Vehicle Tune-Ups

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Essential Maintenance for Optimal Performance

Regular maintenance is an integral part of helping your vehicle run smoothly. Whether your vehicle shows signs of wear or it's just been a while since your last inspection, it may be time for a vehicle tune-up at Sanders Garage of Jacksonville.

What Are Vehicle Tune-Ups?

A vehicle tune-up is an automotive service where our trained mechanics inspect your vehicle and repair or replace some parts that frequently wear out. Perform tune-ups regularly to keep your vehicle running as efficiently as possible.

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What's Usually Included in Tune-Up Services?


A regular tune-up includes many of the parts that most often need maintenance. Sanders Garage of Jacksonville's mechanics may also run vehicle diagnostics or perform an inspection to look for more serious damage or wear on the vehicle.


Filters


Your vehicle's filters help prevent dust and debris from getting into your engine. There are three main filters: air, oil, and fuel. If these filters get too full or gummed up, they can prevent things from flowing properly, so they need to be changed regularly.


Spark Plugs


The spark plugs are a critical component of your engine. They produce the spark that combusts gasoline in the cylinders to propel the vehicle. Over time, they can wear down, leading to misfires that may stall your engine or make it difficult to start. Depending on the model, you may need a trusted mechanic at Sanders Garage of Jacksonville to replace them every 30,000-40,000 miles.

 

Belts


Every vehicle includes belts that turn critical components such as the water pump, power steering, or alternator. When those belts wear out or slip off their intended paths, it can wreak havoc on your engine. During a tune-up, the mechanics at Sanders Garage of Jacksonville will ensure all your vehicle's belts are properly timed and in good condition.


Hoses


The hoses throughout your vehicle's engine are necessary to move fluids such as oil, fuel, and coolant. If a hose fails, it could result in loss of these fluids, inefficiencies in the engine, or even a complete breakdown.


Tires


Although a standard tune-up won't include new tires in the cost, Sanders Garage of Jacksonville's mechanics will check and rotate your tires as needed. They'll also let you know if a tire is too worn or damaged and needs replacing in addition to your tune-up.


Brakes


Brakes undergo a lot of wear and tear, so a regular brake test is essential. Inspectors at Sanders Garage of Jacksonville will check the brake pads and rotors for damage and recommend a replacement if they're too worn out.


Fluids


There are a variety of fluids needed to keep your vehicle running efficiently. Motor oil lubricates the engine while it runs, engine coolant keeps it from overheating, transmission fluid helps your gears shift smoothly, brake fluid helps you stop, and power steering fluid helps you turn the wheel with ease. These fluids need replacing over time as they break down or collect debris. A standard Sanders Garage of Jacksonville tune-up usually includes checking and refilling these fluids as needed.


Why Do You Need Regular Vehicle Maintenance?


Routine preventative maintenance is an integral part of keeping your vehicle in optimum condition. This prolongs the overall life of the vehicle, and it helps keep it running more efficiently over that lifetime. A worn spark plug or a loose belt might not seem bad if the vehicle isn't breaking down. But eventually, that wear and tear will catch up with you, potentially causing much more costly repairs.


When Should You Get A Tune-Up?


Each vehicle model may have its own recommended service schedule. But generally, the manufacturer's recommendations include getting a tune-up every 25,000 miles or so, even if you're not noticing problems. This prevents problems from cropping up and helps you find any potential damage that may have gone unnoticed. However, if you're noticing changes in your engine performance, it may be time for a tune-up, even if you're not at the 25k mile mark yet. Some changes that might mean it's time for maintenance include:


  • A noticeable decrease in fuel efficiency
  • Reduced overall engine power
  • Unusual sounds from the engine, especially on startup or during acceleration
  • Engine stalling
  • Failure to start or turn over
  • The dreaded "check engine light" comes on


Don't worry, these signs may not mean disaster. You can usually remedy them with a simple fix such as an oil change, a new battery, or new spark plugs. But the longer you let things go, the more likely they will cause more serious damage, so be sure to bring them in to Sanders Garage of Jacksonville at the first sign of trouble.


Stay in Tune With Your Vehicle Maintenance

If your vehicle is ready for a tune-up, bring it to Sanders Garage of Jacksonville in Jacksonville, NC. Our expert mechanics have been keeping vehicles running smoothly since 1982. Stop by our shop at 110 Georgetown Rd, Jacksonville, NC 28540 or call us at (910) 455-0002 to schedule an appointment.