Car Tune Up: It’s time for Spring Cleaning!
It's that time of year for some spring cleaning, including your automobile. Schedule a car tune-up for an inspection of the engine, to analyze the overall performance of your vehicle, and to have any needed adjustments made to the operating systems. The tune-up checklist should include both preventative and restorative engine assessment, with maintenance recommendations from your mechanic. These recommendations will be based on the age, mileage and unique manufacturer recommendations for your specific vehicle.
So You Know What to Expect During a Car Tune-Up, Here is a Basic Checklist:
- Spark plugs—
- What is the color of 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. What color is the spark? Is it properly igniting the fuel?
- Check the wires to make sure they are not hard or cracked.
- Fuel pump and filter--make sure the pump is functioning properly and that the filter isn't clogged or dirty
- Fuel injectors--make sure that dirt or other deposits are not restricting the amount of fuel delivered to the engine and that there is no buildup affecting the spark plugs.
- Timing--Adjust the engine timing and idle if necessary.
- PCV valve—make sure it isn't clogged or leaking.
- Points and condenser—make sure they are clean and operating properly.
There is not a one-size-fits-all tune-up procedure. The tune up for your vehicle will be uniquely based on its age, the number of miles driven, and its maintenance history. Your tune up car service specialist may require an analysis of other engine components in addition to those listed above.
To learn more about the tune-up procedure that's right for your vehicle, contact our ASE Certified Technicians at the Elk River Tire & Auto center by calling (763) 441-2889 or go online to www.elkrivertireandauto.com for more information. Our auto shop in Elk River MN, also proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, and Otsego, Minnesota.
It's that time of year for some spring cleaning, including your automobile. Schedule a car tune-up for an inspection of the engine, to analyze the overall performance of your vehicle, and to have any needed adjustments made to the operating systems. The tune-up checklist should include both preventative and restorative engine assessment, with maintenance recommendations from your mechanic. These recommendations will be based on the age, mileage and unique manufacturer recommendations for your specific vehicle.
So You Know What to Expect During a Car Tune-Up, Here is a Basic Checklist:
- Spark plugs—
- What is the color of 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. What color is the spark? Is it properly igniting the fuel?
- Check the wires to make sure they are not hard or cracked.
- Fuel pump and filter--make sure the pump is functioning properly and that the filter isn't clogged or dirty
- Fuel injectors--make sure that dirt or other deposits are not restricting the amount of fuel delivered to the engine and that there is no buildup affecting the spark plugs.
- Timing--Adjust the engine timing and idle if necessary.
- PCV valve—make sure it isn't clogged or leaking.
- Points and condenser—make sure they are clean and operating properly.
There is not a one-size-fits-all tune-up procedure. The tune up for your vehicle will be uniquely based on its age, the number of miles driven, and its maintenance history. Your tune up car service specialist may require an analysis of other engine components in addition to those listed above.
To learn more about the tune-up procedure that's right for your vehicle, contact our ASE Certified Technicians at the Elk River Tire & Auto center by calling (763) 441-2889 or go online to www.elkrivertireandauto.com for more information. Our auto shop in Elk River MN, also proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, and Otsego, Minnesota.
