Car Tips: 4 Signs That It Is Time To Get A Tune-Up
Getting a tune-up may be something you don't want to think about it, but it is still important. Older cars that do not have an electronic ignition or fuel injectors may need a tune-up up every 12,000 miles or once a year. Newer cars generally need a tune up every 30,000 miles or every two years. The following are four signs it is time to take your car in to get serviced.
1. Heavy Vibrations While Idling
Some cars vibrate a little while idling, but the vibrations will get worse if you do not get a tune up. The issue could lie with your spark plugs. Worn spark plugs are unable to work properly, which makes it harder for your car to idle smoothly. These vibrations may even start happening when you accelerate. This problem is making your vehicle work harder, which will diminish the life of your vehicle over time.
2. Stalls
Those same spark plugs could wear out and lose the connection needed to make a proper spark. Your car will begin to stall when this happens. You want to make sure you get your tune-up before this starts happening because it could occur at any time.
Your vehicle may also begin to stall if you need a new fuel filter, which is usually done when you get a tune-up. Fuel filters clean the fuel that is going to the engine. But a faulty filter may not allow enough gasoline through, and this could stall your vehicle. You might even experience problems starting your car. A faulty filter could also let in particles that could damage the rest of the engine, like your fuel injectors. Your tune-up specialist should be able to see if your engine has been contaminated due to a faulty filter.
3. Bad Fuel Economy
This problem is usually associated with a bad fuel filter. As mentioned earlier, the filter will not let enough fuel into your engine, making your engine ask for more than it needs. You will burn an excess amount of gasoline per mile. It could also lie with your bad spark plugs, as they make your car work harder.
You should know this rich mixture of gasoline can also affect your catalytic converter over time, which can be a costly repair.
4. Issues Accelerating
Your spark plugs could be at fault because they are responsible for getting your engine cranking, which gives it enough power to accelerate to higher speeds. The problem could also lie with a clogged-up fuel filter (mentioned previously). The lack of proper gas flow can cause a lack of power, which can cause a problem with acceleration.
Talk to your auto care specialist like Bonita Point Auto Care 76 if you notice the aforementioned symptoms before they cause you bigger problems.
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