How often does a car need a tune-up?

Has your car “developed a personality”? Does it make weird sounds? Has it become a little harder to drive? Now might be the time to consider a tune-up. In this article, we’ll explain when tune-ups are useful and why.

Tune-ups: the back story

Tune-ups were once a regularly scheduled adjustment for vehicles. With poorer suspension, tire construction, and older manufacturing methods, older cars wiggled and jiggled and loosened their bolts more often.

Vehicles today, however, don’t require tune-ups as often as they once did thanks to modern advancements in vehicle manufacturing. You still need to take your car in for a tune-up, but your car can often tell you when that is.

Factors affecting tune-up frequency

Barring any clear symptoms requiring attention (discussed below), the frequency of tune-ups largely depends on your vehicle type, driving conditions, and driving habits.

Vehicle type

• Older vehicles require a tune-up every 25,000 to 50,000 km. Older cars have mechanical ignition systems and simpler engine components that require regular adjustments. It’s important to pay special attention to spark plugs, engine and cabin air filters, as well as carburetor adjustments.
• Modern vehicles require a tune-up every 80,000 to 160,000 km. Modern cars have an electric ignition system designed for longevity. Spark plugs, filters, and throttle body are all important points in a tune-up for a modern vehicle.
• Electric vehicles don’t require traditional tune-ups, but instead require regular general maintenance.
• Hybrid vehicles should be serviced every 80,000 to 160,000 km. Key components, such as the batteries, cooling system, and regenerative braking system, are all important in the tune-up of a hybrid.

Driving conditions

The stop-and-go traffic of city driving strains the brakes, transmission, and battery, while high-speed driving and heavy braking wear the engine and ignition system. Balanced driving habits can help minimize wear, but will eventually require a tune-up at the garage.

Road conditions also impact tune-up frequency. Snow and ice thicken fluids in the vehicle and reduce traction, and road salt accelerates the corrosion of the undercarriage, brake lines, and suspension system.

But winter isn’t the only time to worry about the roads. Dusty roads in the warmer months stress the engine and air intake system, leading to build-up by increasing airborne debris.

Driving habits

Certain driving habits such as frequent short trips, hard acceleration and braking, and heavy loads and towing can all impact the frequency of a vehicle’s tune-ups. Monitor your driving habits to help extend the time between tune-ups and to reduce long-term repair costs.

Tune-up parts and frequency

While vehicles vary, a few key services are standard across vehicle tune-ups, except for EVs. A full tune-up may not be necessary in today’s vehicles, but keep in mind that different components require a little maintenance to keep full tune-ups to a minimum.

• Motor oil: Motor oil should be changed every 8,000 to 12,000 km to lubricate moving parts in your engine, reduce friction, and prevent overheating.
• Cabin and engine air filters: Your cabin air filter should be replaced every 20,000 to 30,000 km, while your engine air filters should be changed every 15,000 to 25,000 km (more frequently in dry climates).
• Spark plugs: Spark plugs should be replaced on average every 50,000 to 100,000 km depending on your vehicle and weather conditions. This can improve fuel combustion and speed up cold-weather starts.
• Fluids: Coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and power steering fluid should all be inspected monthly and replaced as needed, or as specified by the manufacturer.
• Brakes: Checking in on brakes during a tune-up and replacing brake pads if they are under 4 mm thick can help you maintain control of your vehicle on the road.
• Tires: Check tire pressure monthly. (You can do this at home with a tire pressure gauge.) When you have your brakes inspected or your seasonal tires switched out, ask for a tire alignment. This helps diminish uneven tire wear, which reduces your tires’ lifespan.

Signs your vehicle needs a tune-up

Sometimes, your vehicle needs a tune-up before the odometer says so. Here are a few warning signs to watch out for:

Decreased fuel efficiency: Over time, little-thought-of components like spark plugs and air filters wear out, making your engine work harder and consume more fuel.

Stalling: Rough idling, hesitation, or stalling at stoplights may signal dirty fuel injectors, worn out spark plugs, or clogged air filters.

Difficulty with engine starts: If your car is struggling to start, this could be because of a weak battery, damaged alternator, or even faulty ignition coils.

Unusual sounds or vibrations: Any sort of knocking or rattling sounds when speeding up may indicate an issue with the engine or fuel system.

Check engine light: An illuminated check engine light may signal minor issues or more serious problems with the engine.

The importance of regular maintenance

Following a regular maintenance schedule can reduce the frequency of tune-ups. However, tune-ups help prevent costly replacements, keep your car performing at its best, and improve your safety and that of others on the road.

For more information on the frequency of car tune-ups and what to expect during a regular car tune-up in your vehicle, visit your local NAPA AUTOPRO service centre to speak with one of our experts.