Does your car need a tune-up? The definition of this maintenance procedure has changed significantly over the years, and its effects, as a result, have reflected this shift.

Before computers controlled many of a car’s functions, a tune-up used to be a standard procedure for making the engine run better. Now, while the goal is ultimately the same, the work evolved from checking ignition timing, idle speed, the fuel mixture and various emissions functions to replacing spark plugs and making minor adjustments.

So, while you can still get a tune-up, here’s what you should expect for newer cars:

Only for Driving Problems

Every driver should be following their vehicle’s maintenance schedule, so what’s involved in a tune-up often gets covered during this appointment.

However, if something seems off, such as your car starts having driving problems, is difficult to start, isn’t getting great mileage, hesitates, stalls, or can’t pass an emissions test, you need a professional to examine your engine’s efficiency.

Services

Now mostly called an “engine performance analysis,” this maintenance procedure addresses the concerns above through a series of services:

• Charging the battery’s voltage.
• Checking the power balance, including identifying leaky exhaust valves, worn rings, a damaged head gasket, or any other mechanical problems that could affect the engine.
• An engine vacuum to check for air leaks and exhaust restrictions.
• To check for fault codes.
• To determine the car’s idle speed and idle mixture.
• To check exhaust emissions and ignition timing.
• To inspect hoses, belts, and fluids.
• To replace any spark plugs, rotor or distribution caps, and filters.

While a tune-up could be scheduled at the same time as routine maintenance, it’s best to address your concerns when they arise. Otherwise, delaying any work until you hit the next mileage mark could exacerbate the issue.

Whether you need a tune-up or to schedule maintenance, have Da Silva provide quality service at an affordable price. To schedule an appointment, give our Naugatuck location a call today.