One of Toyota’s most popular cars is the Tacoma. Since its introduction, it’s steadily improved, but these improvements don’t make it invulnerable to age. Read on to learn about five signs your Toyota Tacoma needs a tune-up.

Difficulty Starting Engine

One of the most obvious signs that your Tacoma needs a tune-up is that starting the engine is becoming more difficult. Normally, you’ll just put in your key and turn the ignition (or use your keyless ignition), but for some reason, as the car gets older, it begins to struggle in this department. There are multiple reasons the engine isn’t turning over, such as the sparkplugs misfiring or an issue with your battery. Any trend of your engine struggling to turn on means you should check it out sooner rather than later.

Stalling

Another sign you may need to bring your car in for a tune-up or check on it yourself is if it starts stalling. Stalling once or twice is not an emergency, but it can signal you need to get it taken care of before it stalls in a dangerous place. Like with the engine, there are multiple reasons why it could start stalling, like a clogged oil filter. Bring your car in as soon as possible to address any potential problems.

Warning Lights

There are plenty of signs that you need to bring your car into the shop, but this is the clearest “sign” you’ll find. If your car recognizes an issue, you should probably trust it. Even if it’s a false signal, you’ll want to get that checked out, to make sure the warning system is able to alert you when there are issues. If any of your warning lights come on, take it to a shop quickly.

Scary Noises

Another sign that you’ll need to bring your Tacoma in for a checkup is that you hear scary noises that aren’t normal. You’ll hear regular noises, such as your engine revving up, turn signals, and windshield wipers, but if you start noticing clunking, scraping, or squealing, you need to go to a mechanic. These noises could signal that you are running low on an integral fluid or that an important component of the car is loose. Get these checked out as soon as possible!

Reduced Fuel Mileage

If you’re driving your car and notice you need to get gas a lot more often than normal despite no change in your driving habits, that could mean there’s something wrong. The fuel economy depends on many factors, like your emissions system and wheel alignment. If there are new fuel efficiency problems, try to get your Tacoma checked out soon, so you can get your car fixed and save money at the pump.

Your Toyota Tacoma needs a tune-up if it shows any of these signs, but it doesn’t mean you should get a newer car. You can work on your car by yourself, so long as you get the correct Toyota Tacoma OEM parts, and that’s where Northwest Team Yota comes in. We have a wide selection of parts for all Toyota models, so you can take care of your car and get it back in working order!