Basic Engine Tune-Up Avoids Costly Auto Repair

For most of us, the thought of having to take our car or truck into an auto repair shop brings dreaded dollar bills to mind. Most accredited garages will give you a fair price on parts and labor, but the majority of tasks that need to be performed by professionals will not necessarily be cheap. Instead of taking your car or truck in after it has been fixed, it is in your best interest to perform a relatively simple engine tune-up on a regular basis. This can help fix small problems before they become large and expensive problems. It will also help you to get to know your car better so you will be more informed if you have to speak to a technician about auto repair details.

There are a few very simple and basic steps you can follow to help you avoid expensive auto repair. It is important to note that all activities should be performed on a cold engine after it has been turned off and sat for some time. When you open the hood, the most important parts to locate are the air filter, distributor cap, spark plugs, and rotor. The air filter is the easiest to replace and should be removed regularly or when it starts to look dirty.

Vacuum out the air filter box and install a new version for $10. Next, remove the spark plugs from the wires and use a ratchet or spark plug socket to remove it from the cylinder head. Thread a new spark plug in place and tighten with the ratchet and socket. Repeat these steps for each spark plug in turn. Lastly, if your vehicle has a distributor cap, remove the cap and replace the rotor. A new cap can be installed as well, but it is important not to mix up the wires from the cap to the rotor or vice versa.

Take the time to perform a regularly scheduled engine tune-up and it will save you time and money in the long run. You will improve your vehicle's overall fuel performance and extend the longevity of the vehicle. You will be able to get more miles out of your trusty car and spend less money in the end. Plus, you will have the inherent satisfaction of knowing that you are taking care of your belongings and learning more in the process. Spark plugs, air filter, and rotor replacement are simple things that can help you avoid costly auto repair.