What to Expect With a Tune Ups Service
1. Schedule Your Appointment
Whether scheduling online or over the phone be sure and let us know what you're experiencing so we can provide fast and accurate service advice.
2. Diagnostics and Inspections
Drop off your vehicle and the shop will get to work with inspections and diagnostics using the same equipment as the manufacturers to determine issues and next steps.
3. Digital Vehicle Inspection Report and Estimate
Following the diagnosis we will text you a digital vehicle inspection report, containing pictures and videos of our findings and recommendations.
4. Review and Approval
A service advisor will reach out to walk you through the findings and recommendations to determine how you would like to proceed, or you can approve work directly in your DVI.
5. Work Performed or Scheduled
Most work can be completed immediately, or scheduled based on parts and customer availability.
Did You Know: It takes up to three football fields to safely brake in the rain?
Signs Your Car Is Ready For A Tune-Up
Warning lights are not the only sign that your vehicle may need attention. Many drivers notice smaller changes long before a dash light turns on. Paying attention to these early signals can help you schedule a car tune-up before minor issues affect your daily routine.
Common signs that your car may be ready for service include:
- Hard starts or slow cranking: The engine turns over longer than it used to, especially on colder Iowa mornings.
- Rough idle or hesitation: The car shakes slightly at stoplights or feels like it stumbles when you press the gas.
- Reduced fuel economy: You find yourself filling up more often, even though your drive around town has not changed.
- Sluggish acceleration: The car feels less responsive when merging, passing, or climbing hills.
- Unusual noises or smells: You hear new ticks or knocks, or notice fuel or exhaust smells that were not there before.
- Maintenance reminders: Your dashboard or service sticker shows that scheduled maintenance is overdue.
If you recognize one or more of these signs, scheduling a tune-up can help our team check for developing issues. We work to identify the cause, address what is needed now, and help you understand which items to watch in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I get a tune-up on my car?
Most modern vehicles do not need tune-ups as frequently as older models, but they still benefit from periodic checks. The ideal timing usually depends on your manufacturer's schedule, mileage, and how you drive. Some vehicles may go many thousands of miles between certain services, while others need attention more often.
When you visit Christian Brothers Automotive Clive, we can review your owner manual guidelines and your service history. From there, we suggest a tune-up and maintenance interval that helps protect your engine and fits your driving habits. Our goal is to keep you on a sensible schedule without adding unnecessary visits.
What happens during a tune-up at your shop?
During a tune-up, our team focuses on how your car starts, runs, and responds. We typically inspect ignition components, filters, fluids, and other items that affect performance and reliability. If your dashboard has warning lights, we can use diagnostic equipment to check for stored codes and see what your vehicle systems are reporting.
Based on what we find, we may recommend services such as replacing worn spark plugs, changing dirty filters, or addressing concerns related to fuel delivery and air flow. Before any work begins, we review our findings with you in plain language and explain which items are most important for your vehicle right now.
How long will my car need to stay for a tune-up?
The time needed for a tune-up can vary depending on your vehicle and the services you approve. Some visits may be completed within a few hours, while others take longer if additional maintenance is needed or parts must be sourced. When you schedule, we let you know what is typical for your vehicle and the services you are requesting.
If your schedule is tight, we can discuss whether waiting at the shop or dropping off the car will work better. Our team contacts you if we uncover anything unexpected that might affect timing. The goal is to set clear expectations so you can plan your day with confidence.
Can you check other issues while my car is in for a tune-up?
Yes, we can look into other concerns while your car is in for service. Many drivers mention additional items at check-in, such as brake noise, vibration, or air conditioning concerns. When you share these details, we do our best to include them in our inspection and then discuss what we find.
If we discover issues outside of the original tune-up items, we explain them separately and provide options. You decide whether to address them during the same visit or plan for a future appointment. This approach helps you use your time at the shop efficiently while still staying in control of decisions.
How much does a tune-up usually cost?
The cost of a tune-up depends on your vehicle type, mileage, and which parts or services are needed. For example, replacing simple filters will cost less than replacing multiple ignition components or addressing additional maintenance items. Prices can also vary depending on whether your vehicle uses certain premium parts.
At Christian Brothers Automotive Clive, we provide an estimate after we inspect your vehicle and determine what it truly needs. We explain what is included, what each item does for your car, and which services are optional. You choose which work to approve, and we keep you informed if anything on the estimate needs to change.
Will a tune-up really help my car run better?
A tune-up often helps a vehicle run more smoothly by addressing worn or dirty components that affect performance. Replacing old spark plugs, cleaning key systems, and updating filters can support easier starts, more consistent acceleration, and more stable idling. Many drivers also notice improvements in fuel economy when neglected items are brought back on schedule.
However, not every concern is solved by a tune-up alone. Part of our job is to determine whether your symptoms are related to routine maintenance or if there is a separate repair issue. We explain what we find and how each recommended service could affect the way your vehicle drives, without promising specific outcomes.
Do I need a tune-up before winter or a road trip?
It is often wise to have your vehicle checked before extreme weather or long drives. Before winter, inspections of the battery, ignition system, fluids, and tires can help reduce the chance of cold-weather starting problems around Clive. Before a road trip, many drivers appreciate the peace of mind that comes from having essential systems reviewed.
If you are planning a seasonal change or a longer drive, our team can tailor a checkup to your plans. We look at items that matter most for your situation and explain which services are recommended now versus later. This helps you head into winter or onto the highway with a clearer picture of your vehicle's health.
Schedule Your Next Tune Up With Christian Brothers Automotive Clive
Staying on top of maintenance does not have to be stressful or confusing. When you bring your vehicle to Christian Brothers Automotive Clive, you work with a local team that focuses on clear explanations, practical recommendations, and dependable service. Our goal is to help you keep your car ready for everything your life in Clive requires, from daily commutes to weekend errands.
If your vehicle is due for routine care, showing new symptoms, or has simply gone too long without a checkup, we are ready to help you plan the right visit. We review your concerns, explain what we find, and complete the services you approve so you can get back on the road with confidence.
To schedule your tune-up or ask a question about maintenance, contact us online or call (515) 902-0354.
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FAQs
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Q. "What is the difference between a tune-up and scheduled maintenance services?"For the most part, a tune-up should be a part of your regular scheduled maintenance services. Scheduled maintenance is aimed at taking preventative measures including all services in a tune-up.
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Q. "What is included in a tune-up?"Our tune-ups include a complete analysis of the components that help your car run including Spark plugs, Brakes, Oil and other fluids, Lights, Tires, Filters, and Emissions.
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Q. "Why are tune-ups important?"Tune-ups help prevent much larger repairs in the long run, in addition to keeping your vehicle's performance strong.
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Q. "What is a Digital Vehicle Inspection?"With a complimentary Digital Vehicle Inspection (DVI) on every visit, you’ll see firsthand photos of your vehicle from under the hood. We’ll let you know if everything is functioning properly or if there are any areas of concern. You can even approve or deny our service recommendations, all straight from your smartphone, or you can, of course, give us a call and we’ll explain our findings in further detail.
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Q. "Do you offer a warranty?"As part of our Nice difference.® commitment to providing our customers the best auto service experience possible, we also offer a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on all the work that we do. We offer this warranty at every Christian Brothers Automotive nationwide, and it will be honored at any location, regardless of which branch did the initial work.
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Q. "Do you offer a shuttle service?"Yes! we understand you have a full schedule. Whether you need to get to work, school, or need to attend to other responsibilities, we can take you where you need to go. Click here to learn more.
Have more Questions?
Our friendly auto service experts have the answers.
Call your local Christian Brothers Automotive car shop today
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