Tune-up

What is a Tune-Up?

The term “tune-up dates to the time when Henry Ford was working on his first automobile prototype.

In Ford’s simple ignition system, there was one ignition coil for each spark plug. If there were four spark plugs, there were four ignition coils, which needed to be adjusted to provide the same spark intensity for better idle and acceleration. As these ignition coils worked, they made a buzzing sound, and when they were adjusted properly, they all buzzed in “tune”. The term “tune-up” stuck and became associated with replacing spark plugs and correcting rough idle problems effecting engine performance.

Once the distributor was developed, the term “tune-up” had no meaning, but the consumer who was used to hearing this term around a garage still associated poor running quality with the need for a “tune-up”.

Today’s automobiles do not require “tune-ups”. The term indicates the need for routine maintenance and should not be associated with poor performance. Automobile manufacturers have developed recommended routine maintenance schedules, which specify intervals for replacing spark plugs, PCV valves, fuel filters, etc. These schedules also specify intervals for checking or adjusting ignition timing, idle speed and other items related to engine operation, as well as emission control related devices.

If you experience any operating or performance problems between your regular maintenance, let Tire Factory technicians perform an engine analysis.



Tune-Up Electronic Ignition Services Include:
  1. Replace spark plugs.
  2. Adjust ignition timing, as required.
  3. Adjust curb idle speed, as required.
  4. Visually check emission-control related devices.
  5. Visually inspect plug wires.
  6. Visually inspect distributor cap and rotor, when accessible.
Major Tune-Up Electronic Ignition Services Include:
  1. Replace spark plugs.
  2. Adjust ignition timing, as required.
  3. Adjust curb idle speed, as required.
  4. Visually check emission-control related devices.
  5. Visually inspect plug wires.
  6. Visually inspect distributor cap and rotor, when accessible.
  7. Clean fuel injectors.
  8. Clean ISC motor, as required.
  9. Clean throttle body air intake.
  10. Visually inspect fuel lines and fuel rail.
  11. Pressure test fuel pump
  12. Visually inspect fuel pump, pressure regulator, vacuum line and connections.
  13. Decarbonize intake manifold.
  14. Decarbonize intake and exhaust valves.
  15. Decarbonize combustion chamber and pistons.
  16. Test exhaust emissions.