A car tune-up is a suite of preventive maintenance services performed on a vehicle to ensure it continues to perform well. It involves replacing several important wear-and-tear parts that eventually wear out and fail to do their jobs. A tune-up typically includes checking and adjusting all of the systems in a vehicle that affect its combustion process. The following are some of the common parts that are replaced when tuning up a vehicle:
- Spark plugs
- Air filter
- Fuel filter
- Belts
- Hoses
- Checking fluids
- Checking tire pressure
- Checking brakes
The term "tune-up" has changed over time. Historically, it meant replacing and/or adjusting the vehicles ignition system, installing a new distributor cap, rotor, and spark plugs, setting ignition timing, and adjusting the carburetor for optimal performance. Today, a tune-up is a bit of a misnomer and simply refers to any time a host of basic routine maintenance is performed on a vehicle. Regular tune-ups can extend the life of a vehicle and help ensure it is operating at its full performance potential.
The cost of a tune-up can vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle, as well as the specific services performed. Most dealership service departments advertise their ability to "service all makes and models," and prices for tune-ups can range from $40 to $150.
In summary, a car tune-up is a preventive maintenance service that involves replacing several important wear-and-tear parts to ensure a vehicle continues to perform well. It typically includes checking and adjusting all of the systems in a vehicle that affect its combustion process. Regular tune-ups can extend the life of a vehicle and help ensure it is operating at its full performance potential.
