Your car is an important part of your life; you rely on it to get you where you need to go. That is why it’s essential to keep it in good running condition. A tune-up from a professional auto repair shop in High-Point, NC, can help extend the life of your car and prevent costly repairs. But how do you know when it is time for a tune-up?

In this post, we’ll go over some signs that it’s time to take your car in for a tune-up so you can keep it running smoothly.

What Does a Car Tune-up Involve?

Modern technology, such as fuel injection and computerized onboard monitoring, has made routine vehicle maintenance much easier.

However, a few key components of a car tune-up can still help keep your vehicle running its best. These services usually include:

1. Changing the Oil and Other Fluids

Regular oil changes (every 5,000-7,000 kilometers) keep your engine cleaner for longer. It is a fine idea to have the oil filter changed simultaneously.

Brake, engine coolant, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid are other fluids that require constant replacement. Intervals differ depending on your vehicle’s make and model, so check your owner’s manual or take your car to auto repair near me for regular checks and changes.

2. Inspection Checklist

When you buy a new car, it usually comes with a maintenance schedule. This is important to follow as it covers all the vital systems in your vehicle that must be regularly checked, such as the brakes, engine, and suspension.

During tune-up service, a professional will thoroughly inspect your car and make sure everything is in working order. This is a great time to catch small problems before they become big and expensive ones.

3. Mechanical Repair

Your auto mechanic will make the necessary repairs if your safety inspection raises concerns. For example, this could involve fixing a loose bolt to replace worn-out brake pads or an old battery.

Warning Signs Your Car Needs a Tune-Up

1. The Dashboard Lights Come On

Have you ever seen a strange light on your car’s dashboard? If so, it’s trying to tell you something.

Most cars have a warning light system that alerts the driver when there’s something wrong with the vehicle. These lights usually come on when the car needs oil, coolant, or another type of fluid.

If you see the light come on, it’s best to take your car in for a tune-up as soon as possible so the problem can be diagnosed and fixed.

2. You’ve Been Hearing Strange Noises

If your car makes strange noises, it could signify something wrong. For example, if you hear a screeching sound every time you brake, it’s probably an indication that your brake pads need to be replaced.

Grinding, rattling, and thumping noises are also often caused by mechanical issues. If you hear any of these, take your car in for a tune-up so the problem can be diagnosed and fixed before it leads to more severe damage.

3. You Start Stalling Out

Stalls will occur if you’re learning to drive a vehicle with a manual gearbox. However, if you’re an experienced driver or have an automated vehicle with stalling issues, then it is a sign that something deeper is going on.

Stalling is an unpleasant experience, and some situations can be fatal. The following are some of the reasons your automobile may stall:

  • A dead battery
  • A loose or damaged alternator belt
  • A faulty ignition system
  • A dirty air filter
  • Improper release of the clutch

The best way to prevent all of the above issues is by taking your car in for a tune-up at an expert auto repair shop.

4. Bad Gas Mileage

We are always looking to save money, and one of the ways we do that is by monitoring our gas mileage. Your car’s gas mileage will start to decrease for many reasons.

A common one is the build-up of dirt and debris in the engine, which can rob it of power. This is why it’s important to have a tune-up performed regularly so your engine can stay clean and efficient.

Another reason for bad gas mileage is a faulty oxygen sensor. This sensor monitors the amount of oxygen in the exhaust and tells the engine how to adjust the air/fuel mixture. If it’s not working properly, your car will use more gas than it should.

A tune-up can also fix other issues affecting your car’s gas mileage, such as a dirty air filter or spark plugs.

5. Your Automobile takes a Long Time to Speed up

Are you having a tough time getting up on your go? Is it taking longer for your automobile to react when the light changes from red to green?

When a vehicle takes a long time to start up, it usually indicates an issue that has developed over time because we are unaware of little variations until they accumulate to a significant difference.

Slow acceleration caused due to damage to spark plugs or fuel injectors can become an issue when you need to boost your speed quickly.

During a tune-up, these parts will be checked and replaced if necessary so your car can get up to speed more quickly.

6. You Can Sense Unusual Vibrations

When driving, you should feel smoothness and comfort. If your car starts to vibrate, that signals something is wrong.

One of the most common reasons for vibrations is a tire imbalance. This can happen when one tire wears down faster than the others. When this happens, it’s important to get a tire rotation.

Tire rotations are usually done during a tune-up, but you can also have them done separately at most tire shops as and when required.

Another common cause of vibrations is a problem with the engine mounts. These mounts secure the engine to the car’s frame, and if they’re damaged, it can cause the engine to move around and vibrate.

This is a severe issue that needs to be fixed right away. During a tune-up, the professionals will check the engine mounts and replace them if necessary.

7. Car Pulls To One Side

It’s aggravating and dangerously distracting when your automobile consistently swings to the left or right while driving. To prevent further damage, have your engine serviced as soon as feasible. Auto repair mechanics will inspect potential sources such as misaligned wheels, wear and tear on steering or suspension parts, or (most dangerous of all) unevenly worn brakes.

8. Brakes are Grinding

Think of your brakes like shoes on your feet. The more you use it, the faster it will wear down; if you don’t care for them, they will eventually fall apart.

Your brakes are your car’s most important safety features, so keeping them in good condition is important.

If you hear grinding noise when you come to a stop, it’s a sign that your brake pads are wearing down and must be replaced. This is a relatively simple and inexpensive repair, but it’s important to do it before the pads wear down completely.

If you wait too long, the metal backing plate will start scraping against the rotor, causing expensive damage.

During a tune-up, the mechanic will check the condition of your brakes and replace the pads if necessary.

9. Car Is Overheating

Here’s a worst-case scenario for every driver: You’ve loaded your vehicle with everything you need for a weekend away, but it soon begins to overheat. Suddenly you have to choose between an expensive tow bill or being stranded in the middle of nowhere.

If you notice your car’s temperature gauge creeping into the red, it’s time for a tune-up. Several potential problems cause an overheating engine, but the most common is a coolant leak.

During a tune-up, the mechanic will check for leaks and replace the coolant if necessary. They will also check other potential causes of overheating, such as a clogged radiator, low oil level, or a damaged water pump.

A tune-up is a simple and inexpensive way to keep your car running smoothly and avoid severe and costly repairs down the road. So if your car shows any of these signs, don’t hesitate to take it in for a tune-up at a professional auto repair shop.

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