Where to Get my car Tuned?

Your car needs regular oil changes, we all know that, but when does it need a tune-up? A tune-up is a major service that includes an oil change, replacement of an engine air filter, spark plugs and possibly a few additional items. A tune-up is not a solution for all car problems, but rather a preventative maintenance for your engine. In older cars, a tune-up was needed every 30, 000-45, 000 miles. Most newer cars can drive without a tune-up much longer.

A major tune-up is usually recommended if a car starts running poorly (scroll down for symptoms), or when your spark plugs are due for replacement according to the maintenance schedule.

Spark plugs provide an electric spark to initiate combustion in your engine, so if the spark plugs are fouled-up or worn out, your engine won’t run properly. There are two types of spark plugs: conventional and long-life (platinum- or iridium-tipped). Conventional spark plugs need to be replaced every 30, 000-50, 000 miles. Iridium- or platinum-tipped spark plugs can last for 50, 000-120, 000 miles. We posted several links where you can check the maintenance schedule online in this article. Worn-out spark plugs can cause misfiring, lack of power and poor fuel economy.

Even ignition coils are known to fail if spark plugs are extremely worn-out. In older cars, ignition wires, distributor cap and rotor are also replaced along with the spark plugs. Most newer cars don’t have a distributor or ignition wires. Spark plug replacement can cost $120-$260 in a 4-cylinder car and $160-$600 in a V6 or V8-powered vehicle. Read more: When spark plugs should be replaced.

Fuel filter is another major part of a tune-up, unless you are a lucky owner of a late-model car. In many modern cars, the fuel filter replacement is not required. Again, your maintenance schedule will tell you, when if ever, it needs to be replaced. For example, if you have the 2009 Ford Mustang, you should change its fuel filter every 30, 000 miles according to the maintenance schedule. However, there is no mention about the fuel filter in the maintenance schedule of the 2010 Toyota Camry. Similarly, for the 2011 Honda Accord and 2012 Mazda 3, the fuel filter is not even listed in the maintenance schedule. Nissan in its 2010 Service and Maintenance Guide says that “Fuel Filter is Maintenance-free item (in-tank type filter)”
The main symptom of a dirty fuel filter is lack of power on acceleration or when driving up-hill. Replacing a fuel filter can cost from to 0.

Air filter is the one item that surely needs to be replaced during a tune-up. The main job of an air filter is to prevent dust and sand from getting inside the engine and damaging cylinder walls. An air filter is recommended to be replaced every 15, 000-30, 000 miles or sooner if you often drive on unpaved or dusty roads. When the air filter is extremely dirty, it adds strain on your engine – remember how a vacuum sounds when something clogs it up? Replacing an air filter is not very expensive (-) and it’s an easy project for any DIY car enthusiast. When you replace an air filter, your engine will “breathe” better. Read more: How often should an air filter be changed?
What else may need to be replaced or adjusted during a tune-up? Often, in high-mileage cars, a throttle body may become dirty, with carbon deposits preventing the throttle valve to work properly. This issue might cause rough idle, stalling and your “Check Engine” light might come on as a result. Your mechanic may recommend cleaning the throttle body as part of a tune-up. This service may cost $100-$180.

Another often suggested tune-up item is the fuel injector service (or flush). To perform this service, a mechanic connects a special setup to the engine fuel rail and runs the engine on an injector cleaning solution instead of gasoline. This cleans the fuel injectors, valves and pistons. In some cases, a fuel injector service can even help restore engine compression. This service is more beneficial for high-mileage engines; if your car is good on gas and runs fine, you won’t see much improvement. The price can vary from $90 to $160.

If your battery is getting weaker and it’s been a while since you replaced it last time, your mechanic might recommend to have it tested too. Typically a mechanic will run the test of your battery and charging system and if the battery’s capacity is low, he or she might recommend replacing it. Read more: When a battery should be replaced.

If your car suffers from poor gas mileage, your mechanic may suggest replacing a front oxygen sensor (or both in a V6 or V8). An oxygen sensor is one of the main components responsible for the amount of fuel used by the engine. Of course, if your car runs fine and your “Check Engine” light is not on, you don’t really need it. Typically an oxygen sensor is not required to be replaced as part of a scheduled maintenance.

Some cars have a timing belt that is also often replaced with a major tune-up. Not all cars have a timing belt, many newer cars use a maintenance-free timing chain instead. If your car has a timing belt, it will be mentioned in the maintenance schedule. Read more: When does the timing belt need to be replaced?

If your drive belt (serpentine belt) hasn’t been changed in a while, it could also be recommended to be replaced during a tune-up. A drive belt runs engine accessories and is usually replaced every 40, 000-60, 000 miles; read more: When a drive belt should be replaced in your car.
For some cars, a mechanic may recommend valve adjustment, especially if the valves become noisy. This service is rarely done in newer cars, but might be beneficial for some vehicles.

Symptoms of a car that needs a tune-up:
– Engine doesn’t start as easily as before
– Running rough, especially when started
– Occasional misfiring, especially in humid weather
– Rough unstable idle, stalling
– Lack of power
– Poor gas mileage
Tip:
If you want to do a tune-up, let your mechanic know what concerns (if any) you have with your car, so a tune-up will be tailored to address those concerns.