6 Important Signs That Your Car Needs A Tune-Up

I t can be tricky sometimes to spot the signs that your car needs a tune-up or not. Having the same car for several years or having an older model of a car can lead to problems that can be avoided with a simple tune-up. There are several signs that your car shows that it needs a tune-up to be fixed.

Choosing to postpone or ignore a tune-up can lead to further complications and is more expensive to handle than what could have been avoided in the first place. Let us guide you through major and minor signs that your car will throw at you to let you know that it needs a tune-up. 

When Does Your Car Need a Tune-Up?

There are different types of signs your car can show you, but for someone who is new to cars or a new car owner, here are the most basic signs that are obvious and unavoidable. 

Engine Not Starting 

It is quite obvious that there is an issue in your car when it wont turn on in the first place. If your engine refuses to turn on then it is most probably due to a worn-out spark plug. It is easy to prevent further issues by replacing them in a routine tune-up by your mechanic and avoiding expensive repairs.

Warning Signs On Dashboard 

It is common for one to avoid and delay a tune-up when it comes to warning signs. However, it is really easy for a small issue to turn into a bigger one overnight. Warning lights are your car’s way of asking for attention, so observe your car’s subtle warnings and get them checked. 

Strange And New Sounds

Hearing new sounds from your car are a very obvious signs that you can not avoid. There are many reasons behind sounds like those. It could either be from lack of fluid, there could be a loose part that needs to tighten or two parts need lubrication in between to reduce friction. It is best to get clanks, squeals, and screeches checked out before you lose or damage parts of your car. 

Reduced Braking Ability 

The most crucial element of your car is your brakes, without those you would be facing deadly accidents every day. The second you feel like your brakes are losing their ability get it checked immediately before they completely fail to work. This could bring great risks to your life and face dangers. 

Here are a few advanced signs that need a little more knowledge to address and identify, but it is always good to be aware and know of possible risks.

Increased Fuel Consumption 

A good way of measuring your car fuel mileage is through your car’s MPG monitor, however, if you are aware of changes in your car you will notice an increase in fuel consumption. Your car will be using more fuel than usual to travel distances. You should also know that if your steering wheel alignment is out it can affect your fuel consumption. It is wise to get it checked immediately to avoid spending extra on gas every time you get it refilled. Eventually, with time the consumption will increase and you will need more fuel, hence costing more. 

Stalling 

If your car seems to stall from time to time it is either because it is not getting enough fuel, air, or power to run. Damaged spark plugs, water in fuel, and a failing sensor are also reasons behind stalling. Getting them checked will be the best thing you do. 

To Sum It All Up 

Owning a car can be very tricky with all the possible risks that come with it after a good long use or mistreatment. It is important to know what are all the possible signs your care shows for a tune-up. It will always save you from future complications and expensive repairs. The easiest to identify is blinking warnings on your dashboard, you can easily identify the problem and get it fixed as soon as possible. Along with that are weird noises from your car, engine not starting, more fuel consumption, and stalling. 

The worst are the brakes losing their ability and not functioning as they would normally. All these signs need to be addressed immediately. When it is evidently showing signs that your car needs a tune-up, listen to it. A routine tune-up is healthy for a car as it eliminates all possible problems that have shown themselves and reduces the chances of it growing into something even worse that will hurt both your car and your wallet. 

• This post is tagged in:

• Car Maintenance
• Tuneup
• Safe driving
• DIY Car Maintenance