Tuneup Basics

[konradh]

What is a tune up? What are the normal things that should be done during a car tune up? How often should a tune up be done and why?

A tune up is done to your car to replace and maintain parts that wear out through normal usage. Tune ups will insure that your car will continue to run smoothly, continue getting it’s normal gas mileage and prevent severe damage to the engine and other major components.

All cars need regular tune-ups about every 30,000 miles. However, with newer model cars made after 1996 there are some things that do not need to be done during a tune up and it is just a waste of money to do so. There are many variations on what should be done at a tune-up.

Replace the air filter with a new filter. If you drive on dirt roads you should consider changing the air filter more often than every 30,000 miles.

Replace the fuel filter; both fuel filters if your vehicle has two. Replacing the fuel filters every 30,000 miles is the best preventative measure you can take in protecting your car’s fuel system. You can also put in a fuel injector cleaner every so often as recommended by the manufacturer or use a premium gasoline especially if you drive on dusty roads.

Change the spark plugs. When spark plugs get old the spark can not jump over the wires and ignite the fuel properly. Your car will get sluggish, start poorly and gas mileage will suffer. Some new cars, with platinum spark plugs, will only need to be changed every 60,000 miles.

Having the wires changed is a bit more expensive, but many times these wires get old and need replacement.

Some cars should have a new distributor cap and rotor at the time of a tune up. To determine if you need a new distributor cap let a mechanic inspect the cap for cracks or black lines or if any deterioration has occurred. A new rotor will be needed if the mechanic finds any cracks, carbon tracks or burning.

Get a valve adjustment if your car has adjustable valves. At this time have the mechanic replace the valve-cover gasket because it is quite common for these covers to begin to leak. A leak in this cover can result in oil around the top of the engine.

Cars older than 1979 need to have the points and condenser changed. This is done on cars without electronic ignition. Cars with electronic ignition should have the ignition timing checked.

Cars that are fuel injected should have the throttle plate cleaned and/or have the air-fuel mixture adjusted. If your car has a carburetor it may need an adjustment.

Have the fluids under the hood checked. Even though you should be doing this on a regular basis, it is very important to check the fluid levels during a tune up.

If your car has a manual transmission, have the clutch pedal adjusted.

The battery should be checked during a tune up. The battery terminals and cable ends should be cleaned. Corroded terminals can keep your car from starting easily. If your battery needs water to be added, the mechanic will fill it with distilled water during a tune up.

The positive crankcase ventilation valve (PCV Value) should be replaced during a tune up. A clogged PCV valve is a problem when it causes your car to stall or run poorly.

Keeping your car in tip top condition will ensure a longer life, better gas mileage and better performance.