Engine Tune-Up

What is an engine tune-up? An engine tune-up is a regularly scheduled inspection and maintenance service recommended for all vehicle owners. The "tune-up" got its name from the periodic need to adjust the carburetor of older vehicles in an intricate process similar to tuning a musical instrument. This vehicle tuning process made sure the ignition and fueling components functioned well together. Today, most vehicles contain electronic ignition systems and computer-based fuel injection parameters, eliminating the need for carburetor adjustments, but the name "tune-up" still stuck and remains in use. During a tune-up, a mechanic checks the function of engine components either manually or using a computer interface and then makes calibrations as needed to optimize engine performance and engine health.

The importance of regular engine tune-ups

Vehicle owners may wonder, "Is an engine tune-up necessary?" The answer is yes. Regular engine tune-ups catch and address minor irregularities before they become larger, more expensive problems. Skipping the preventative maintenance of a scheduled engine tune-up now can lead to costly repairs later. Missing a tune-up may also keep your vehicle from running at its best. The purpose of an engine tune-up is to maximize engine performance and efficiency and extend the life of the engine and the car. If tune-ups are delayed, particularly with older vehicles, the engine's function can be affected. In fact, after a tune-up, you may notice your car runs smoother and has improved fuel efficiency.

How often to get an engine tune-up

Older vehicles are generally due for a tune-up every two years or approximately every 16,000 to 19,000 kilometers (about 10,000 to 12,000 miles). On the other hand, newer vehicles with electronic fuel injection designs can go up to 160,000 kilometers (about 100,000 miles) between tune-ups. This is because older vehicles contain more parts that require manual adjustments or replacements. Since recommendations vary by year, make, and vehicle model, the most accurate guidance for how often you should get an engine tune-up is found in your vehicle owner's manual. The owner's manual should provide recommended distance and time intervals for tune-ups. Schedule your tune-up for whichever interval you reach first.

How to tell if your vehicle needs an engine tune-up

While your vehicle owner's manual will provide make and model-specific recommendations for a tune-up schedule, it is important to self-monitor your vehicle as well for any signs of trouble.

Indicators of the need for an engine tune-up include:

• Engine starting difficulty
• Excessive oil use
• Rough idling or stalling
• Exhaust smoke
• Poor acceleration
• Poor fuel economy
• Illuminated check engine light

How long it takes for an engine tune-up

The average engine tune-up takes approximately two to four hours. Since the bulk of the diagnostics and adjustments on newer vehicles are done via computer, a new vehicle tune-up will take less time. Older cars have more hardware components that must be physically assessed and calibrated. This manual tune-up will take more time than a computer-driven one.

What is included in an engine tune-up

Thanks to our certified technicians' skills and the use of modern equipment, your car tune-up and diagnosis go like clockwork.

Inspections and assessments that are part of an engine tune-up include:

• General engine component visual inspection
• Spark plugs check and replace if needed
• Ignition wires check and replace if needed
• Ignition coils check and replace if needed
• Fuel filter check and replace if needed
• Oil filter check and replace if needed
• Oil level check and change if needed
• PCV valve check and replace if needed
• Coolant check and flush if needed
• Timing belt or timing chain adjustment
• Emissions check
• Breaker points and distributor adjustment (on older vehicles)
• Computerized system diagnostic (on newer vehicles)

Visual Inspection

During the visual inspection, your mechanic will look for any apparent signs of abnormal wear on engine components.

Spark Plugs

The metal electrode tip of a spark plug wears down through use and can eventually cause a misfire if the gap is too large. Your mechanic will check the condition and gap of your plugs and replace them if needed.

Ignition Wires

Ignition wires also degrade over time, leading to performance loss, a rough idle, potential misfires, and even a dead cylinder.

Ignition Coils

The high voltage energy passing through ignition coils eventually wears them out, causing a rough idle, misfires, decreased fuel efficiency, and sluggish acceleration.

Fuel Filter

If your fuel is dirty or contaminated, the fuel filter can get clogged and lead to rough idling and delayed acceleration. The extra restriction can also trigger fuel pump failure in extreme cases if not attended to.

Oil Level

Regular oil changes are important to engine health, as is maintaining the recommended levels of clean oil. Low oil levels can lead to increased friction and wear on engine components.

Oil Filter

Dirty oil can also damage the engine, hence the need for an oil filter that helps remove contaminants between oil changes. The filter itself needs to be changed periodically, so it does not clog. A clogged oil filter can lead to increased oil pressure.

PCV Valve

The positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve can develop carbon clogs over time. If your vehicle's PCV valve is clogged, you may go through oil faster, experience engine misfires, and even blow out engine gaskets as crankcase pressure increases.

Coolant

Engine coolant is vital for maintaining a stable engine temperature that is not too hot in the summer or too cold in the winter. As coolant breaks down over time, its performance also degrades, and a coolant flush may be needed.

Timing Belt or Timing Chain

If your engine has a manually adjusted timing belt or timing chain, it is important to check the belt or chain's tension and condition during a tune-up. A broken timing belt can be dangerous to an engine.

Emissions

Newer vehicles are built to meet or exceed existing emissions standards. An emissions check can ensure your vehicle is still within the parameters and reveal system problems if it fails to meet those standards.

Breaker Points and Distributor

Older vehicles built with breaker points and distributors will need them to be manually gapped and calibrated. Incorrect adjustments can lead to rough engine performance and misfires.

Computerized Systems Diagnostic

Modern cars have many electronic control systems. Each system component is highly advanced and intricately connected to the others. During an engine tune-up, we assess the function of these electronic systems and the mechanical ones. Guesswork is eliminated due to the sophisticated computers we use to run electronic systems diagnostics.

What to expect when getting an engine tune-up

Since the purpose of the engine tune-up is to identify and correct any engine issues, we may discover problems that need to be repaired. If this is the case, we always provide you with an estimate before starting repairs, and we repair only what you authorize. After repairs, we test drive your car to guarantee satisfaction. Ready to get your vehicle running at its best? Contact us today and schedule your next engine tune-up.