car tune up – Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop

Winter can be a harsh season for both drivers and their vehicles in Fort Worth, TX. Cold weather can significantly challenge your car’s maintenance, putting extra stress on it. However, a winter tune-up might seem like something you can skip, but this essential maintenance is one of the important winter weather driving tips. In this month’s blog, we’ll cover the key points on why regular car tune-ups are important in cold weather.

How Cold Weather Affects Engine Performance

Cold weather significantly affects engine performance. Low temperatures can cause engine oil to thicken, leading to increased friction and wear. Additionally, the battery’s cranking power is reduced, making it harder to start the engine. Regular car tune-ups are essential in winter to address these issues, ensuring that your engine operates efficiently and reliably.

Related: Learn more about the reasons behind car engine failure here.

Additional Cold Weather Impacts on Vehicle Components

Beyond affecting engine performance, cold weather can also impact other critical vehicle components. For instance, rubber components like belts and hoses may become brittle and prone to cracking, and tire pressure can also drop in cold weather, affecting handling and fuel efficiency. In some cases, winter tune-ups may also include AC maintenance so that the vehicle can withstand the cold.

Related: learn more about why you need your ac in winter here.

Other Factors To Consider A Vehicle Tune-Up

When considering car tune-ups, it’s essential to account for different factors, and not only the seasonal ones.

Mileage-Based Maintenance: Certain parts require replacement based on the distance driven. Components like timing belts and serpentine belts have manufacturer-recommended intervals for replacement. Monitoring your car’s mileage and consulting the owner’s manual can help you stay on top of these essential maintenance tasks.

Technological Advancements: Modern vehicles are equipped with advanced computer systems that necessitate regular diagnostics. Utilizing specialized diagnostic tools can identify hidden issues not evident through traditional inspections, ensuring that all electronic systems function correctly.

By addressing these factors, you can maintain your vehicle’s performance and longevity, ensuring a safer and more efficient driving experience.

Schedule Your Tune-Up Service Today!

Don’t wait for a breakdown to remind you of the importance of winter maintenance. Schedule your car winter tune-up with Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop today. Call us at (817) 834-2725 or schedule an appointment online to winterize your vehicle and enjoy peace of mind on every winter drive. Safe driving starts with smart maintenance!

Smog tests can be difficult to deal with.

Your smog test can be just as scary as taking your SATs. If you don’t pass, you can’t keep legally driving your car. This test ensures that you’re contributing to keeping the air clean. Keep on reading, because these tips will help increase your chances of passing.

Check Engine Light

This is the biggest and easiest issue to avoid; if you go into your smog test with your engine light on, it’s an immediate fail. Simply get your vehicle diagnosed and resolved in order to get one step closer to passing.

Making sure your tires are inflated is key.

Make Sure Your Tires are Inflated

Most states run a dynamometer test, which forces your car to run at high speeds while staying stationary. When your tires aren’t fully inflated, your engine has to work even harder, meaning more fumes will get released into the air.

Avoid Rainy Weather

Rainy weather can cause issues with your tires, such as loss of traction, especially if your car is older. When your tires are wet, they can slip during the dynamometer test. This can result in a fail simply because it can give a false reading from the machine.

If your oil isn’t clean, you will not pass.

Oil Change

If your car is running with dirty oil, it releases more pollutants than it would with clean oil. While you’re in the process of changing the oil, have the technician also check for any issues with the hoses as they can have your car running the wrong way as well.

Drive Highway Speeds

Two weeks before your test, you should be driving at highway speeds causing your catalytic converter to heat up and burn away any gas or oil residue inside of your engine.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is image-4.png — Driving before your test will improve your cars performance.

Drive Before Your Test

You should take your car out for a drive at least 20 minutes before your smog test because this will result in optimal results. When you do this, your car is put in its best state when running, which gives you a better chance of passing.

Tune Up

One of the main things you should do before your test, is take your vehicle in for a tune up. When you have a professional double checking that everything is good, it’s nearly impossible to fail!

Conclusion

Smog tests shouldn’t be as stressful as everyone makes it seem, and with these tips, it absolutely won’t be. When you run your car through all of these little inspections, you won’t have to worry about this test ever again!

Mike's Brake & Alignment Shop

Honest & Quality Service

Tag: car tune up

Why Regular Car Tune-Ups Are Important in Cold Weather

7 Tips That Will Help You Pass Your Smog Test

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