What’s on the Car Tune-up Checklist?
When you take your vehicle into an auto shop for a tune-up (also referred to as a maintenance service), you are essentially asking to have all the components of your engine inspected, its performance analyzed, and any adjustments made that may be necessary for better performance. Of course, vehicles will vary in their requirements, based on age, mileage, and unique manufacturer recommendations. However, the basic tune-up should include both preventative and restorative engine assessment and final maintenance recommendations.
Take note of the tune-up checklist below:
- Spark plugs –
- Do they look worn and/or dirty?
- What color are the insulator firing noses? An engine in good condition should have spark plugs with light tan or gray insulator firing noses. Any other color could be the sign of an engine problem.
- Test the performance of spark plugs. What color is the spark and it properly igniting the fuel?
- Check the wires to make sure they are not hard or cracked.
- Fuel –
- Make sure the fuel filter isn’t clogged or dirty.
- Make sure the fuel pump is functioning properly.
- Make sure the fuel injectors are clean so dirt or other deposits are not restricting the amount of fuel delivered to the engine or affect how the spark plugs fire.
- Timing – Adjust the timing and idle if necessary.
- PCV Valve - Check that the valve isn’t clogged or leaking.
- Points and Condenser – Mostly found in older vehicles, inspect them to be sure they are doing their job of igniting the air/fuel mixture in the cylinders.
Remember: There is not a one-size fit all tune-up procedure. The age of the vehicle, the number of miles driven, and the maintenance history all uniquely affect a vehicle’s service needs.
To learn more about the car tune-up needed for your vehicle, contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Cannon Auto Repair today by calling 507-263-2120 for more information about our tune up services. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Cannon Falls, MN, and the surrounding areas.
When you take your vehicle into an auto shop for a tune-up (also referred to as a maintenance service), you are essentially asking to have all the components of your engine inspected, its performance analyzed, and any adjustments made that may be necessary for better performance. Of course, vehicles will vary in their requirements, based on age, mileage, and unique manufacturer recommendations. However, the basic tune-up should include both preventative and restorative engine assessment and final maintenance recommendations.
Take note of the tune-up checklist below:
- Spark plugs –
- Do they look worn and/or dirty?
- What color are the insulator firing noses? An engine in good condition should have spark plugs with light tan or gray insulator firing noses. Any other color could be the sign of an engine problem.
- Test the performance of spark plugs. What color is the spark and it properly igniting the fuel?
- Check the wires to make sure they are not hard or cracked.
- Fuel –
- Make sure the fuel filter isn’t clogged or dirty.
- Make sure the fuel pump is functioning properly.
- Make sure the fuel injectors are clean so dirt or other deposits are not restricting the amount of fuel delivered to the engine or affect how the spark plugs fire.
- Timing – Adjust the timing and idle if necessary.
- PCV Valve - Check that the valve isn’t clogged or leaking.
- Points and Condenser – Mostly found in older vehicles, inspect them to be sure they are doing their job of igniting the air/fuel mixture in the cylinders.
Remember: There is not a one-size fit all tune-up procedure. The age of the vehicle, the number of miles driven, and the maintenance history all uniquely affect a vehicle’s service needs.
To learn more about the car tune-up needed for your vehicle, contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Cannon Auto Repair today by calling 507-263-2120 for more information about our tune up services. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Cannon Falls, MN, and the surrounding areas.
