Chances are that you may have heard of the term “getting a tune up” when it comes to your vehicle maintenance. But what exactly does a tune up entail and why is it important?
In this month’s blog, we describe the importance of a vehicle tune up, and what is typically part of this ongoing service to your vehicle.
Today’s Tune Up
The tune up terminology has been around for as long as people have been driving cars. This term has evolved over the years, as our vehicles have become more sophisticated and computerized. Today’s version of the tune up could vary, depending on where you take your vehicle for service. At the very least, a tune up should include the following:
Inspection and/or replacement of spark plugs and spark plug connections (wires)
Unless you are driving an electric car, most likely you have an internal combustion engine in your vehicle. Internal combustion engines are where fuel and air mix to create the energy for your vehicle. For fuel to “combust” and convert to energy, it must receive an electric current. This is where spark plugs come into play. Spark plugs are the mechanisms that send electrical currents to create “sparks” that start the process.
Spark plugs are subjected to significant heat and friction from the engine, and can sometimes become worn or damaged, or fouled. A fouled spark plug or plugs is not able to do its job effectively, and can cause your vehicle to misfire, stall, have difficulty starting, or even impact your overall fuel economy.
When conducting a tune up, a service professional will determine if the spark plugs need to be replaced.
Adjustment of spark plug timing to ensure that they are firing at the right time.
Along with replacing any fouled spark plugs, it’s important to check the timing of when the plugs are “firing” or sending the electrical current to the engine.
Other Maintenance Items in Today’s Tune Up
In addition to the servicing of your ignition system, today’s tune ups also include other critical maintenance for your vehicle’s engine.
These may include:
- Changing air and engine filters and replacing the PCV valve. These items are critical to keeping the engine clean and the air that enters free from dirt, dust, debris, and carbon particles.
- Belts and hoses inspections. Unless you are already servicing engine’s belts and hoses, this is an opportunity for a service professional to check for any damage, leaks, or wear on belts and hoses.
- Fluid replacements may also be part of some shop’s tune ups.
If you haven’t had a tune up lately, or even ever, then it may be time to find out more about how this important service can keep your vehicle running smoothly.
Contact the service professionals at Car Kings and ask us about what maintenance items we include in our tune up. At the same time, make sure to ask us what type of overall maintenance plan we can build for you, your vehicle, and your budget.