When is it time for a Car Tune Up?

Has your vehicle seemed sluggish when trying to go up a hill or passing a slower vehicle? Has a dashboard light come on and you don’t know why? With the cooler fall days, now is a good time to schedule a car tune up after driving through summer’s hot temperatures. Your mechanic will probably recommend an automobile diagnostics, which should include an inspection of the engine and an analysis of your vehicle’s performance to know what adjustments in the operating systems may be needed.

So what does a car diagnostics tell you? It can reveal a number of problems associated with the engine and transmission, oil and gas tanks, exhaust system, and other systems. Today’s modern vehicles have computer processors, microchips and sensors so if you want to know what is really going on inside your vehicle, a diagnostics test will be necessary.

A specialized computer will be linked to your vehicle to perform a scan of the operating systems. This will help your mechanic pinpoint exactly where a problem may exist. This computer will produce the fault codes which are stored in the vehicle’s memory system. Some cars have several different units which control engine management, brakes, suspension, and even windscreen wipers. With diagnostic equipment, it is possible to identify the cause of a problem quickly so that the right repair can be made before the problem gets bigger.

The tune-up checklist should include both preventative and restorative engine assessments, including:

• Spark plugs — Spark plugs should have light tan or gray insulator firing noses so that it is properly igniting the fuel? The wires should not be hard or cracked.
• Fuel pump and filter– make sure the filter isn’t clogged so the pump will function properly.
• Fuel injectors — make sure there is no buildup of dirt or other deposits restricting the amount of fuel delivered to the engine.
• Timing — The timing and idle may need to be adjusted.
• PCV valve — it should be free of debris and no leaks.
• Points and condenser — they should be kept clean so they operate properly.

To learn more about what does car diagnostics tell you, contact our ASE Certified technicians at theWrench, Ltd. Car Care Center today at (360) 692-1414 for more information about the car tune up the checklist and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in Silverdale, WA, and the surrounding area.