The question above is fairly common among vehicle owners. Because every make and model is a little different, there could be a few variances when it comes to when you need a car tune up and when it should be done. Make sure you read the service guidelines for your vehicle or ask your auto mechanic to let you know when your car needs a tune up.
So how do you know when you need a car tune up, you ask? Typically older vehicles with non-electric ignitions should have a tune up at least every 10,000 to 12,000 miles, or every year. The newer vehicles with fuel injection systems and electronic ignitions can go from between every 25,000 to 100,000 miles before needing a tune up.
Whether your car is an older or newer model, here are five signs that it’s time for a tune up:
- Decrease in Fuel Mileage – Mileage can be a little tricky to figure out unless you keep an eye on your MPG monitor. You will probably also notice that you’re heading to the fuel pump more often than usual. Poor engine performance can cause a drop in fuel efficiency.
- Strange Noises – Some noises may not be anything, but some noises are indicators that something serious is going on with your vehicle and will only get louder and worse if they are ignored.
- Decrease in Braking Function – Brakes should be responsive, functional, and effective at all times. Because brakes do wear out normally, having them checked frequently (such as every oil change) is important. A tune up also give your mechanic the opportunity to determine if your brakes need to be serviced or how much longer they will go.
- Ignoring Warning Lights – Take the warning lights on your instrument panel seriously. For example, by ignoring the “Service Engine” light, you may end up paying for costly engine repair.
- Engine Struggling To Start – This could be a sign of several issues, most of which are preventable if you keep up with the tune-up schedule. For example, simply replacing bad spark plugs could resolve the issue.
Remember: A basic tune up will catch potential problems early, saving you from the cost of the major engine or transmission repair later down the road!
Need to know more about how do you know when you need a car tune up? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, to schedule an appointment a tune up service. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
The question above is fairly common among vehicle owners. Because every make and model is a little different, there could be a few variances when it comes to when you need a car tune up and when it should be done. Make sure you read the service guidelines for your vehicle or ask your auto mechanic to let you know when your car needs a tune up.
So how do you know when you need a car tune up, you ask? Typically older vehicles with non-electric ignitions should have a tune up at least every 10,000 to 12,000 miles, or every year. The newer vehicles with fuel injection systems and electronic ignitions can go from between every 25,000 to 100,000 miles before needing a tune up.
Whether your car is an older or newer model, here are five signs that it’s time for a tune up:
- Decrease in Fuel Mileage – Mileage can be a little tricky to figure out unless you keep an eye on your MPG monitor. You will probably also notice that you’re heading to the fuel pump more often than usual. Poor engine performance can cause a drop in fuel efficiency.
- Strange Noises – Some noises may not be anything, but some noises are indicators that something serious is going on with your vehicle and will only get louder and worse if they are ignored.
- Decrease in Braking Function – Brakes should be responsive, functional, and effective at all times. Because brakes do wear out normally, having them checked frequently (such as every oil change) is important. A tune up also give your mechanic the opportunity to determine if your brakes need to be serviced or how much longer they will go.
- Ignoring Warning Lights – Take the warning lights on your instrument panel seriously. For example, by ignoring the “Service Engine” light, you may end up paying for costly engine repair.
- Engine Struggling To Start – This could be a sign of several issues, most of which are preventable if you keep up with the tune-up schedule. For example, simply replacing bad spark plugs could resolve the issue.
Remember: A basic tune up will catch potential problems early, saving you from the cost of the major engine or transmission repair later down the road!
Need to know more about how do you know when you need a car tune up? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, to schedule an appointment a tune up service. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
