What Are the Signs That Your Car Needs a Tune Up?

The use of computers has been one of the most useful advances in the automotive industry.  Because of these technological advances, your auto mechanic can run an engine diagnostics that scans the operating systems in your vehicle with a specialized computer.  This is not only compulsory when the check engine light comes on, but also as a yearly inspection that can determine if your car is in need of a tune up.  

This diagnostic computer can find issues associated with the transmission, oil tank, gas tank, exhaust system, and other components. It can also indicate ignition timing problems, level of buildup in the combustion engine, fuel injector performance, whether the ignition coils are firing, engine rpm levels, air and coolant temperature, crankshaft and camshaft position, and throttle opening. In other words, it will let you know when its time for a tune up!  

So just what are the signs that your car needs a tune up? If your car isn’t driving as well as normal, it is possibly time for a tune up. Look for these signs:

• Check engine light comes on. 
• Engine stalls when you try to accelerate.
• Decreased fuel economy.
• Brake issues.
• Shifting issues.
• Excessive vibration or shaking felt in the steering wheel.

An engine diagnostics can analyze the overall performance of your vehicle and pinpoint any possible issues as well as determine whether any adjustments may be needed.  Preventative maintenance and repairs don’t have to be based on guesswork anymore.  Instead of spending your hard-earned money on fixing things by “trial and error,” issues can be identified long before they become major problems.  

Some auto mechanics may recommend taking your car in for an engine diagnostics at least once a year to uncover minor issues that can’t be seen.  It’s also useful when you’re inspecting out a used car so you know whether or not it’s a good deal.

Are you wondering what are the signs that your car needs a tune up?  Consult our ASE Certified technicians at Auto & Fleet Mechanic for more information about engine diagnostics and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Modesto, CA, and the surrounding area.

How Often Should You Tune Up Your Car?

The answer to this question is mainly determined by the performance of your vehicle.  Is it lacking power when trying to go up a hill or passing a slower vehicle? Has a dashboard light come on and you don’t know why?  Summer is just around the corner.  It would be wise to get a car tune up now to make sure your vehicle makes it safely through the hot summer days ahead. 

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 wanted adjustments made to the operating systems.  How often should you tune up your car?  What may be required during a car tune up will vary from vehicle to vehicle, based on age, mileage and unique manufacturer recommendations for that vehicle.  

Today's cars are designed with computer processors, microchips and sensors.  Ask your auto repair technician to run a car diagnostic to scan these sensors and the operating systems to “read” the codes which have been stored in the vehicle’s memory system.  The benefits of a car diagnostic mean that an issue can be identified rapidly, compulsory parts ordered, and the issue fixed before it gets any bigger. 

A car diagnostic can save both you and your mechanic time and money troubleshooting an issue because you don't have to pay for repairs performed on a "trial-and-error" basis.

Wondering how often should you tune up your car?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Auto & Fleet Mechanic for more information about car diagnostics and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Modesto, CA, and the surrounding area.