Tune-Ups
When it comes to the preventative maintenance for your vehicle, a tune-up is something you might hear frequently but isn’t clearly defined. It’s a very general, somewhat outdated term that is typically requested when the car is hard to start or struggling to stay running, if it stops working completely, maybe the fuel mileage is off, or the power just isn’t at that oomph level that you’re used to. When you have a tune-up performed, it will typically include the replacement of several important wear-and-tear items. Failure to replace these items can result in decreased performance as well as other problems. This maintenance should encompass the manufacturer’s recommended procedures that would ideally restore the vehicle back to its like-new performance condition.
Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, a tune-up can vary. At KC Automotive Repair near West Springfield, VA our technicians will help you ensure that you get your car properly cared for.
Components that may need to be checked and replaced as part of the manufacturers' recommended maintenance or tune-up:
- Spark plugs and PCV valve
- Fuel, air, cabin, & oil filters
- Rotors & distributor cap on some older vehicles
- Check and adjust ignition timing, idle speed, idle mixture, and O2 sensors
In addition to these checks, here are some basics that should be a part of your experts’ maintenance routine:
- Checking battery voltage, charging system performance
- Power balance or dynamic compression for any mechanical problems
- Engine vacuum to check for air leaks
- Check fluid levels and leaks
- Scan for fault codes
- Check exhaust emissions
- Verify idle speed
Other checks and replacement parts may be dependent upon on factors such as city vs. highway driving and the number of miles driven per year. Replacement of belts, hoses, exhaust system components, water pump, or brake pads may be required anywhere from 20,000-30,000 miles all the way to 100,000 miles.
This maintenance may feel tedious at times, but to extend the life of your vehicle and avoid costly repairs, it is necessary to care for each part of it and this requires routine servicing by an experienced auto mechanic. Whether you call it a tune-up or regular preventative maintenance, it is just one way to help keep you safe on the road. Call KC Automotive Repair today for your next routine tune-up or preventative maintenance service.