 |
 Tune
Ups
What is a tune up? What are the
normal things that should be done during a car tune up? How
often should a tune up be done and why?
A tune up is done to your car to replace and maintain parts
that wear out through normal usage. Tune ups will insure that your
car will continue to run smoothly, continue getting it’s
normal gas mileage and prevent severe damage to the engine
and other major components.
All cars need regular tune-ups about every 30,000 miles.
However, with newer model cars made after 1996 there are
some things that do not need to be done during a tune up and
it is just a waste of money to do so. There are many
variations on what should be done at a tune-up. The
mechanics at Van Winkle's offer very detailed tune-ups that include
a lot of
maintenance procedures that other mechanics do not consider
part of a tune-up.
Replace the air filter with a new filter. If you drive on
dirt roads you should consider changing the air filter more
often than every 30,000 miles. It is very simple to do and
Van Winkle's carries a full line of filters on hand for
almost every make and model car/truck.
Replace the fuel filter; both fuel filters if your vehicle has
two. Replacing the fuel filters every 30,000 miles is the
best preventative measure you can take in protecting your
car’s fuel system. You can also put in a fuel injector
cleaner every so often as recommended by the manufacturer or
use a premium gasoline especially if you drive on dusty
roads.
Change the spark plugs. When spark plugs get old the spark
can not jump over the wires and ignite the fuel properly.
Your car will get sluggish, start poorly and gas
mileage will suffer. Some new cars, with
platinum spark plugs, will only need to be changed every
60,000 miles. Van Winkle's carries spark plugs for all makes
and models.
At Van Winkle's checking your spark plug wires is standard
procedure. Having the
wires changed is a bit more expensive, but many times these
wires get old and need replacement.
Some cars should have a new distributor cap and rotor
at the time of a tune up. To determine if you need a new
distributor cap Van Winkle's mechanics will inspect the cap for cracks
or black lines or if any deterioration has occurred. A new
rotor will be needed if the mechanic finds any cracks,
carbon tracks or burning.
Get a valve adjustment if your car has adjustable valves. At
this time have the mechanic replace the valve-cover gasket
because it is quite common for these covers to begin to
leak. A leak in this cover can result in oil around the top
of the engine.
Cars older than 1979 need to have the points and condenser
changed. This is done on cars without electronic ignition.
Cars with electronic ignition should have the ignition
timing checked.
Cars that are fuel injected should have the throttle plate
cleaned and/or have the air-fuel mixture adjusted. If your
car has a carburetor it may need an adjustment. The service
techs at Van Winkle's will advise you of any adjustments
that may be necessary.
Have the fluids under the hood checked. Even though you
should be doing this on a regular basis, it is very
important to check the fluid levels during a tune up. At Van
Winkle's all fluid levels are topped off.
If your car has a manual transmission, have the
clutch pedal adjusted.
The battery should be checked during a tune up. The battery
terminals and cable ends should be cleaned. Corroded
terminals can keep your car from starting easily. If your battery
needs water to be added, the mechanic will fill it with
distilled water during a tune up.
The positive crankcase ventilation valve (PCV Value) should be replaced
during a tune up. A clogged PCV valve is a problem when it
causes your car to stall or run poorly.
Keeping your car in tip top condition will ensure a
longer life, better gas mileage and better performance. |
 |
|
|
|
.gif)
