Mar
14
2010
Do I need to have my vehicle tuned up?
Author: Tk
Why do we ask this question? Is it lack of performance or lack of fuel economy? What is our perception of a tune-up?
Let me clarify some issues… There is a difference between a gas or diesel engine.
There are two reasons for a tune-up.
1) Maintenance
2) Poor performance/Poor fuel economy
Understand that not all Vehicle makes and models require the same procedures. For the most part, every aspect of your vehicle is engineered to a certain standard, whether that be, how long certain wear items last or how long the vehicle will.
For all gasoline engines; tune-up items include, Spark Plugs, Spark plug boots, Air Filter and PCV valve. This is about the only common feature all gasoline engines share. However, some Makes and Models still have spark plug wires and replaceable fuel filters.
There is no more timing to be set, no adjusting the fuel system. Now everything has computer controlled fuel and ignition systems. Not a bad thing, just not commonly understood thing. So what I just described is a Maintenance Tune-Up
The aspect I will discuss is poor performance, whether it is no power or engine is missing. I advise caution on Assuming that a tune-up will fix your problem. Tell your technician the symptoms and concerns and let them diagnose your vehicles issues. I had a customer come in once that had spent $1500.00 on parts trying to fix a miss. When I got it, I diagnosed a bad computer connection, it had water in it. A spray of some electrical contact cleaner and pack the connector with silicon dielectric grease and it was fixed.
In conclusion, the upper percentage of vehicles on the road today are using platinum or iridium spark plugs. They will run 80-100,000 miles under normal service. I advise to have the exact same spark plug installed as from the factory. If fuel economy is your concern, also check your tire pressure and have your vehicle aligned once a year.
Drop me a question if I haven’t answered all your concerns
Thanks for stopping by…
