As the weather outside gets frightful, your car might start to act a little… well, not so delightful. With frigid temperatures and shorter days, it’s important to make sure your vehicle is running smoothly and efficiently so you’re not left stranded. Give yourself the gift of confidence in your car this Holiday season by scheduling a tune-up with Master Muffler Bountiful today. Wondering exactly what a tune-up is? How about how much it costs? Keep reading to find out.
What is a Tune-Up?
A tune-up is a preventive maintenance service that helps keep your vehicle running at its best. It includes a thorough inspection of your vehicle’s engine, as well as all of its major systems and components. The purpose of a tune-up is to identify any potential problems so they can be fixed before they cause more serious and expensive damage.
Tune-ups are typically done every 30,000 miles or so, but this can vary depending on your vehicle’s make and model. Older vehicles should be checked out more frequently, closer to every 10,000 miles or annually (whichever comes first). Consult your owner’s manual, Kelley Blue Book, or your mechanic for guidance on when your vehicle is due for a tune-up.
What Does a Tune-Up Include?
The specific services included in a tune-up can vary depending on your vehicle’s needs, but there are some common elements that are usually included.
ENGINE CHECK
Your car’s engine has to work harder in the cold weather, which can lead to all sorts of problems if it’s not in tip-top shape.
WINDSHIELD WIPERS
Windshield wipers are one of those things that you don’t really think about until they stop working properly—and then you can’t think about anything else! Don’t wait until your wipers start streaking or skipping before you get new ones; by then, it might be too late. Most tune-ups include replacing your windshield wipers, so take advantage of it!
BATTERY CHECK
Cold weather is hard on batteries, and there’s nothing worse than being stranded with a dead battery in the middle of a snowstorm. A simple battery test will let you know if your battery is strong enough to withstand the cold weather or if it needs to be replaced. Either way, it’s better to be safe than sorry!
CHECKING FLUIDS
Fluids like oil and antifreeze are essential for keeping your car running smoothly, but they can also freeze in the cold weather if they get low. Getting a tune-up before winter will ensure that all of your fluids are topped off and won’t freeze when the temperature starts to drop.
How Much Does a Tune-Up Cost?
The cost of a tune-up can also vary depending on the services included and the type of vehicle you have. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $400 for a typical tune-up.
Signs Your Vehicle Needs a Tune-Up
DECREASED FUEL EFFICIENCY
If you notice that your car is guzzling gas more quickly than usual, it could be a sign that it’s time for a tune-up. A well-running engine should be able to make the most of the fuel it’s given. If your car is no longer able to do that, it could be due to dirty spark plugs or other issues that a tune-up can fix.
STRANGE NOISES
If your car starts making strange noises, pay attention. Knocking, ticking, or squealing could indicate that the engine isn’t running as smoothly as it should be. These sounds could also be a sign of low oil levels, which is something you’ll want to take care of right away.
POOR PERFORMANCE
If your car is struggling to accelerate or maintain speed, it could be time for a tune-up. This is usually due to dirty spark plugs or an ignition system issue. Either way, it’s best to get it checked out by a professional so they can diagnose the problem and fix it accordingly.
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON
This one should be pretty self-explanatory—if your check engine light is on, there’s definitely something wrong with your car and it needs to be looked at ASAP. Don’t ignore this warning light! Bring your car in for a tune-up so the problem can be diagnosed and fixed before it leads to bigger (and more expensive) issues.
A winter tune-up is an essential part of maintaining your car during the colder months. By taking care of some simple maintenance tasks now, you can prevent bigger problems down the road—and save yourself a lot of time and money in the process! So don’t wait—bring your car in for a tune-up today!
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