style your new car so that it’s customized just for you, maintain your favorite car in ‘like new’ condition, or even train your whole family to be more knowledgeable about cars – we partner with you to ensure that your cars meet your needs. We also offer an industry-leading 3-Year/36,000-mile warranty, so we only use Original Equipment and manufacturer-recommended products. Contact us now to book your no-contact, friendly appointment! We truly value your trust and your business, so thank you for staying local with your auto repair needs.
