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Your car is an important investment and keeping it in good condition is crucial to maintaining its value and longevity. Part of taking care of your car is getting regular tune-ups. But how often does your car need a tune-up? The answer may surprise you.
What Is a Tune-Up?
A tune-up is a preventive maintenance service performed on a car to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. A tune-up typically includes checking and/or replacing the following:
- Spark plugs
- Air filter
- Fuel filter
- PCV valve
- Oxygen sensor
- Timing belt
Depending on your car's make, model, and age, some of these components may not need to be replaced as often as others. For example, most newer cars have timing chains instead of belts, so they don't need to be replaced as frequently.
How Often Does My Car Need a Tune-Up?
The frequency with which you need a tune-up depends on several factors, including the make and model of your car, how you drive it, and the type of fuel you use. In general, though, most cars these days can go up to 100,000 miles between tune-ups.
Some carmakers even recommend extending the interval to 150,000 miles or more in normal driving conditions. Of course, if you tend to drive in stop-and-go traffic or extreme conditions (hot or cold weather, dusty or dirty roads), you may need to get a tune-up more often.
It's also important to note that the fuel you use can affect how often you need a tune-up. For example, if you frequently use lower-quality gas, it can cause your car to require a tune-up sooner than if you use higher-quality gas.
When in Doubt, Check Your Owner's Manual
If you're unsure how often your car needs a tune-up, the best thing to do is consult your owner's manual. It will have specific information on what maintenance services are recommended for your particular car model.
The Bottom Line
Keep in mind that even if your car doesn't technically need a tune-up, it's still a good idea to get one at least once a year. This will help keep your car in top condition and can help prevent more serious (and expensive) problems down the road. If you need a tune-up performed, we invite you to bring your vehicle into Premier Automotive Service today!