You may be wondering if today’s vehicles really need a tune up. How often should you get a tune up and what are the benefits? These are definitely good questions to ask your auto mechanic. First of all, what does it mean to get a car tune up? Simply stated, in today’s cars, a tune up is considered a form of preventive maintenance to insure your vehicle continues to perform well. Regular tune ups will help you maintain your car's performance and extend its life.
What does a typical car tune up include?
- Replacing the air filter. The air filter should be replaced about once a year. If not replaced as needed, the engine may not get as much air as it needs to run properly and you could experience decreased power and performance.
- Visual inspection and replacement. A visual inspection should be made of the engine’s fuel-system components to ensure that the fuel filter and fuel injector are clean and that the fuel pump is working properly. An inspection of the spark plugs, the engine’s PCV value, ignition timing, air filters, oxygen sensor, distributor cap, and oil and coolant levels should be conducted. If any of these components are not working properly, they should be replaced.
- Inspection of operating systems.Some operating systems are not typically included in a basic car tune up, but it’s a good time to check all the operating systems, such as the brakes, suspension, air conditioning, and oil and fluid levels.
If your car isn’t performing like you think it should, it is probably time for a car tune up. Look for these indicators:
- Check engine light comes on.
- Engine stalls when you try to accelerate.
- Decreased fuel economy.
- Brake problems.
- Shifting problems.
- Excessive vibration or shaking in the steering wheel or seat.
So how often should you get a tune up for your car or truck? Of course, this will vary depending on the recommendation of your vehicle’s manufacturer so read your owner’s manual. Typically, if you have an older vehicle with a non-electronic ignition, you should get a tune up about every 10,000-12,000 miles, or every year. Newer cars with an electronic ignition and fuel injection can go from 25,000 to 100,000 miles before needing a major tune up.
Need to know more about a tune up service? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Elk River Tire & Auto for information and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop in Elk River, MN proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, and Otsego, Minnesota.
You may be wondering if today’s vehicles really need a tune up. How often should you get a tune up and what are the benefits? These are definitely good questions to ask your auto mechanic. First of all, what does it mean to get a car tune up? Simply stated, in today’s cars, a tune up is considered a form of preventive maintenance to insure your vehicle continues to perform well. Regular tune ups will help you maintain your car's performance and extend its life.
What does a typical car tune up include?
- Replacing the air filter. The air filter should be replaced about once a year. If not replaced as needed, the engine may not get as much air as it needs to run properly and you could experience decreased power and performance.
- Visual inspection and replacement. A visual inspection should be made of the engine’s fuel-system components to ensure that the fuel filter and fuel injector are clean and that the fuel pump is working properly. An inspection of the spark plugs, the engine’s PCV value, ignition timing, air filters, oxygen sensor, distributor cap, and oil and coolant levels should be conducted. If any of these components are not working properly, they should be replaced.
- Inspection of operating systems.Some operating systems are not typically included in a basic car tune up, but it’s a good time to check all the operating systems, such as the brakes, suspension, air conditioning, and oil and fluid levels.
If your car isn’t performing like you think it should, it is probably time for a car tune up. Look for these indicators:
- Check engine light comes on.
- Engine stalls when you try to accelerate.
- Decreased fuel economy.
- Brake problems.
- Shifting problems.
- Excessive vibration or shaking in the steering wheel or seat.
So how often should you get a tune up for your car or truck? Of course, this will vary depending on the recommendation of your vehicle’s manufacturer so read your owner’s manual. Typically, if you have an older vehicle with a non-electronic ignition, you should get a tune up about every 10,000-12,000 miles, or every year. Newer cars with an electronic ignition and fuel injection can go from 25,000 to 100,000 miles before needing a major tune up.
Need to know more about a tune up service? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Elk River Tire & Auto for information and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop in Elk River, MN proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, and Otsego, Minnesota.
