How To Perform A Proper Tune Up On Today’s Cars And Trucks

On today’s cars and trucks manufacturers no longer use the points and condenser inside the distributor even if the car or truck has one. Ignition timing is no longer adjustable as well as the idle speeds. As you might would have guessed the car’s computer controls all of those settings and adjustments. So the question here is, what is a proper tune up on today’s cars and trucks? I will answer this question from my experience as a ASE certified drivability engine performance specialist.

Cars and trucks today should have a way of analyzing the engines condition before the tune up process is started. Machines such as using the engine analyzer would be able to inform the technician how the insides of the motor is working. Compression and valve train components should be tested to see even if a tune up will help the vehicle. If and when the cylinder balance test confirms that everything is working internally then the trained technician will go ahead and start the tune up process.

Normally around 60 to 90 thousand miles on today’s cars and trucks the platinum tipped spark plugs will need to be replaced. Just like the earlier models you will need to check and adjust the spark plug gap. The spark plugs will come pre-gapped but you will want to be sure that some where along the line the tip may have been bent or dropped accidentally. Using some type of anti-seize compound on the spark plug threads, torque the spark plugs down to the specified torque settings.

After installing your spark plugs you will want to also replace your spark plug wires. If you were to look at the engine analyzer before the tune up process you would be able to see how much voltage you were losing with those old spark plug wires. It would take a trained drivability engine performance expert to point that out using his oscilloscope while the vehicle was running. The much newer cars and trucks require no spark plug cables because they have individual coil packs placed on the top of each spark plug.

Most vehicle manufacturers require you to change all of your oxygen sensors at 90 thousand miles. A proper tune up on today’s cars and trucks would include replacing these sensors because they will get sluggish in their response time helping control with your fuel delivery. You should notice a huge difference in calculating your gas mileage after replacing your oxygen sensors. Today’s cars and trucks normally have 4 or 5 oxygen sensors located in the exhaust system.

Depending on the year and make of your vehicle, the timing belt should be replaced also around 90 to 100 thousand miles. The reason is because the timing belt will become cracked and will stretch causing you to lose your power on acceleration and could also possibly break handing you some very extensive engine damage.

Now of course the last things that should be checked and replaced is your antifreeze and your fuel filter and of course lets not forget to check the air in your tires also. As you can see, performing a proper tune up on today’s cars and trucks can become very expensive! Before you decide to tune up your vehicle, you will have to decide if you plan on keeping it for another 90 to 100 thousand miles.
 
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