The Automobile Tune Up: Where to Have It Done, and How Often

Posted: Mar 31, 2013
Author: Country Town Tire & Auto Service Center

Automobile tune ups are absolutely essential, as any responsible vehicle owner knows. But where to have it done is often a question for people without a steady and trusted mechanic. Another question is exactly how often to have the tune up done; and the answer is not when your car starts overheating or making strange noises.

Almost as important as having the tune up done is where you go for it. A trusted mechanic is an invaluable asset, and often even preferable to having a very skilled, dishonest mechanic. Check around with family, friends, and co-workers to see if anyone has had a good experience with shops or mechanics in the area. When people receive good service, they will want to talk about it, and when auto shops give good service they gain a good reputation locally. Check online ratings for shops in your area as well, but be aware that they aren't always reliable, and that people like to complain sometimes even more than praise.

Now, how often should you bring your car into an auto shop for a tune up or a major service? Generally, tune ups are recommended every two years or 30,000 miles on your vehicle. A tune up should consist predominantly of the checking and replacement of electrical and fuel-system parts of the automobile. These major services are in addition to routine, more common maintenance such as oil changes and checking tire pressures and fluid levels, all of which should be done much more often. Check your owner's manual to see the exact recommendations for the service and maintenance of your vehicle.