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The Ultimate Car Tune Up Checklist for 2025

Most car owners want their vehicles to last as long as possible. But just like anything else, your car’s longevity depends on the effort you put into its maintenance. 

Caring for your car and keeping it in excellent condition does involve a bit of work, but you don’t need to be a mechanical expert to keep it running well. 

Your first step is to learn what needs to be done and how often. Preventative car maintenance is one of the best ways to keep your vehicle running smoothly and extend its life. 

Many experts believe that a once-a-year car tune up paired with regular maintenance is a good rule of thumb to ensure optimal performance. Carrying out regular maintenance with a car tune up checklist means you can inspect every aspect of your vehicle and avoid potential issues later on.

A car tune up checklist outlines the various components of a systematic inspection and maintenance routine for a car. It helps you optimise your car’s performance, reduce the likelihood of it breaking down, and increase its longevity. 

In this article, we’ll share what you need to include in your car tune up checklist to keep your vehicle running properly throughout 2025. 

1) Let Your Engine Run Clean with New Filters

engine tune up, hand holding up fuel filter

Car filters protect your car’s engine and inside the vehicle from dust and other contaminants, either fluid or airborne, preventing them from reaching vital parts inside your engine. The main filters in a car are the oil, fuel, air, and cabin air filters. 

Air filters keep dust and debris out of your engine, while oil filters trap metal particles alongside other contaminants and stop them from entering your engine, causing premature wear. Fuel filters protect fuel lines and tanks from contamination and help prevent issues such as rough idling, hesitation when accelerating, and fuel pump failure. 

If your car’s filters are dirty, it’ll need to work harder to obtain the air, oil, and fuel that it requires. Dirty filters can also decrease your engine’s ability to circulate air, oil, or fuel at an appropriate pressure. 

Having clean filters will help you maintain engine performance and efficiency, so cleaning or replacing your filters should be one of the first items on every car tune up checklist. Consider taking your car to a professional garage service, like In Town Automotive, and let your engine run clean.

2) Keep Your Auxiliary Systems in Check with New Belts and Hoses

Car belts and hoses can get worn down due to heat or cold exposure and the day-to-day operation of your vehicle.  

Belts are used to operate important parts of your car’s engine, including your air conditioning system, water pump, alternator, and steering unit. Hoses are needed to transfer fluids throughout the engine. 

When you use your vehicle regularly, car belts and hoses can turn brittle, glaze over, crack, and even break. If you want to keep your car running smoothly throughout the year, it’s best to get the belts and hoses examined during your car tune up.

3) Replace Plugs, Wires, and Other Ignition Parts

car check up, close up of car wires and coils

A car’s ignition system has various electrical components, such as spark plugs, coils, and plug wires, that ignite the air/fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. 

Newer ignition systems only require their spark plugs, wires, and coils to be changed at a certain mileage. 

When you’re carrying out your car tune up, consult your owner’s manual to identify if your ignition system needs to be replaced. If you’re unsure what to do, our team of mechanics at In Town Automotive can help. Contact us to book an appointment.

4) Maintain Your Car with the Right Fluids

Engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and power steering fluid are all essential for your vehicle to operate smoothly. 

If your car’s fluids are contaminated, you may notice excessive wear on internal parts, potentially leading to expensive repairs. It’s best to refill these vital fluids before any costly damage can occur. 

Each type of fluid needs to be replaced at its own recommended service intervals. Check your owner’s manual to find out when these fluids need to be changed and keep your car running smoothly throughout the year. 

Contact In Town Automotive for Comprehensive Car Maintenance and Tune Ups

When it comes to vehicle maintenance, many parts of your car need to be checked regularly, while others may only need to be examined in the long run. 

Performing a car tune up is an effective way to boost your engine performance and fuel economy and ensure your vehicle continues functioning as expected. Be sure to stick to your vehicle’s maintenance schedule and service interval record to keep your car in good shape. 

If you’re experiencing any car performance issues or looking to give your car a tune up, we can help. 

Town Automotive’s mechanics can service your vehicle as required, helping to keep it running smoothly. 

As an award-winning garage in Northampton, we have years of experience repairing brakes, clutches, tyres, exhausts, and more. 

To learn more, explore our services, or contact us to book an appointment today.

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