If you want to keep your car running the way that you need, it’s important that you schedule regular preventative maintenance. Most importantly, you need to periodically bring your car to a mechanic for a tune-up.
While most car owners are familiar with a car tune-up, few understand what this important maintenance task actually involves. Fortunately, the ins and outs of a car tune-up aren’t as complicated as you might believe. Learning about this service task will help you make sure your vehicle is being maintained the right way. Here is some quick information about what’s involved in a car tune-up that will help you understand why this service is so important for your vehicle.
Spark Plug Inspection
The main purpose of a tune-up is to make sure that your car’s engine will run the way you need. One of the ways your mechanic will accomplish this task is by performing a visual inspection of your spark plugs. Your spark plugs will be thoroughly checked for any visible signs of wear and the color of the insulator firing noses will also be examined. Ideally, the firing noses of your spark plugs will be grey or tan. Other colors may mean a problem with your engine.
During your tune-up, your mechanic will also test your spark plug’s performance by inspecting the color of the spark and if your fuel is igniting properly. The integrity of your spark plug wires will also be checked. If any issue is detected with your spark plugs, they will be replaced.
Checking Your Fuel System
Although a spark plug inspection is the most important part of your car tune-up, it is by no means the only task that will be performed. After the inspection of your spark plugs is finished, your mechanic will move on to examining your vehicle’s fuel system.
First, your fuel filter will be examined for clogs, dirt, and debris. If your filter is clogged, it will be replaced. Second, your fuel pump will be inspected to make sure that it is working properly. Finally, your fuel injector will be checked to make sure that there isn’t any buildup that could potentially impact the firing of your spark plugs.
Other Maintenance Tasks
Once your mechanic has finished inspecting your spark plugs and fuel system, they will perform a few other tasks before completing your tune-up. If necessary, the timing and idle of your engine will be adjusted. Your PCV valve will also be inspected to see if it is leaking or experiencing a clog. Lastly, the points and condenser of your vehicle will be inspected.
Schedule a Car Tune-Up
Keeping your vehicle running the way that you need is as easy as visiting your mechanic for a tune-up. Not only will a tune-up catch problems with your engine before they spiral out of control, but it can also optimize the performance of your car. If you need to schedule a car tune-up for your vehicle, then your best solution is visiting R&R Auto Shop.
We provide our customers with a wide range of auto services, and can help you maintain your vehicle will into the future. Contact R&R Auto Shop today to schedule your next tune-up or repair!