When drivers think their car needs a tune-up, that can cover a variety of things, but it usually means they are concerned about some aspect of the vehicle and want to make sure everything is running smoothly. Regular maintenance and tune-ups extend the life of your car, help keep you safe, and can even avoid costly repairs. So, where do you start when considering the overall health of your vehicle? Here are some items to make sure you include on your tune-up checklist.
Ignition Parts
If you haven’t had your engine looked at in a while or you noticed it stalling or having trouble starting, the ignition needs some attention. The ignition system includes spark plugs, wires, coils, and a distributor cap and rotor. If any of these parts aren’t functioning properly, the engine won’t run as efficiently as it should and could end up damaged over time. Take your vehicle to an auto service place and ask them to check over the ignition parts. Replacing old spark plugs or ignition coils is much easier and more affordable than replacing an entire engine.
Fluids
Several different fluids work inside your vehicle to keep things running clean and smooth. Routine fluid replacements, refills, and flushes are a great way to make sure your car stays healthy. Be sure to include brake fluid, coolant, motor oil, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid on your tune-up checklist. Sometimes a fluid level simply needs to be checked and maintained, which is easy to do at home. But, system flushes and replacements are good for a professional to handle.
Belts and Hoses
Every car uses several types of belts and hoses to transfer fluid and power. These items undergo normal wear and tear over time and should be regularly checked and replaced when necessary. If one of the engine hoses isn’t working properly, the engine could overheat. A belt tensioner makes sure the belts stay in the right position, preventing uneven or premature wear. Worn belts can break and cause major damage and even dangerous driving situations. Ask a certified mechanic to look over your serpentine belt, belt tensioner, timing belt, radiator hoses, heater hoses, and hose clamps.
Filters
Air and fluid filters keep particles and contaminants from entering important systems in your car. Dirty or clogged air and oil filters reduce performance and efficiency. Cabin air filters help keep the air you breathe inside your car clean and fresh. Changing this filter is easy and should be done regularly. You may be shocked to see how dirty your cabin air filter is if you haven’t replaced it in a while. Other filters to add to your checklist include the fuel filter, PCV valve, oil filter, and the engine air filter.
Sometimes your car doesn’t just need a tune-up, it needs to be replaced. If you’re ready to enjoy all the perks and comfort of a new car, head to Flood Mazda and check out their wide selection of new models and consider trading in your old model.
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