Today's cars can go much longer between tune-ups than vehicles in the past, which needed a check every 10,000 to 20,000 miles. Newer cars can often last up to 100,000 miles before needing major service. But that doesn't mean you should ignore routine maintenance or potential warning signs of car trouble. After all, a well-maintained engine makes for a safer, more efficient, and smoother-running car. Even if your vehicle is relatively new, some telltale signs may indicate it's time for a tune-up. Read below as our team at North End Subaru shares what you should watch out for.
Your Engine Light Turns On
One of the most obvious clues that your car needs a tune-up is the engine light on the dashboard suddenly coming on. This light can mean several things, from something as simple as a loose gas cap to an issue with the oxygen sensors.
If it turns on, bring your car to North End Subaru immediately so our technicians can properly diagnose and repair the issue. Your vehicle may need a complete tune-up to get back to running as it should. It's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to engine lights, as ignoring them can lead to more costly and time-consuming repairs down the road.
Pulling to One Side
Your vehicle should travel in a straight line when your hands are off the wheel. If you notice that your car is pulling in one direction or another while you're driving, it could be a sign that it needs a tune-up. The most likely cause of this issue is the alignment being off, which can lead to more serious problems, such as uneven tire wear and poor handling. Our technicians can diagnose the problem and make the necessary adjustments to get your car running straight again.
Your Engine Doesn't Start First Time
Another common sign your vehicle needs a tune-up is difficulty getting the engine to start. If you must turn the key multiple times to get the engine to fire up, it may be time to bring it in. A faulty or dead battery, defective immobilizers, or an issue with the starter may be the cause and can result in significant harm to your engine if you don't take care of it right away. A tune-up may help you avoid further costly and time-consuming problems.
Poor Gas Mileage
You should consider scheduling a tune-up if your car has unusually poor gas mileage or less power than it once did. A tune-up can restore lost power and improve fuel efficiency by ensuring the fuel injection system runs correctly. Additionally, aging and worn spark plugs, wires, motor oil, or air filters can decrease fuel economy. Replacing these components during a tune-up will help ensure you get the most miles per gallon while driving.
Increased Exhaust Emissions
Another sign your car may be due for a tune-up is if it's emitting more exhaust than usual, which could mean an issue with the oxygen sensor, the fuel injection system, or a vacuum leak. It's important to check and resolve any of these issues before they cause real damage to your vehicle. When these components are in tip-top shape, your car will run more smoothly and burn fuel more efficiently, resulting in lower emissions. And since you must take your vehicle for emissions testing if you live in Massachusetts, a tune-up can help ensure your car passes each time.
Unusual Noises
It's normal to hear engine noise when your car is running, but any unusual or loud noises indicate something's up. You could hear anything from a rattling sound due to worn-out spark plugs that need changing to a loud clunking noise that's down to a faulty transmission. If you hear any strange noises coming from your car, bring it to our team for an inspection as soon as possible. A tune-up will help identify what's causing the noise and get things running smoothly again.
Reduced Braking Ability
Your vehicle's brakes are critical to your safety; without them, you're at risk of an accident. If you start feeling more resistance when pressing down on the brakes or it takes longer to stop, it's time for a tune-up. During a tune-up, we can diagnose and repair worn brake pads or a problem with the brakes' hydraulic system. Keeping your car's brakes in top condition will ensure that you and your passengers stay safe on the road and can come to a complete stop in time.
Rough Idling
If your car tends to stall or shake when it's stopped with the engine running, this could mean it needs service. Dirty spark plugs, vacuum leaks, incorrect air-fuel mixtures, or clogged fuel injectors can all contribute to a rough-running engine. Having our professional technicians check your vehicle's spark plugs, air filter, timing system, and fuel injectors can help identify and address these issues. A tune-up can also help restore lost power and performance to ensure your car runs as smoothly as possible.
Stalling
Finally, if your car is stalling out randomly and doesn't start back up again, it's time to call our team for a tune-up. Several things, including an issue with the spark plugs or a faulty fuel pump, can cause stalling. Bringing your car in for a tune-up will let us diagnose and repair the problem.
A tune-up can help restore lost power and performance, improve gas mileage, reduce emissions, and address any other issues causing your car to run poorly. If you notice any signs we've discussed or any other decrease in your vehicle's performance, it's time to consider bringing it in for a tune-up.
At North End Subaru in Lunenburg, our certified technicians can diagnose and repair any issues your car may have to keep it running like new. We're also your go-to source for quality new andpre-owned Subaru vehiclesin Central Massachusetts.Contact ustoday toschedule a tune-upor to test-drive a new Subaru car, truck, or SUV.
