Tune-up, No Tune-up, that is the question.
Knowing if your car or truck is in need of a tune-up may depend on a few factors. What is the age of your vehicle? Are you having any current mechanical issues? Are you following the suggested factory recommended service?
Car Age is Important
There was a time when a mechanic could fix ignition timing by listening to the “tune” of the engine as it was running. The cars and trucks of yesteryear needed a regular tune-up, where everything from ignition points to carburetor screws needed adjustments – nearly every 30 -35,000-mile intervals.
Now with today’s makes and models, automobiles certainly last longer due to modernized and precision engine parts and sensors that control the flow of fuel and limit carbo buildup.
The tune-ups of today are often pitched as complete service at your local auto repair shop. They are completed fast and keep you confident while on the road. You can even do a tune-up yourself, but your time is valuable and you’ll have peace of mind with an honest mechanic getting the job done right.
You may need a tune-up if:
Stalling Vehicle
Does your call stall when running? If so, this may indicate dirty connectors or failing spark plugs. Pay specific attention to when the vehicle stalls – When it’s cold? When it’s hot? When the A/C is running?
Trouble Starting Your Car
Not wise to ignore if you’re having trouble starting your car. It could be a weak battery or fuel pump or even an ignition problem. Whatever the reason, don’t get stranded. A diagnostics check by a mechanic will let you know for sure.
Rough Idle/Acceleration or Knocking Sounds
A sign of engine inefficiency is if your vehicle knocks while accelerating. Also, if the car seems to roughly idle or accelerate, it could indicate that one or more spark plugs are failing. A tune-up could solve the problem, but perhaps not. Your trusted auto repair shop will let you know for sure.
Poor Fuel Economy
Poor fuel efficiency is a sign your car isn’t burning fuel as it should; which is often the result of faulty or dirty spark plugs or fuel injection issues.
A note about lower fuel economy: It’s to be expected go down at least a little during the colder months, Colder temperatures make your engine and charging system work harder. A tune-up won’t make winter cold effects disappear.
Know your vehicle manufacturer recommendations. Do note though that it isn’t necessary to take your vehicle to the dealer for tune-up services – your trusted local auto repair shop can perform this service efficiently and typically be more affordable than a dealer.
A good mechanic near you can run a few tests to help diagnose the problem, just like if you went to a doctor and you weren’t feeling well.
There are instances that the same symptoms can suggest different problems, and there are often several possible solutions. Consulting the best, more honest mechanic near you like The Car Doctor Auto Repair in Old Hickory, to have your car properly diagnosed is a wise choice. You won’t have to ask the owner Michael for a tune-up. Just tell him what you’re experiencing and he’ll find out the cause. Whether just a tune-up or something different, he’ll fix it for you.