7 Signs Your Car Needs a Tune-Up

February 6, 2024

Car Tune up

After driving your vehicle for a while, you may notice that its overall performance isn’t quite what it was when you first purchased it. While it doesn’t necessarily mean your car needs serious repairs, it is often the sign to give it a tune-up.

A car tune-up consists of various maintenance tasks to keep your vehicle running smoothly. This service includes checking and replacing wear-and-tear items like air filters, fuel filters, and brake pads. The benefits of a car tune-up are longer vehicle life, improved performance, and enhanced fuel economy.

Recognizing the signs your car needs a tune-up and giving it one when required will help prolong its lifespan and save you money on costly repairs.

Your Car Has Trouble Starting

One of the most common signs your car needs a tune-up is trouble starting your car. Whether your vehicle needs an ignition key or has a start button, repeatedly having to turn or press it before your engine starts turning can indicate various problems.

For example, if your spark plugs are overly fouled from use, they may misfire when starting the engine, requiring you to try the ignition repeatedly. Another potential and common cause is a car battery nearing the end of its life.

Scheduling a tune-up with a team of skilled mechanics can uncover these issues and give your car the replacement spark plugs, batteries, or other parts it needs.

You’re Spending More at the Gas Station

This problem might not be immediately noticeable, but monitoring your fuel consumption over time can highlight potential issues. Certain problems with your vehicle can lead to decreased fuel efficiency, meaning you’ll need more gas to cover the same distances you did when the car was new.

Many vehicles have indicators or digital sensors that track their average miles per gallon (MPG). A noticeable decline in MPG over a few months could be a sign that your car needs a tune-up. Reduced fuel efficiency is frequently due to issues like clogged air filters, dirty spark plugs, or insufficient tire pressure.

Your Car Accelerates Less Well Than It Used To

Acceleration capabilities depend on many factors, such as your engine’s power, drivetrain, transmission, and type of tires. However, every car will lose acceleration power without proper maintenance, whether you drive a small hatchback or a powerful sports car.

When your car starts to lag when you press the gas pedal, it might be time for a tune-up to diagnose the issue. Poor acceleration often stems from issues such as a malfunctioning exhaust system, defective sensors, or clogged air and fuel filters, all of which can be addressed and corrected with a proper tune-up.

Car Needs a Tune Up

You Hear Unusual Noises

Listen to the sounds your car makes at various points of your journey. Unusual or unexpected sounds are common signs your car needs a tune-up that should be addressed. Typical examples of unusual sounds:

  • Hissing or sizzling. Hearing noises from your engine even when it’s turned off but still warm could indicate fluid leaking onto hot engine components. A tune-up can help determine if any leaks require attention.
  • Squealing or screeching. Sounds like these during driving may signal a serpentine belt that’s wearing out, starting to fray, or slipping. It’s a good idea to get a tune-up to check this before the belt breaks, as that could result in expensive damage to the engine.
  • Grinding. Hearing a grinding noise when you press the brake pedal usually indicates that your brake pads or rotors need replacing. Brake pads are made to emit a noticeable grinding sound as a warning when they’ve worn down too much. Including brake pad maintenance in a tune-up ensures your car remains safe for driving.
  • Rattling or clattering. Rattling and clattering sounds during driving, not caused by objects inside the car, could mean your exhaust system is loose or damaged. Have a professional mechanic inspect it and perform any necessary repairs or adjustments.
  • Ticking or tapping. Ticking or tapping noises under the hood may suggest your oil pressure is too low. Often, this is due to insufficient oil, leading to inadequate lubrication for your engine. You should check your oil level and refill if necessary. If the oil looks dirty, it’s time for an oil change. If these steps don’t address the issue, consider booking a tune-up to check your oil pump.

Your Check Engine Light is On

When you see the Check Engine light on your gauge cluster, your car’s sensors detect a potential problem. However, several potential issues can cause it to turn on.

Your Check Engine light could be connected to problems such as a loose gas cap or failing sensors. It can also indicate more serious issues, such as a failing ignition coil, fuel system issues, or a malfunctioning engine.

Professional mechanics can use an OBD2 scanner to connect to your car’s computer, more accurately detect error codes, and isolate problems.

Excessive Amounts of Smoke

Your Exhaust Emits Unusual or Excessive Amounts of Smoke

When functioning normally, the catalytic converter at the end of your exhaust system is designed to catch most of the harmful substances an engine would typically produce. This is why you see little to no exhaust smoke from a properly functioning modern vehicle.

If your car’s exhaust emits too much smoke, it might be time for a tune-up. The color of the smoke can help identify the exact problem:

  • Black smoke. The fuel-air mixture entering your engine is too rich, often indicating insufficient air entering the engine. This causes your engine to burn excess fuel, which comes out of your exhaust as black, sooty smoke. Potential issues include clogged air filters, faulty fuel sensors, or a malfunctioning fuel system.
    If your car has a diesel engine, excessive black smoke means your exhaust system has accumulated too much soot, up to your Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). A possible solution is to give your car the “Italian tune-up” and drive it harder to the redline for a short period. This process can help burn the soot build-up and expel it from the exhaust.
    If it hasn’t solved your issue, schedule a service for your vehicle and have it examined by professionals.
  • Thick white smoke. This should not be confused with condensation, which can appear similar and often occurs during the winter and cold days. If your car persistently emits thick white smoke, a leak may be causing coolant to enter the engine. This is the potential sign of a serious issue, such as a blown head gasket or cracks in your engine block.
  • Bluish or gray smoke. Bluish or gray smoke from your car indicates engine oil is burning within the combustion chamber. This often indicates wear or damage in engine components like valve seals, piston rings, or cylinder walls. If you observe this smoke, it’s a sign these parts may need inspection or replacement.

Give Your Car The Tune-up it Needs at Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

When you recognize the signs your car needs a tune-up, consider scheduling an appointment with the qualified mechanics at Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. A car tune-up can prevent major parts from breaking and needing costlier repairs and replacement.

Contact our service department online or visit us in person at our location near Albion, MI.

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