If your vehicle is running rough or your check engine light has come on, it might be time for a tune-up. At Gearheads, our ASE-Certified Mechanics follow your manufactures recommended service and tune-up schedules. Call us today to get a quote for your car, truck, or SUV.
One of the first things car owners should learn about their vehicles is how to maintain their vehicles. Your car owner service manual will have the manufactures recommended service intervals. If you don't have one for your vehicle you can find the service schedule online. Taking your car to a mechanic for a tune-up is one of the most common and vital steps in maintaining it.
If you’re looking for one of the best repair shops to get car tune-ups in Bloomington Normal, you found the right place. Gearheads Garage has licensed and fully certified mechanics to ensure your car receives the proper tune-up.
How do you know it’s time to call a mechanic or drive it to Gearheads Garage? Here are the signs that indicate your car needs the touch and attention of an expert.
Weird, Unusual, or New Noises
Strange noises are always signs that show something is wrong with your car. As the car owner, you’re used to the sounds your vehicle makes. Thus, you may feel uneasy if you hear something unusual coming from any part of your car. This sound can be squealing, rattling, grinding, and others.
Visit Gearheads Garage if you want to get rid of the weird noises. We’ll figure out what the sound means and find the best solution to get your car back in shape.
Engine Doesn’t Start
Having trouble starting the car is a sign that you may need to bring it in for a tune-up. For example, it can signify that your spark plugs need replacing. Your mechanic can catch this problem on a regular tune-up before it worsens and cost you an enormous bill.
Reduced Fuel Mileage
You’ll know your car is due for a tune-up when you notice a drop in fuel efficiency. Several factors can affect fuel mileage, which our mechanics can fix.
Some people don’t immediately notice that they have lousy fuel mileage. One way to keep track of your fuel efficiency is by recording it after each tank refill. Write down the mileage count on your dashboard and the date and time of the fuel refill.
Decreased Braking Capacity
Your brakes decline gradually with use and age. You know your car needs its regular tune-ups when braking takes longer. Don't wait for your brakes to fail you before going to an auto repair shop. Otherwise, you're putting others and yourself at risk when driving.
Car Leans to One Direction While Steering
Have you tried loosening your grip on the steering wheel while driving down a highway? When you do, do you notice the car leaning in one direction instead of running straight? A running vehicle should continue in a straight direction if you're not steering it.
If it starts leaning in one direction, you've got another sign that you need to get a tune-up. The likeliest reason for leaning steering is bad wheel alignment.
You aren't getting fuel economy if your wheels are out of alignment. It also makes it harder for the driver to control the vehicle.
Stalling
Stalling is when your engine dies out on you suddenly. The causes of stalling can be a dead battery, a faulty fuel pump, improper release of the clutch, or ignition issues.
It can occur on both manual and automatic transmission cars. Stalling happens more naturally in manual transmission cars.
However, it’s a bad sign if your automatic transmission car starts stalling. Visit Gearheads Garage for immediate solutions to address stalling.
Check Engine Light Is On
You don't need to wait to see the signs mentioned above before bringing your car to a mechanic for a tune-up. Sometimes, your vehicle will tell you by turning on its check engine lights or other warning lights.
These are only some signs that indicate your car needs servicing.
Remember that bringing your car regularly to a mechanic for a tune-up is the best way to care for it. Don’t wait too long or ignore these signs, or you’re setting yourself up to pay a larger bill. Plus, you’re risking the longevity of your car.
Your car uses many small and large parts that need regular servicing. During a vehicle tune-up, the replaced components are often the smaller ones. These are the ones that wear down faster with use and age.
The parts that a mechanic typically replaces in a tune-up are:
● Spark plugs
● Ignition wires
● Ignition coils
● Distributor caps, rotor, and breaker points (if applicable)
● Engine air filter
● Cabin air filter
● Oil filter
● Fuel filter
● PCV valve
● Serpentine belt
● Belt tensioner
● Timing belt or chain
● Radiator hoses
● Heater hoses
● Hose clamps
● Motor oil
● Brake fluid
● Automatic transmission fluid or ATF
● Power steering fluid
● Coolant
Every auto repair shop provides different tune-up services for clients. The location, resources, and climate are some factors that affect the various services.
Please reach us at service@gearheadsbloomington.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
The average cost of a complete tune-up can run from $150 to $400 depending on where you are and what your vehicle needs. The fees also vary depending on the car model, year, type, and timing of the tune-up.
The frequency of your tune-ups differs depending on the vehicle. Older vehicles with a non-electronic ignition need a tune-up every 10,000 to 12,000 miles or every year. New cars with fuel injection and electronic ignition should get a tune-up every 25,000 to 100,000 miles. You can find your tune-up schedule for your make and model in your owner manual.
Technically, you can continue driving your car without getting it tuned up. However, doing this can damage your vehicle and cause more problems. We recommend following your vehicle manufactures recommended service schedule to maintain optimal performance.
If you're in Bloomington Normal, IL, or nearby, Gearheads Garage is a great place to go! Our highly-trained and certified ASE-mechanics have the skills and knowledge needed to provide high-quality car tune-ups. Contact us today to get a quote for your vehicle.
We love our customers, so feel free to visit during normal business hours.
Open today | 07:30 am – 05:30 pm |
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