From new tires to oil changes to air filters, cars need a lot of maintenance to keep them running smoothly. A tune up can be a great way to keep your car running efficiently between major service appointments.

If you’re looking for car tune up services Illinois, you may be wondering what’s involved in a tune up and how often to have this procedure performed.

What’s a Tune Up?

A car tune up is like an annual physical for your vehicle. It’s basically preventative maintenance to keep your car running at maximum efficiency between major service appointments.

At a tune up, you can expect the mechanic to check (and repair or change) a wide variety of things such as air filters, spark plugs, ignition wires, oxygen sensors, air conditioning and PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valves.

Although a tune up covers many points in a vehicle, keep in mind that it usually does not include bigger maintenance items such as brake and rotor changes or oil changes.

How Often Should I Get a Tune Up?

Generally speaking, it’s recommended to get a tune up annually. Other vehicle maintenance, such as oil changes, are recommended more frequently and therefore aren’t usually included in the tune up package.

Why Should I Get a Tune Up?

A tune up is a great way to keep your car running properly. Old or broken components can negatively impact a car’s performance and fuel economy. In fact, depending on the condition of the vehicle before the procedure, a tune up can improve your car’s fuel economy by up to 12%. It can also be a great way to identify and correct minor problems before they become major ones.

Tune ups are an important part of your vehicle’s maintenance plan. They are recommended annually and can help prevent major problems from happening in the future.