An engine tune-up is a service where a mechanic does a full and thorough inspection of your car engine and replaces any component that has been worn down or aged over time.

An engine tune-up helps keep your vehicle in peak condition. This helps your vehicle last longer and can prevent more costly repairs in the future.

A comprehensive engine tune-up will take look at the entire system of your engine. Here's what's included and repaired during a tune-up with one of our ACE-certified technicians:

• New spark plug wires and coil packs

• Engine air filter replacement

• Perform a fuel system cleaning

• Idle speed adjustment (if applicable)

• Replace fuel filter (if applicable)

• Set ignition timing (if applicable)

• Clean the throttle body (if applicable)

• Oil change (if applicable)

There are two main determining factors that decide how often you should get a tune-up:

1. How old your vehicle is

2. The kind of ignition system your vehicle has

If you have an older vehicle - with a non-electric ignition - you should get a tune-up every 10,000-12,000 miles. In other words, every year. However, if you have a newer car - with electronic ignition and fuel injection - time intervals between tune-up become difficult to predict. Newer vehicles can go anywhere between 25,000 to 100,000 miles before needing a tune-up.

For more clarity, consult your owner's manual. Failing that, if you are noticing any issues with your car engine's performance, book a quote with one of our mobile mechanics to ensure you don't neglect this preventative maintenance.

There are some telltale signs that your car is in need of a tune-up, these include:

1. Decreased fuel efficiency - if your car isn't getting the same 'bang for its buck' when you refuel, this may be a sign that your engine performance is waning and you need to get it looked at.

2. Dash light is on - An engine dash light can mean many things. Whatever it means, it's vital you don't ignore it. Get the issue isolated and repaired before it becomes a bigger and more costly repair.

3. You hear unusual noises - Like above, unusual noises coming from your vehicle can mean a lot of different things, such as broken engine components, worn-out brake pads, or a snapped serpentine belt. However, you won't know until you pop the hood!

4. The engine is stalling - Any new learner on a car with manual transmission will be very familiar with stalling. However, f you're an experienced manual car driver or driving an automatic vehicle and experiencing engine stalling - you need to get it looked at.

5. Engine misfires - A misfire occurs when an engine cylinder, or multiple cylinders, fail to give power to your car. This results in a loss of power and a shaking car. This could mean a faulty ignition system, a fuel system issue, or an engine defect. Nevertheless, a misfire is a serious problem and requires immediate attention.

6. Car is slow to accelerate - A vehicle that's slow to accelerate can be hard to pinpoint. However, it's likely to be a problem that's rumbled on for some time. Slow acceleration can cause issues when you need to speed up quickly, such as hill starts. Therefore, we recommend a tune-up if your car is lacking some oomph.

7. Unusual vibrations - Steering wheel vibrations, while you're driving on rough roads, is normal. However, if you're feeling vibrations in your steering wheel - or even the rest of your car - on smooth, paved roads, this is an indication you're in need of a tune-up.

8. Fluid leaking - There are various fluids that keep your vehicles running at peak performance including engine oil, brake fluid, engine coolant, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid. If you notice any leaking from your car, you need to come in for a tune-up and, while you're there, we'll top up your fluid levels for you.

Prone to forgetting about topping up your fluid levels? Join Goodhood's oil change membership plan and never miss a change again.

Testing your car's engine performance can be difficult if you don't have a trained eye. Therefore, if you have any concerns or curiosity over how your car's engine is performing, we recommend booking an engine tune-up. Moreover, if tune-ups don't go far enough, you can book a vehicle diagnostic test.

Yes, we do offer an inspection of your ignition system! When carrying out tune-ups, our ACE-certified mechanics inspect your ignition system and carry out repairs if necessary.

A tune-up should take about two to four hours. Tuning up a modern, computerized vehicle will be at the faster end of that range. Whereas tuning up an older vehicle - which has more mechanical parts to adjust - will take longer.

The frequency in which you replace your spark plugs depends on the spark plugs your vehicle uses and the vehicle itself. For instance, conventional spark plugs need to be replaced every 30,000-50,000 miles. On the flip side, long-life (iridium- or platinum-tipped) spark plugs need to be changed between 60,000 and 150,000 miles - depending on your vehicle.

If you're not sure of the longevity or type of spark plugs your car takes, make sure you consult your vehicle owner's manual.

It's possible to replace your vehicle's spark plugs yourself. In fact, in most cases, it's a simple job. Changing your spark plugs will help your vehicle maintain peak performance and the highest possible gas mileage. That being said, if you're not confident, don't have the necessary tools, or simply want to avoid the hassle - why not get your spark plugs replaced during a tune-up from Goodhood?

Yes, we do! We offer a 24 month/24,000 mi warranty on every service we offer - including tune-ups!

Tune-up cost depends on the size of the engine. Compared to dealerships & shops, our cost is 20% more affordable.