Tuning In On Tune-Ups

Tune-ups are a periodic process of accurate adjustments of an engine’s various mechanisms in order to obtain its best performance. These various mechanisms are the starting, ignition, carburetor, and cooling systems, as well as the valves and valve gears. There are two kinds of tune-ups, called minor and major. A minor tune-up is confined principally to the ignition system; a major tune-up comprises a complete engine diagnosis and servicing. A minor tune-up is a preventive measure for engines which are in fairly normal condition. A major tune-up is indicated for engines that do not perform satisfactorily.

Researches done by the oil industry show that engine tune-up factors have a major influence on engine wear and fuel economy. Periodic tune-ups improve gas mileage, and together with oil changes, play starring roles in preventing engine wear.

So, how often should you have your car tuned-up? Barring any outstanding problems, at least as often as recommended in the owner’s manual. However, the period prescribed should be viewed as the maximum framework only. The interval should never be longer than that set in this framework, but it may need to be shorter for a number of reasons. These include heavy stop-and-go driving, extended idling, driving through rain or floods--in short, the same conditions that dictate an early oil change.

A good way to determine if it is time for your car’s tune-up is to watch and keep accurate records of its gas mileage. Any significant variation for two consecutive fill-ups indicates the car needs a tune-up. As a rule of thumb, the tune-up deterioration should be slow, and the mileage drop should also be slow. Any consistent drop of 10 percent below the average mileage is a sign that the engine needs attention. Another indicator is when the nice gray color of your car’s tailpipe slowly begins to blacken. if you detect erratic engine performance from your car, it may mean that you already passed the time when a tune-up is due.

If on a cold, rainy morning you fail to start your car as you grind and grind the engine, you might think you are wearing down the car’s battery, without thinking that you are also wearing down its engine. Oftentimes, during cold or wet weather the battery may not have enough power to start the engine, but it may not be the battery’s fault.

The condition of the ignition system is the most important factor in a cold start. When other engine components are not properly maintained, even a new or well-charged battery can be worn down quickly before the engine starts. This is because the voltage required to start a car increases when the engine has such maladies as broken or cracked ignition cables or worn spark plugs---which speak of a neglected tune-up.

Tune-ups are indispensable for dependable starting in wet weather, and for improved fuel mileage. There is a strong relationship between extended automobile life and better gas mileage. Anything you do to increase mileage will also have a beneficial effect on engine life, and most anything you do to prolong engine life will pay off in a bonus of more kilometers per liter. When you take you car for a tune-up, you rightfully expect to get better mileage and performance after the tune-up is completed. You may not expect to get extended engine life thrown in, but anything done to make the engine more efficient will make it last longer. Which is why a well tuned-up car, whether in wet or dry weather, is a car that is going to last longer.