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:

• Air filter replacement is self-explanatory. It’s the filter that cleans the air flowing into your cabin and your engine.
• Fuel filter: exactly what it sounds like based on the definition above. As dirt accumulates in this particular filter, it starts restricting fuel flow to the engine. The dirtier it is, the lower your gas mileage and the harder your engine has to work to move your vehicle.
• Spark plug replacement: this helps ignite that air and fuel mixture in your engine’s cylinders so that your vehicle has the energy to move.
• Computer diagnostics: this has to happen when lights on your dashboard come on or when something wonky is happening with your vehicle’s powertrain. An automotive computer delivers electricity to where it is needed within your car (for example, your ignition system).
• Oil and Oil Filter Change: while this isn’t technically part of a tune-up, you might as well have it done while you’re there if you haven’t had the oil in your vehicle changed in a while.

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 or stop by and see us at 21701 Hwy 99, Lynnwood, WA 98036 to pick our brains, ask us questions, or even get your tune-up on our calendar! We promise you won’t be disappointed.