When you hear a screech, clank, clatter, or other noise emanating from your car, it's always a cause for concern. Even diligent and scheduled maintenance isn't always enough to stave off problems, but sometimes a fix is cheaper and easier than you may think. Tune-ups are an awesome way to restore top-notch performance to your vehicle and eliminate any sounds or other issues with your car. Before you take your vehicle to the shop in panic mode, here are a few signs that your car might need just a tune-up. Rough Idling and Late Acceleration If your entire car starts to shake when you're at a stop or if pushing the accelerator to the floor results in a late burst of speed, it could be time for a tune-up. There are many reasons for these problems, but a clogged fuel filter, faulty spark plugs, or a soiled air filter are the main offenders. During a tune-up, all of these parts are cleaned or replaced, eliminating the car shakes and providing a better overall performance. more Massive Drop in MPG After driving your car for awhile, you're familiar with about how far you can go on a tank of gas. If this fuel economy starts to drop without reason, it's a sign you need to schedule a tune-up service. Typically, a dip in fuel economy will happen gradually, and you may not even notice it at first. However, if you find yourself at the pump more often, the fuel filter, O2 sensors, and air filter need attention. Once you've changed these components, you should notice your mpg returning to normal or even improving. Check Engine Light Comes On The check engine light is on your instrument cluster to notify you when something's not quite right with your car. Instead of covering it with a piece of tape or ignoring it, take your vehicle to the mechanic. These technicians can run a diagnostic test on your vehicle to determine the source of the problem. Sometimes, a tune-up can eradicate the problem and turn off the annoying yellow glow of your check engine light. Loss of Speed Delayed acceleration is a definite sign you need a tune-up, and if your car suddenly becomes a bit sluggish, it's yet another reason to consider a tune-up. Faulty distributor points, clogged fuel injectors, and old air filters are usually the sources of the problem. During a tune-up, these items are replaced, which leads to an increase in speed and acceleration. Unusual Sounds If you begin to hear new, unusual sounds coming from your car, a tune-up could be in store. Engine noise and transmission grinding are two of the most problematic sounds, and without proper care, they can lead to bigger, more expensive problems. The crazier or louder the noise, the more likely you need the help of an expert mechanic. Routine maintenance and oil changes keep your car running smoothly and limit potential problems, but scheduling a tune-up every 45,000 miles or at the first sign of trouble is always a sound decision. Photo by stephenhanafin | Licensed under cc BY-SA 2.0
