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 Needs a Tune-Up
It's important to be aware of the signs that your car may need a tune-up. These can include:
- Decreased fuel efficiency
- Rough idling or stalling
- Difficulty starting the engine
- Unusual noises from the engine
- The check engine light is on
- Reduced power and acceleration
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Do I Really Need a Tune-Up?
Historically, older cars needed tune-ups annually, but modern vehicles often have intervals ranging from 30,000 to 100,000 miles. Consulting your owner's manual is the best starting point. However, severe driving conditions, such as heavy towing or frequent short trips in Lakeway, may require more frequent attention to components like spark plugs and filters.
Ignoring these intervals can lead to gradual performance degradation that you might not notice immediately. Sticking to a schedule ensures that your fuel economy remains high and prevents stress on the catalytic converter and other expensive emissions components. Regular checks help us catch minor issues before they become major expenses.
What Are the Main Signs My Car Needs a Tune-Up?
The most obvious sign is often the Check Engine Light, but there are physical symptoms to watch for as well. A rough idle, where the car feels like it is shaking at a stoplight, often indicates a misfire caused by bad spark plugs. You might also notice hesitation when accelerating onto the highway or a noticeable drop in gas mileage.
Difficulty starting the engine, especially on cold mornings or after short stops, can also signal ignition or fuel system issues. Addressing these signs early prevents them from escalating into major engine repairs, saving you money and frustration in the long run. Listening to your car is the best way to maintain its health.
Is a Tune-Up Different From Regular Maintenance?
Yes, while regular maintenance includes routine tasks like oil changes and tire rotations, a tune-up is a deeper dive into the engine's combustion process. An oil change focuses on lubrication, whereas a tune-up focuses on the ignition and fuel delivery systems that create power.
Think of regular maintenance as a check-up and a tune-up as a specialized procedure to restore efficiency. Both are necessary for the longevity of your vehicle, but they address different systems. A tune-up involves more specific diagnostics and parts replacement aimed at engine optimization and ensuring smooth power delivery.
Can I Perform a Tune-Up Myself?
In the past, many car owners performed their own tune-ups, but modern engines are far more complex. Accessing spark plugs often requires removing intake manifolds or other components, and specialized diagnostic computers are needed to reset systems and check timing.
Attempting to tune up a modern vehicle without the proper tools and knowledge can result in damage to sensitive sensors or improper installation of parts. Professional technicians have the training and equipment to perform the job safely and correctly, ensuring your warranty remains intact and the job is done right the first time.
How Does a Tune-Up Improve Fuel Economy?
A tune-up directly impacts how efficiently your engine burns fuel. Worn spark plugs may not ignite the fuel-air mixture completely, wasting gas. A clogged air filter restricts oxygen flow, forcing the engine to work harder. Restoring these components ensures complete combustion.
Cleaning the fuel system removes deposits that disrupt the spray pattern of fuel injectors. When your engine runs at peak efficiency, it uses less fuel to generate the same amount of power. This translates directly to savings at the pump and a reduced environmental footprint, making your drive cleaner and more cost-effective.
Schedule Your Performance Tune-Up Today
Don't let a sluggish engine compromise your safety or comfort. At Christian Brothers Automotive Lakeway, we are dedicated to providing the high-quality car tune-up that drivers deserve.
Our commitment to transparency, combined with our technical expertise, ensures your vehicle receives the best possible care for years of reliable driving.
Experience the difference of a well-tuned engine. Call us at (512) 669-5363 or contact us online to schedule your appointment.
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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
Hear What Our Customers Had to Say About Us
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"I liked the customer service and going above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable while waiting in the store for my vehicle work to be done, specifically being offered a nice hot coffee with creamer."
- J.L.