Need a Car Tune Up before Fall?
How often does your car need a tune up? Has your vehicle seemed sluggish when trying to go up a hill or passing a slower vehicle? Has a dashboard light come on and you don’t know why? Summer’s hot temperatures are hard on vehicles and with cooler fall days coming, now is a good time to schedule a car tune up. This will include an inspection of the engine, the performance of your vehicle analyzed, and any needed adjustments made to the operating systems.
The tune-up checklist should include both preventative and restorative engine assessments. Following the inspection, your mechanic should then recommend the appropriate maintenance and service items needed.
So that you know what should be included, here is the basic car tune up checklist:
- Spark plugs -- An engine in good condition should have spark plugs with light tan or gray insulator firing noses. Any other color could be the sign of an engine problem. Is the spark the right color and is it properly igniting the fuel? The wires should be checked to make sure they are not hard or cracked.
- Fuel pump and filter -- make sure the pump is functioning properly and that the filter isn’t clogged or dirty
- Fuel injectors -- make sure that dirt or other deposits are not restricting the amount of fuel delivered to the engine and that there is no buildup affecting the spark plugs.
- Timing -- Adjust the engine timing and idle as necessary.
- PCV valve -- make sure it isn’t clogged or leaking.
- Points and condenser -- make sure they are clean and operating properly.
So, how often does your car need a tune up? There is not a one-size-fits-all tune up procedure. The tune up for your vehicle will be uniquely based on its age, the number of miles driven, and its maintenance history.
To learn more about the right car tune-up for you, contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, to schedule an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
How often does your car need a tune up? Has your vehicle seemed sluggish when trying to go up a hill or passing a slower vehicle? Has a dashboard light come on and you don’t know why? Summer’s hot temperatures are hard on vehicles and with cooler fall days coming, now is a good time to schedule a car tune up. This will include an inspection of the engine, the performance of your vehicle analyzed, and any needed adjustments made to the operating systems.
The tune-up checklist should include both preventative and restorative engine assessments. Following the inspection, your mechanic should then recommend the appropriate maintenance and service items needed.
So that you know what should be included, here is the basic car tune up checklist:
- Spark plugs -- An engine in good condition should have spark plugs with light tan or gray insulator firing noses. Any other color could be the sign of an engine problem. Is the spark the right color and is it properly igniting the fuel? The wires should be checked to make sure they are not hard or cracked.
- Fuel pump and filter -- make sure the pump is functioning properly and that the filter isn’t clogged or dirty
- Fuel injectors -- make sure that dirt or other deposits are not restricting the amount of fuel delivered to the engine and that there is no buildup affecting the spark plugs.
- Timing -- Adjust the engine timing and idle as necessary.
- PCV valve -- make sure it isn’t clogged or leaking.
- Points and condenser -- make sure they are clean and operating properly.
So, how often does your car need a tune up? There is not a one-size-fits-all tune up procedure. The tune up for your vehicle will be uniquely based on its age, the number of miles driven, and its maintenance history.
To learn more about the right car tune-up for you, contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, to schedule an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
