You’ve been told your vehicle needs a tune up. But you may have read that newer cars no longer require a tune up. So what’s the deal? Cars no longer have any of the components left in them that were part of the traditional car tube up. Today’s advanced automobile technology requires meeting emissions standards put in place since at least 1996. And even though a tune up is not the same today as it was yesterday, many mechanics will still refer to a “tune-up” to let you know your vehicle is due for recommended services.
So, what is a car tune up today?
- Fuel Injection Systems replaced carburetors—These systems use electronics to measure the fuel added to the intake.
- Electronic Ignition Systems replaced distributers and points.
- Coil/plug Ignition Systems replaced high voltage wires. This means that the high voltage is created at the spark plug.
- Spark Plugs are typically buried underneath the overhead cams which makes them hard to replace. Accordingly, platinum tipped spark plugs which are good for 100,000 miles or longer are used in many cars and trucks.
Thanks to advances in technology, a regular “tune up,” as we remember it, is no longer required. However, it is still important to follow the recommended service intervals for your vehicle. Not only does this honor the vehicle’s warranty, but most importantly, it will ensure that your car performs at optimum efficiency.
However, if you still drive an older model vehicle, a car tune up will generally include the following:
- Recalibrate the carburetor: The carburetor creates the air and fuel mixture which was then pulled into the cylinders.
- Reset or replace the points: The points time the spark to ignite the air and fuel mixture.
- Replace worn out high voltage wires: These wires connect the distributer and points to the individual spark plugs.
- Replace spark plugs or reset the gap.
Need a professional car tune up service? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Palo Alto Shell Auto Repair today by calling us or go on-line at https://www.paloaltoshell.com/ for more information. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Palo Alto, Los Altos, Mountain View and the surrounding areas.