What Does a Car Tune-up Consist Of?

If you’ve bought a quality new or used car from Honda of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, you’ve already made one great choice. Make another smart decision by bringing your car in for a tune-up at our service department. Many drivers don’t know what a car tune-up includes or when to get one, so they might ignore this important part of proper vehicle maintenance. Read on to find out what a car tune-up is, when you should get one, and why you might get one at Honda of Cleveland Heights.

What Does a Car Tune-up Include?

Kelly Blue Book describes a car tune-up as “a little bit of preventive maintenance to make sure your vehicle never leaves you in a tough spot.” While the exact tasks involved in a car tuneup might depend on the vehicle’s age, make, and model, there are some common procedures that happen during this maintenance process:

Diagnostic

Usually, the first part of a car tune-up is dedicated to identifying any issues that the car might be experiencing. The technician will start with a visual inspection of the engine, and then they’ll talk to you about anything you’ve noticed in your driving experience. They’ll also start the car and note any check engine lights that appear on the dashboard. Depending on what you tell them, they might take your car for a short drive to check the engine’s startup and acceleration.

Spark Plugs

A car tune-up is a perfect opportunity to replace your car’s spark plugs, which don’t usually get checked during other routine maintenance procedures. Spark plugs contain metal pieces that create an electrical arc between them. This spark ignites your car’s fuel and powers the engine. These pieces are fairly sturdy, but because they’re in use whenever your car is running, they can gradually wear down. Faulty spark plug symptoms include rough starts, reduced gas mileage, and rattling noise when the car idles. If a spark plug stops working properly, you might also experience an engine misfire or surge.

Filters

There are a variety of filters in your car’s engine that keep mechanical parts free from dirt and other contaminants. Your car might have filters for fuel, oil, and air, which ensure that the chemical reactions that create the car’s power work properly. New and used cars from Honda of Cleveland Heights come with fresh filters, but over time, the filters can become clogged or degrade. Worn-out filters can cause expensive problems, like fuel pump failure. During a car tune-up, the technician will visually inspect your car’s filters and replace them if needed.

Recommending Other Procedures

A car tuneup is like a routine physical examination at the doctor’s office. It’s a good opportunity to find out what your car needs from an expert. During the tune-up, your technician might resolve any dashboard warning lights or minor issues, but they might also recommend other repairs or procedures. For example, your technician might notice uneven braking while driving the car and recommend that you have a rotor resurfaced. Catching larger issues early can save you money and keep you safe.

When Should You Get a Car Tune-up?

Image via Flickr by skhakirov

Every car has a different tune-up schedule. Older cars might need a tune-up every 10,000 miles, while newer models might only need one every 25,000 miles. You can find tune-up recommendations in your car’s manual or ask one of our trained service representatives. You might also schedule an engine tune-up if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• Check engine light: If your check engine light comes on, either steadily or blinking, it’s a good sign that your car needs a tune-up, according to Edmunds. The technician can identify the issue causing the light and recommend a repair.
• Unfamiliar noises: You might notice that your car makes new sounds while accelerating or idling. This can be a sign that one or more engine components need replacing.
• Gas mileage changes: Some issues, like worn-out fuel filters, can cause your engine to run less efficiently. If you notice that you’re getting fewer miles to the gallon than you’re used to, scheduling a tune-up might be a good idea.
• Changes in performance: If you’ve driven your car for a long time, you know how it’s supposed to respond when you press the gas or brakes. Changes in the way the car performs can be a sign of a serious engine issue.

Why Should You Get a Tune-up at Your Dealership?

While you can get an engine tune-up at many repair facilities, we recommend going to your original dealership, particularly if they’ve got a full repair and service department like the one at Honda of Cleveland Heights. Here are some benefits to getting your tune-ups at the dealership:

Skilled Technicians

Our service experts are all highly qualified to work on your car. If you bought a new or used car from Honda of Cleveland Heights, we already inspected your vehicle to ensure its quality before we sold it to you. That means we’re familiar with your make and model, so we know how the engine is supposed to perform at its peak.

High-Quality Parts

We always use the highest-quality parts that we can get for your engine. For us, that usually means OEM, or original equipment manufacturer, parts. These parts are made for your car, often in the same factory as your car’s original parts. Using OEM parts ensures that the new components work seamlessly with the rest of your engine. Less engine stress means a longer-lasting car.

Specials

People sometimes think that getting work done at the dealership is more expensive than going to a third-party mechanic. That’s not true at Honda of Cleveland Heights! We often have specials and coupons for our service center right here on our website.

Getting regular engine tune-ups is a smart decision because it keeps your car running smoothly. It can also make your car last longer and retain its value for resell. Make an appointment for your tuneup today.