How Often Should a Car Get a Tune Up?
Have you been wondering lately how often should you give your car a tune up? The answer to this question is mainly determined by the performance of your vehicle. Is it sluggish when trying to go up a hill or passing a slower vehicle? Has a dashboard light come on and you don’t know why? If you delayed in getting a car tune up in the fall after driving through summer’s hot temperatures, it’s not too late to get a car tune up now to make sure your vehicle makes it safely through winter.
The tune-up checklist should include both preventative and restorative engine assessments, including an inspection of the engine, an analysis of your vehicle’s performance, and any needed adjustments made to the operating systems.
Consider the basic car tune up items that should be on the checklist:
- Spark plugs -- Good spark plugs should have light tan or gray insulator firing noses. Is the spark the right color and is it properly igniting the fuel? The wires should also be checked to make sure they are not hard or cracked.
- Fuel pump and filter -- the fuel pump should be functioning properly and the filter free from debris or sludge.
- Fuel injectors -- make sure that dirt or other deposits are not restricting the amount of fuel delivered to the engine and that there is no buildup affecting the spark plugs.
- Timing -- the engine timing and idle adjusted as necessary.
- PCV valve -- it should not be clogged or leaking,
- Points and condenser -- they should be cleaned so they will keep operating properly.
So how often should a car get a tune up? There is not a one-size-fits-all car tune up procedure. It will be uniquely based on your vehicle’s age, the number of miles driven, and its maintenance history.
To learn more about the right car tune-up for your vehicle, contact our ASE Certified technicians at Phil’s Service today for more information and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of Killeen, TX, and the surrounding area.
Wondering how often should a car get a tune up? Call the professionals at Phil’s Service to see if it times to schedule a car tune up.
Have you been wondering lately how often should you give your car a tune up? The answer to this question is mainly determined by the performance of your vehicle. Is it sluggish when trying to go up a hill or passing a slower vehicle? Has a dashboard light come on and you don’t know why? If you delayed in getting a car tune up in the fall after driving through summer’s hot temperatures, it’s not too late to get a car tune up now to make sure your vehicle makes it safely through winter.
The tune-up checklist should include both preventative and restorative engine assessments, including an inspection of the engine, an analysis of your vehicle’s performance, and any needed adjustments made to the operating systems.
Consider the basic car tune up items that should be on the checklist:
- Spark plugs -- Good spark plugs should have light tan or gray insulator firing noses. Is the spark the right color and is it properly igniting the fuel? The wires should also be checked to make sure they are not hard or cracked.
- Fuel pump and filter -- the fuel pump should be functioning properly and the filter free from debris or sludge.
- Fuel injectors -- make sure that dirt or other deposits are not restricting the amount of fuel delivered to the engine and that there is no buildup affecting the spark plugs.
- Timing -- the engine timing and idle adjusted as necessary.
- PCV valve -- it should not be clogged or leaking,
- Points and condenser -- they should be cleaned so they will keep operating properly.
So how often should a car get a tune up? There is not a one-size-fits-all car tune up procedure. It will be uniquely based on your vehicle’s age, the number of miles driven, and its maintenance history.
To learn more about the right car tune-up for your vehicle, contact our ASE Certified technicians at Phil’s Service today for more information and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of Killeen, TX, and the surrounding area.
