Car Tune-Up Service in Albuquerque, NM

Regular maintenance is vital to the life of your vehicle. Everything lasts longer, from your engine to tire tread, when it's in top condition. During a tuneup, a trained mechanic checks and adjusts your vehicle systems to keep your car running smoothly. Your vehicle's owner's manual has specific recommendations for when to schedule oil changes, tire rotations, and filter replacements to help maintain your vehicle. Our Chalmers Ford service team invites you to explore what happens when you drop your vehicle off for a tuneup service in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

What Is Included in a Tuneup?

During a vehicle tuneup, our expert technicians inspect your engine, checking for any faulty or worn parts that need to be replaced. On newer vehicles, the computers that control the fuel-to-air mixture may need to be reset, and we may need to replace spark plug wires, coil boots, and spark plugs. We clean the intake area/throttle body to improve fuel and flow and may dive deeper into your engine to clean out any built-up gunk. We inspect your engine's fuel system, air filter, and other components to determine whether anything else needs to be replaced or repaired.

Why Is a Tuneup Required?

Over time, your engine loses efficiency from routine wear and tear. An engine tuneup repairs this loss and can prevent minor problems from becoming more significant by catching them early. After a tuneup, you'll notice improved fuel economy, increased safety, and better performance from your vehicle. A tuneup is an investment in your vehicle, saving you money and time and adding years to the life of your engine.

When Should You Schedule a Tuneup?

Keep track of your vehicle's mileage to determine the timing for engine tuneups. Your vehicle's owner's manual includes a recommended maintenance schedule based on your mileage. In addition to these milestone markers, you should take your vehicle in for a tuneup if you notice a decrease in fuel economy, which can indicate decreased performance.

If you own an older model, pull heavy loads, or put high miles on your vehicle, consider scheduling a tuneup sooner than the manufacturer's recommendations because all these factors can put extra strain on your engine.

General Engine Maintenance Schedule

Consult your vehicle's owner's manual to determine the exact recommended maintenance schedule for your particular make and model; however, here's a general guide to regular engine maintenance from the experts at Chalmers Ford. Original equipment manufacturer parts should be used whenever possible to guarantee the quality of your repair. Our parts department can provide high-quality parts for your DIY projects.

Oil Change

Most vehicles require an oil change every 3,000 miles for nonsynthetic oil. More vehicles are switching to synthetic oil, which can last 5,000 to 10,000 miles between oil changes, depending on the type of oil and the driving you do.

Air Filter

Replace the air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles or more frequently if your environment is dusty.

Fuel Filter

Some vehicle manufacturers recommend changing the fuel filter every 30,000 miles. If your filter is clogged, your engine will start to run rough or not run at all.

Vehicle Battery

Most vehicle batteries last four to five years, although extreme temperatures and long periods of nonuse can affect this range. The average driver should replace their battery after 50,000 to 60,000 miles.

Engine Coolant

Check your engine coolant frequently and plan to have it flushed and replaced around 60,000 miles to keep your cooling system running at optimum performance. This service is usually performed in conjunction with an oil change.

Transmission Fluid

Healthy transmission fluid smells sweet and is pink in color. If you notice a darker red or brown color or a burning smell, it's time to change it. The fluid should be replaced every 30,000 to 60,000 miles for manual transmissions. You can expect a 30,000 to 100,000-mile life span on automatic transmissions on your transmission fluid.

Rubber Hoses

Your hoses should be inspected regularly, typically during oil changes. The rubber may crack or bust as your hoses age, causing serious issues. As your vehicle approaches the 100,000-mile mark, checking and changing the hoses becomes more important.

Power Steering Fluid

If it seems harder to turn your steering wheel or you hear excessive noise during turns, you may have low-power steering fluid. A complete flush and fill of your power steering fluid is needed around 75,000 miles or if an issue arises.

Spark Plugs

Most new vehicles have titanium or iridium spark plugs that last up to 100,000 miles. Older spark plugs may need to be replaced after 30,000 miles.

Timing Belt

To prevent future issues, your vehicle's timing belt must be changed between 75,000 and 90,000 miles. If your vehicle has a timing chain, talk to your service technician about when to replace it. They usually last well past 100,000 miles on most vehicles.

These milestones are a general guide for routine engine maintenance, but you should always consult your owner's manual or speak to an expert at Chalmers Ford to determine the needs of your particular vehicle. How you drive can impact these milestones, as city driving tends to cause more wear and tear on vehicles than highway miles. Listen to your car and schedule regular tuneups to avoid issues before they start, saving you time and money. In addition, note that we offer regular service specials to keep routine maintenance affordable.

Benefits of Regular Tuneups

Maintaining your vehicle will give you more miles to enjoy on the road for your daily commute or annual family road trips. Routine maintenance can also save money by preventing more significant issues and improving fuel economy. Finally, maintaining your vehicle increases the safety of you and your passengers by keeping everything working as it should.

Schedule a Tuneup at Chalmers Ford in Albuquerque, New Mexico

If your vehicle is due for a tuneup or you need help determining when to schedule one, talk to the experts at Chalmers Ford in Albuquerque, New Mexico. We can answer your questions, review your vehicle's maintenance schedule, and schedule an appointment for a tuneup or another service. Our service hours are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Schedule an appointment online or call us at 505-373-1714 to get started.