How to tell if your car needs a tune up?

May,

2025

Your vehicle needs an inspection and tuning job as it ages, and whenever the performance seems less than it used to be. Getting this work done before summer is a great idea because the battery life and air temperature change dramatically. Consider getting a tune up based on this criterion:

Mechanic Says Tune Up Car Instead: While auto body shops exist to make money and err on the cautious side, they really can give good advice. They might offer special deals on more common services.
The Engine Sounds Rough: This is more likely to happen on an older vehicle. It means that something about the engine is off, usually the fuel injection. A good mechanic can fix both the oil and the train so that it works like a flawless piano.
The Fuel Efficiency Goes Down: This is another effect of having an engine with the camshaft a little off. Cleaning the spark plugs and treating the oil are other effective services.
Dashboard Lights Tell The Tale: Recent cars have computers. They give an accurate assessment if they tell the engine is off. Trust technology and have a mechanic look at both the computer and the engine.
The Power Stopped Feeling Like a Champion: Your engine ought to be responsive. If not, then the battery or the electronics connected to the spark plugs might have a problem. Find someone who knows the causes because this is serious.
The Engine Makes Irregular Noises : Most cars have simple engines and should run smoothly. Any rattling noise or unexpected firing sounds usually mean that the engine has bumps that need to be smoothed out. Have someone tighten and align everything.
Tune Up Car Truck Van : You need a mechanic who can get the job done before summer. Taking the initiative means a much more enjoyable summer. It also means avoiding further complications. How to tell if your car needs a tune up? Most of the warning signs are obvious, and have a great mechanic take a look if anything seems off.

Have more questions about how to tell if your car needs a tune up? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about tune up car and to schedule an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.

Mechanic Says Tune Up Car Instead: While auto body shops exist to make money and err on the cautious side, they really can give good advice. They might offer special deals on more common services.
The Engine Sounds Rough: This is more likely to happen on an older vehicle. It means that something about the engine is off, usually the fuel injection. A good mechanic can fix both the oil and the train so that it works like a flawless piano.
The Fuel Efficiency Goes Down: This is another effect of having an engine with the camshaft a little off. Cleaning the spark plugs and treating the oil are other effective services.
Dashboard Lights Tell The Tale: Recent cars have computers. They give an accurate assessment if they tell the engine is off. Trust technology and have a mechanic look at both the computer and the engine.
The Power Stopped Feeling Like a Champion: Your engine ought to be responsive. If not, then the battery or the electronics connected to the spark plugs might have a problem. Find someone who knows the causes because this is serious.
The Engine Makes Irregular Noises : Most cars have simple engines and should run smoothly. Any rattling noise or unexpected firing sounds usually mean that the engine has bumps that need to be smoothed out. Have someone tighten and align everything.
Tune Up Car Truck Van : You need a mechanic who can get the job done before summer. Taking the initiative means a much more enjoyable summer. It also means avoiding further complications. How to tell if your car needs a tune up? Most of the warning signs are obvious, and have a great mechanic take a look if anything seems off.