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Tune-up Cost$ What is a Tune-up? The 100,000 Mile Tune-up. |
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" 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. 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 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. Origin of the term "Tune-up" Many early car's magneto ignition systems were very simple with one ignition coil for each spark plug. Each coil needed to be adjusted to provide the same spark intensity for better idle and acceleration. As these coils worked, they made a buzzing sound. When adjusted properly, they all buzzed in tune, thus coining the term "tune-up".
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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