What Are the Signs Your Car Needs a Tune Up?

For older vehicles with non-electric ignition systems, it was easier to know when it was time for a car tune up. The recommended interval for replacing spark plugs, fluids, and filters was pretty normal, about every 10,000 to 12,000 miles.  Newer vehicles are equipped with electronic ignitions and fuel injection systems are scheduled to go from 25,000 miles to as many as 100,000 miles without needing a major tune-up. This test can detect internal issues that may be connected with the transmission and engine, oil and gas tanks, exhaust system, and other operating systems. 

So what are the signs your car needs a tune up?  If your vehicle doesn’t seem to be performing like you think it should schedule a car diagnostic service.  When your vehicle is getting close to the time that a tune up is needed, you may start to notice the most common issues listed below:

• The check engine light illuminates your dashboard while driving. 
• The engine idles rough, or stalls when you try to accelerate or braking.
• Decrease in fuel economy, meaning you’re filling up the tank more often.
• Noticing shifting issues, such as slipping gears, jerking, or hard to put into gear.
• Feel more vibrations than usual in the steering wheel or in the seat.

Do you want to know more about what are the signs your car needs a tune up?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive for more information about car tune up services and to make an appointment. Our family-owned auto repair shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.

Wondering is a Tune Up Necessary?

Even with today’s newer cars and advanced technology, the answer to this question is “Yes!  Most vehicle manufacturers recommend a tune up service at around 100,000 miles.  Your mechanic can test the performance of your vehicle to determine just what is needed in a car tune up service.

Is your car slow when trying to go up a hill or passing a slower vehicle? Has a dashboard light come on and you don’t know why?  Before summertime’s hot temperatures are here in full force, be sure to get a car tune up now to make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape. 

Because today’s vehicles are designed with computer processors, microchips and sensors, the best way to determine whether your car wants a tune up is to ask your auto mechanic to run a car diagnostic test.  This is done using a specialized computer that scans the sensors and operating systems, producing codes which will indicate a current or a pending issue.

So is a tune up necessary? The tune-up checklist should include both preventative and restorative engine assessments, including a checkup of the engine, an analysis of your vehicle’s performance, and any needed adjustments made to the operating systems. 

Here is a car tune up checklist:

• Spark plugs.
• Fuel pump and filter.
• Fuel injectors.
• Timing.
• PCV valve.
• Points and condenser.

There is not a one-size-fits-all car tune up procedure.  It will be uniquely based on your vehicle’s age, the number of miles driven, and its maintenance history.  

Wondering is a tune up is still necessary?  Call our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about a car tune up and to Make an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto repair shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.