5 Things to Know About Getting a Car Tune-Up

You can often tell that something needs checking or changing when your car starts to lose performance. That is why it is always a good idea to be proactive when it comes to keeping your vehicle in the best possible shape. It will help you to spot a problem and often saves you money in the long run when your car is running perfectly.

If you search car tune-up in Elgin, for instance, you will get some useful pointers on what sort of warning signs to look out for if your car needs servicing or some adjustments.

Here is a look at what you need to know about getting your car tuned up, and what to expect when you book your vehicle in.

Why you should get your car tuned up

Your car engine will degrade over time. This is perfectly natural and is due to typical wear and tear. However, it will cause your car to become less efficient when it comes to fuel economy. 

Tuning your car can make a difference of up to 12% in terms of how much fuel you use. At today’s prices, using that much less fuel could be a real saving.

Your car will also often be cheaper to maintain in the long run when you perform regular tune-ups. This is because a tune-up often helps extend the life of your engine and allows you to treat minor issues before they become major faults.

Will your car perform better after a tune-up?

It is highly likely that you will notice an improvement in performance after your car has been tuned up.

You should look at tuning your car in addition to regular servicing to keep it running at peak efficiency. Tuning is not intended to replace regular servicing, but to complement it.

How long will it take for a tune-up?

Typically, your service provider will need to have your car in their workshop for about 2 to 4 hours.

Newer vehicles have computerized systems that speed up the process. If your car is older, it will often take longer for a tune-up as there are more mechanical elements that need to be performed.

Is there an optimum time for tuning your car?

Your vehicle manufacturer might provide guidance in their owner’s manual as to what sort of intervals are suitable for keeping your car perfectly tuned up.

A good guide to follow would be when you notice that your MPG performance has declined by at least 10%. Older cars tend to require more frequent tune-ups compared to newer models.

What is the typical cost of a tune-up?

The price you pay will depend on a number of different factors such as what age and model of car you have and what parts need replacing.

Spark plugs may need to be changed to improve performance. Various valves and filters might also need to be changed. All these things will influence the price you pay.

Your chosen garage will usually perform an engine diagnosis to evaluate performance and to get an idea of what needs checking or changing.

They can then quote you based on what they find.

Tuning your car on a regular basis is a savvy thing to do. It will improve your motoring experience and it could even save you money in the long run by improving fuel economy and spotting problems early on.