Tune-UP:
The term "tune-up"
was coined back when Henry Fords was working on his first
prototype for the automobile. The first ignition system was very
simple; one ignition coil for one spark plug, so if there were four
spark plugs there would be four ignition coils. These coils needed
to be adjusted to provide the same spark intensity for better idle and
acceleration. As these coils worked they made a buzzing sound so
when you adjusted them properly they all buzzed the same . . . thus,
they were in tune and that's how the term "tune-up" was
coined. This term stuck and was associated with the replacement of
spark plugs and any performance or rough idle problem that could be
associated to engine operation. Once the distributor was developed
the term tune-up had no meaning as to how the engine performed.
However the consumer still automatically associated poor running quality
with the need to be in tune.
Today's automobiles do not require tune-ups. automobile
manufacturers have set forth, in their recommended maintenance
schedules, intervals for replacing spark plugs, PVC valves, fuel
filters, etc., while recommending that other items related to engine
operation be checked for proper operation and/or adjustment such as
ignition timing, idle speed and other emission control related
devised. When and only when the maintenance has been performed
would a performance problem be addressed to correct any given set of
problems. If an operating or performance problem is still present
after the maintenance has been performed, and engine analysis would then
be required. Therefore, the term "tune-up" indicates the
need for routine maintenance and should not be associated with poor
performance. If your vehicle experiences any operation or
performance problems between maintenance intervals, that specific
problem should be addressed by performing an engine analysis to isolate
that particular problem.
Why
should you replace your spark plug wires, distributor cap and rotor?
After
60,000 miles, it is highly recommended that spark plug wires,
distributor cap and rotor be replaced; on distributor-less ignition,
just spark plug wires. Over time, under-hood vehicle electrical
components are exposed to moisture, oil, grease, and temperatures that
can rise as high as 500 to 700 degrees. As a result, spark plug
wires, distributor cap and rotor insulation break down, creating an
easier or alternative path to ground. Worn spark plugs also cause
higher voltage requirements, causing the ignition module and coil to
produce higher and higher voltages to overcome the resistance. The
resulting higher voltage breaks down the spark plug wires insulation,
creating an easier path to ground. This causes the ignition module
and coil to produce even more voltage, creating even high temperatures
within them. Remember, higher resistance correlates to higher
current temperatures and that electricity always tried to find the
easiest path to ground. This higher than normal resistance weakens
transistor and electrical insulation within module, coils and computers
resulting in intermittent and premature failure. As a result, you
may experience a variety of driveability problems. These problems
are sometimes hard to diagnose due to the intermittent nature of
electrical components as a result of high temperatures and moisture;
resulting in expensive diagnostic time. If you have already
experienced an ignition module or computer failure after 60,000 miles,
and haven't replaced your spark plug wires, distributor cap and rotor,
you will most likely experience the same problem again.
Why
you should perform a fuel injection procedure.
Since
your car was new, dirt, varnishes and carbon deposits have been forming
in your vehicle's fuel system on the intake valves and in the combustion
areas. This buildup of deposits can rob your car of
performance. Some of the symptoms related to carbon buildup are
engine pinging, hesitation, poor acceleration, lack of power, repeated
stalling when cold, poor performance when cold, rough idle, and poor
fuel economy. These buildups, if left untreated, may lead to
costly engine repairs. Our fuel injection procedure will clean
your vehicle's fuel system, including injectors, and will remove harmful
carbon deposits utilizing a cleaning solution that will not damage your
vehicle's sophisticated engine components.
The CarCareCenter
TUNE-UP Inspection:
Components: The
following applicable items are inspected during each tune-up.
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1,2002