Signs it’s Time for a Tune Up

Bringing your vehicle to a mechanic for a tune-up can mean many different things according to different people. Some people think of tune ups as “check-ups”, just like you would go to a doctor for. Doing these regular “check-ups” ensures that your vehicle is working properly and is in good shape.

When you bring your car to a mechanic shop, they may ask what you have noticed about your vehicle that makes you believe that a tune-up is required. Just like a doctor, the technician wants to know the symptoms in order to diagnose the issue. There are various indicators that might tell you that you need a tune-up. Today we will be discussing signs that it’s time for an auto tune-up.

What is an Automotive Tune Up?

A tune up service includes a visual inspection of the engine’s fuel-system components. This is done to ensure the fuel filter and fuel injector are clean and not clogged. It is also done to ensure that no damage has been caused to the fuel pump. The following is also checked during the inspection:

• Spark plugs appearance and performance
• Ignition timing
• Oil and coolant levels
• Engine’s PCV valve

Lights on Your Dashboard Have Turned On

Many times, when people see a light appear on their dashboard, they don’t immediately take care of it. The moment your light comes on may not mean it is a serious issue, but it could quickly evolve into something serious if you don’t take your car in for an inspection. When a light comes on, be sure to check your owner’s manual to identify what that light indicates. Remember, these lights come on for a reason. If a light comes on, there may be something that needs attention.

Your Vehicle Begins to Stall

When you’re first learning how to drive a standard car, stalling is inevitable. However, if you’re an experienced standard driver or drive automatic and your car is stalling, this is a major indicator that something is wrong with your vehicle. For those of you who may be unsure what stalling is, to put it in simple terms, it is when your engine dies.

Your car could stall because of:

• A dead or faulty battery
• A faulty fuel pump
• Improper release of the clutch (this only applies to standard vehicles)
• Ignition problems
• Carbon build up around the Throttle Plate
• Lack of air getting into the Engine due to a dirty Air Filter

If your vehicle begins to stall, these issues need to be taken care of right away and it is highly recommended that you take your car in for a inspection. If you run into this problem while on the road, it is important to pull over right away and call a mechanic or roadside assistance service.

Poor Fuel Mileage

Do you monitor your fuel mileage? Many people don’t but it is important to monitor how often you are going to the gas station to fill up your tank. If you’ve been driving the same vehicle for a while, chances are you have a pretty good idea as to how long and far you can drive on a full tank of gas. This should be pretty consistent every time you fill up your gas tank. If you notice that you are needing to fill up more often and aren’t getting the same amount of mileage as you usually do on a full tank of gas, you should take your car into the shop to see what is wrong.

Remember to keep track of your mileage from when you fill up your tank to the next time you need gas. Your mileage is automatically counted on your dashboard. Using the note section in your cell phone, or using a good old pen and paper, be sure to record each trip you make, and then reset the counter when you are starting a new trip. This will make is a lot easier for you to keep track of how many kilometers/miles you were able to drive on one tank of gas.

Vibrations, Shaking and/or Unusual Noises

It’s not unusual to feel your steering get tougher or shakier as you drive on rough or dirt roads. It’s definitely not the greatest feeling but is completely normal. However, it is not normal if you still feel shaking and vibrating from your car as you drive on smooth road. This is a major sign of internal issues. If you feel it only at certain speeds, only in the steering wheel, or in the whole car, you need to see a technician.

Drivers become accustomed to the sounds that their car makes as they are in their own vehicle quite often. However, it can cause quite the panic when you hear a sound that is not typically there. When this happens, be sure to call a licensed technician immediately.

Avoid Issues by Getting a Regular Tune-Up

The best way to handle any of these issues is to take your car for regular tune-ups. Problems that are left unattended could quickly get out of hand and cause more damage to your vehicle. These issues can easily become a much more expensive problem if not taken care of right away. If you notice something unusual happening with your vehicle, take it to the mechanic the same way you would go to the doctor if something unusual was happening with you.  It is always important to follow your manufacturer’s maintenance schedule to avoid expensive repairs in the future.

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Stay safe on the roads – let us take care of your vehicle! We look forward to connecting with you soon.

Vic Simone

President & Class “A” Technician

Simone Performance