A tuneup is a check-up of your vehicle. Depending on who you ask, it can include everything from an engine inspection to vehicle fluid replacements and mechanical repairs. If your vehicle is acting a bit off, you may be in need of a tuneup. Below, you can read about some common signs that your car needs a tuneup.
Lights Come Up on Your Dashboard
If one or more lights are showing up on your dashboard that aren’t normally there, there may be something wrong with your vehicle. You can refer to the owner’s manual for your car to determine exactly what each light means. While it’s possible to drive for hundreds of more miles with these lights lit up, you should address them as soon as possible.
This way, the problems that each light indicates won’t develop into more serious issues. When you bring in your vehicle for service at our dealership, the technicians at our service center at Longo Toyota of Prosper can diagnose the present issues and propose a solution.
You Hear Unusual Noises
Unusual noises can indicate that your car needs a tuneup. Different noises can indicate different issues. For example, a screeching sound under the hood can indicate a worn or loose serpentine belt. If you hear a chugging or rattling sound, there may be something wrong with your exhaust system. Here are some other noises to consider and their potential causes:
- A ticking noise while your car is idle may indicate low oil levels
- A clicking noise while you’re turning your vehicle may be the result of poorly lubricated axles
- A clunking noise while driving can indicate a bad shock absorber
- A thudding noise from your tires can indicate poor tire pressure
- A loud grinding or squealing sound from your brakes can be a result of worn-out brake pads
- A low-pitched humming noise from under your car may indicate a failing transmission
If you hear any of these noises or another kind of sound, it’s important to not just turn up the music and forget about it. Our certified technicians at Longo Toyota of Prosper can address the issue and ensure your vehicle no longer makes the offending sound.
Your Car Pulls to One Side
Think about how your car behaves when you’re driving down a straight road. If it tends to pull to the right or left and requires you to constantly adjust it, your wheels may be misaligned. This sign can not only be annoying to deal with, but it can also be dangerously distracting to your driving. It’s best to take your vehicle to a reputable dealership’s service center so the technicians can perform a wheel alignment or replace any damaged suspension components.
Your Car Shakes When You Drive It
It can be easy to dismiss a vibrating car as the result of driving on an uneven surface. Pay special attention to how your vehicle behaves when you’re driving on a noticeably smooth road. If you notice excessive shaking and vibrating, there’s likely an internal problem somewhere. The vibrations may only occur in the steering wheel or at higher speeds. In other cases, you may feel the shaking throughout the entire car. Regardless of the extent of the vibrations, it’s important to seek tuneup services.
Your Brakes Grind When You Apply Them
Think about what happens when you apply your vehicle’s brakes. Does your vehicle come to a smooth stop with no interruptions? Or do you feel and hear your brakes make a grinding motion as they attempt to bring the vehicle to a stop? If the latter is the case, your vehicle may have worn rotor discs or a brake pad issue.
Even if your brakes work while they grind, this scraping motion can cause them to eventually become ineffective. To avoid putting yourself, your passengers, and other drivers at risk, you can bring your vehicle in for a tuneup to address the problem.
Your Car Accelerates Slowly
When you’re at a red light and it turns green, how does it feel to get your car up and going again? Do you feel like it goes from zero to 60 miles per hour easily and quickly? Or do you have to put your pedal to the metal to even pick up a little bit of speed? If your car is slow to accelerate, there may be an issue with the oxygen sensor or a bad throttle position sensor. It’s important to take your car in for a tuneup if you notice slower-than-normal acceleration, as avoiding it can cause problems with accelerating to merge on the highway or make your way up a steep hill.
Your Car Stalls Out
Stalling is when your engine dies. In any car with an automatic transmission, stalling spells trouble. It may occur for various reasons, including ignition issues, a faulty fuel pump, or a dead battery. Your car can stall while you’re driving or stopped at a red light, which can create potentially dangerous circumstances. If your car has a tendency to stall occasionally before it gets back up and running, it’s important to get it to an auto service center as soon as possible.
Your Car Gets Bad Gas Mileage
If you suspect that your car isn’t getting as good gas mileage as it used to, you can keep track of the mileage you’re getting by noting it each time you go to the gas station. Document each record in a notebook or in a note on your phone.
A downward trend in your gas mileage may indicate that your vehicle has a problem like a clogged fuel injector or a dirty engine air filter. Once you take your vehicle in for a tuneup and have a certified technician address the problem, you may notice your vehicle start to achieve the fuel efficiency that its manufacturer specifies.
If you’ve noticed any of these signs or otherwise believe that your car needs a tuneup, you can schedule service here at Longo Toyota of Prosper. Our team will perform a thorough inspection and determine what maintenance and repair services your vehicle needs. We’ll work efficiently and with precision so you can get back on the road with confidence.
Connect with us
