How Often Should Your Car Receive a Tune Up?

Every car needs a little tender loving care every once in a while. You should make sure you give yours a tune-up regularly so that it remains in pristine condition. Many major issues that come up with cars could be easily avoided if the owner simply had it checked out ahead of time. Your car tune up checklist should tell you that most cars need this maintenance once every 30,000 to 45,000 miles. However, you may need one sooner if your car stalls often. Here are some other recommendations on when you should service certain components of your vehicle.

Battery

You do not want to end up with a dead battery when you are out in the middle of nowhere. You should keep an eye on your battery and test it often. It is recommended to get a new battery once every five years. Ideally, you will replace it before it dies completely. When the battery’s charging system or capacity runs low, then it is time for a replacement.

Spark Plugs

Spark plugs create the electric spark necessary to start the engine. When they are too worn out, your engine will not run. When it comes time to replace them, you will need to decide which variety you want to get. There are conventional plugs, which will last between 30,000 and 50,000 miles. There are also platinum- or iridium-tipped plugs, which last for between 50,000 and 120,000 miles. Keep an eye out for discounts on auto parts, so you can save on either of them. Go to your local auto parts store if you find yourself wondering where to get spark plugs replaced quickly and efficiently.

Fuel Filter

A major part of your car’s tune-up involves replacing the fuel filter. Many modern cars do not require a fuel filter replacement. However, if you still drive something about a decade old, then you need to replace it once every 30,000 miles or so.

Drive Belt

You may not need to replace the drive belt for every tune-up, but your mechanic will likely want to look at it. The belt tends to last between 40,000 and 70,000 miles. With a little know-how, you may be able to replace a belt on your own with tools and components you find at your local auto shop.

Air Filter

One item you will definitely want to replace for every tune-up is the air filter. This filter usually only lasts around 15,000 and 30,000 miles. However, if you tend to drive on dusty or unpaved roads, you may need to replace it more often.

In general, most drivers do well by scheduling a tune-up once a year. You can go to a mechanic near you to take a look at your car. Even if the mechanic discovers something, it is better to deal with it while the problem is still minor. Delaying essential repairs will only exacerbate the issue further. You may end up paying a lot more. One place you can always save money is at your local auto parts shop that has everything you need to keep your car in great shape.

About Marcelo Villa

Marcelo is an associate editor at The Sports Daily, and has covered the San Diego Chargers for Bleacher Report. He also writes for Sportsdirect Inc.

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