What Car Owners Need to Know About Tune-Ups
What Car Owners Need to Know About Tune-Ups
Posted on August 25, 2021
Most car owners know that getting regular maintenance in their car is important. And while you are taking your car into the service department, you may have heard the technician ask you if you would like to get a tune-up for your car. But what exactly is a tune-up and how often does your car really need one? Keep reading to find out everything that you need to know about tune-ups.
What is a Tune-Up?
What happens during a car tune-up can vary greatly depending on how old the vehicle is and how much you drive it. Generally, a tune-up is a preventative maintenance that covers more components than just a regular maintenance appointment.
Instead of just changing the oil and checking the fluid levels, a technician will check the condition of the spark plugs, fuel filter and other electrical wires and components under the hood. If any of these components seem to be faulty, they will be changed out immediately. The service technician could also perform maintenance on other parts of your vehicle including the tires, cables, and PCV valves.
In short, when your car gets a tune-up, it is getting vital components fixed and replaced to ensure that your car is able to stay in peak condition.
When Should I Get a Tune-Up for My Car?
There are several factors that determine when your vehicle should be taken in for a tune-up. Typically, a car should get a tune-up once a year. Newer vehicles may not need a tune-up that often. However, the older the vehicle, the more in-depth the tune-up will be.
While getting your car a tune u once a year is a good rule of thumb, you should take consider getting a tune-up sooner if you notice that your car is displaying any of the following symptoms:
- The "Service Engine" light comes on
- Loss of power
- Slower than normal acceleration times
- Knocking sound that comes from the engine
- Lower fuel economy rating
- Rough vibration when driving
- Rough vibrations while idling
These symptoms can be caused by a number of problems. Sometimes, the problem could be serious. However, it could also mean that your car just needs a tune-up. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is best to take your car to a trusted service technician as soon as possible.
How Much Does a Tune-Up Costs?
How much a tune-up costs will depend on how many kilometres your car has been driven since its last tune-up as well as the age of your car. Most new cars use platinum spark plugs which are able to last at least 50,000 km. So, if your car is relatively new and only has around 50,000 to 70,000 km on the odometer, the price of a tune-up should be relatively inexpensive. Vehicles that have 160,000 km or more tend to be slightly more expensive.
A tune-up typically takes an hour or more to complete. And depending on what needs to be done, the price can range from $40 to over $1,000.
Get a Tune-Up from a Professional
If you are looking to get your car a tune-up, it is important that you take your vehicle to an experienced mechanic. Our service technicians have years of experience diagnosing and fixing a wide range of mechanical problems. If you feel that your car may need a tune-up, please feel free to contact us today.