Everything You Need to Know About Auto Tune-Ups

Everything You Need to Know About Auto Tune-Ups

Most people owning cars are familiar with the word “tune-up.” However, not everyone understands the actual meaning of this common phrase. The origin of an auto tune-up initially started in the early days of cars, as everything was mechanical. These devices would eventually get dirty over time, as they needed to be cleaned frequently to maximize performance. Some parts would also wear out and need to be replaced, as an auto mechanic would make adjustments to ensure everything was working efficiently.

Why is an Auto Tune-Up Necessary?

Modern vehicles don’t use moving mechanical parts, which helps to avoid many of the wear and tear problems of older cars. However, it’s still important to schedule vehicle maintenance on your car to maximize its lifespan and help you avoid small issues from turning into much larger and more expensive problems. It’s typically recommended that older vehicles receive a tune-up every 10,000 to 20,000 miles, while a modern vehicle can go at least 50,000 to 100,000 miles before it needs a tune-up.

A few of the main benefits of an auto tune-up include improving fuel efficiency, idle improvement, and an increase in overall performance. You will also have less chance of experiencing a mechanical breakdown, which is a major plus for anyone that’s frequently driving on the road. On the other hand, not scheduling tune-ups can eventually cause excessive build-up within the engine and lead to engine failure or problems with your emission-related system.

What are the Major Signs That Your Car Needs an Auto Tune-Up?

Understanding the signs of needing a vehicle tune-up is important in taking care of your vehicle. For example, you may notice that your check engine light is on, as it can display a problem with your ignition, fuel, or even your emission control system. A sudden decrease in fuel efficiency is another common sign that your car isn’t performing at an efficient level. Your engine will also have less horsepower, which can make it difficult to accelerate. 

Engine problems are another common sign, whether you are dealing with misfires, engine vibrations, or other issues. These problems will only get more severe, and it can result in expensive repairs. Staying proactive by visiting an auto repair shop is always a wise decision to determine the cause of the problem before it gets worse. An auto tune-up can often boost the lifespan of your vehicle while saving you a significant amount of money in the future.

What Does an Auto Tune Up Consist Of?

While a traditional tune-up isn’t applicable on modern vehicles, there are still numerous components that need frequent maintenance to keep your car running at an optimal level. For example, an auto mechanic will replace your spark plugs to avoid causing long-term damage to the catalytic converter. Ignition wires also need regular replacement, as they can easily wear out due to heat exposure or oil contamination. 

Replacing the engine air filter is also recommended, as it plays a vital role in removing dirt particles to maximize the performance of the engine. An auto tune-up will also consist of cleaning the fuel system to ensure it’s free of any dirt. Any deposits within the fuel system can reduce performance, lead to rough idling, or engine hesitation. It can also decrease fuel economy, which costs you money in the long term. Using a fuel system cleaner treatment is often recommended for removing contaminants and boosting performance.

How Much Does a Tune-Up Cost?

The average cost of a tune-up is dependent on numerous factors. The type of car and engine plays a key role in the complexity of a tune-up. For example, a small 4-cylinder engine is a lot easier to perform a tune-up compared to a V8 engine. The scope of the tune-up will also affect the price, whether it’s fairly simple or extensive. Comparing prices with different auto shops is helpful in finding the best deal without sacrificing quality. Asking for recommendations from friends or family is another way to find a top-quality auto repair shop that performs quality work.

Fred’s Auto Repair

Fred’s Auto Repair offers a variety of services to keep your car in excellent condition. Our experienced team will work with you in diagnosing the problem and taking care of the issue to ensure your vehicle is operating at an efficient level. We have over 100 years of combined professional experience in the auto industry, as customer satisfaction is always a top priority. Our business offers numerous options, such as auto tune-ups, wheel alignment, tire replacement, auto maintenance, battery replacement, inspections, and many other services.

Reach out to Fred’s Auto Repair today to learn more and schedule a no-cost consultation at either of our Briarcliff Manor or Shrub Oak locations!