Periodic tune-ups are necessary if you want your vehicle to continue running like new. A tune-up refers to the process of checking and adjusting all of the systems in your vehicle that contribute to the efficient combustion of fuel. Regular tune-ups are crucial if you want to keep your vehicle in top-notch condition.
When to Schedule a Tune-Up
Over time, normal vehicle usage will cause your engine to lose efficiency. A tune-up is a major, preventative maintenance procedure that should be scheduled based on how much you’re using your vehicle.
So, do yourself (and your car) a favor and keep a log of your gas mileage. When your vehicle’s miles per gallon average falls by more than 10 percent, a tune-up is likely needed. Older cars tend to need tune-ups more often than newer cars, and vehicles that complete a lot of stop-and-go driving or pull heavy loads will also need frequent tune-ups. In addition, as always, we recommend that you check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding vehicle tune-ups. Finally, you should also schedule a tune-up if your car is acting funny. For example, if you notice any of the following symptoms, give Seeburg Service Center a call:
- Your vehicle stalls a lot.
- Even when idling, your engine is running roughly.
- Your engine doesn’t run smoothly when you accelerate.
- Your car has a hard time starting.
Elements of a Tune-Up
So what happens during a tune-up? Well, because the elements of this procedure vary from auto shop to auto shop, we can only explain what our auto technicians will do. To discuss the details, just give your nearest Seeburg Service Center a call, but if you’re curious about the basics, this is what you can expect:
- We will thoroughly inspect your engine and replace any worn or faulty parts.
- We will set your car’s fuel-to-air mixture to the optimum level.
- We will provide spark plug replacements and set them to the correct specifications.
- We will clean and properly adjust the points for proper fuel-efficient firing.
If you have any additional questions or concerns, be sure to let your mechanic know so that we can tailor your vehicle’s tune-up to address any problem areas.
Why Your Vehicle Needs Tune-Ups
A tune-up can increase your vehicle’s fuel economy by 4 to 12 percent. In addition, by resetting the fuel-to-air mixture, we can improve the safety and performance of your car. A fuel-to-air mixture that is too rich will lower the fuel efficiency, but a fuel-to-air mixture that is too lean can cause misfiring or engine damage, so we aim for the ideal ratio. Afterward, you should notice that your engine is performing better and your vehicle’s fuel economy has received a significant boost.
Our Locations
If your car is due for a tune-up and you live in northern Arkansas (Fayetteville or Rogers), give one of Seeburg Service Center’s four locally owned and operated locations a call or schedule an appointment online. Our ASE-certified mechanics would be happy to give your car the care it needs.
