What is a Tune-Up?

The term tune-up was coined back when Henry Ford was working on his first prototype for the automobile. This first ignition system was very simple; one ignition coil for one spark plug, so if there were four spark plugs there would be four ignition coils. These coils needed to be adjusted to provide the same spark intensity for better idle and acceleration. As these coils worked they made a buzzing sound so when you adjusted them properly, they all buzzed the same…thus, they were in tune and that's how the term tune-up was coined. This term stuck and was associated with the replacement of spark plugs or any performance or rough idle problem that could be associated to engine operation. Once the distributor was developed the term tune-up had no meaning as to how an engine performed, but to the consumer who was used to hearing this term around a garage, automatically associated poor running quality with the need to be in tune.

Today's automobiles do not require tune-ups. Automobile manufacturers have set forth in their recommended maintenance schedules intervals for replacing spark plugs, PCV valves, fuel filters, etc., while recommending that other items relating to engine operation be checked for proper operation and/or adjustment. Such as ignition timing, idle speed, and other emission control related devices. When and only when the maintenance has been performed would a performance problem be addressed to correct any given set of problems. If an operating or performance problem is still present after the maintenance has been performed an engine analysis would then be required. Therefore, the term tune-up indicates the need for routine maintenance and should not be associated with poor performance. If your vehicle experiences any operating or performance problems between maintenance intervals that specific problem should be addressed by performing an engine analysis to isolate that particular problem.

Why should you replace your spark plug wires, distributor cap, and rotor?

After 60,000 miles it is highly recommended that spark plug wires, distributor cap, and rotor be replaced; on distributorless ignitions, just spark plug wires. The reason is that under hood vehicle electrical components over time are exposed to moisture, oil, grease, and temperatures that can rise as high as 550 to 700 degrees. As a result, spark plug wires, distributor cap, and rotor insulation break down creating an easier or alternative path to ground. Worn spark plugs also cause higher voltage requirements causing the ignition module and coil to produce higher and higher voltages to overcome the resistance. The resulting higher voltage breaks down the spark plug wires insulation creating an easier path to ground. This causes the ignition module and coil to produce even more voltage creating even higher current temperatures within them. Remember, higher resistance correlates to higher current temperatures and that electricity always tries to find the easiest path to ground. This higher than normal resistance weakens transistor and electrical insulation within module, coils, and computers resulting in intermittent and premature failure. As a result you may experience a variety of drivability problems. These problems are sometimes hard to diagnose due to the intermittent nature of electrical components as a result of high temperatures and moisture; resulting in expensive diagnostic time. If you have already experienced an ignition module or computer failure after 60,000 miles and haven't replaced your spark plug wires, distributor cap, and rotor you most likely will experience the same problem again.

Most ignition modules range in price from $200.00 to $450.00 plus labor. Vehicle computers will range from $250.00 to $1,500.00 depending on what they control.

Why should you perform a fuel injection procedure?

Since your car was new, dirt varnishes, and carbon deposits have been forming in your vehicle's fuel system on the intake valves and in the combustion areas. This buildup of deposits can rob your car of performance. Some of the symptoms related to carbon buildup are engine pinging, hesitation, poor acceleration, lack of power, repeated stalling when cold, rough idle, and poor fuel economy. These buildups, if left untreated may lead to costly engine repairs. Our fuel injection procedure will clean your vehicle's fuel system, including injectors, and remove harmful carbon deposits utilizing a cleaning solution that will not damage your vehicle's sophisticated engine components.

Tune-Up Electronic Ignition Includes:

• Replace spark plugs.
• Check and adjust ignition timing as required.
• Check and adjust curb idle speed as required.
• Visual check of emission controlled related devices.
• Visually inspect spark plug wires.
• Visually inspect Distributor Cap and Rotor when accessible.

Major Tune-Up Elecronic Ignition Includes:

• Replace spark plugs.
• Check and adjust ignition timing as required.
• Check and adjust curb idle speed as required.
• Visual check of emission control related devices.
• Visually inspect spark plug wires.
• Visually inspect Distributor Cap and Rotor when accessible.
• Clean fuel injectors.
• Clean ISC motor as required.
• Clean throttle body air intake.
• Visually inspect fuel lines and fuel rail.
• Pressure test fuel pump.
• Visually inspect fuel pump pressure regulator vacuum line and connections.
• De-carbonize intake manifold.
• De-carbonize intake and exhaust valves.
• De-carbonize combustion chamber and pistons.
• Test exhaust emissions.