Avoiding Expensive Car Repair With Tune Ups

Car repair can get expensive, and taking care of minor issues before they become major is a good way to keep the costs at a minimum. This includes getting a regularly scheduled tune-up, especially for cars with over 75,000 miles. A qualified technician will check all systems and replace any essential operating components.

There are advanced mechanical systems composed of ignition parts, fluids, and hoses underneath the hood of your car, and every system must be in perfect working condition in order to get maximum engine performance. Furthermore, if anything is in poor condition, it won't be long before this becomes noticeable as a costly car repair. A tune-up is an in-depth examination of these vehicle components. The auto technician will also replace anything as needed, which usually includes the air filter, spark plugs, distributor cap and rotor. Although they seem minor, each of these components needs a replacement at least once a year. Most newer vehicles won't need a tune-up for at least the first 75,000 miles because some of the parts, including the spark plugs and distributor caps, are made with better materials that can last longer. However, once an engine accumulates 100,000 miles, it is best to keep regularly scheduled tune ups to insure that all vehicle systems will continue to operate perfectly. Decreased gas mileage, or a “rough” running engine are usually indicators that the vehicle might need a tune up or some form of car repair.

The basic ignition parts that will be replaced during a tune-up include the spark plugs, distributor cap, rotor, and wires. Spark plugs are electrical devices attached to the cylinders of the engine. They start an engine by igniting compressed fuel with an electrical spark. Excessive wear on the spark plugs is a good indicator of engine problems. Once removed, the mechanic will carefully examine them to check for any problems, and then replace them with new ones. A distributor cap is simply a cover over the distributor and the rotor. These should be replaced because the constant heat and vibration from the car can warp the caps, allowing water to get into the distributor and short the system. Newer vehicles have spark plugs and wires made with better materials, so they may not need replacement as often. It is still important to check the spark plugs for any indicators of engine problems.

Changing the various filters can help with the car's longevity since clean filters can remove dirt and impurities that can find their way into the engine or fuel systems. The filtration systems should be changed at least every 20,000 miles, though they can all be changed during an annual tune-up. If these systems become clogged, they can reduce the efficiency of the systems, and cause major problems because the systems do not have proper air circulation. The oil filter is usually replaced every 3,000 miles or with every oil change.

Expensive car repair procedures can be avoided with an annual check up, although new cars do not need them as often. Engines with over 100,000 should have preventative checks with a qualified technician at least every 20,000 miles.

Article Tags: Spark Plugs

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