How Important Is A Regular Engine Tune-Up?

An engine tune-up was once a very common maintenance requirement for vehicles of all kinds but with today’s high tech electronic ignitions and fuel injection systems, computers have taken over engine settings. Drivers rarely get out there in the garage and tinker around with the carburetor, spark plugs or distributor cap anymore.

Working on today’s auto engine requires advanced training and specialized equipment. There are some common maintenance chores that can be done to improve your engine’s performance and most credible auto repair shops will do these for fairly reasonable costs.

Spark Plugs

This is a basic part of your car’s ignition system. Back in the old days, auto owners could change their own spark plugs anytime they felt it was warranted. Establish a good working relationship with a local repair shop that you trust so that you can have common parts like spark plugs checked out every 30,000 miles or so. Your driving habits can play a significant role in how often parts and tires wear out. For instance, a teenage driver can wear out a new set of tires in two years’ time and the same goes for spark plugs. Old worn out plugs can seize in the engine block and cause expensive repairs.

Oil Filter

Oil and oil filters are one of the easiest things to replace on your car. Keeping the oil and filter fresh helps prevent unnecessary engine wear. Your car’s oil filter removes rust particles, soot and other contaminants from the oil. This is an inexpensive but highly effective way to make sure you get maximum life out of your engine. Oil and filters should be replaced every 3,000 miles.

Air Filter

The air filter traps all those particles of dirt and debris that we encounter out on the roads every day and keeps them out of your fuel injector, carburetor and engine. Most manufacturers recommend changing the air filter every 20,000 miles. If you have your oil changed at a reputable shop, they’ll normally check the fuel and air filters each time you get your oil changed and this can help you avoid all the problems associated with clogged filters.