Learn these six signs your car needs a tune-up.
That way, you can take your car in before a small problem poses a life-threatening issue.
1. Warning Lights Flash
When those little indicator lights on your dashboard light up, it’s probably for a reason.
Each of these lights indicates a different problem area or component in your car.
The moment you see one of these lights flashes, it’s time to take your car in.
These warning lights are some of the first signs you need a tune-up.
Instead of ignoring them, get ahead of the problem by taking your car in for a diagnostic.
Read: CAUSES OF THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT COMING ON
COMPLETE DASHBOARD LIGHT SYMBOLS
2. Stalls
Other signs your car needs a tune-up are if it stalls at an intersection or when you accelerate.
These issues could put you at risk for danger on the road. After all, your engine is designed for reliability.
Make sure it doesn’t fail when you’re merging on the highway by taking it in for a checkup.
Read: 3 COMMON SYMPTOMS OF CAR ENGINE SEIZING UP
3. Hard Stops
You kind of need your car to start when it tells you to. Here’s how to tell if your car needs a tune-up:
- It won’t start
- It takes multiple turns of your key for the car to start
- Your car starts but won’t remain running
If you’re noticing these issues, schedule that appointment.
This towing company with auto transport services can help get you to the shop if your car refuses to start.
Read: HOW THE STARTING SYSTEM WORKS
4. Poor Fuel Mileage
Most of us know how often we need to fill the tank.
You can use this table to get an estimate for your own car.
If you notice you’re filling the tank more often, it could be a sign your car needs some attention.
The problem might be inadequate tire pressure or a sticking brake pad.
Either way, consider these signs that your car needs a tune-up the next time your fuel mileage increases.
Read: FUEL SYSTEM: COMPONENTS, WORKING PRINCIPLES, SYMPTOMS AND EMISSION CONTROLS
5. Unfamiliar Noises
Noisy brakes could indicate an issue with the brake pad, brake fluid, or rotors.
If it’s not your brakes, low power steering fluid or a loose/torn belt might also cause unexplained sounds.
Read More:
- WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF IDLER PULLEY NOISE?
- WHY IS YOUR CAR MAKING NOISE WHEN REVERSING?
- 3 CAUSES OF DRIVE SHAFT NOISE (WHEN TURNING, BRAKING OR IN REVERSE)
- 5 CAUSES OF LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHING NOISE (AND HOW TO FIX)
- WHAT ARE THE REASONS FOR RATTLING NOISE WHEN ACCELERATING?
- 8 REASONS YOUR CAR IS MAKING GRINDING NOISE WHEN BRAKING
- TOP 10 CAR NOISES THAT SHOULD NEVER BE IGNORED
6. Sluggish Acceleration
You need that speed when you’re merging, avoiding unattentive drivers, or heading up a hill.
If you notice an issue accelerating, take your car in for a tune-up to determine the cause.
Check Under the Hood: 6 Signs Your Car Needs a Tune-Up
Keep an eye out for these six signs your car needs a tune-up.
That way, you can take your car in for a fix before the problem accelerates (pun intended).
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