For the most part, cars do not require a lot of maintenance. There really is not that much involved to keeping a vehicle in good shape. Regular oil changes are important, and there are a few other things drivers need to do, including tune-ups. But the question then becomes when do you need one? If you are wondering how often to get a tune up – here is what you should know:
How old is your car?
When determining how often to get a tune up it is important to know the age of your car. If it’s a couple decades old or older, there’s a good chance it does not have an electronic ignition. In this case, you will want to get a tune-up about every 10,000 miles. In addition to electronic ignitions, newer cars have fuel injection systems. This means they can go longer between tune-ups. However, the exact mileage can vary greatly and can range from 25,000 to 100,000. Be sure to consult your owner’s manual to get the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Signs your car needs a tune-up
Keeping an eye on your mileage is a good idea. However, sometimes your car will let you know when it needs checking. Here are some red flags to look for:
The check engine light is on
There could be a variety of reasons why a check engine light comes on. But if you haven’t had a tune-up in a while, there’s a good chance this is the issue.
Your engine misfires
A misfiring engine occurs when sparkplugs do not ignite at the right time. If this happens a lot, you probably need new plugs, which is a big part of a tune-up.
The car is sluggish
If you have noticed your car not running well, clearly something is wrong. One of the main culprits could be a clogged air filter. You would get a new one during a tune-up. Engine deposits may also be an issue. A tune-up can also consist of a fuel system cleaning, which would help with this issue.
Contact Xpress Lube for more info on how often to get a tune up
Need a tune-up or just want to keep your auto in tiptop shape? Just bring it down to Xpress Lube. We offer tune ups, oil changes, filter replacements, and all other preventative maintenance services. You can schedule your appointment now.
