United Tire and Service News

What Does a Tune-Up for a Car Consist Of?

8/27/2020 11:11:00 AM | (794) View Count | Return

Making sure you bring your vehicle in for a car tune-up is more than just a good idea. Preventative maintenance service is an important part of taking proper care of your ride. Tune-ups ensure your car is not only easy to drive but safe as well. They also allow your mechanic to spot potential issues early before they add up to costly repairs and safety issues in the long run.

It’s a good idea to get a general tune-up once a year, but consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for recommendations from the manufacturer on other essential services. Create a calendar that includes each one to be sure you don’t forget anything and always have them performed on time. Here’s a closer look at common services included in most standard tune-ups:

Air Filter Replacement

Your car relies on clean, functional air filters to perform its best. The dirtier and older your filters are the harder your car has to work, and the greater the wear-and-tear car tune up

on your vehicle over time. The following are some signs your filters may be up for replacement soon.

Service light indicating an issue
An engine that misses, misfires, or makes strange sounds
Smoky exhaust or a noticeable gasoline smell
Poor gas mileage

Oil Change

Staying on top of your oil changes is perhaps the most important thing you can do for your car. Your engine is filled with moving parts and those parts require clean, flowing motor oil to stay lubricated and functional. How often your oil should be changed depends on how much you drive and how old your car is, but every 5,000-7,000 miles is a good rule of thumb to remember. The following signs can indicate that you’re due for an oil change soon.

Low or falling oil levels.
Oil that appears gritty, dirty, or thick
Poor gas mileage
Noisy engine
Excessive exhaust

Fluid Checks and Flushes

Although every driver should be aware of their vehicle’s fluid levels, your mechanic will check yours and top them off for you when you come in for a tune-up. They may also perform a transmission fluid flush if you’re due for one, as these are necessary every 30,000 miles or so to keep your system functioning smoothly. Here are some signs you might need one.

Grinding transmission or other odd noises
Issues shifting gears or gears that slip
A vehicle that surges, jumps, delays, or stalls

Tire Rotations

Tire rotations are necessary to make sure your tires are wearing as evenly as possible. Even tire wear means tires that last longer and grip the road more effectively. Your driving experience will be smoother and your vehicle will be safer. Here are some signs you’re due to have your tires rotated from front to back and side to side, as is done during a car tune-up.

Visibly uneven tire wear.
Loss of tire pressure.
A vehicle that vibrates as you drive, especially at speeds exceeding 45 mph.

When you come in for your tune-up, your mechanic will also give your car a thorough once-over to check for wear-and-tear on essential parts like hoses, belts, valves, spark plugs, and distributor caps. (He’ll replace them if they need it and clean them if they don’t.) All of your car’s essential systems (e.g. your brakes or steering) will be checked for functionality and potential issues as well.

Schedule Your Next Car Tune Up

When you're ready for your car's next tune up, the team at United Tire & Service will be here to help! Call your nearest United location or make an appointment online.

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United Tire and Service News

What Does a Tune-Up for a Car Consist Of?

Air Filter Replacement

Oil Change

Fluid Checks and Flushes

Tire Rotations

Schedule Your Next Car Tune Up

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