Regular vehicle maintenance is one of the best ways to protect your investment; a tune-up will help your vehicle last longer. Check out our guide for tips on getting your ride back in shape.
What Is A Tune-Up?
Since the invention of the automobile, the term “tune-up” has undergone significant evolution. For over 50 years, a tune-up meant replacing and adjusting the vehicle’s ignition system breaker points and condenser, installing a new distributor cap, rotor, and spark plugs, setting the ignition timing, and adjusting and “tuning” the vehicle’s carburettor.
Why Is It So Important?
The engine in your vehicle loses efficiency over time due to normal use. A tune-up provides maintenance to correct this loss while increasing your vehicle’s fuel economy by 4-12%. Furthermore, a tune-up can keep minor problems from becoming major ones.
When you leave the repair shop, your vehicle will have improved performance, safety, and fuel economy.
By scheduling regular tune-ups, you’re investing in the long-term health of your vehicle, which should save you both time and money in the long run. Consider it a way to extend the life of your car’s engine by several years!
What Does a Tune Up Consist Of?
This varies depending on the vehicle’s design and mileage, but here are some general guidelines:
Air Filter Replacement
Your car engine consumes far more air than fuel, which must be clean before entering the engine for combustion. Most automotive air filters have pleated paper elements, and while air filters can be cleaned after being removed from the vehicle, it’s best to replace a dirty air filter with a new one. Air filters are made specifically for your vehicle’s make, model, and year.
Spark Plug Replacement
There is one spark plug for each engine cylinder, and most vehicles are designed to allow reasonably easy access to spark plugs. Apply anti-seize compound to the threads of each new plug before installation to make them easier to remove the next time.
Ignition Component Renewal
The distributor cap, rotor, and spark plug wires, like spark plugs, are all components of your vehicle’s ignition system. The distributor cap accepts all spark plug wires and is part of the system that distributes gas-igniting sparks to different engine cylinders as needed.
The ignition rotor (not to be confused with a brake rotor) sits inside the distributor cap and is responsible for the direction of electricity to the various contacts within the distributor cap. Spark plug wires must be replaced less often than the distributor cap and rotor.
Fuel Filter
As dirt accumulates in a fuel filter, it slowly restricts fuel flow to the engine. Fuel filters are usually inexpensive and easily changed, so installing a new one regularly makes sense before your engine shows signs of trouble. Lack of power and stalling after a few minutes of running can be signs of a clogged fuel filter.
Computer Diagnostic
This requires specialized equipment but provides insights into the performance of the fuel, ignition, and emissions systems. It can warn you of faulty engine components before they cause problems.
Warning Signs That You Need A Tune Up Service
A vehicle requires regular maintenance that enhances the overall performance. Here are some of the warning signs that you need a tune up:
Engine tune-up servicing requirements vary by vehicle and can also be influenced by the vehicle’s age and mileage. When your manufacturer recommends regular tune-ups and other maintenance will be stated in your owner’s manual.
- Lights on your dashboard indicate a problem.
- Your car feels as though it’s about to stall out.
- Starting your automobile becomes a chore.
- You’re getting low gas mileage.
- Your car reaches its top speed slowly.
- Your car’s engine has starting trouble.
- The engine is making banging noises.
- Engine idling too roughly.
Choose Superior Tire & Auto for your Automotive Needs
Superior Tire & Auto has 10 locations throughout Ontario to keep your vehicle reliable. We offer a huge selection of brand name and private label tires, all covered by our Superior Price Guarantee.
We perform complete, warranty-approved vehicle maintenance and repair to keep you on the road with peace of mind. Don’t forget to check out our specials and coupons to save even more money with current discounts. Visit a location near you today and receive the Superior Service you deserve!