How Often to Get a Tune-Up for Your Vehicle?

Are you prepared for an unexpected car repair bill? A study by AAA found that one in three drivers can't cover the costs of a surprise repair. Whether you bring your car in for brake issues or you shell out for a tow, the costs of neglecting your car's maintenance are nothing to laugh at!

Fortunately, there's an easy way to reduce the risk of unexpected bills: regular tune-ups. These basic maintenance appointments allow a technician to catch minor issues early, which can save you a lot of hassle later.

However, it's not always clear how often to get a tune-up, especially if you're doing your own preventative maintenance at home. What schedule should you follow?

Let's take a look at how often experts advise getting a tune-up when to schedule one more often than recommended, and what these crucial appointments cover.

How Often to Get a Tune-Up

The frequency of your tune-ups depends on your ride.

As a general rule of thumb, you should bring your car in for vehicle maintenance at least once every 8,000 to 12,000 miles. Because the average American drives over 14,000 miles per year, this should work out to around once every year or so.

However, you should always defer to your owner's manual for specifics. These records often have detailed guidelines for your specific make and model. Newer cars, for example, may only need servicing once every 25,000 to 80,000 miles.

You can also reach out to the dealership where you bought the car for information.

When to Change Your Tune-Up Schedule

In some cases, you may want to veer away from the tune-up guidelines we've mentioned above. This is true even if you're rigorous about doing your own preventative maintenance at home.

Older vehicles or cars with high mileage may need more frequent maintenance visits, especially if you don't have the manufacturer's recommendations handy. You may also want to get more frequent checks if you often drive on rough terrain or you have a used vehicle whose accident and damage history you don't know.

We also recommend scheduling a tune-up before your car gets heavy use. If you're planning a road trip, for example, bring it to an expert to avoid any unpleasant surprises while you're on vacation.

Signs You Need an Unscheduled Tune-Up

In some cases, your car may raise red flags that it needs a tune-up outside of your annual visits. If you notice any of the signs below, consider reaching out for yearly maintenance:

Reduced Fuel Mileage

It's not easy for drivers to notice subtle fuel efficiency changes unless the car has a dedicated gauge, so an obvious drop in efficiency is often a bad sign.

Your system's fuel economy depends on factors like its engine, wheel alignment, and emissions system performance. A tune-up can help optimize all of these factors and get your car back up and running.

Unusual Sounds

All cars make noises when driving, but you should keep an ear out for sounds that fall outside your vehicle's usual pattern.

Knocking, tapping, clicking, or screeching are red flags. These sounds can sometimes be minor or harmless, but until you know for sure, it's important to operate with caution. A tune-up can take care of loose parts, lubrication issues, replacements, and other problems that may cause odd sounds.

Illuminated Warning Light

Drivers don't always take their vehicle's engine lights seriously, believing them to "cry wolf" too often. However, ignoring these indicators can sometimes lead to costly repairs. Most car troubles worsen over time, so you should take an illuminated warning light as a chance to catch a minor issue before it turns into a headache.

Poor Brake Capacity

This one should be a no-brainer: anytime you have brake issues, bring your car in for maintenance! You should never try to "get by" with brakes that are less responsive than usual. Your car's braking capacity can mean the difference between a sudden stop and an unnecessary accident.

Engine Troubles

Last, but not least, engine troubles are a huge red flag. Again, drivers sometimes expect minor engine issues will go away on their own, but it's always best to bring your car to a Killeen auto repair expert as soon as you notice an issue. If your car stalls or you have difficulty starting the engine, you could be looking at a spark plug, battery, or oil filter issue. Bring your car in for maintenance to tackle these minor culprits before the problem gets worse.

Car Tune-Up Checklist

What does the average tune-up cover? No matter when or where you bring your ride for maintenance, you can expect the service to include a few key points:

• Check or change spark plugs, ignition wires, and ignition coils
• Check the distributor cap, rotor, and breaker points on older cars
• Change the air, oil, and fuel filters and the PCV
• Perform an oil change
• Check engine belts and hoses for wear and tear
• Replace windshield wiper blades
• Replace your car's fluids, including the coolant, brake fluid, and motor oil
• Test the battery
• Perform a brake test
• Balance and rotate the tires
• Perform a wheel alignment

If your technician notices any major red flags during your tune-up, they may recommend more extensive repairs. If you need to replace any major parts, for example, you may need to leave the car with them for longer.

Get a Tune-Up From the Pros

Getting a tune-up at least once a year is the best way to ensure the safety of your vehicle. Even better, it can help ensure that your car stays in peak condition for longer, reducing the risk of damage while allowing you to get more years out of your beloved ride.

When you're ready to bring your car in for regular maintenance, trust the pros! Phil's Service is Killeen's only ASE Blue Seal Certified repair shop, and we're proud to be the trusted auto repair experts for drivers throughout the area.

To take care of your factory-scheduled maintenance or make up for past missed tune-ups, request an appointment online or call 254-616-1659.