-
To complete a car tune-up, you'll need to change the spark plugs, air filter and fuel filter. Change the oil and replace the oil filter. Replace the PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) valve (if equipped). The PCV valve is an important yet inexpensive item, so it's an easy way to help maintain the integrity of your engine system.
If the car runs with a distributor, change the cap and rotor. Set the timing, so spark plugs fire at exactly the right time. Be aware that some distributors have computer-controlled timing and cannot be adjusted. Check the plug wires and replace if necessary. - Get a tune-up for your car every 30,000 miles, or every 2 1/2 to 3 years. Check your owner's manual for the manufacturer's guidelines, but be wary of extreme recommendations that only require a tune-up every 100,000 miles. Newer spark plugs may last longer, but it's still wise to check the condition of your car and make necessary repairs on a more regular basis.
-
Changing the air filter during a tune-up leads to better air flow, and a wider surface area to collect dirty molecules. Clean air is a necessary part of the air/fuel/flame mix that runs the engine.
Replacing the spark plugs leads to better electrical flow. When a spark plug gap wears out, the electricity has farther to jump, leaving the engine with a weak spark or no spark at all.
Replacing the oil helps keep your engine in good working order. When oil breaks down, there is less lubrication and more danger of wear of moving parts. Thin oil won't seal the cylinder properly, causing gas to leak through and mix with the oil and possibly ignite.
Changing the oil filter prevents clogs and loose debris contaminating the system. A new working PCV valve maintains the vacuum in the combustion system and prevents oil spray. Accurate timing fosters complete combustion, allowing the engine system to work as designed. - A properly executed tune-up will fix engine misfires, giving the car passengers a smoother ride. A properly working engine also translates to increased fuel economy and reduction of greenhouse gases. Regular tune-ups prolong engine life and prevent major engine problems in the future.
-
Tune-up processes have altered over time due to the changes in engine design. In the 1950s and 60s, engines used a points distributor ignition. Electricity conducted between two flat pieces of metal (points) that were controlled by a lever system. Over time the points would wear out, or get damaged, and would need to be replaced. The lever had to be periodically adjusted to maintain timing.
In the 1970s, car manufacturers began to use the high energy ignition (HEI) system. This distributor contained a control module that told the spark plugs when to fire. This early computer control system offered more reliability and less tune-up maintenance. The HEI system evolved into a system with complete computer control of ignition and timing. No maintenance or parts replacement was necessary.
Today, the majority of cars have abandoned distributors and use a coil-over-plug (COP) system. With COP, each individual cylinder has its own conductive coil. This system has more accurate timing, no moving parts, and no loss of horsepower from the engine turning a distributor. This distributor-less set-up has less wear problems and less need for adjustments or replacements, making for a much faster tune-up. - Check the owner's manual for the manufacturer's suggested maintenance schedule; they will list parts to check and replace that may be specific to your model. When doing a tune-up, it's beneficial to also perform other maintenance checks. Inspect the transmission fluid, coolant level, belts, and the battery and cables. Examine and clean the throttle body if necessary.
