Do You Know How Often Should You Get A Car Tune Up?
There is often a debate among auto mechanics about the necessity of a tune up in today’s modern vehicles. However, even with the advancement in technology, a tune up is still considered a form of preventative maintenance to ensure that your vehicle will continue to operate as well as possible for as long as possible. But how often should you get a car tune up? And what are the signs that it’s time to tune up your car?
How often should you get a car tune up, you ask? The key is to read your owner’s manual and know what it says about tune ups. Depending on the manufacturer of your vehicle, the time to tune up your car may be different than for other vehicles. Older vehicles with non-electronic ignitions typically should have a tune up about every 10,000-12,000 miles, or at least once a year. Newer cars with electronic ignitions and fuel injection systems can go anywhere from 25,000 to 100,000 miles before needing a major tune up.
These are the areas typically included in a basic tune up:
- Air filter replaced. If the filter gets clogged, your engine will have to work harder to run properly and you will feel a decrease in your vehicle’s power.
- Inspection of the fuel system and components replaced as necessary. A visual inspection should be made to ensure that the fuel filter and fuel injectors are clean and that the fuel pump is working properly. Spark plugs, PCV value, ignition timing, air filter, oxygen sensor, distributor cap, and oil and coolant levels should also be inspected and either adjusted or replaced as needed.
- Inspection of other systems. A tune up service is also a time to check out other systems not typically included in a basic tune up, such as the brakes, suspension, air conditioning, and transmission, and make any adjustments or repairs as needed.
Have more questions about how often should you get a car tune up? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about when to tune up your car and to schedule an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
There is often a debate among auto mechanics about the necessity of a tune up in today’s modern vehicles. However, even with the advancement in technology, a tune up is still considered a form of preventative maintenance to ensure that your vehicle will continue to operate as well as possible for as long as possible. But how often should you get a car tune up? And what are the signs that it’s time to tune up your car?
How often should you get a car tune up, you ask? The key is to read your owner’s manual and know what it says about tune ups. Depending on the manufacturer of your vehicle, the time to tune up your car may be different than for other vehicles. Older vehicles with non-electronic ignitions typically should have a tune up about every 10,000-12,000 miles, or at least once a year. Newer cars with electronic ignitions and fuel injection systems can go anywhere from 25,000 to 100,000 miles before needing a major tune up.
These are the areas typically included in a basic tune up:
- Air filter replaced. If the filter gets clogged, your engine will have to work harder to run properly and you will feel a decrease in your vehicle’s power.
- Inspection of the fuel system and components replaced as necessary. A visual inspection should be made to ensure that the fuel filter and fuel injectors are clean and that the fuel pump is working properly. Spark plugs, PCV value, ignition timing, air filter, oxygen sensor, distributor cap, and oil and coolant levels should also be inspected and either adjusted or replaced as needed.
- Inspection of other systems. A tune up service is also a time to check out other systems not typically included in a basic tune up, such as the brakes, suspension, air conditioning, and transmission, and make any adjustments or repairs as needed.
Have more questions about how often should you get a car tune up? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about when to tune up your car and to schedule an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
