What is a Tune-up? (and why you should never ask for one)

The word "Tune Up" is probably the most misused and misunderstood Automotive term.  According to the Merriam-Webster's dictionary under the term "Tune-up" it says:  "general adjustment to insure operation at peak efficiency"

A tuneup by this definition could be whatever it takes to bring the vehicle to peak efficiency; whether it is a few adjustments or maybe a whole new engine. 

Before electronics came into the picture the term "tune-up" was applied to the maintenance operation of replacing the spark plugs, distributor points, inspecting or replacing the cap and rotor and possibly replacing the fuel and air filters. There were many adjustments to be done on these cars; point gap, ignition timing and idle mixture and dwell. 
This was a preventative maintenance operation that usually needed to be done about every 12,000 miles. 

Most cars made now do not have a distributor. Even spark plug wires are missing from many applications. Forget those adjustments, the onboard computer handles fuel mixture, timing and idle speed control.  On many of the newer cars, just spark plugs, fuel and air filters and PCV valve remain of the items that we used to consider part of a "tune up". Someday the spark plugs might disappear also.

Because the word "tune up" can mean so many different things the manufactures don’t list tune ups in their maintenance schedules. They list the items individually at specific miles or duration of time.

Due to the electronics and newer technologies the recommended mileage between "tune-ups" or spark plug replacement has gone up to 30,000, or 60,000 and even 100,000 miles! This means that a $250 tune-up now, is cheaper than the 2 or 3 tune-ups in the same amount of mileage that were done for $100 25 years ago. Especially when you compare what $100 was worth then.

Every repair shop determines what their particular meaning of a "tune-up" consists of. What parts are replaced and what types of tests are done.  One shop may consider a "tune-up" as throwing in a set of spark plugs and parking it on the lot, while the next may replace spark plugs and other ignition components, fuel and air filters, PCV valve and include testing to verify the electronic engine management system (if equipped) is doing its job.

If you request a tune-up, always ask what is being done for your "tune-up" before comparing prices and don't expect a "tune-up" to cure your performance problems. A "tune-up" is a maintenance procedure and if it makes your car run better, you waited too long for the service.  Performance problems on today's cars are usually caused by something that is not normally replaced during a maintenance tune-up.

Best Option
Don't ask for a tuneup, check your owner's manual for a guideline on spark plug replacement intervals. If they are due, replace them and use original equipment spark plugs for best performance. If you do much city driving, extended idling, towing or high speed driving, reduce that recommended mileage by at least 10 - 15%.
Fuel filters, distributor caps and rotors and PCV valves should be replaced every 30,000 to 50,000 miles. Spark plug wires should be replaced every 60,000 miles.

Many new cars do not have distributor caps or spark plug wires. On some vehicles, fuel filters are part of the fuel pump and are only changed when they plug up and ruin the fuel pump.

If your car is misfiring and you don't know if the spark plugs were replaced at the last recommended interval it might be a good idea to have it done. Use the above guide for the other components.

A 30, 60 or 90 thousand mile service is not a "tune-up", it may include tune up items but will also include many other services.
If you are wanting the scheduled services, ask for a price and breakdown on the scheduled service. (such as a 60,000 mile service) Asking for a 60,000 mile tune-up may not get you what is needed.

Wayne's Garage
27 E 27th Eugene, Oregon 97405	333 Q St. Springfield, Oregon 97477

Our staff has over 200 years of  experience to serve your automobile needs and with our dedication to Integrity, Quality and Exceptional Service, Wayne's Garage can service or repair your car or truck to give you dependable transportation and "peace of mind". Our office staff will explain the needs or problems with your car in a language you can understand. We use original equipment parts whenever possible and offer an 18 month warranty.  Visit us in Eugene or Springfield Oregon.

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