Whether you have a newer vehicle or an older one, you may be wondering how often should you get your car tuned up? Is it even necessary to tune up today’s new cars? Yes, all vehicles still require certain maintenance on a regular basis, although it isn’t actually a tune up in the traditional sense.
Typically, for most vehicles manufactured prior to 1990, carburetors were used to send fuel to each cylinder. To ensure that the carburetors kept delivering at peak performance, they required occasional adjustments and cleaning. The starting system consisted of a distributor and cap, spark plugs, ignition points, a condenser, and rotor which all required cleaning or replacement at some point in time. The air filter and fuel filter were also replaced. Together, this “tune up” would significantly improve the performance of a vehicle.
Today’s vehicles no longer have some of the components mentioned above so the definition of “tune up” has changed. Plus, with the advancements in technology, the other components are designed to last much longer than in years past. Engines now use fuel injection to send fuel to the cylinders via a computer-controlled spark. That said, most vehicles still use air filters, spark plug wires, and fuel filters that do need to be replaced. The important thing to remember, according to our new definition of a car tune up, is that you understand how often you should get your car tuned up.
Here are five of the most obvious signs that it’s time for a car tune up:
- Decrease in fuel economy
- Unusual noises coming from the motor
- Braking ability has decreased
- Warning lights illuminating the instrument panel
- The engine keeps stalling or won’t start at all
Tip to Remember: Make it a practice to have a car diagnostic performed at least once a year whether you are experiencing car problems or not. Your mechanic will then have the opportunity to check the overall condition of the engine, transmission, oil and gas tanks, and exhaust system, as well as all the other operating systems. Catching potential problems early will help you avoid costly repairs later on.
Have more questions about how often should you get your car tuned up? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, to schedule an appointment for a car tune up and maintenance. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
Whether you have a newer vehicle or an older one, you may be wondering how often should you get your car tuned up? Is it even necessary to tune up today’s new cars? Yes, all vehicles still require certain maintenance on a regular basis, although it isn’t actually a tune up in the traditional sense.
Typically, for most vehicles manufactured prior to 1990, carburetors were used to send fuel to each cylinder. To ensure that the carburetors kept delivering at peak performance, they required occasional adjustments and cleaning. The starting system consisted of a distributor and cap, spark plugs, ignition points, a condenser, and rotor which all required cleaning or replacement at some point in time. The air filter and fuel filter were also replaced. Together, this “tune up” would significantly improve the performance of a vehicle.
Today’s vehicles no longer have some of the components mentioned above so the definition of “tune up” has changed. Plus, with the advancements in technology, the other components are designed to last much longer than in years past. Engines now use fuel injection to send fuel to the cylinders via a computer-controlled spark. That said, most vehicles still use air filters, spark plug wires, and fuel filters that do need to be replaced. The important thing to remember, according to our new definition of a car tune up, is that you understand how often you should get your car tuned up.
Here are five of the most obvious signs that it’s time for a car tune up:
- Decrease in fuel economy
- Unusual noises coming from the motor
- Braking ability has decreased
- Warning lights illuminating the instrument panel
- The engine keeps stalling or won’t start at all
Tip to Remember: Make it a practice to have a car diagnostic performed at least once a year whether you are experiencing car problems or not. Your mechanic will then have the opportunity to check the overall condition of the engine, transmission, oil and gas tanks, and exhaust system, as well as all the other operating systems. Catching potential problems early will help you avoid costly repairs later on.
Have more questions about how often should you get your car tuned up? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, to schedule an appointment for a car tune up and maintenance. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
