12 Steps To Maximize Your Next Tune Up

The phrase ‘tune up’ is actually a bit vague for many people who own vehicles. Some say that a tune up consists of changing your oil, air filter, spark plugs and may also include belt inspection. Others say that you should even change your transmission fluid… so who is right?

Here is a comprehensive list of steps you should consider doing every 30,000 to 40,000 miles (review your owner’s manual for manufacturers recommendation) to keep your engine running smooth and to minimize the chances for engine problems.

Step One – Replace the fuel filter. The fuel filter is one of those basic engine components that may only cost $10 or $20, but can protect your engine from thousands of dollars in damage if you change it regularly. Carburetors and fuel injection systems can be clogged up by the tiniest of particles, so a properly functioning fuel filter is very important. Don’t skip this step, no one wants their car to die in an intersection … and isn’t that always where it happens?

Step Two - Change the spark plugs (unless they're pulse plugs, in which case you have 10,000 – 20,000 more miles to go). This is one part many people skimp on because they only look at price and do not factor in the importance of this component. I recommend the pulse plug by Enerpulse because of it helps to burn fuel more completely, making the combustion process more efficient. This leads to an increase in gas mileage (some times as much as 4 mpg) and increased power at acceleration. Also examine the spark plug wires and replace as needed. A new set of high-quality wires is worth the cost. They may be permanently attached to the distributor cap, so it will have to be changed as well.

Step Three - Replace the distributor cap and rotor if your car has them (some newer models with distributorless ignition do not). Cold morning starts can really wear on your ignition system, this step will help keep your engine starting smooth.

Step Four – (For cars older than 1978) Change the points and condenser for cars that do not have an electronic ignition. You'll actually want your points changed, or at least adjusted, every six months or so (if they're changed, check the ignition timing as well).

Step Five – (Also applies to cars older than 1980) Check the ignition timing, each car has a recommended timing and as the car ages, it will get out of kilter. Having it checked and adjusted will also help alleviate those embarrassing stalls at an intersection. Cars with an electronic ignition will most likely not need this step. Check your owner’s guide.

Step Six – Adjust the valves, if your car has hydraulic valves then you can skip this step. Again check your owner’s manual to verify what type of valves your car has. This is a good time to replace the valve cover gasket as well. If you see any oil then this is a good time to investigate the seepage before it turns in to a leak.

Step Seven – Visually check all your belts. You are looking for wear and to make sure they are tight. Turn the car on and listen for any squealing from a belt. Replace any belts that look suspicious.

Step Eight – Check and top off any engine fluids, this is also a good time to have the oil and oil filter changed.

Step Nine – Check the condition of your air filter, if the filter looks dirty replace it.

Step Ten – If you have a manual transmission vehicle, you want to have the clutch examined and adjusted if necessary. This step allows you to stay on top of the amount of wear on your clutch and forecast when it will need replacing.

Step Eleven – Check the fluid level in your battery, if it is low add distilled water. This is also a good time to clean the contact terminals.

Step Twelve – Have the PCV valve replaced, this is an inexpensive part and goes a long way in keeping your car running smooth. A plugged PCV valve causes the car to stall or run very rough.

That’s it! As you can see, some steps do not apply to every car depending on age, engine technology and transmission type. This is the most comprehensive list I could find and put in to one article to help the less mechanical souls to keep their engines in tip top shape. Happy motoring -