Car Tune Up: What do you mean by Tune Up?
Advanced technology in today’s newer models of vehicles requires meeting emissions standards that have been in place since about 1996. However, thanks to this innovative technology, the newer models of cars no longer have the components that were included as part of the traditional car tune up.
A traditional car tune up in older model vehicles consisted of…
- Reset or replace the points: These are the moving parts responsible for timing the spark to ignite the air and fuel mixture.
- Replace worn out high voltage wires: These are the wires which run from the distributer and points to the individual spark plugs.
- Replace spark plugs: or reset the gap if the spark plugs are not replaced.
- Recalibrate the carburetor:
Today, a car tune up involves…
- Fuel injection systems – These replaced the carburetors and use electronics to measure the fuel added to the intake.
- Electronic ignition systems -- This replaced the distributers and points.
- Coil/plug ignition systems – This replaced the high voltage wires which means that the high voltage is created at the spark plug. There are no high voltage wires that need to be replaced.
- Spark Plugs – Today’s spark plugs are buried underneath the overhead cams which makes them hard to replace. Accordingly, the spark plugs used today are generally platinum tipped which are good for 100,000 miles or longer.
Tip to Remember: Even though a regular "tune up," as we remember it is no longer required, it is still important to follow the recommended service intervals for your vehicle. Not only does this ensure that your car performs at peak efficiency, but will also honor the vehicle’s warranty.
Need an expert car tune up? For help with any of your vehicle maintenance issues, including a tune up, contact our ASE-Certified Technicians by calling (608) 221-8321 or go on-line at https://www.clausenautomotive.com for more information. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and surrounding communities.
Advanced technology in today’s newer models of vehicles requires meeting emissions standards that have been in place since about 1996. However, thanks to this innovative technology, the newer models of cars no longer have the components that were included as part of the traditional car tune up.
A traditional car tune up in older model vehicles consisted of…
- Reset or replace the points: These are the moving parts responsible for timing the spark to ignite the air and fuel mixture.
- Replace worn out high voltage wires: These are the wires which run from the distributer and points to the individual spark plugs.
- Replace spark plugs: or reset the gap if the spark plugs are not replaced.
- Recalibrate the carburetor:
Today, a car tune up involves…
- Fuel injection systems – These replaced the carburetors and use electronics to measure the fuel added to the intake.
- Electronic ignition systems -- This replaced the distributers and points.
- Coil/plug ignition systems – This replaced the high voltage wires which means that the high voltage is created at the spark plug. There are no high voltage wires that need to be replaced.
- Spark Plugs – Today’s spark plugs are buried underneath the overhead cams which makes them hard to replace. Accordingly, the spark plugs used today are generally platinum tipped which are good for 100,000 miles or longer.
Tip to Remember: Even though a regular "tune up," as we remember it is no longer required, it is still important to follow the recommended service intervals for your vehicle. Not only does this ensure that your car performs at peak efficiency, but will also honor the vehicle’s warranty.
Need an expert car tune up? For help with any of your vehicle maintenance issues, including a tune up, contact our ASE-Certified Technicians by calling (608) 221-8321 or go on-line at https://www.clausenautomotive.com for more information. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and surrounding communities.
