How Often Should You Get a Tune-Up?

How frequently you need to get a tune-up for your vehicle really depends on the type of vehicle you have and your driving practices. In general, older cars that do not have electronic ignitions need to be tuned up every 10,000 or 12,000 miles or on an annual basis, whichever comes first. Newer cars that do have electronic ignition functionality and fuel injection systems can go a little longer—they can go anywhere from 25,000 miles to up to 100,000 miles without needing major tune-up work, depending on the type of vehicle.

Of course, as a vehicle owner, you should always consult your owner’s manual first to see the recommended tune-up intervals for your vehicle. This will give you a sense of the mileage at which some of the major systems of the vehicle need to be looked at by professional mechanics in New Palestine, IN.

If your manual says the vehicle doesn’t require frequent scheduled tune-ups, though, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to be off the hook. It’s still better to be proactive with your vehicle maintenance—too much love is better than no love at all. You should at least check every now and then to make sure your vehicle is operating at its peak efficiency, especially if you do a lot of stop-and-go city driving, or if you tend to pull heavy loads behind your vehicle, such as trailers or boats.

Beyond just going by manufacturer recommendations, there are some other symptoms you should watch for in your vehicle that can indicate it’s time for you to take it to a mechanic for a tune-up. Here are a few examples of these symptoms:

• It’s become difficult to start the vehicle: This issue might be caused by a problem in the starting system (such as a weak battery), in the ignition system or in the fuel system (such as a weak or dying fuel pump). There are also some possible electronic sources of the problem, including faulty electronic control units.
• The car begins to stall: If you’ve been having problems with your car stalling, this could be an issue with the spark plugs. The plugs themselves might need to be replaced because they’ve worn down, or the electrodes might simply need to be adjusted. This could also be an issue with an electronic sensing device in your vehicle that needs to be adjusted to keep the vehicle running.
• Rough engine: If the engine is running rough when you accelerate or when you idle, this is a tell-tale sign that your vehicle needs a tune-up from a mechanic. There’s something in your system that is not operating as efficiently as it should be.

For more examples of signs that you need a tune-up and to schedule your next maintenance appointment, we encourage you to contact Auto Air & Heating, Inc. to speak with one of our mechanics in New Palestine, IN. We look forward to working with you and resolving any problems with your vehicle efficiently and affordably!

Categorised in: Mechanic

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