In order to perform a tune up on your vehicle, you will need an assortment of tools to get you rolling and you will also need some tune up parts, as well as the knowledge and proper training to replace these parts.
Let’s begin with some parts that we will likely need in order to perform a proper tune up on today’s vehicles. All necessary parts for all vehicles may not be listed as a tune up differs from vehicle to vehicle.
- Air Filter
- Oil Filter
- Engine Oil (Correct Viscosity!)
- Spark Plugs
- Spark Plug Wires
- Distributor Cap
- Ignition Rotor
- Fuel Filter
Some vehicles are also equipped with an Air Cabin Filter. If your vehicle has one, it should be checked for moisture & whether or not it’s plugged, the Air Cabin Filter housing must be cleaned of any debris to help keep the vehicle inlet air clean.
Checking & Replacing Parts
Air Cabin Filter – If equipped, locate the Air Cabin Filter housing. It is usually under the dash on the passenger side or under the hood near the rear of the cowl. If moist, customer complaints may include odd odors in the vehicles cabin and the filter should be replaced and the housing needs to be cleaned. If plugged, customer complaints may include lack of air flow into the vehicles cabin and the filter should be replaced.
Air Filter – The air cleaner in your vehicle should be changed every 3,000 miles or sooner depending on driving conditions. If you’re often driving in dusty conditions, the air filter should be checked regularly and replaced or cleaned as necessary.
Oil & Filter – The engine oil & filter should be replaced at regular intervals of around 3 months, or 3000 miles. The idea behind that recommendation is to replace the engine oil filter before it is clogged and to replace the engine oil before it can no longer protect your engine to the best of its ability. Feel free to read the article linked here for a more in depth explanation.
Spark Plugs – A spark plug is used to ignite the fuel air mixture inside the combustion chamber. If a spark plug becomes worn or damaged it can cause poor performance and fuel economy and should be replaced at a manufacturers recommended mileage.
Spark Plug Wires – Each spark plug wire is connected to a spark plug, and brings the electrical spark to the spark plug in order to ignite the fuel inside the engine’s cylinders. A damaged spark plug wire can make your car run rough and affect gas mileage. Remember to replace spark plug wires ONE at a time so as not to cross wires! Keep in mind that not all ignition systems are set up the same but they operate on the same principle. Some vehicles have a Direct Ignition system consisting of a coil over the spark plug (COS) and spark plug wires are not required!
Distributor Cap & Rotor – The distributor cap and rotor are two essential pieces that distribute electrical current to the spark plugs. The distributor cap connects to the spark plugs directly using a spark plug wire. The rotor is designed to spin inside of the distributor cap, just missing the terminals inside the cap. A worn or damaged rotor can cause your vehicle to run rough, or even stall completely. The rotor is rotating at the same speed as the camshaft which also happens to be 1/2 the speed of the crankshaft.
A problem occurs when the contacts inside the distributor cap become dirty or worn. It is good practice to replace the distributor cap and rotor during every tune up to ensure the contacts are clean to transmit power to each spark plug.
Fuel Filter – A vehicles fuel filter is used to keep the fuel in the fuel system clean to prevent debris from entering the fuel injectors or fuel pressure regulator. The fuel filter should be replaced during every major tune up or every 25,000 miles.
Let’s move onto another aspect of a complete tune up.
Throttle Bore Service
Vehicles that have an air intake system should also undergo throttle bore service or inspection during any tune up. It is just good practice. The air intake boot should be removed from the throttle bore and the bore inspected. If there is any signs of coking (build up of carbon, dark but light tar residue), the throttle bore should be cleaned out. Rubbing alcohol works really well or a commercially available solvent can be purchased.
“Coking” can be the cause of a ‘sticky’ accelerator pedal, engine stalling, odd engine idle or even poor fuel mileage.
Minor Tune Up Services – Only Labor Charges are shown. Parts costs vary vehicle to vehicle! Prices good for most vehicles!
- 4 Cylinder – $49.99
- 6 Cylinder – $59.99
- 8 Cylinder – $69.99
For more specific pricing, please give us a call at 719-778-2886 or 719-778-6112 : Ask for Paul!