As a car owner, you don’t have to wait until the car breaks down to start the routine tune-up. Regular tune up and checks will help in keeping your car in shape.
Additionally, you will extend the car’s life, protect the investment, and enhance the full potential performance of your car.
Car routine tune-up includes most of the parts from the spark plugs, ignition system, and engine components. Let’s check the must-dos of the tune-up. Keep reading.
8 Typical Car Routine Tune-Ups
1. Spark Plugs
The plugs have a metal tip that wears out from constant electrical act and heat with time. When you visit your mechanic, they can tell if it’s worn out when there’s a misfire.
They are at the engine cylinder head and receive a spark after an electronic ignition or distributor cap and rotor in old cars. The wearing-out signs will show after covering 30000 to 40000 miles in most cars.
If your car uses platinum-tipped spark plugs, you won’t often need replacement.
2. Filter Change
When contaminated particles get to the engine or the cabin, the air filters will remove them to increase performance efficiency. Dirty filters can choke your engines and lead to a breakdown.
Oil filters need to be in shape since dirty oil will lead to wearing out and clogging of the internal engine components. They reap metal particles and other particles that enter the engine to eradicate premature wear.
Fuel filters, on the other hand, ensure you have clean fuel tanks and lines, and when worn out, you will notice that your car hesitates to accelerate, fails to pump fuel in extreme conditions, and sometimes, rough idling.
Also, check the PCV valve that can be clogged by carbon build, causing more engine and fuel consumption; the best part is the installation is effortless.
3. Fluids Replacement
The engine oil, transmission, coolant, brake, and power steering fluids need to be changed for operational efficiency in your vehicle. Fortunately, some of these changes are DIY.
Changing these fluids in time will save you money by preventing the wear and tear of internal components, which can turn out expensive.
1. Engine Oil
An engine oil change is a vital component of a tune-up; we can compare it to blood circulation in the human body.
The oil filter will only trap large particles, and the smaller ones will have their way into the oil, causing contamination. Consult with your mechanic about the replacement depending on the mileage intervals.
2. Transmission Fluid
The fluid regulates friction during automatic transmission, creating heat and affecting the internal components. A regular change saves the components from wear and contamination.
If you notice brown color in the transmission fluid, then it’s time for the change. A muddy or burnt smell of fluid needs an expert diagnosis on which way to take. The owner’s manual is helpful for the fluid and change intervals.
3. Brake Fluid
The fluid helps your car to stop when you apply the brakes. They are hygroscopic and absorb moisture, lowering the efficiency and leading to corrosion of the braking system. A muddy or dark fluid means contamination.
Change the fluid with fresh one through the entire system with a maximum of two years change intervals for the entire system.
4. Coolant
The coolant prevents the engine from overheating in summer and freezing in winter. It will break down after use and reduce corrosion-fighting ability. Flushing the system removes the deposits to increase performance.
4. Belt and Hoses Check
Your vehicle’s hose and belt tune-up by a professional mechanic is essential for safety. your mechanic will check if the belts display cracks and splits and replace them before they snap out.
One sign that your belt isn’t functioning well is a high pitch noise when the engine is ignited.
Check that the serpentine belt pulleys are functional and replace the worn-out ones. The belt tensioner must also be in the proper condition to reduce premature belt wear and protect the water pump and bearing accessories.
The timing belt wears out after 80,000 to 100,000 miles of service and helps control the internal mechanical timing. Check its crank seals, leaks, and the cam when replacing the belt.
The hoses circulate the coolant and can quickly wear out in excess heat. Swelling, leaks, and bulging are common signs that the hoses need replacement. Ensure the hose clamps are tight to prevent engine damage.
5. Car Bearings and Alignment
Ask your trusted mechanic to check the wheel axles and undercarriage. I am sure you would want your car to fail you during the road rest. If the vehicle bearings are not in position, alignment is necessary for a smoother ride and to prevent abnormal tears.
When rotating and balancing the tires, your mechanic should check if there are worn-out treads and change them since they are dangerous when driving in the rain.
6. Windshield Wipers
You should always ensure that the windshield wipers are in the proper condition. Most people forget to tune up the windshield in summer since they aren’t regularly used. A squeak during rain or adjusting the wipers means the wipers need replacement.
Using the windshield fluid leaves a sparkling windshield, and you will have the best experience in your road test and future driving.
7. Battery
Your new car battery requires minimal maintenance to last longer, but it should be part of your routine tune-up. You should remove the battery acid around the hardware before filing it with a new one.
8. Lights
Your car’s headlights are vital when driving at night or in the rain. During the car routine tune-up, check that the lights are functional and replace the damaged ones. You shouldn’t drive your car with faulty brake lights since it exposes you to the risk of accidents.
You also need to check the blinkers, and the mechanic will test and replace any faulty lights for an effortless encounter on the road.
Final Thoughts
Car tune-up is worth it and will save you money. Don’t wait until the problem has all the signs or causes a breakdown. Talk to your mechanic about the maintenance, and you will understand the significance of each check.
A well-maintained car ensures a smooth experience when driving and taking your road test after sessions of your driving classes. In our school, we will teach you the essential car parts and maintenance. Hurry and book a lesson with us.