Things You'll Need:
- Screwdrivers (both Phillips and slotted)
- Spark plug socket and ratchet
- Feeler gauges
- Oil filter wrench
- Distributor wrench
- Wrenches (varying sizes according to car model)
- Voltmeter
- Timing light
- Tackometer
- Dwell meter (optional)
- Service manual for your make, model and year
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Step 1
Locate the service manual for your car. Often your local public library will carry them, if you don't want to purchase one. Service manuals are necessary because each car has unique settings according to its engineering. You need to have these precise numbers in order to tune your car up properly.
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Step 2
Change the oil every 3,000 miles. This is especially important for older cars as they can run hotter, burn oil faster, and flood more often. Every time your car floods you end up with gas in the oil, which breaks it down even faster. You want your engine to be well lubricated and run smoothly so keep up with your oil changes.
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Step 3
Change the air filter every 6,000 miles. Your mileage may vary on this one; car owners driving in continually dusty conditions will have to change their filters more often. Take the filter out and look at it--it's easy to tell when that the filter gets dirty or clogged and needs to be changed.
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Step 4
Replace spark plugs every 30,000 miles and plug wires every 60,000 miles. Obviously if you have any deterioration or sparking you'll want to change the wires sooner. Use feeler gauges to set the gap in the spark plugs. Whenever a car is running rough, replacing the plugs and wires is the place to start. This inexpensive fix might be all you need to get your car back into shape.
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Step 5
Change the fuel filter every 30,000 miles. Another inexpensive preventative maintenance measure. When a filter gets dirty it doesn't do its job properly and you'll end up with dirty fuel and engine performance problems.
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Step 6
Change the PCV valve around 50,000 to 60,000 miles. This emissions device helps extend the life of your oil and engine, so it's a good idea to drop a new one in at the same time you do plug wires. The location of this valve varies, so check your service manual if you have trouble finding it.
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Step 7
At 60,000 you can also change the distributor cap and rotor. If you've got a cracked distributor cap or sparking, definitely change it sooner. If your car misfires whenever it's wet outside, you've probably got a crack in the cap. This is another inexpensive maintenance item that can quickly fix running problems.
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Step 8
Check your battery and alternator. The battery is 12 volts at rest and should be at 14 volts when running. If the voltage is low, it's a good bet you'll need to replace the alternator.
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Step 9
Set the timing. Here's where your service manual comes in handy. You'll also need a timing light and tachometer to get the job done.
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Step 10
For carburated cars, adjust the fuel mixture. This air to fuel ratio is important to how the car runs. Too much fuel and the car runs rich; your engine will be sluggish and will burn up more gas. Too much air and the car runs lean; the car will run hot and can lead to serious internal engine problems. Therefore, always err on the side of running rich! Consult your service manual. You'll only need a screwdriver for this, and some subtle adjustments of usually only two screws.
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Step 11
For carburated cars, adjust the idle speed. This is another job for a simple screwdriver; you make fine adjustments to the idle speed screw and watch the tachometer until you get the right readings. Consult the service manual for the proper settings. The idle is important for how the engine runs. High idle and you're using up your gas faster, and a low idle usually causes the car to die out (usually at highly inconvenient moments).
