What Is a Car Tune-Up? 

There are 1.25 billion cars in the world – which sounds like a lot until you realize that means only 17% of the global population drives. A good number of those drivers are in the US – over 84% of the US population is licensed to drive and 289.5 million of those 1.25 billion cars are on our US roads.

If you’re one of those US drivers, you’ll need to know some basics about car maintenance. What needs to be done, how often, and whether you want to do it yourself or take it to the professionals (we recommend the latter).

For most drivers, this looks like a car tune-up every 20,000 miles or so. If you’re asking yourself what is a car tune-up? You’re in the right place. We’re revealing the answer, below.

What is a Car Tune-Up?

Most people assume a car tune-up means an oil change, a tire rotation, and checking the fluids. And while those are integral parts of a regular service, your mechanic should be checking more than just the basics.

A good car tune-up includes:

• Changing air filters
• Checking engine components (like spark plugs)
• Topping off fluids
• Changing oil
• Replacing windshield wipers
• Servicing brakes & checking brake pads
• Inflating tires
• Rotating and balancing tires
• Checking/replacing belts
• Checking hoses
• Double-checking PVC calves

Your mechanic may have their definition of a tune-up, so ask them what they’ll be checking and request any services they don’t provide from the list above.

How Often Do You Need a Tune-Up?

Cars should go in for an oil change every 20,000 miles. For most drivers in the US, that’s about twice a year. If your mechanic will rotate your tires for you while you’re there, then that’s great! Otherwise, that needs to be done every six-ish months as well – or more often if you have bad road conditions (like potholes).

The actual tune-up itself only needs to be done about once a year, for most drivers. Since a tune-up includes an oil change, you can use one of your regular maintenance visits as a tune-up, just make sure to tell the dealership/garage what you want ahead of time since a tune-up appointment will take longer.

The people at ATL Columbus Car Care will be happy to help you if you’re in the Ohio area.

The Number One Car Tune Up Mistake

Want to make sure your car tune-ups are low-cost and catch issues on your car early? Get your tune-ups as regularly and consistently as you can. Yes, going more often seems like it will cost more money, but it’s preventative care, and it will save you cash in the long run.

Cars that are well taken care of can last up to 150,000, even 200,000 miles. Talk about a long-term investment! We hope that answered the question, what is a car tune-up. For more helpful lifestyle information on a daily basis, make our site your homepage.