You may have thought about doing a car tune up yourself, instead of taking it to a mechanic. Change the spark plugs and the filters and then you’re done. It’s that easy, right?

Unfortunately, it’s not that easy. If you’re going to give your vehicle a tune up here’s what you need to do:

• Replace the fuel filter
• Replace the air filter
• Replace worn belts
• Change the spark plugs
• Service the battery, be sure to clean the filters
• Check and replace fluids, replace oil filter

For some cars you may also have to:

• Adjust the clutch
• Replace the distributor cap

This could be challenging especially if you don’t have the proper tools and equipment to get the job done right. It is not uncommon to see vehicles damaged thanks to the handiwork work of a novice mechanic.

A tune-up can take between two to four hours of labor for a competent mechanic. How long will it take someone working out of their home garage? Don’t get us wrong. A tune-up is something your car needs. It definitely keeps your vehicle running smoothly.

But it’s better to take it to a qualified mechanic to ensure it is done properly. Another benefit: a mechanic can examine the rest of your vehicle to pinpoint a problem that may have gone undetected by an amateur mechanic. Additionally, you will need to properly dispose of old fluids such as oil, which can be a tedious process.

We recommend taking your car to a reputable mechanic for your next tune up. Getting a Tucson car tune up or a Las Cruces car tune up will ensure it’s done right the first time.