A vehicle tune-up is a comprehensive maintenance service designed to ensure your vehicle operates efficiently and enjoys a long lifespan. They're essential for keeping your vehicle performing at its best.
Tune-ups involve inspections and replacements of important components in your vehicle to address wear and tear and prevent future, larger problems from arising. Regular tune-ups ensure that your vehicle's systems and functions operate properly.
Learn more about what a car tune-up involves, how frequently you should take your vehicle in for a tune-up and why it's important for maintaining a happy and healthy car.
What Does a Tune-Up Consist Of?
During a tune-up appointment, a certified technician will thoroughly inspect all components of your vehicle's system.
A typical service will usually involve inspecting:
- Air filters
- Spark plugs
- Ignition wires
- Belts and hoses
- Suspension components
- Vehicle battery and charging system
- Fuel filter
- Fluid levels
- Exhaust system
- Braking system
- Steering components
- Tires
What's all included in a tune-up depends on your vehicle's make and model. A tune-up may include a cleaning of the throttle body and the fuel system. The technician may also run a diagnostic scan for vehicles that have on-board diagnostics (OBD).
Below is what you can expect during a car tune-up:
Air filter performance test
Air filters are essential for removing unwanted particulates and odors from air that comes through the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Drivers in areas with higher levels of airborne debris and dirt typically require more frequent air filter replacements.
Replace your air filters if you notice:
- Visible debris on the air filters
- Bad odors in the vehicle cabin
- Foggy windows that are difficult to defrost
- Reduced airflow from the HVAC system
- Decreased fuel efficiency and engine performance
Changing out dirty air filters will improve engine performance, air quality and gas efficiency.
Replacement of spark plugs
Spark plugs ignite the fuel and air mixture, igniting combustion to start your vehicle's engine. Spark plugs and ignition wires become worn down over time, which can cause them to misfire and cause ineffective fuel consumption.
Replace the spark plugs if you notice:
- Engine is misfiring
- Maintenance reminder lights are on
- Increased fuel use
- Rough acceleration and idling
- Difficulty starting the vehicle
During a tune-up, your technician should inspect the spark plugs and ignition wires if equipped within the ignition system. Failure to replace them can result in future damage to the engine.
Visual inspection of belts and hoses
The belts and hoses are essential for your vehicle's cooling and engine systems. Belts transfer power from the engine to key parts of the vehicle, including air conditioning, the power steering pump, the alternator and the water pump. Hoses move fluids through the cooling and engine systems.
It's important to regularly inspect belts and hoses for cracks and signs of heavy wear to prevent vehicle failure.
Replacement of fuel filter
The fuel filter removes dirt and rust particles from the fuel before it runs through the engine. Over time, the fuel filter can become clogged, which decreases fuel flow and can impact the fuel system. Replacing the fuel filter will prevent fuel clogs and help maintain engine health.
Inspection of fluid levels
Your vehicle fluid levels need to be changed regularly, as each provides different but essential functions in your vehicle.
During a tune-up, fluid levels are typically checked for:
- Engine oil
- Power steering fluid
- Brake fluid
- Windshield washer fluid
- Engine coolant
- Transmission fluid
Proper fluid levels will ensure the smooth operation of vehicle systems and functions.
How Do You Know if You Need a Tune-Up?
How often your car needs service depends on the make and model and your vehicle history. Older vehicles with non-electric ignition require yearly servicing or intervals of 10,000 to 12,000 miles, while newer vehicles with electric ignition need servicing every 25,000 to 100,000 miles.
Below are ways to gauge how frequently your vehicle requires tune-ups.
Check the age of the vehicle
Older vehicles and vehicles with higher mileage tend to require more frequent servicing due to wear and tear. Over time, important parts, like spark plugs, deteriorate and worsen vehicle performance. Those who drive long distances for commuting will reach service intervals more quickly. On the other hand, new vehicles with low mileage can go longer between services.
Consider driving conditions
Driving conditions can impact your vehicle's servicing needs. Those in areas with harsh weather and/or heavy traffic likely require more frequent tune-ups.
Driving conditions that can impact tune-up frequency include:
- Stop-and-go traffic: Those who frequently drive in heavy city traffic will notice quicker wear on their car's systems, such as brakes and engine.
- Extreme weather: Regions experiencing harsh weather conditions, such as blizzardy winters or scorching summers, can affect your vehicle's systems and functions.
- Long-distance freeway driving: Vehicles used for longer highway commutes experience less wear due to consistent speed and reduced braking.
- Off-roading: Driving on rough terrains can increase stress on a vehicle's systems and components.
We recommend informing your technician about your typical driving conditions so that they can suggest the best intervals for service.
Look for the manufacturer's recommendation
Refer to your manufacturer's recommendations to determine how often you should bring your vehicle for a tune-up. You can find the recommended tune-up frequency specific to your vehicle's make and model in the owner's manual.
Why Should You Get Consistent Tune-Ups?
Just as we require annual check-ups for our health and enjoy facials and haircuts for maintenance, your vehicle also deserves the same love and care. Adhering to your vehicle's tune-up intervals will extend its lifespan, allowing you to enjoy driving it for many years to come.
1. Increased vehicle lifespan
Adhering to your vehicle's recommended tune-up schedule will increase its lifespan. As your vehicle's components naturally wear down over time, replacing damaged and worn parts becomes essential to continue operating efficiently. Tune-ups improve your vehicle's longevity and prevent larger issues from occurring in the future.
2. Improved engine performance
Consistent tune-ups will help maintain proper engine performance in your vehicle. Parts such as spark plugs naturally wear down over time due to regular use. Restoring or replacing them can improve your vehicle's engine acceleration and power for a smoother, more enjoyable ride.
3. Reduced emissions
Regular tune-ups can effectively reduce your vehicle's carbon footprint. When your vehicle's systems or parts experience prolonged wear and tear, the engine will compensate by burning more fuels and oils than usual, increasing vehicle emissions. By repairing and replacing systems, your vehicle will only use the necessary oils and fuels it's designed for.
4. Improved fuel efficiency
Over time, parts like fuel injectors and air filters may become damaged or clogged, affecting fuel combustion in your engine. Tune-ups are essential for maintaining optimal engine performance, enhancing gas mileage and reducing fuel consumption.
5. Increased vehicle safety
Tune-upshelp maintain your vehicle's performance and ensure that your vehicle meets safety standards, keeping you and your passengers safe.
Ensuring that brakes function properly reduces accidental risk when stopping. Regular tire examinations check the tire condition and tread depth, ensuring traction and reducing the likelihood of losing control on poor road surfaces. Electrical system inspections assess lights and sensors crucial for driving in low-light conditions and ensuring visibility.
Schedule Your Tune-Up With AAA Auto
Think your vehicle is ready for a tune-up? Schedule an appointment at your local AAA Approved Repair Facility. If you forget to get a tune-up for a bit and your engine fails, don't worry. Secure yourself with a AAA membership to access benefits such as roadside assistance.