Simply stated, a car tune up is an orderly process of inspection, diagnosis, testing, and adjustment that is necessary periodically to maintain peak engine performance or restore the engine to original operating efficiency. A car tune up is an investment that will pay back with improved fuel economy, longer engine life and cleaner air.
The following is a list of engine components that are inspected, serviced or replaced during a tune up:
- Vacuum and cooling Hoses - Hoses will start to deteriorate, crack and begin to leak fluids or air over time, causing the engine to overheat or run poorly.
- Belts - Most later-model vehicles have a serpentine-belt system. In the case of a failed or broken belt, vehicle accessories will be disabled so be sure to have a regularly inspection of the belt for missing ribs and frayed plies.
- Air Filter Element - Paper-style air filter elements should be replaced according to the owner's manual recommendation—more often in dusty conditions. The foam element inside the air-cleaner housing is typically replaced at the same time.
- PCV Valve - The positive-crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve filters gasses from the engine. The PCV is a 90-degree piece of plastic that connects the air-cleaner return hose to the engine's valve cover.
- EGR Valve - The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve uses exhaust to reduce cylinder temperature and should be checked and replaced as necessary during a tune up.
- Cap & Rotor - The distributor cap and rotor degrade over time and should be replaced as necessary during a tune up.
- Plugs & Wires - Plug wires that have external cracks will be replaced. Faulty wires will show visible sparks in the dark with the engine running.
- O2 Sensor - The oxygen sensor monitors emissions and "tells" the vehicle's computer how to adjust the air/fuel ratio for optimal efficiency. These monitors will get clogged and need to be replaced ocassionally.
- Fuel Filter - This filter requires frequent attention, inspection and replacement.
- Timing Belt – Have it inspected at recommended intervals. A broken belt can inflict expensive major engine damage if left unattended.
If you need to restore and extend the life of your car, have a quality tune up performed by a certified auto service center.
Need a car tune up? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive by calling (763) 389-3811, or go on-line at https://www.rumriverauto.com/ for professional advice about our tune up services. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.
Car Tune Up What Should I Expect From a Tune UpSimply stated, a car tune up is an orderly process of inspection, diagnosis, testing, and adjustment that is necessary periodically to maintain peak engine performance or restore the engine to original operating efficiency. A car tune up is an investment that will pay back with improved fuel economy, longer engine life and cleaner air.
The following is a list of engine components that are inspected, serviced or replaced during a tune up:
- Vacuum and cooling Hoses - Hoses will start to deteriorate, crack and begin to leak fluids or air over time, causing the engine to overheat or run poorly.
- Belts - Most later-model vehicles have a serpentine-belt system. In the case of a failed or broken belt, vehicle accessories will be disabled so be sure to have a regularly inspection of the belt for missing ribs and frayed plies.
- Air Filter Element - Paper-style air filter elements should be replaced according to the owner's manual recommendation—more often in dusty conditions. The foam element inside the air-cleaner housing is typically replaced at the same time.
- PCV Valve - The positive-crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve filters gasses from the engine. The PCV is a 90-degree piece of plastic that connects the air-cleaner return hose to the engine's valve cover.
- EGR Valve - The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve uses exhaust to reduce cylinder temperature and should be checked and replaced as necessary during a tune up.
- Cap & Rotor - The distributor cap and rotor degrade over time and should be replaced as necessary during a tune up.
- Plugs & Wires - Plug wires that have external cracks will be replaced. Faulty wires will show visible sparks in the dark with the engine running.
- O2 Sensor - The oxygen sensor monitors emissions and "tells" the vehicle's computer how to adjust the air/fuel ratio for optimal efficiency. These monitors will get clogged and need to be replaced ocassionally.
- Fuel Filter - This filter requires frequent attention, inspection and replacement.
- Timing Belt – Have it inspected at recommended intervals. A broken belt can inflict expensive major engine damage if left unattended.
If you need to restore and extend the life of your car, have a quality tune up performed by a certified auto service center.
Need a car tune up? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive by calling (763) 389-3811, or go on-line at https://www.rumriverauto.com/ for professional advice about our tune up services. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, MN.
