Benefits of a Proper Tune-Up

The Key Benefits of Regular Vehicle Tune-Ups You Need to Know

Why Your Car Deserves a Tune-Up: Improving Performance and Reliability

Maximizing Fuel Efficiency: The Role of Proper Vehicle Maintenance

You might think of a 1950s grease monkey when you think of tune-up, but the truth is, a tune-up is closer to a maintenance check than anything else. While a tune-up still retains its connections to performance and racing, now it typically involves maintenance and repairs performed under the hood, in general, rather than on specific car parts. The question is: does your car need a tune-up?

Don’t Neglect Your Ride: The Consequences of skipping regular tune ups

The first and most important part of a tune-up is that you will have your vehicle thoroughly inspected and have diagnostic tests covering all aspects of your vehicle’s performance. Your mechanic will check to ensure no start-up problems or sensor errors. Some services are standard for tune-ups, including an oil change and topping off or exchanging fluids that need to be changed at intervals. Changing the fluids helps keep your engine clean and efficient. Your mechanic also changes your spark plugs to ensure that you’re getting proper voltage delivered to your engine. Finally, your mechanic will discover what smaller repairs must be made based on their earlier inspection. Keeping your car in peak condition through tune-ups is difficult because even small problems can have exponential repair results. For example, a bad brake rotor may seem like a big deal, but when you brake, the energy that is supposed to be absorbed by the rotor has to go somewhere. If one component malfunctions, it directs the impact to the rest of the vehicle. This goes for all components, whether mechanical or electrical. In addition to the benefits of a tune-up, you can save money on fuel, decrease your emissions, improve safety, avoid future breakdowns, and boost the resale value of your vehicle.

Bring Us Your Car

The ASE-certified technicians at Jeff’s Auto Repair are ready for your vehicle, no matter its make or model. They perform tune-ups on all vehicles. As Seattle’s premier service shop, you’ll find yourself as a customer treated like family and see that customer service is an art. We are not just auto service experts but your vehicle’s best friend. We have locations in Seattle, Sandpoint, Renton, and Lynnwood, Washington. We expect to return your vehicle in top shape and keep it that way in the future. We offer a 24-month/24,000-mile warranty on all of our work so that you know our work is done the right way the first time or you’re covered. Give a call at one of the three locations to make an appointment for your next tune-up.

Talk Like A Pro To Your Mechanic

Let’s face it, not everyone is in-tune with vehicles the way mechanics are. Sometimes, the way they speak and the words they use are their own language, and it can get overwhelming for those who aren’t as vehicle-savvy as others. The good news is that every car needs a regular tune-up, and that’s a great place to start learning all these new words and phrases. So, if you want to learn how to better interpret your mechanic, let’s start with the basics.

What Is A Tune-Up?

Simply put, a tune-up is all about engine maintenance. It helps your vehicle run smoothly and operate as effortlessly and efficiently as possible. How do you know when your car needs a tune-up, though? That’s when you look down at your odometer (the number on your dashboard that counts up as you put miles on your car). All vehicle manufacturers specify necessary tune-up intervals in terms of miles put on the car itself, so make sure to heed those requirements. You can find those specifications in your car’s manual in paper form or online.

What Comes With A Tune-Up?

Good question! There is a slew of things that can be done during a car tune-up, and we’ll define them below so that you can better wrap your head around them. The important thing to remember is that not all of these will occur during every appointment, but at some point in time during the life of your vehicle, they will all take place multiple times. So, don’t worry about the cost right now. The cost breakdown for a tune-up completely depends on the amount of work needed, and that final number can range anywhere from $50 to $1,000.

Some of the work done during a tune-up appointment:

There you have it! Some basic knowledge and definitions to get you started with your car’s love language. Don’t worry if it feels overwhelming because as you become more familiar with your vehicle’s needs, you’ll learn to find the language necessary to get your car what it needs. No matter how knowledgeable you are on cars, always find a reputable and trustworthy ASE-certified technician to work on your car. And luckily, we have all of that right here at Jeff’s Auto Repair. Give us a call today at (425) 771-4588[1] or stop by and see us at 21701 Hwy 99, Lynnwood, WA 98036[2] to pick our brains, ask us questions, or even get your tune-up on our calendar! We promise you won’t be disappointed.

Endnotes:
  1. (425) 771-4588: tel:(425)%20771-4588
  2. 21701 Hwy 99, Lynnwood, WA 98036: https://www.google.com/maps/place/?q=place_id:

What Parts Does a Tune-Up Touch?

What Constitutes a Tune-Up? — Jeff’s Auto Repair

Most drivers are aware that their vehicles occasionally need tune-ups. Not everyone, however, has a solid understanding of exactly what this entails or why it’s important. If you’re wondering exactly what constitutes a tune-up or if your car needs service or repair, trust the certified technicians at Jeff’s Auto Repair in Sandpoint Seattle, Washington.

Tune-Up Checkpoints and Why They Matter

A tune-up is not a single thing. Rather, it is a process automotive technicians do to check, clean, repair, and/or replace components that enable your vehicle to perform better and remain roadworthy. The primary focus is on items that wear out or are rendered ineffective over time. For instance, although oil filters are changed more often, other filters like fuel, transmission, and air need periodic replacement, too. Otherwise, they can clog and create larger issues. The air filter, for example, is responsible for allowing plenty of fresh air to flow into the engine. This is critical to the combustion process.

Also, spark plugs need changing, or cleaning if they’re the extended-life platinum variety. To make your auto perform at its best, also plan on checking the distributor components, spark plug wires, oxygen sensors, and the PCV valve. When you correct minor problems sooner rather than later, you can often prevent future major repairs. You may even reduce your risk for crashes caused by mechanical failure such as a stall in traffic initiated by a clogged fuel filter.

Getting a tune-up allows your auto to perform optimally and reduces vehicle strain. It also prevents contaminants from escaping inadequate filters such that damaging substances circulate through your vehicle’s systems. Thus, tune-ups can help you extend the life and reliability of your car.

Making a Checklist

When you trust your tune-up service to us, we follow a checklist to ensure that nothing is forgotten. In addition to the service points highlighted above, we also check other items for wear and proper function. In your fuel system, this includes giving the injectors the once-over to be sure they aren’t dirty or clogged. We also make sure there’s no injector buildup that might impact spark plug function, and we inspect the fuel pump to be sure it’s working correctly. A technician will also check the vehicle’s idle and engine timing, adjusting if necessary. Finally, we monitor the condenser and points.

We’re In Tune with You and Your Car

Your car isn’t the only thing that needs to be in tune. At Jeff’s Auto Repair, we’re committed to being in tune with you and your vehicle. We’ll help you follow manufacturer’s service recommendations and remedy problems before they escalate and cause a breakdown. Older models without electronic ignition typically need a tune-up every 10,000-20,000 miles, but newer ones often go 30,000-100,000 miles before needing this service. Let us take the mystery out of a tune-up for your car today.

The Golden Rule

Treat Your Car the Way You Want It to Treat You

If you want your car to run reliably for a long time, perhaps your best strategy is to take good care of it–sort of like the Golden Rule principle we all learned as children. One of the best ways to do this is by getting a tune-up at the proper time because this addresses a lot of the routine service and maintenance points your vehicle needs to perform well. When your car is ready for its next tune-up, visit the ASE certified technicians at Jeff’s Auto Care in Seattle, Washington. They’ll leave your car–and you–feeling golden.

A Typical Tune-Up

Although some people interchange the terms “oil change” and “tune-up,” one is a bit more extensive than the other. An oil change is what it implies. A tune-up, however, involves servicing the ignition system, filters, belts and hoses, and fluids. Because metal spark plug tips change shape over time (wear down or stretch out the gap), technicians replace the spark plugs in a true tune-up. They also examine the ignition wires, distributor cap, coils, etc. This prevents misfires and poor starting (or not starting). Also, the vehicle will run better in general if any worn wires are replaced with new ones. Filters catch dirt, debris, and other foreign particles from entering your vehicle’s systems. Through use, they can become clogged and ineffective. Therefore, these should be periodically replaced. In addition, a mechanic will check belts and hoses, replacing them if necessary if they are worn or have weakened. Belts can fray or crack over time and dilapidated hoses can more easily develop leaks. Finally, all fluids should be topped off or changed (dependent upon the fluid). This applies to power steering fluid, brake fluid, transmission fluid, engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid. Keeping these various points attended as needed will help your car. It will then be more likely to provide you with reliable transportation for a long time.

Scheduling

While tune-ups should be performed on a regular basis, they do not need to be done often. Older cars–those predating electronic ignition–usually need tuning up every 10,000-12,000 miles or annually. Newer cars are designed to go much longer between tune-ups, often between 65,000 and 100,000 miles. Your owner’s manual will give you a recommendation. To schedule a tune-up or other maintenance, service, or repair, contact the staff at Jeff’s Auto Repair in Seattle, Washington.

Tuning a Guitar and a Car

What Musicians and Cars Have in Common

Everyone knows that musicians who play the guitar like to keep it in tune. It’s important to them because it impacts the quality of the sound and, therefore, the beauty of the music that can be produced from that guitar. Similarly, tuning up a car keeps it at its best, and car enthusiasts take great pride in the rumbling of a well-tuned machine. But even if you’re not into using your vehicle’s motor to make a mechanical melody, you’ll benefit from having your truck or car tuned up as needed. A tune-up addresses routine maintenance needs that can keep your vehicle running better, longer. For assistance with a tune-up or other service and repair needs, visit Jeff’s Auto Repair in the Windermere area of Seattle, Washington.

A Typical Tune-Up

While a tune-up can mean anything from a simple oil change to a fairly complex maintenance visit, most auto service shops address the ignition system, belts and hoses, filters, and fluids in a standard tune-up. When checking the ignition system, technicians will replace the spark plugs because the electrode wears down over time, potentially causing misfires. Worn ignition coils can also cause misfires, poor gas mileage, etc. Old ignition wires can fail, making the car run poorly, and a failing distributor cap can even prevent the vehicle from starting. Your mechanic will also check/replace belts and hoses. Over time and with use, these components weaken. Worn belts with cracks or frays can break at any time, and old hoses in poor condition are more likely to develop leaks. Your car’s filters, of course, need changing because they become dirty and clogged. This is their job–to catch the particles and debris you don’t want circulating through your vehicle’s systems–but they have to be replaced periodically. Otherwise, filters are ineffective and not really filtering anything. Finally, all fluids need checking and changing or topping off, depending upon which fluid. These include oil, transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid. Any one of these things can cause more serious problems and expensive repairs if ignored, yet they will help keep your car running well for a long time to come if kept in check.

When and Where

When you need a tune-up depends upon the age of your vehicle and whether you are noticing any problems. If your ride is older (predating electronic ignition), you will likely need a tune-up every 10,000-12,000 miles or once a year. If you drive a newer car, however, you will not need a tune-up as often. Consult your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendation (which is likely somewhere between 65,000 and 100,000 miles). And where should you go for your car’s tune-up? To Jeff’s Auto Repair in the Windermere area of Seattle, Washington, where our ASE certified technicians are ready to perform a tune-up on any make or model passenger vehicle.

Tuning Up Your Car and Your Budget

Saving Money with Routine Maintenance

Tuning up your car is important. It makes your vehicle perform at its best, saving you time, money, and trouble in the long run. Thus, a tune-up makes good economic sense. However, since most people need to budget for planned expenses, it’s helpful to know about how often you should anticipate tuning up your car as well as about how much you can expect to spend. The staff at Jeff’s Auto Repair at the Sandpoint Way location in Seattle, Washington, will be glad to help you estimate expenses, and our ASE certified technicians are always at the ready to tune up any make or model passenger vehicle for you.

Tune-Up Expectations

Taking on average two to four hours, depending on the exact scope of work, a typical tune-up has two parts–checking and performing services. The technician will check for obvious problems based on anything you’ve noticed and reported as well as on his/her own observations. Your mechanic may discuss with you correcting any pre-existing issues. Beyond that, the technician will typically inspect the ignition system (electrical components, plug wires, coils, and spark plugs). He/She will also check and change filters (air, cabin air, fuel, and oil) as well as hoses and belts. Additionally, the service professional will top off all fluids (transmission, power steering, oil, brake, and coolant). All of these elements are essential to ensuring that your car remains in prime condition as long as possible.

Estimated Costs of a Tune-Up

While there is no magic number to use for budgeting your car’s next tune-up, there are some schedules and estimates that are helpful in planning. First, consider exactly what is meant by the term “tune-up.” Although a true tune-up is described above, some use it interchangeably with the phrase “oil change.” An oil change alone is, of course, much less time consuming and expensive than a full tune-up. Also, consider your vehicle’s mileage and manufacturer’s recommendations. If you have a newer model car that has reached the advised mileage (usually somewhere between 65,000 and 100,00 miles, dependent upon the make and model) or if you have an older car that predates electronic ignition that has reached the 10,000 to 12,000 mile mark, you need to have a thorough tune-up. This generally costs anywhere between $200 and $800. However, be aware that it can be significantly more for a few select automobiles. For a better idea of what your car needs and how much it is estimated to cost, visit Jeff’s Auto Repair on Sandpoint Way in Seattle, Washington.

Tune In to Tune-Up Recommendations

What’s Required for Your Car’s Maintenance?

Tune-up? Isn’t tuning for musical instruments? Yes, but just as tuning makes an instrument sound better, a tune-up makes your vehicle perform better. In fact, you’ll get much better performance out of your car or truck if you are attuned to its service needs. Older vehicles–those without electronic ignitions–should be tuned up about every 10,000-12,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first. Newer vehicles are designed to run a lot longer before needing this service. Depending upon the manufacturer, recommendations range from 25,000 miles to 100,000. Your owner’s manual will give the recommendation specific to your model vehicle. When the time comes for your car’s tune-up, visit the ASE certified technicians at Jeff’s Auto Repair in Renton, Washington.

Signs that Your Car Needs a Tune-up

Even though you’re following the car manufacturer’s guidelines, you may need a tune-up sooner rather than later. There are some common warning signs that should prompt you to take your car to the auto repair shop. One signal might be an illuminated check engine light. While this can occur for various reasons, your mechanic will be able to determine the problem and if you need a tune-up. Also, you want to be able to both go and stop with no problems. If your vehicle stalls when you try to accelerate or if you experience any braking issues, take your vehicle in for service. Your safety depends on it! A sudden drop in fuel economy is another indicator. Finally, if you experience other unexpected issues such as poor shifting in an automatic transmission vehicle or excessive shakes or vibrations when driving, seek a professional opinion.

What Does a Tune-Up Involve?

A tune-up really consists of two parts. First, the technician will check for obvious problems, particularly if you’ve conveyed concerns (as described above). In addition to any pre-existing issues that need correcting, most tune-ups entail inspecting the ignition system (spark plugs, plug wires, coils, and other electrical components), checking and changing filters (fuel, oil, air, and cabin air), checking/changing hoses and belts, and checking, replacing, and/or topping all fluids (oil, brake, coolant, transmission, and power steering). Performing tune-ups as needed will save you money over time by preventing more extensive and expensive repairs as well as extending the life of your car. The service technicians at Jeff’s Auto Repair in Renton, Washington, are trained to help you with all your tune-up needs.

Driving Habits that Hurt Your Car

Avoid These & Avoid Auto Repair!

You probably don’t want to visit the auto repair shop to fix sudden problems with your vehicle, but that’s precisely what you’ll do if you practice unsafe driving habits! We don’t just mean aggressive driving. You might be damaging your vehicle with the way you drive and not even know it! Don’t worry, that’s why Jeff’s Auto Repair is here. We can help you start taking better care of your vehicle before you ever visit our shop in Seattle, Washington. To start, all you have to do is avoid these damaging driving habits that can create severe problems. Then, you won’t need major auto repairs to correct them!

Hitting Potholes

Unfortunately, potholes can be found anywhere. When you hit them head-on, they can damage your vehicle’s suspension, steering, and alignment. You can’t expect potholes to disappear, but you can stay vigilant and alert to avoid them. If you can safely avoid hitting a pothole, you should do so to protect your car. If you can’t go around without driving off the road or into another lane of traffic, slow down instead. This will minimize the impact and any potential damage.

Neglecting the Parking Brake

When you pull into a parking spot — in your garage or driveway, at work, at the store, or wherever you leave your car — do you engage the parking brake? Whenever you park your vehicle, you should use the parking brake. It doesn’t matter what kind of incline or terrain you’re on, or what type of transmission you have. If you don’t use the parking brake, you place the responsibility of stopping your vehicle from rolling solely on the transmission. The parking brake is specifically designed to keep the wheels locked in place. It’s safer to use and will reduce premature wear on other parts.

Not Stopping Completely Between Park, Reverse, & Drive

Sometimes you’re in a rush to get going. It might be the pressure of someone waiting for your parking spot or your hurry to get out of the driveway and get to work. When that happens, you might be guilty of shifting from “Reverse” to “Drive” without completely stopping. Shifting gears while the car is still rolling can cause damage over time. It might save a fraction of time, but it won’t protect your transmission! Always come to a complete stop when putting your car into “Park,” “Reverse,” or “Drive.”

Contact the Experts

Think you might have damaged your vehicle and need auto repair? There’s no need to panic! Contact your local service specialists at Jeff’s Auto Repair in Seattle, Washington. We would be happy to help!

What’s Included in a Tune-Up?

Breaking Down Services

“Your car just needs a quick tune-up, and it’s good to go!” What exactly do professionals mean when they recommend this service? At Jeff’s Auto Repair, tune-ups incorporate many minor services that contribute to thorough engine care. When the service is complete, you should drive away with a car that’s running its best. Getting them done regularly is enough to keep your car in top condition as it ages, which can ensure you get the most from it.

It can be tricky to find out exactly what goes on behind the garage doors at the auto shop. While other places might use “tune-ups” as an excuse to perform unnecessary services and rack up costs, we are committed to full transparency and honesty with our customers. Here’s what our ASE Certified technicians do during a tune-up:

What’s Involved

Tune-ups start with a road test to identify any glaring problems with the vehicle. If we feel steering or suspension issues, we might want to incorporate wheel alignment into the day’s service. We’re always on the lookout for what might prevent your car from performing its best.

If your car has an illuminated check engine light, our technicians will see what’s going on. We use advanced diagnostic equipment to read trouble codes, guaranteeing accurate answers, and repairs. While other shops might take a guess and hope it fixes things, we do things the right way.

Depending on the age and mileage of your vehicle, it might need a few minor parts replacements. Things like oxygen sensors and spark plugs wear out over time. It’s much more convenient to get them replaced during a regular visit to our shop than to make a trip specifically for their repair. We’ll swap out minor parts to keep you on the road longer between services.

If you’re here for a tune-up, it’s probably a good time to change fluids and filters. We change the motor oil and the oil filter to promote optimal engine performance and longevity. We also change air and cabin filters to keep your passengers breathing cleanly.

Contact the Experts

Want to know how a tune-up can benefit your vehicle? Our experts would be happy to explain the details! Since each car is different, your required services might be different than what we’ve included here. This should give you a good idea of what to expect, but we’d be happy to assess your specific vehicle and explain its needs. We’ll make sure the services you receive truly improve its performance and reliability. Reach out to Jeff’s Auto Repair in Seattle, Washington, today to get started!

Mercedes A-Service & B-Service

Mercedes-Benz’s Repair & Maintenance

Flexible Service System

From the European import repair experts at Jeff’s Auto Repair in Bellevue, Washington, congratulations on your new Mercedes-Benz! Whether you’ve purchased a new or used Mercedes, you probably want to know everything you need to do to care for it. When does it need fluid replacement, brake repair, or tune-ups? Lucky for you, your vehicle’s manufacturer has outlined all the repair and maintenance details you need to know and programmed them into your car’s computer. The Flexible Service System onboard your vehicle will determine exactly when your specific car needs its next repair. And to keep things organized and easy to understand, Mercedes organizes routine services into two categories: A-Service & B-Service.

A-Service

The first round of repairs for Mercedes vehicles (models year 2009 and newer) is classified as A-Service. It is recommended after the first 10,000 miles or 1-year of driving. After that point, it is recommended at routine intervals of 20,000 miles or every 2 years.

When you visit an approved Mercedes repair specialist for A-Service, they will perform the following services:

B-Service

The next category of repairs for vehicles model year 2009 and newer is B-Service. It is recommended first at 20,000 miles (or about 1 year from the previous service) and every 20,000 miles after (about every 2 years).

Mercedes-Benz B-Service includes the following services:

The key difference between A & B Service is more the added tune-up items, including the filter replacements and brake fluid exchange.

Your Mercedes Repair Provider

Is your vehicle due for its next routine service? Or do you need repairs in between to protect performance? Jeff’s Auto Repair in Bellevue, Washington is your trusted resource for Mercedes repairs!