Car Advice - Give Your Car a Tune-Up Before Leaving for College

A tune-up not only provides preventative maintenance, it also identifies worn out parts. Regular tune-ups will ensure that your car will operate at its optimal condition. Most cars require tune-ups approximately every 30,000 miles; some new cars don't require tune-ups until 100,000 miles. Check with the manufacturer to find out for sure. Not performing these basic tasks could result in lower gas mileage or damage too vital engine components.

Before leaving for college, your car tune-up should include:

Fuel Filter
If the fuel filter is plugged, fuel will not get to the cylinders. Replacing the fuel filter will help improve fuel economy and extend the life of your fuel pump.

Air Filter
The air filter cleans the air that your car breathes. If your air filter is clogged your car will basically be chocking to get enough air to run properly, thus affecting your fuel economy.

Spark Plugs
The spark plugs are the igniter for the fire that drives your car. If the spark plugs are fouled out your car might not be running effectively on all cylinders. When replacing spark plugs it is essential that you have the gap on the plug calibrated to factory specifications. This will help the car run better.

Spark Plug Wires
The spark plug wires need to be checked for cracks and replaced if you see any.

Fluid Levels
Check all fluids under the hood of your car. Top them off if necessary. These are very important to the life of your car. Fluids include: engine coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid.

Battery
The battery is the power source for your car. It is important to clean the terminals, and the connectors to make sure they make a good connection. It is also important to have your battery tested to make sure it is up to the task of starting your car in cold weather.

PCV Valve
The PCV valve needs to be checked during your tune-up. If the PCV valve is clogged your car might spit and sputter or even stall while driving.

Change Oil
Your oil should be changed every 3,000 miles or on manufacturers recommended scale. The oil is the lifeblood of your car; it keeps the internal moving parts of your motor lubricated to reduce friction. If you oil is not changed on a regular basis you could be asking for expensive problems down the road. When your oil is changed it is recommended that you also change the oil filter. The oil filter cleans the oil before it travels throughout the motor.

Belts
The belts should be checked on a regular basis for cracks or tears in the belt. If you notice any cracks it is recommended that you have the belts changed as soon as possible. This is important because if a belt breaks while driving it could cause expensive damage.

Lights
Make sure all lights work. This includes the headlights, taillights, turn signals, brake lights, and license plate lights.

Tires
The tires need to have the manufacturer's recommended air pressure in them for optimal fuel economy. It is also important to check the way your tires are wearing. If the inside of your tire is worn more than the outside you might have problems in the front end of your car. Uneven tire wear will decrease the life of your tire and increase your chances of a blow out.