Depending on the type of car you have, you might be able to drive more than 30,000 miles without having your car tuned up. However, just because the manufacturer suggests you service your car after you've driven a specific amount of miles, it doesn't mean that your car won't need a tune up before that. So, how do you know if your car needs a tune up? Your car will tell you. All you have to do is watch for these signs.

Warning Lights

Warning lights are the lights on your dashboard that randomly turn on to indicate that there is problem with your car. Sometimes the light turns on because something simple, such as a headlight, needs repaired or replaced, but sometimes they indicate that there is potentially a major issue. In order to determine whether or not the warning light on your dashboard is telling you that it's time for your car to have a tune up, take your car to an auto service center to have a mechanic diagnose the problem.

Poor Gas Mileage

If you feel like you're filling up your gas tank more frequently even though you're driving the same amount of miles, your car could need a tune up. Cars tend to get poor gas mileage when they aren't operating efficiently, so if you're filling up more often, it's a good indicator that something is wrong. However, you could also be getting less miles to the gallon if your tires are low, so check your tire pressure first. If your tires are properly filled, take your car in for a tune up.

Loss of Power or Trouble Accelerating

When you've driven the same car for a significant period of time, you get used to how fast the car accelerates, so you're able to judge whether or not you can safely pull out of a parking lot or merge onto the highway. Unfortunately, when a car needs a tune up, it can all of the sudden feel sluggish or have trouble gaining speed. If this happens, it can be dangerous, so you should get a tune up right away. Also, if your car suddenly starts stalling, especially when you're trying to accelerate, it's a good indicator that the spark plugs need to be replaced, which is part of a tune up.

If you take good care of your vehicle, you're less likely to need a tune up, but it doesn't mean that your car will stay in pristine condition forever. Pay attention to the way your car runs on a regular basis so that you'll know when something is wrong. If you feel like your car isn't running properly, take your car to your local auto service center to have a tune up completed.