What Does a Car Tune-Up Include at Beachview Auto Service?

September 12, 2024

Keeping your vehicle in peak condition is essential for a smooth and worry-free driving experience. At Beachview Auto Service in Morehead City, NC, we understand the importance of regular maintenance, which is why we offer comprehensive tune-up services designed to keep your car running at its best. Whether you're preparing for a long road trip or simply ensuring your daily commute remains stress-free, a tune-up is an excellent way to maintain your vehicle's performance and longevity.

What Is a Car Tune-Up?

A tune-up is a preventative maintenance service that focuses on inspecting and adjusting key engine components to ensure everything is working efficiently. It's a way of fine-tuning your vehicle’s performance and addressing minor issues before they develop into larger, more costly problems. At Beachview Auto Service, we recommend scheduling a tune-up based on your car’s age, mileage, and the manufacturer’s recommendations.

The Importance of Regular Tune-Ups

Many drivers overlook the importance of regular tune-ups, believing that modern vehicles don't require as much attention. While advancements in technology have made cars more reliable, tune-ups are still critical for preventing issues that may impact performance, fuel efficiency, and engine health.

Neglecting regular maintenance can lead to avoidable repairs, reduced fuel economy, and even breakdowns. At Beachview Auto Service, we provide thorough tune-ups to keep your car running smoothly on the Morehead City roads. Our ASE-certified technicians have the skills and expertise to address all your car’s needs, ensuring you get the most out of every mile.

What Does a Tune-Up at Beachview Auto Service Include?

When you bring your vehicle to Beachview Auto Service for a tune-up, you can expect a comprehensive service that covers several key areas of your car’s performance. Here's a breakdown of what we include:

1. Spark Plug Replacement

Spark plugs play a crucial role in your car's ignition system. Over time, they can wear out or become fouled, leading to engine misfires, poor acceleration, and decreased fuel efficiency. During a tune-up, we’ll inspect your spark plugs and replace them if needed, ensuring your engine runs smoothly.

2. Air Filter Inspection and Replacement

A clogged or dirty air filter can restrict airflow to your engine, causing it to work harder than necessary. This can lead to reduced fuel economy and decreased engine performance. We’ll check your air filter and replace it if it’s dirty to help your engine breathe more easily.

3. Fuel System Cleaning

Over time, deposits can build up in your fuel injectors, leading to inefficient fuel delivery and reduced performance. As part of our tune-up service, we offer a fuel system cleaning to remove these deposits and restore optimal fuel efficiency.

4. PCV Valve Check

The Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve helps regulate harmful gases within your engine. A malfunctioning PCV valve can lead to increased emissions and poor engine performance. During your tune-up, we’ll inspect the PCV valve and replace it if necessary.

5. Battery Inspection

Ensuring your car’s battery is in good condition is essential for reliable starting and operation. We’ll check the battery’s charge and condition, cleaning any corrosion and making sure all connections are secure.

6. Fluid Level Check and Top-Off

Fluids are the lifeblood of your vehicle, and keeping them at the proper levels is crucial. We’ll inspect your car’s essential fluids, including engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and power steering fluid, topping them off or recommending replacement as needed.

7. Belt and Hose Inspection

Worn belts and hoses can lead to overheating, poor performance, or even engine failure. During a tune-up, we inspect all belts and hoses for signs of wear or damage, replacing any that may be at risk of failure.

8. Ignition System and Timing Check

Proper ignition timing is essential for optimal engine performance. We’ll check your ignition system and adjust the timing if necessary to ensure your engine fires correctly and runs efficiently.

Signs Your Car Needs a Tune-Up

While it’s best to follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, there are several signs that may indicate your car is overdue for a tune-up. If you notice any of the following issues, it’s time to bring your vehicle to Beachview Auto Service in Morehead City:

Difficulty starting the engine
Decreased fuel efficiency
Engine misfires or rough idling
Poor acceleration
Unusual engine noises
Warning lights on the dashboard

By addressing these issues early with a professional tune-up, you can avoid costly repairs down the road and keep your car performing at its best.

Why Choose Beachview Auto Service for Your Tune-Up?

At Beachview Auto Service, we’re committed to providing the best care for your vehicle. Our team of certified technicians uses the latest diagnostic tools and high-quality parts to ensure every tune-up is performed to the highest standards. Here’s what sets us apart:

Certified Expertise: Our technicians are ASE-certified and have years of experience working with all vehicle makes and models.
Transparent Service: We believe in honest, upfront communication. We’ll walk you through every step of your tune-up and explain any additional services your car may need.
Convenient Location: Located in Morehead City, we’re proud to serve our local community with reliable, trustworthy automotive services.
Customer Satisfaction: We prioritize customer service and ensure that your experience with us is hassle-free, from scheduling your appointment to picking up your car.

Schedule Your Tune-Up Today

Don’t wait until your car shows signs of trouble. Keep your vehicle in top shape by scheduling a tune-up at Beachview Auto Service in Morehead City, NC. Whether it’s time for routine maintenance or you’re experiencing performance issues, our expert team is ready to help.

A tune-up is one of the best ways to ensure your car continues to run smoothly and efficiently. Contact us today to book your appointment and experience the difference a professional tune-up can make.

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Signs of Poor Transmission Fluid Health to Watch Out For

March 20, 2025

At Beachview Auto Service in Morehead City, NC, we know how vital your vehicle’s transmission system is for smooth operation. The transmission is responsible for shifting gears, helping your vehicle accelerate, decelerate, and maintain the right speed. Without proper care, however, your transmission system can experience issues that affect your car's performance and reliability. One of the most important factors in maintaining a healthy transmission is ensuring that your transmission fluid is in good condition. Transmission fluid is the lifeblood of your transmission, and like any other fluid in your vehicle, it needs to be regularly maintained and monitored. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the signs of poor transmission fluid health, what causes these issues, and how Beachview Auto Service can help you keep your transmission in top shape for optimal performance. What Does Transmission Fluid Do? Before we get into the signs of poor transmission fluid health, let’s briefly review the crucial role that transmission fluid plays in your vehicle. Transmission fluid performs several vital functions: Lubrication: It lubricates the moving parts inside the transmission, reducing friction and preventing wear and tear. Cooling: It helps to regulate the temperature of the transmission by absorbing heat produced during operation. Cleaning: It helps clean the transmission system by carrying away dirt, metal particles, and other contaminants. Hydraulic Power: Transmission fluid also provides hydraulic pressure, enabling the transmission to shift gears smoothly. Keeping your transmission fluid clean and at the proper level is essential for the longevity and performance of your vehicle’s transmission. If the fluid becomes contaminated or low, it can cause a range of issues that affect your driving experience and can lead to costly repairs if left unchecked. Signs of Poor Transmission Fluid Health 1. Grinding or Shifting Issues If your transmission fluid is dirty or low, it may lead to rough or jerky shifting. You might feel your vehicle hesitating when it shifts gears, or you may hear a grinding noise when the transmission changes gears. This could be a sign that the fluid is no longer providing adequate lubrication or hydraulic pressure, which can strain the transmission and cause it to perform poorly. What to Do: If you notice grinding or difficulty shifting, it’s time to have your fluid checked and replaced. At Beachview Auto Service , we perform thorough transmission fluid inspections to ensure your vehicle’s transmission is operating smoothly. 2. Slipping Gears Slipping gears is another sign that something is wrong with your transmission fluid. If your vehicle unexpectedly shifts gears while driving, or if it has trouble staying in gear, it could be an indicator that the fluid is low or contaminated. This is a serious issue that can lead to complete transmission failure if left unaddressed. What to Do: Slipping gears are a sign of a serious problem with your transmission. Bring your vehicle into Beachview Auto Service for a diagnostic check. Our experienced technicians can quickly determine if a fluid change is necessary or if other repairs are required. 3. Delayed or Rough Starts If your car hesitates or has difficulty moving after you shift it into drive or reverse, it could be due to poor transmission fluid health. The fluid may be too dirty or low to provide the necessary pressure for smooth operation, causing delayed or rough starts. This issue is most noticeable when you first start driving your car after it has been sitting for a while. What to Do: If you experience rough or delayed starts, it’s time to have your transmission fluid inspected. Beachview Auto Service can perform a quick inspection to determine if your fluid needs to be changed or if there’s an underlying issue causing the problem. 4. Burning Smell One of the most obvious signs of transmission fluid problems is the smell of burning fluid. Transmission fluid is typically red or pink when it’s clean and healthy, but when it overheats or becomes contaminated, it can take on a burnt smell. This is often caused by excessive friction in the transmission due to low or degraded fluid. What to Do: If you notice a burning smell, it’s important to stop driving your vehicle and bring it to Beachview Auto Service immediately. Continuing to drive with overheated or burnt transmission fluid can cause serious damage to the transmission, requiring expensive repairs or even a full replacement. 5. Fluctuating Fluid Levels If your transmission fluid levels are consistently low, it could be a sign of a leak in the system. While some fluid loss is normal over time, rapid or frequent fluid loss may indicate that there’s a problem with the transmission seals, gaskets, or cooler lines. What to Do: At Beachview Auto Service , we can inspect your vehicle for leaks and top off your transmission fluid if necessary. We recommend having your fluid levels checked regularly to avoid running into more serious issues down the road. 6. Unusual Noises If you hear whining, clunking, or humming noises coming from your vehicle’s transmission, it could be a sign that the fluid isn’t lubricating the system properly. These noises can occur when the fluid is too low or has broken down, causing metal components to grind against each other. What to Do: Strange noises should not be ignored, as they can indicate internal damage to your transmission. Schedule an appointment with Beachview Auto Service for a fluid inspection and diagnostic check to prevent further damage. 7. Poor Acceleration If your vehicle struggles to accelerate or feels sluggish when you press the gas pedal, it could be due to poor transmission fluid health. Low or contaminated fluid can reduce the transmission’s ability to transfer power from the engine to the wheels efficiently. What to Do: If you notice poor acceleration, don’t wait—bring your car in for an inspection. Beachview Auto Service can check your transmission fluid and perform any necessary repairs to get your vehicle running at peak performance. How to Maintain Healthy Transmission Fluid Regular Fluid Checks: Make sure to have your transmission fluid checked regularly. We recommend having it inspected at least once a year or every 30,000 miles, depending on your vehicle’s make and model. Fluid Changes: Over time, transmission fluid can break down and lose its effectiveness. It’s important to follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations for fluid changes. Fix Leaks Promptly: If you notice any signs of leaking transmission fluid, get it fixed right away to prevent further damage to your vehicle. At Beachview Auto Service in Morehead City, NC, we offer comprehensive transmission fluid services, from inspections to fluid changes, ensuring that your vehicle’s transmission stays in top condition for years to come. Schedule Your Transmission Fluid Service Today If you’re experiencing any of the signs of poor transmission fluid health listed above, or if you simply want to ensure your transmission is running at its best, visit Beachview Auto Service in Morehead City, NC. Our experienced technicians will assess your vehicle’s transmission system, perform any necessary fluid checks or changes, and keep your car running smoothly.