Getting your oil changed or your brakes replaced is often something car owners stay vigilant about. After all, it’s an important step to keep your car working at peak performance. When our brakes squeak or our car alerts us about oil past its prime, it’s easy to know precisely when to bring your car into Master Muffler.
But what about when your car needs a tune-up? A surprising amount of car owners don’t know when to get a tune-up or even what a tune-up entails. Here’s the thing! A tune-up is just as crucial as getting your brakes replaced, or your oil changed.
What happens during a tune-up can help your vehicle run more efficiently over an extended period. So, whether you’re traveling in a brand-new car or are using a daily driver that’s several decades old, a tune-up can help you stay safe and content on the road. Let’s quickly look at when, how, and why you should get your car tuned.
What’s a Tune-Up Exactly?
Like many drivers, we don’t notice something going “wrong” with our vehicles until a check engine light turns on or our car mysteriously stops running as it should. So when we experience a rough idle, issues during start, or less than stellar gas mileage, it can be a significant concern.
That’s where a tune-up comes in! Like you’d head to the doctor’s office for an annual check-up or a dentist when you feel a toothache when your car isn’t working at peak performance, it’s likely time for a tune-up.
What exactly is a tune-up? Every part of your vehicle will see various levels of wear and tear over time. A tune-up is a process of “checking in” on any issues that tend to pop up with components of your car. This can mean simply replacing worn parts or cleaning parts of the engine so it works more efficiently.
Does the Mileage of My Car Matter?
Absolutely! A tune-up may look different depending on your vehicle’s make, model year, and mileage. A newer car likely only needs a few things worked on during every tune-up. Assuming you haven’t had your oil changed before the tune-up, services on a modern car might look like this:
- Oil change
- Battery check
- Spark plug replacement
- Engine air filter replacement
It’s a simple process that shouldn’t take more than an hour. Older vehicles or vehicles with higher mileage could need additional work. Keep in mind that the higher the mileage, the more critical it is to keep your vehicle in tip-top shape. Every mile on your car means more wear on your engine. So a vehicle with high mileage requires more care to keep it working at peak performance.
How Does a Tune-Up work for a High-Mileage Car?
Apart from the above list, here are a few things that a mechanic might work on when considering a car with higher mileage.
- Timing Belt Replacement – For cars with timing belts, replacing a belt usually takes place every 40,000 to 70,000 miles. It may not be necessary to replace this part, but if a belt is stretched, cracked, or warped, it’s time for a replacement!
- Oxygen Sensor Replacement – Low gas mileage is a concern for any driver, but it definitely affects vehicles with higher mileage more than a car with little to no mileage. If you’ve noticed your car has been having issues with low mileage per gallon of gas, it could mean it’s time for a new oxygen sensor.
- Fuel Injection – High mileage can mean easier damage to an engine and its components. Your technician may spray a cleaning solution directly into the intake manifold to clean away any carbon deposits that stick to the valves and pistons of your car.
It’s Important to Change Your Spark Plugs!
Just like a routine oil change, changing spark plugs is a crucial part of auto care! When replacement needs to happen will depend on which type of spark plugs your car is currently using. There are two types of spark plugs, and each requires a different maintenance plan.
- Conventional (traditional) spark plugs should be replaced every 30,000 to 50,000 miles depending on wear.
- Platinum or Iridium tipped (long-lasting) last anywhere between 50,000 to 120,000 before any replacement is necessary.
When is it Time for a Tune-Up?
Most people aren’t sure when to bring their car for a tune-up. No worries! Here are some basic signs that it’s time to schedule an appointment with Master Muffler of Ogden.
- You’re experiencing a rough idle more often than not
- Your vehicle has been misfiring, especially in humid climates and weather conditions
- Lack of power
- Unstable idling or stalling
- Mileage is over 20,000 since the last tune-up
Come to Master Muffler Today!
If you feel like your car isn’t running as smoothly as it usually does, it might be time for a tune-up. Whether that means changing out spark plugs or dealing with a timing belt issue, the team at Master Muffler of Ogden is here to help. Call us today to schedule a time to bring in your car. Leave with the peace of mind that one of our licensed technicians has made sure you’re ready for the road again.
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