Regular tune-ups from your local auto repair shop are among the keys to keeping your vehicle in excellent condition and subsequently prolonging its life. And while every tune-up is different because of the make, model, mileage, and year, most will undergo the same basic checks. Here, familiarize yourself with what a tune-up typically includes to enhance your auto care education.

4 Common Tune-Up Tasks From Auto Repair Shops

1. Spark Plug Checks

Spark plugs ignite the fuel-air mixture in your engine’s combustion chamber. They require replacing or at least cleaning during annual tune-ups to prevent several engine problems including slow acceleration, engine misfiring, surging, and rough idling, poor fuel economy, and hard starts. Keep in mind copper spark plugs need replacing sooner than platinum versions that will potentially last up to 100,000 miles.

2. Fuel Injector Inspections

Without functional fuel injectors, your car’s engine will not receive the correct amount of fuel it needs for ideal combustion. If they do not undergo annual cleaning as part of a tune-up, these parts will become clogged with dirt and other debris that impedes their ability to introduce the right amount of fuel. If one of your injectors has worn out, your auto repair shop will likely suggest replacing both of them to prevent syncing issues.

3. Windshield Wipers & Other Safety Component Checks

Your windshield wipers, tires, horn, lights, and other safety accessories receive inspections during tune-ups to keep your vehicle safe and driveable. Any old light bulbs get replaced, while the tires are either rotated or replaced depending on the level of wear and other damages such as sidewall cracks. The wipers get checked for deteriorating rubber that interferes with their function and therefore your ability to see.

4. Fuel Filter & Pump Inspections

The fuel filter keeps the fuel injectors from getting clogged to prevent engine misfiring and other performance issues such as lowered fuel economy. Auto repair shop technicians clean this filter to help you avoid these issues while also checking the condition of the fuel pump. This pump provides the engine with fuel at a timely rate, and will eventually fail without routine checks, repairs, or replacements. Failure warning signs include engine surging, losing power while driving uphill, and jerking motions at high speeds. 

Don’t wait to schedule your next tune-up—make an appointment today with All Around Auto Care in Elizabethtown, KY. The full-service auto repair shop has served the region for over 12 years and works on both domestic and foreign models. Call (270) 737­-9954 today to make your appointment or visit the auto repair shop online to review their services.