If it has been over 100,000 miles since your last tune-up, your car definitely needs a tune-up. If you drive an older automobile, it should be tuned every 30,000 miles. We are going to list below the signs that your car is overdue for a tune-up. Bring your vehicle to our shop at the first sign of trouble to avoid getting stranded with a stalled engine that you cannot start.
It’s Hard to Start
Speaking of starting the automobile, it can be hard to start your vehicle if the spark plugs are worn out. To get your engine started, there needs to be air and fuel in each cylinder. This air and fuel are ignited by the spark plugs. Without this ignition, your engine cannot start. Consequently, if your vehicle is overdue for a tune-up, it may get harder and harder to get the vehicle started.
The Engine Misfires
In addition, the engine needs a steady supply of air and fuel ignited in each cylinder while it is running. If there is an issue with one or more of the spark plugs in the cylinder block, your engine will start to misfire and idle roughly. In severe cases, the engine may stall frequently. Unfortunately, you will continue to have problems with a misfiring engine until the plugs are replaced.
The Engine Lags
Your engine’s performance is also going to suffer. Because the engine is misfiring, your vehicle’s acceleration and engine performance will lag. This is definitely a sign that the engine needs to be tuned. We need to replace the spark plugs, checked the plug wires and replace them if necessary, and check the rest of the ignition system to make sure everything is okay.
The Engine Surges
This may sound strange, but your engine may also start to surge. This can happen because the plugs can fire out of order. They may also fire too much if they need to be replaced. You may find that your engine picks up speed unexpectedly and uncontrollably.
Poor Fuel Efficiency
Finally, all of these things are going to cause problems with the fuel efficiency you get out of your SUV, car, or truck. Unfortunately, you will not get the fuel efficiency that you normally get. Consequently, you will find yourself wasting money on gasoline or diesel fuel because you constantly have to fill the tank.
Call us today if your vehicle is overdue for a tune-up. We will set up an appointment that works with your schedule.
