Automotive 101 - The Basic Tune-Up

Performing a tune-up on your vehicle every so often is a great way to extend the life of the engine. You don't have to be an expert mechanic to get through one, either. With just a few tools and an afternoon, you can save a substantial amount of money and hassle by giving your vehicle a basic tune-up.

Distributor Cap and Rotor

Over time, the distributor cap terminals wear, causing the spark to be weak or nonexistent. As the rotor inside the cap spins, it contacts the terminals, which tells the spark from the coil which of the plugs to fire. If either or both components are worn or damaged, fuel economy will be affected at the very least. At worst, there could be one or more cylinders that are not working at all!

Spark Plugs and Wires

The same damage and corrosion can happen to the plugs and wires, and so replacing them during a tune-up is very important. If your vehicle calls for platinum plugs, it is recommended to stick with them when replacing. In short, spend the most money you possibly can on the plugs and wires, because there is definitely a difference in quality between the el cheapos and the pricey units. Thread the spark plugs in carefully, and never over-tighten them.

Air Cleaner and Fuel Filter

It is very easy for dirt and debris to clog up the air and fuel filters, and so they should also be replaced during a basic tune-up. Both of these items will greatly increase fuel economy when working correctly. Keep in mind that some fuel filters only flow one way, so pay attention to arrows when installing.

That's about it for a basic tune-up! Now that the vehicle is happier and running smoother, there are a few extra things you can do to ensure the best fuel economy and longer engine life.

Replace the Oxygen Sensor

If the oxygen sensor (sometimes called the O2 sensor) is not operating correctly, the result could be bad mileage, high engine temperatures, a rough idle and more. While the oxygen sensor is normally a pretty pricey part, it is well worth it to replace them every 40,000 miles or so.

Check the Timing and Inspect the Belts and Hoses

In newer vehicles, the timing is kept correct through the on-board computer. Older vehicles, however, require the timing to be periodically checked and adjusted for best performance and economy. Also, while you are under the hood, eyeball the belts and hoses and inspect them for any obvious damage. If radiator or heater hoses have lumps or bubbles, replace them immediately to avoid costly repairs later. If belts appear frayed or worn in any way, pick up new ones for a few bucks.

Check the Tire Pressure

Making sure your tires are running at the manufacturer recommended PSI (found on the sidewall) will greatly increase fuel economy, and provide a safer ride. Over-inflated tires will wear more in the center of the tread, and under-inflated tires tend to wear on the edges of the tread. Keeping the correct PSI will also extend the life of your tires, which means more money in your pocket.