Many of us tend to take our vehicles for granted…that is until something comes up and we are without transportation while the issue is fixed. On the other hand, if we stay in tune with our vehicles and give them what they need to succeed, we’ll hardly ever have to take a time-out from driving around town to tackle our other important tasks.
Tune-ups save time and money— They might take up a small portion of your day and a little cash from your wallet in the moment, but they prevent minor issues from turning into time and cash-draining problems. During a tune-up, a technician performs:
- Inspections of vital components
- Computer diagnostic tests
- Small tweaks and alignments
- Timely replacement of spark plugs and other small but mighty car parts
Tune-ups help to keep virtually all of our vehicle systems running smoothly. They vamp up their performance for more agile, safe, and cost-effective cruising. Whether you own a car, truck, or SUV, it is crucial to stay in tune with your vehicle and stay on top of your tune-ups. Signs that you are due are past-due for one include:
-
Your Owner’s Manual Says So
If you open your owner’s manual (as you should be doing every so often) and notice that you are approaching or past due for its recommended interval between tune-ups, it’s time to take it in.
Your manufacturer knows how to maintain your vehicle’s maximum performance— Heed their recommendations and reap the benefits. Some owner’s manuals even come with a scheduler!
-
You’re Paying More at the Pump
A decrease in gas mileage signals that it’s high time for some routine maintenance. In other words… Go in for a tune-up as soon as possible to stop your ride from stealing your hard-earned cash.
If your fuel economy is going down the drain, the health of your vehicle will likely follow close behind. Causes like a bad fuel injector, clogged fuel filter, or faulty spark plugs could wind up costing you other components too.
-
Your Vehicle Stalls When You Stop
If your vehicle stalls out on you when you come to a stop, you should head in for a tune-up immediately. Although a more detrimental issue could be brewing under the hood, routine repairs are often enough to get things back in working order.
A tune-up typically includes a diagnostic assessment. If there is more serious damage that needs attending to, you will at least be alerted of the damage before it has the chance to spread.
-
You’re Having a Hard Time Accelerating
If you feel like you are in one of those dreams where you *just can’t seem to go faster* while you’re out on the road, you are experiencing a lack of power.
Whether you are having a hard time speeding up when the light turns green or are getting honked at as you leave the freeway on-ramp, a tune-up can stop the stagnancy and get your horsepower back to its full strength.
-
You Notice Unusual Sounds, Smells, or Vibrations
If your vehicle is making strange sounds, smells like it is burning, or is vibrating more than it should, it is trying to warn you of something. Give it the attention it is asking for and take it in for a tune-up as soon as you can.
-
Your Check Engine Light is Flashing
It can be tempting to assume that the cause of a lit check engine light is “no big deal”. The thing is, it could actually be a big deal—one that will wind up costing you a lot of money if it is left unaddressed. Before you continue driving, take your vehicle to a trusted auto shop for a tune-up. Even small issues can cause costly damage to other components.
If you notice any of these signs while taking a spin around Salt Lake City, head into Master Muffler Bountiful for the tune-up TLC your car deserves. We work hard so your car doesn’t have to, making your life easier and saving you money in the process.
Related Posts
As an EV owner, understanding your vehicle's battery is critical. From its capacity to its lifespan, and everything in between, we'll guide you through what you need to know to optimize your EV experience. So buckle up and get ready - we're about to shed some light on the electrifying world of EV batteries. What [...]
If your car is running hot, it can be a sign that something’s not right with your engine. Fortunately, diagnosing the cause of an overheating engine isn't too difficult if you know what to look for and how to address it. Keep reading if you want to learn the most common issues that occur when [...]
Your vehicle's exhaust system serves a critical role in managing the byproducts of the combustion process and ensuring optimal engine performance. The appearance of colored smoke from the exhaust pipe, either when stationary or accelerating, can provide valuable clues to underlying mechanical issues. What is a car exhaust? A car exhaust is a system [...]
