Your Car Has Trouble Starting
One of the most common signs your car needs a tune-up is trouble starting your car. Whether your vehicle needs an ignition key or has a start button, repeatedly having to turn or press it before your engine starts turning can indicate various problems.
How do you know when your car needs a tune-up? An older model that has a non-electric ignition should be serviced every 10,000 to 12,000 miles or annually. Newer vehicles with fuel injection systems and electronic ignitions should be serviced every 25,000 up to 100,000 miles.
A very basic tune up typically costs between $40 and $150. Although, how much is a tune up can vary, based on the cost of parts and labor where you live. Full tune up.
Spark plugs inspection and cleaning are a must. An oil change and oil filter change, tire rotation, cabin air filter, brake inspection, transmission fluid change, and coolant-system flush may also be on the agenda.
But if you're inexperienced and hesitant to try the job yourself, it could be safer to have a repair shop, like AutoZone's Preferred Shops, do it for you. Rather than take a chance on damaging something and adding to the repair cost, it'll get done in a timely fashion by a professional.
Unusual Noises
It's normal to hear engine noise when your car is running, but any unusual or loud noises indicate something's up. You could hear anything from a rattling sound due to worn-out spark plugs that need changing to a loud clunking noise that's down to a faulty transmission.
These checks, tweaks, and modifications may not seem like much, but they can help prevent the onset of bigger, more damaging, more expensive repairs down the line. If you're in the habit of skipping these tune-ups, your car will eventually start showing signs of that neglect.
The most common signs of bad spark plugs include start-up trouble, rough idling, sluggish acceleration, declining fuel economy, engine misfiring, and engine knocking.
Improved Performance – Tune-ups can help your vehicle run smoother and more efficiently, leading to improved acceleration, handling, and overall performance. Reduced Emissions – Regular tune-ups can help reduce your vehicle's emissions, making it more environmentally friendly.
When the high voltage produced by the ignition system is applied between the center electrode and ground electrode of the spark plug, the insulation between the electrodes breaks down, current flows in the discharge phenomenon, and an electrical spark is generated.
If your car doesn't get regular tune-ups, it won't accelerate as quickly or easily. This makes it hard to drive when you're in a hurry and easy to get frustrated with your vehicle. Plus, if your car isn't running efficiently, then it's going to lose power while driving.
If you're inexperienced with cars and vehicles in general, a Tune-Up and a Service sound almost interchangeable, but there is a difference. A Tune-Up is centered around vehicle maintenance whereas a Service is about repairing, replacing or installing vehicle parts.
How much does a car tune-up cost? A basic tune-up that includes new spark plugs generally costs between $50 and $150. However, a more comprehensive tune-up that consists of an oil change, new filters, and other services can cost between $200 and $800, according to Auto Zone.
Newer cars with electronic ignition and fuel injection systems are scheduled to go from 25,000 miles to as many as 100,000 miles without needing a major tune-up.
Why don't modern cars require tune-ups as frequently? Modern cars are equipped with advanced computer systems that regulate things like fuel injection, ignition timing, and emissions. These onboard systems reduce the need for frequent manual adjustments.
If your car is idling rough, though, it won't feel smooth. The RPMs will jump up and down, for example, or they'll fall below 600 RPM (or whatever is typical for your vehicle). Rough idle is easy to detect when you start your vehicle, and it may be dependent on the engine temperature when you start your car.
Labor charges vary depending on the complexity of each engine, with V6 and V8 engines costing more than four-cylinder engines. The average labor cost ranges between $40 and $350. Factoring in parts and labor, the cheapest spark plug replacement costs between $100 and $250, and the highest is between $250 and $500.
Can You Drive with Faulty Spark Plugs? Faulty spark plugs can lead to a range of issues that can cause long-term damage to your engine. If left unchecked, bad spark plugs can even lead to more expensive repairs, such as replacing the catalytic converter, so don't put it off.