What Is Involved in a Car Tune-Up?

A car tune-up is a necessary part of a good vehicle maintenance program. By ensuring the proper function and performance of a vehicle engine and all of its supporting systems, a good car tune-up ensures optimal engine performance, maximizes vehicle gas mileage, and prevents minor problems from turning into major vehicle problems.

New Spark Plugs

Most car tune-ups, whether major or minor, involve replacement of the engine spark plugs, which are responsible for igniting a vehicle engine's air/fuel mixture. Spark plugs greatly influence engine operation and gas mileage; replacing them during a tune-up is standard practice.

Ignition Timing Adjustment

Correct vehicle ignition timing is critical to the proper performance of a vehicle's engine as well as for maximizing vehicle fuel economy. Most car tune-ups involve the checking of ignition timing and the adjustment thereof when needed.

Air Filter Replacement

A clean, properly-functioning vehicle air filter is critical for maintaining the health of a vehicle's engine and for maximizing fuel economy. A car tune-up typically includes the inspection of the vehicle air filter and the replacement of the filter as needed.

Carburetor/Fuel Injection System Service

On older cars equipped with a carburetor, a car tune-up typically includes a minor carburetor adjustment, an adjustment that assures the correct air/fuel mixture ratio of a vehicle's engine. On cars equipped with a fuel injection system, a tune-up typically includes a cleaning of the fuel injector nozzles and a visual inspection of the fuel injection fuel lines.

Visual Engine Inspection

Visually inspecting a vehicle's engine and its supporting systems, which includes visually inspecting the engine hoses, wires, and belts, and inspecting the various engine pumps and engine accessories, is normally a standard practice during the course of a tune-up.