The Importance of Car Maintenance
Once you have your car, there is more to do than just gassing it up and going. There are many basic maintenance details like checking the air pressure in the tires and checking the oil in the engine. But after those basic car owner tasks, what if your car isn’t running right? A car tune-up can be the answer to the problem too! Schedule a car tune-up in Inglewood, CA by calling L.A. NTX Transmissions at __PHONE__.
What are the signs that your car needs a tune-up?
A car will often display certain indicators that a car tune-up is needed. However, there are times that it may not give you any indications … until it breaks down. To keep from having your car break down on you at an inopportune time, the following five things are signs that you should get a car tune-up sooner rather than later:
Increased Starting Difficulties
When a car isn’t starting easily, there can be several issues as part of the problem, like the battery or fuel pump being weak. It could also be a problem with the ignition and with an experienced mechanic’s knowledge they can fix the problem with a simple car tune-up.
Stalling – Occasionally or Frequently
When a car stalls while the engine is running, this is typically dirty connections or faulty spark plugs keeping the fuel from igniting. Before you take your car to the mechanic, note if the car stalls when the engine is cold or hot, while you’re sitting at a red light, or with the air conditioner running. These special notes will help the mechanic isolate the problem.
Knocking Sounds and Rough Idling or Acceleration Issues
When a car knocks as you accelerate, the engine has some type of inefficiency. A rough idle or a car slow to accelerate can be from bad spark plugs. A car tune-up can usually fix these problems, but sometimes there is something more detailed and intense to take care of.
Poor Gas Mileage
If your car isn’t getting the same gas mileage as it used to, a car tune of replacing the spark plugs or replacing the fuel injection filters can fix this.
Manufacturer’s Recommendations
Even when your car isn’t giving you any problems, getting a professional car tune-up on a routine schedule will keep it running at its optimum ability. When should you get a tune-up on your car? Each car manufacturer has different car tune-up frequency recommendations. For example:
- For a car with a non-electronic ignition, a professional car tune is recommended 10,000 to 20,000 miles.
- With a newer car, a professional car tune-up is recommended every 30,000 to 100,000 miles.
How do you know when you need a tune-up?
A car tune-up is typically not expensive and the best part, you can save yourself a lot of money with the cost of a car tune-up. How does that save you money? The mechanic is able to catch small issues before they become expensive problems.
So, in addition to the things we listed above like having difficulty starting your car, or your car stalling at red lights, there are the following indications:
- Strange Sounds
As you drive your car, you become accustomed to the sounds it makes. So when it begins making new and strange sounds you’re not familiar with, it is time to get a car tune-up. With the process of doing the tune-up, the mechanic should find anything that isn’t normal and bring it to your attention with a recommended solution.
- Braking Problems
The brakes are an important safety feature for any car and when they aren’t stopping as they should, it can be dangerous. A basic tune-up should include an inspection of the brakes and tires with the mechanic offering their advice on replacement.
- Warning Lights
When the check engine or a warning light turns on, do not ignore it! These lights serve a purpose by warning you there is a problem with your car. It may be something as minor as adding fluid to the windshield wiper system. Or it could be something more intense and need immediate attention. Let your mechanic inspect and advise.
What a Car Tune-Up Includes
With a professional mechanic, what is car tune-up means is your car will get a once-over in the following areas:
- Check air filter and replace if needed
- Check fuel filter and replace if needed
- Check overall fuel system check, clean accordingly
- Check spark plugs, clean, and replace if needed
- Check idling and timing, adjust as needed
- A visual inspection of all engine components
- A visual inspection of brakes and tires
What are the benefits of a tune-up?
The car tune-up benefits start with your car functioning properly. The second thing a car tune-up will do is allow the mechanic to catch a small issue that can quickly become a major, and expensive, problem. With the air filter and fuel filter cleaned or changed, the spark plug cleaned or replaced, you should see an improvement in gas mileage too.
The Final Word
So, is a tune-up necessary? Cars today with the modern fuel-injection system don’t require a tune-up like cars of yesteryear. However, all cars should have a certain level of regular inspection and maintenance, which may be categorized as a tune-up. Without this inspection and maintenance, your car could be running badly, using more gas, and even break down at some point, leaving you stranded. If you currently need a car tune-up in Inglewood, CA, or would like more in-depth recommendations on when to get a car tune-up, reach out to L.A. NTX Transmissions today at __PHONE__.