Car Tune Up: Is there such a thing?

The term "car tune up" these days typically refers to a basic maintenance program for the various components of your vehicle. However, it is one of the most misused and misunderstood automotive terms today. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines "tune up" as "a general adjustment to insure operation at peak efficiency." Your owner's manual will probably just refer to the maintenance schedule for the individual components that should be serviced or replaced within a specific period of time or number of miles driven.

If you are looking for Air Conditioner Repair Billings MT in this summer find our Precision Auto Repair Billings MT shop. Also find Tune up Car Billings MT services with us.

Is there such a thing as a "car tune up?"

Older vehicles have ignition coils (one for each spark plug) which are adjusted until the spark intensity is equal, resulting in better idling and acceleration. They make a buzzing sound, which if adjusted properly, buzz in tune. Thus, the term "tune-up," applied to the service of replacing spark plugs, distributor points, inspecting or replacing the cap and rotor, replacing the fuel and air filters, and making adjustments to the point gap, ignition timing and idle mixture.

Newer vehicles do not have distributors or spark plug wires, but instead have an on-board computer which controls and adjusts the fuel mixture, timing and idle speed. The only remnants of tune up components are spark plugs, fuel and air filters, and the PCV valve.

What does a tune up include?

The answer to this question may be confusing, as unfortunately, every auto repair shop determines what their particular car tune-up service includes—which components are replaced and which types of tests are performed. Some auto shops may consider a "tune-up" as just replacing a set of spark plugs. Other auto shops will replace spark plugs and other ignition components, fuel and air filters, PCV valve, as well as test the electronic system. Be sure to ask what is included when scheduling a tune up service.

Remember that a car tune up does not fix performance problems, typically caused by a malfunctioning sensor or control unit. If it is time for the spark plugs or fuel filter to be replaced, see if performance increases after they are replaced. If not, enlist the assistance of a trained technician with diagnostic testing equipment to analyze the performance problem.

Time for a truck or car tune up? Contact the ASE Certified Technicians at Precision Automotive today by calling (406) 248-2838, or go on-line to www.pricesprecisionauto.com for more information. Our Tech-Net professional auto center in  Billings, MT, also services vehicle owners in the areas of Shepherd and Laurel, MT.