Why You Need to Tune Your Car Up Regularly

Summertime means that you’re likely finding yourself on the road more often. Whether you’re driving to your favorite local hiking spot or are visiting out-of-town relatives, you need a car that is running safely and reliably.

This is why it’s important to have tune-ups performed regularly. Oil changes, brake services, and alignments in Longmont all help boost your car’s longevity and ensure that it’s running smoothly. Here’s how regular maintenance improves vehicle performance.

Tires

Your tires play a critical role in getting you and your vehicle safely from Point A to Point B. During a tune-up, your technician will check the tread to see if your tires are becoming worn and perform a rotation to help your tires wear evenly. This will help you get the most out of your tires before they need to be replaced.

They will also check the air pressure to make sure they are properly inflated. Tires that are overinflated are more susceptible to road damage, while under-inflated tires can increase your chance of crashing.

Engine

One of the most important maintenance tasks you can have done for your car is an oil change. Motor oil lubricates your engine and keeps metal parts from scraping against each other. This guards against damage while keeping your engine’s overall temperature cool.

Old or thick oil cannot perform these tasks as efficiently, putting your car at risk for damage or overheating if you skip tune-ups. Your technician will replace your existing oil and filter to keep all parts running smoothly.

Brakes

When the car in front of you brakes suddenly, you need to be able to react quickly. If your brake pads are worn or if your rotors are damaged, your vehicle might not be able to stop in time.

Your technician will inspect the condition of your hydraulic brake system and operating hardware and replace worn brake pads if necessary. Signs that you need to replace your brake pads include a brake pedal that feels soft or “spongey” when pressed.

Tune-Up Frequency

Owners of older vehicles with non-electric ignitions should plan on having a tune-up performed either annually or every 10,000 to 12,000 miles. Newer cars with electric ignition and fuel injection systems can go longer—on average, drivers can last from 25,000 to 100,000 miles without needing a major tune-up performed.