5 Signs Your Car Needs a Tune Up
A tune up is all the services your car’s engine needs to stay in good condition and run strong through every mile. Oftentimes, you’ll have these services performed during your preventative maintenance visits. But that doesn’t mean that problems won’t arise between those visits. Luckily, when that happens, the following signs may let you know that it’s likely time for service. Here’s what you need to know before coming into our Manchester MD auto repair shop.
Poor Engine Performance
When you press the gas pedal, your car’s engine should quickly take you up to speed. If that doesn’t happen, you might find it difficult to safely merge onto the highway or even complete your left turns before traffic moves your way.
The sad fact is that your engine cannot achieve peak performance if any of its parts show excessive wear or damage. Instead, it’ll limp along until you get the parts replaced, eventually resulting in stalling and other frustrating issues. A car tune up easily addresses all the most common causes of poor engine performance, helping you feel confident behind the wheel once again.
Rough Idle
With the right level of care, your car’s engine will purr like a kitten as soon as you start it up. The RPMs should stay at their ideal level, too, before kicking down once the engine warms up. Excessive vibrations from the engine bay, erratic RPMs, and odd engine noises all let you know that your vehicle doesn’t currently idle smoothly.
A rough idle has many causes, like a clogged air filter, a bad mass airflow sensor, and dirty fuel injectors. Pinpointing the problem requires a little diagnostic work by your trusted auto techs. Upon finding the problem, it’s usually a relatively simple fix, although you may need additional services to complete your tune up in full.
Car Stalls Out
When in good shape, your engine should never sputter and die. Stalling can prove quite dangerous, after all, especially if it happens while turning across traffic or moving through an intersection.
A bad clutch release spring can definitely cause this to happen, but it’s usually related to fuel, air, or spark. Common causes of your car stalling out include a bad fuel pump, a dirty air filter, and worn-out spark plugs. A tune-up is usually a great place to start if it’s due soon since it eliminates the most common culprits.
Check Engine Light Turns On
Modern vehicles keep an eye on the health of their engines using the onboard computer and a series of smart sensors. If anything goes awry, the check engine light turns on, letting you know about the problem.
Although the light doesn’t tell you just what went wrong, a trip to our Manchester MD auto repair shop can reveal its secrets. Our mechanics use high-tech scanners to talk with the computer and see just where the problem lies. Additional diagnostic steps often help them determine if your car needs repair services or if just a tune up will do.
Bad Gas Mileage
Engines can only run at peak efficiency when all their parts work right. If the system fails to get enough air, sends too much fuel, or simply doesn’t burn all the fuel, your gas mileage will suffer. Worse yet, unburnt fuel can lead to catalytic converter failure, while poor airflow can wreak havoc on your engine’s internals.
If you drive a modern vehicle, just look at the dash display to see its current fuel efficiency. You’ll have to do the gas mileage calculations yourself if you drive an older vehicle. Either way, if you notice a decline, it’s time to come in for a tune up or other auto repair services.
Ready to Resolve the Issue with a Car Tune Up?
When your car needs a tune up, all you have to do is reach out to our team at Ranglin’s Complete AutoCare. We’re here to check out the issue with a digital vehicle inspection and any necessary diagnostic services. Then, we’ll complete the car tune up or any other services needed to get your engine running at its best once again.
Ready to get started? Just dial 667-314-3910 or fill out our online contact form. If you’re already in the area, we welcome you to stop by 3037 Main Street Manchester, MD 21102 to get help booking your visit. We look forward to helping you keep your car in great condition, so please feel free to get in touch at your convenience.
