Signs My Car Is Overdue for a Tune-Up

Righteous Auto Care can tune-up your car, truck, or UV when it needs it. Check your owner’s manual for the mileage milestone recommendation. The reason why we suggest you check your manual is that it varies between automobiles. What used to be a service that was required every 30,000 miles can now be extended. In fact, some spark plugs will last as long as 100,000 miles. Here are signs that your car needs new plugs and an ignition tune-up.

It is going to be difficult to start your automobile if the spark plugs are too old and not firing properly. You need a spark in each cylinder to ignite the air and fuel in order for the engine to fire up and run. If it is getting difficult to start your vehicle, bring it to our shop so we can check the plugs.

Many engines also idle roughly after they have started if the spark plugs need to be replaced. Replacing the spark plugs is part of an ignition tune-up. If your engine is kicking a bit while you are sitting at an idle, stalling, or threatening to stall, this is definitely a sign that it needs new plugs.

The engine misfiring is also a significant sign that the engine needs new plugs. In fact, the engine can misfire so badly that it stalls. The most common times that an engine stalls are right after you start it and while you are sitting at a rough idle. In severe cases, the engine may not start after it stalls.

Your engine may also start to surge unexpectedly if it needs an ignition tune-up. This is a sign that the plugs are firing multiple times in the cylinders. You may also hear a knocking noise that accompanies the engine surges. Naturally, it can be difficult to drive an automobile that is bucking like a bronco.

When we say fuel loss, we mean a loss of fuel mileage. Unfortunately, when the ignition needs to be tuned up, it tends to burn more fuel because it is not running as efficiently as it should be. Generally, when we replace the plugs, the engine’s efficiency will be restored along with the gas mileage.

Finally, your engine’s acceleration is going to lag if it needs a tune-up. Again, when the spark plugs are worn and in need of replacement, they may not fire correctly. This affects the engine’s ability to produce combustion, i.e., power, and, consequently, your acceleration will lag.

Call Righteous Auto Care in Racine, WI, today to set up a service visit for a tune-up.