Today's Tune-Up

In the past, a tune-up was a big part of regular vehicle maintenance and was often all that was needed to make a car run like new again. Today's vehicles no longer require the "classic" tune-up, but there are still important items that should be serviced regularly. Here's a look at how a few things have changed:

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Spark Plugs

The Old:

Spark plugs used to require replacement after 15,000 to 30,000 miles of service. Their electrodes would wear out and deposits would build up on the insulator.

The New:

Today, plugs are still a regular maintenance item, though they last much longer. Some manufacturers are specifying an incredible 100,000-mile service interval. A platinum coating helps electrodes last much longer and better quality fuels also contribute to longer plug life by reducing deposits.

Ignition Timing

The Old:

The distributor's job is to keep the spark plugs firing at the right time. Periodic adjustment to the distributor is required due to wear in the drive gears, timing chain, and advance mechanisms. Timing that is even slightly out of adjustment can cause a significant reduction in performance and increased emissions.

The New:

Distributorless ignition systems have eliminated all the mechanical components of the spark timing system. Sensors monitor the crankshaft directly and the control unit determines the spark timing for each cylinder in milliseconds. No adjustments are needed but regular inspection of spark plugs and plug wire condition is necessary. Problems in these high-voltage components can damage the delicate circuits in the electronic control unit.

Carburetor Adjustment

The Old:

Carburetors were a relatively simple way to deliver the right amount of fuel and air to the engine. During a tune-up, adjustments would be made to idle speed, idle mixture, and choke settings to correct for normal engine wear and age. But carburetors were phased out as car makers struggled to comply with tightening emissions regulations.

The New:

Fuel injection offers vastly improved starting, driveability, and emissions. The sophisticated systems in today's cars control idle speed and fuel/air mixture, and adjust over time to keep the engine at peak performance. But even these systems need maintenance. The throttle body, which meters air into the engine, should be cleaned to help keep the engine idling smoothly. The oxygen (O2) sensor is a critical component that helps maintain the fuel/air ratio. An O2 sensor that is dead or out of calibration can cause bad gas mileage and failed smog checks. Periodic cleaning of the fuel injectors is recommended to maintain performance and driveability.

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