The Importance of a Regular Car Tune Up
Observing regular car tune up is vital for getting the best performance from the car and also for increasing the lifespan of the vehicle. Car tune up may be as simple as a basic inspection or may sometimes involve a complete overhaul of the car.
Car owners with tight budgets are in the habit of neglecting regular car tune up, but unknown to them, poorly maintained cars are responsible for thousands of collisions every year. A study conducted by Care Car Council – an advocacy group, revealed that the cost of injuries resulting from poorly maintained cars stands at $2 per year.
In 2012, the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association discovered that underperformed car tune up grossed to about $62 billion. From these findings, there is no doubt that consumers need to take regular car tune up seriously.
To keep your car performing optimally and to enhance its lifespan, there are specific routine maintenance practices worth observing. Therefore, always refer to the owner’s manual and make a habit of taking your car to the auto maintenance shop at the suggested intervals because this is the most appropriate way to keep your vehicle in top shape and avoid constant problems with the vehicle’s engine.
Oil and Filter Change
Oil and filter change is one of the most common car tune up practices you should do to your car. The oil is vital in lubricating the entire engine thus reducing friction and wear, as well as carrying heat away from the critical parts to ensure optimum temperature are maintained within the engine. A regular change of the engine oil will reduce the instances of rust and corrosion and also reduce the noise generated by the engine. In conjunction with the oil filter, impurities and contaminants will be eliminated from the engine.
Tire Check
The entire weight of the car rests on the tires. Hence the tires are vital for the overall performance of the vehicle. With regular tire checks, the auto maintenance shop can look for and identify potential problems such as under-inflated tires which can be a danger to the safe stopping of the car. Underinflated tires may also change the shape of the tires since they become flattered to the ground and make the shoulder of the tires to wear out quicker.
Overinflated tires, on the other hand, also have their major shortcomings. For instance, they will make the tires stiff and rigid, and this will compromise the vehicle’s contact with the ground. This will ultimately lead to uneven tire wear. It is therefore essential to maintain optimum tire pressure for the car to keep stability, enhance fuel economy and improved performance.
Brakes
It is recommended that the brake is inspected at least twice a year to check the hydraulic system as well as the operating hardware. Friction materials such as rotors, drums, shoes and pads should constantly be monitored since they experience a lot of wear every time the braking system is in use.
Other Car Tune Up Services
The other additional car tune up services worth observing include-:
- Checking the coolant liquids to ensure they are filled up to the correct levels
- Checking wiper blades and replacing any that is worn out
- Checking the batteries
- Checking the hoses and belts regularly for leaks or cracks respectively
- Checking replacing old spark plugs
