Does a Car Need a Tune-Up?

Cars need certain routine maintenance, like oil changes. But a car also needs a tune-up. A tune-up is a major service, best performed by your dealership service center, like Steve Jones Chrysler, that usually includes an oil change, engine air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, and sometimes a few other things. While the tune-up can help prevent car issues, it is maintenance for your engine instead of a solution for car problems.

Older cars tend to need a tune-up every 30,000 -40,000 miles, while newer cars can drive longer between tune-ups. When a car starts running poorly, it can be a sign that it is time for a tune-up.

Spark Plugs

Spark plugs provide the electric part to the engine to start the combustion. If the spark plugs are work out or fouled-up, the engine will not run properly. Worn out spark plugs can cause the engine to misfire, have a lack of power, ignition coils to fail, and have poor fuel efficiency. There are two types of spark plugs: Conventional and long life. Conventional spark plugs need to be replace every 30,000-50,000 miles. Long life spark plugs are designed to last 50,000-120,000 miles.

Fuel Filter

Changing the fuel filter used to a big part of the tune-up but with the new technology and improved fuel quality, the fuel filter replacement is not required, but this will be determined by your maintenance schedule.

Air Filter

If the air filter is very dirty, it will put a strain on the engine. While it doesn’t cost much to change the air filter, and it is easy to do yourself, it can be changed during your tune-up. When the air filter is changed, it helps the engine to breathe better.

Other Things that Can Be Replaced/Adjusted During a Tune Up

There are other things that can be replaced or adjusted during a tune-up. Sometimes, in high-mileage cars, the throttle body becomes dirty with carbon deposits that prevent the throttle valve from working properly. This can cause the engine to idle roughly, cause stalling and it can cause the check engine light to come on. The service center might recommend cleaning the throttle body as part of the tune-up.

As a battery ages, it can cause the batter to get weaker. The mechanic might recommend checking to see how to battery is running and if it is low. Depending on the readings from the battery, the mechanic might recommend a new battery.

During some tune-ups, the service center might suggest a fuel injector flush. This cleans the fuel injectors, valves, and pistons and can help restore the engine compression. This can be very helpful for high-mileage engines.

Another option is to replace some of the belts in the vehicle. Timing belts and the drive belt wear out and it is better to have these belts changed during a planned time rather than have one of these belts break, which could leave you on the side of the road.

Getting a planned tune-up can be a great way to maintain your engine and have the vehicle perform better.