Guide to Tune-Ups: Signs It’s Time for a Tune-Up

No matter what type of vehicle you are driving, a tune-up is an important preventative car maintenance service that will help extend the life of your engine and maintain its performance. Whether you have a newer vehicle with a sophisticated computer-controlled engine and fuel injection or an older car, a tune-up ensures the engine’s main systems are running optimally.

What Is An Auto Tune-Up Exactly?

As automobile technology has evolved, the exact meaning of a tune-up has changed. The specific services included in a tune-up will depend on exactly what type of car it is and how old it is. For example, in older cars, the ignition timing needs to be adjusted and the carburetor “tuned” periodically for optimal engine performance. In newer cars with computer-controlled systems, the timing cannot be manually adjusted, so other components are replaced or adjusted as needed. 

In general, a tune-up focuses on the engine systems and components that determine how the engine starts and how it runs, ensuring that it is getting the right amount of air, fuel, and spark. The service consists of two parts: an inspection and the actual “tune-up.” 

The inspection part of the service is a visual inspection of the engine’s fuel system components, ignition system components, air filters, and fluid levels (oil and coolant). This inspection then determines exactly what will be done on your vehicle during the tune-up to ensure that both the fuel and ignition systems are operating in optimal condition. The necessary adjustments will be made and components replaced to ensure that is happening.

You can easily schedule an appointment online for a tune-up service at any of our convenient Tucson area locations.

Services That Make Up A Tune-Up

As mentioned above, the exact services that will be included in your vehicle’s tune-up will depend on the type of vehicle you have, the vehicle age, and what our inspection reveals Generally, however, tune-ups can include the following:

• Replacement of distributor cap, rotor, and breaker points (in older vehicles with non-computer-controlled ignition system)
• Replacement of spark plugs (and spark plug wires and coils as necessary)
• Fuel system service
• Fuel filter replacement
• Engine air filter replacement
• Cabin air filter replacement
• Replacement of PCV Valve
• Replacement of belts and hoses as necessary
• Oil change and replacement of oil filter
• Replacement of fluids as necessary (coolant, transmission fluid, power steering, brake)

Signs That Your Vehicle Needs A Tune-Up

It can be frustrating when you notice that your car or truck isn’t running quite the way it should be. If your vehicle isn’t running like it usually does, your engine may need a tune-up. It’s important to be aware of warning signs and not to ignore them. Doing so can mean much bigger repairs with much higher costs down the road.   

There are some specific things to pay attention to and if they are happening, you should bring your vehicle in right away. These indicators include:

• Dashboard warning lights: One of the good things about newer vehicles with computer-controlled systems and sensors is that there are handy dashboard warning lights to alert you of any problems. Some of the lights indicate minor issues that are quick fixes. But, if your Check Engine light is illuminated, this means there is a pressing maintenance issue. If a warning light is illuminated, come into your closest BRAKEmax location as soon as possible to prevent a simple problem from quickly turning into a large expense. 
• Unusual engine sounds: Unusual sounds like pinging, knocking, or squealing coming from the engine could be an indicator of trouble. Our ASE-certified technicians can determine where exactly it is coming from and determine the next steps needed.
• Hesitation during acceleration: If you press on the gas pedal and your vehicle lags for a moment before finally getting underway, it may not be getting the proper fuel, power, or airflow that it needs. A tune-up will help ensure this doesn’t happen and your engine is running as it should.
• Engine stalling: If your vehicle unexpectedly stalls and the engine cuts off, it could be due to a fuel pump issue, ignition issues, or a lack of sufficient power from the battery. If this happens, get your vehicle to your nearest BRAKEmax service center as soon as possible to have the cause determined.
• Rough shifting: A vehicle with an automatic transmission system normally handles the gear-shifting process smoothly. If it feels like you’re suddenly being lurched around when the vehicle shifts, there might be a transmission issue that needs to be addressed.
• Reduced fuel efficiency: When there is an engine issue, more often than not you will experience a diminished fuel efficiency and will need gas more often. If you notice this happening, save yourself increased fuel cost and bring your vehicle in for a tune-up.
• Engine misfire: Misfiring in the engine happens when one or more of the engine’s cylinders fail to provide sufficient power to your vehicle. When a misfire occurs, you may feel a loss of power and a shaking sensation, as well as hear a popping, sneezing, or loud backfire noise. A common cause of a misfire is overly worn spark plugs. With worn spark plugs, more voltage is required to jump the gap and deliver the required voltage.

Also, a problem in the fuel system or an engine defect can cause an engine misfire. If your engine is misfiring, a tune-up is essential as soon as possible. Ignoring a misfire can cause further costly damage to your engine.

If you are experiencing any of the issues above, schedule your appointment for service at BRAKEmax Tire & Service Centers as soon as you can. Our factory-trained technicians can perform the necessary tune-up services on your engine and help prevent further costly damage. Our goal is to help keep your vehicle on the road and running its best. 

How Often An Engine Tune-Up Is Needed

As you can see, a tune-up is an important part of preventative engine maintenance for any vehicle. Servicing an engine that is badly “out of tune” can noticeably boost both engine performance and your vehicle’s fuel economy. When your vehicle is running in optimal shape today, you’ll prevent and lessen costly repairs in the future. 

How often an engine needs a tune-up will depend on the specific vehicle and the manufacturer-recommended scheduled maintenance intervals. The first place to look for this information is your vehicle owner’s manual. 

In general, older vehicles that have non-electronic ignitions will need to have a tune-up every 10,000 to 12,000 miles, or every year. Alternatively, a newer vehicle that has electronic fuel injection and ignition can go from 25,000 miles to as much as 100,000 miles without needing a major tune-up service done.

We can help you determine what your vehicle’s optimal tune-up schedule would be to help keep it running its best.

Your Trusted Tune-Up Experts 

Here at BRAKEmax Tire & Service Centers, our technicians have the experience, expertise, and state-of-the-art equipment to do the comprehensive tune-up that your engine needs. 

We also want to make your next service appointment as affordable as possible. Check out our coupons page often for the latest deals and service specials to help save you money on tune-up service and other repairs your vehicle may need.

If you need a tune-up or other vehicle services, book your appointment online now at your nearest BRAKEmax Tire & Service Centers location. We are proud to meet the auto service needs of Southern Arizona drivers.