What Is a Car Tune-up and Why Your Vehicle Needs It ASAP
Do you remember the last time your vehicle had a tune-up? If you're scratching your head, it's probably overdue! The health of your car is just as important as your personal health, and just like our bodies need regular check-ups, your vehicle needs regular tune-ups to function at its best.
Christian Brothers Automotive is here to help you maintain the health and safety of your vehicle, beginning with routine tune-up services! Today, our professional and expertly trained technicians are here to cover what a car tune-up is, why it's so important, what it typically involves, and some other things we feel you should know.
What Is a Car Tune-up?
A car tune-up is a series of services performed on your vehicle to ensure that all systems run optimally. While your personal tune-up may vary based on personal interests, current issues you're having, or even the age, make, and mileage of your car, general tune-up services for most cars include:
INSPECTING:
- Spark plugs
- Brakes
- Oil and other fluids
- Lights
- Tires
- Filters
- Emissions
RECOMMENDING:
- Repairs or replacements needed to prevent issues
REPLACING OR MAINTAINING:
- Air filters
- Oxygen sensors
- PCV valve
- Drive belts
- Battery
- Windshield wipers
- Brake pads
- AC system
Visit your local auto repair shop and discuss when your last tune-up was and any potential areas of concern. This conversation will ensure your vehicle receives the most thorough and effective tune-up tailored to its unique needs!
Why Does Your Vehicle Need a Tune-Up?
Regular tune-ups are crucial for preserving your vehicle's health, efficiency, and longevity. The benefits aren't just limited to the well-being of your car; they also significantly impact your safety and wallet.
Let's delve into the specific benefits of regular vehicle tune-ups:
- Fuel Efficiency – Properly tuned vehicles use fuel more efficiently, leading to less frequent and less costly trips to the gas station.
- Increased Safety – Regularly maintained vehicles are less likely to experience unexpected breakdowns or failures that could lead to accidents.
- Lower Repair Costs – Proactive tune-ups can catch problems early before they become expensive repairs or replacements.
- Extended Vehicle Life – Regular tune-ups extend the life of your vehicle, ensuring you get the most out of your investment.
- Improved Performance – Tune-ups can help your vehicle run smoother and more efficiently, leading to improved acceleration, handling, and overall performance.
- Reduced Emissions – Regular tune-ups can help reduce your vehicle’s emissions, making it more environmentally friendly.
So, remember, a regular tune-up is not just an appointment on your calendar. It's critical to ensure your vehicle's best performance, safety, and, ultimately, peace of mind.
Signs Your Car Is Due a Tune-Up
Regular vehicle tune-ups are typically suggested every 10,000 to 12,000 miles, or at least once a year, to ensure optimal performance. However, the frequency may vary depending on the vehicle's age, make, and model. Is there any way to tell if I need a tune-up right now?
Here are some tell-tale signs that your vehicle may be due for a tune-up:
- Decreased fuel efficiency
- Difficulty starting the car
- Unusual noises
- Rough idling
- Check engine light is on
- Vehicle stalling
- Poor acceleration
- Unusual vibrations
- Frequent need to refill fluids
- Overdue oil change
- Car jerks or surges at stops
Basically, any change in your vehicle's performance or unusual noises is a sign that it's time for a tune-up! And please don’t delay. This will only worsen the problem's impact on your ride.
Can I Tune-Up My Car Myself?
While it might be tempting to perform a do-it-yourself tune-up to save a few dollars, leaving this task to the professionals is highly recommended. Unless you're an experienced mechanic, trying to tune up your car yourself can lead to further complications and even damage various components.
Remember, investing in professional tune-up services is not just an investment in your vehicle – it's an investment in your safety and peace of mind!
If we provide your tune-up service, we’d like you to know what to expect. Read on!
What Happens During a Car Tune-Up with Christian Brothers Automotive?
At Christian Brothers Automotive, we're all about the 'Nice Difference.' It's our promise to provide exceptional service, transparent communication, and a seamless vehicle health experience. Our processes prioritize your vehicle's care and keeping you informed and empowered throughout.
Here's what to expect during your tune-up service:
- Schedule Your Appointment – You can schedule your appointment either online or over the phone. Just let us know what issues you're experiencing so we can provide fast and accurate service advice.
- Diagnostics and Inspections – Next, drop off your vehicle at our shop. Our expert technicians will conduct comprehensive inspections and diagnostics using the same equipment that vehicle manufacturers use to identify any issues and determine next steps.
- Digital Vehicle Inspection Report and Estimate – We'll send you a digital vehicle inspection (DVI) report via text after diagnosis. This report will contain pictures, videos of our findings, and honest recommendations for next steps. The DVI will also come with severity indicators, letting you know what’s going well, what’s coming up, and what needs immediate attention.
- Review and Approval – A service advisor will reach out to discuss the findings and recommendations. You'll have the opportunity to decide how you wish to proceed, or you can approve work directly in your Digital Vehicle Inspection.
- Work Performed or Scheduled – Most work can usually be completed immediately. However, scheduling might be necessary depending on your schedule and availability of parts. The vast majority of vehicles are completed the same day, but some do carry over a day or so.
Our process ensures that your car is well taken care of and that you'll be updated every step of the way. Whether you want to wait in our clean and comfortable waiting areas or take a shuttle to where you need to go, we'll always work hard to accommodate your needs.
Schedule Your Next Vehicle Tune-up Service
If it's been a while since your last tune-up, don't delay any longer! Keeping up to date on your vehicle's maintenance is crucial for its performance, longevity, and safety. And with your local Christian Brothers Automotive's help, we're sure your car will be running as smoothly as new in no time.
Let our expert technicians take care of your vehicle with a tune-up service. We look forward to helping you maintain the health and safety of your car. It’s what we do best.
Find your local Christian Brothers Automotive auto shop and book your appointment with us today!