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Keep Your Car Running Well with Auto Tune Up Services
Periodic tune-ups are necessary to keep your car running right. A tune-up refers to the process of checking and adjusting all of the systems in your vehicle that contribute to the efficient running of the engine. When you think of the phrase tune-up, you might think of changing spark plugs, or wires and distributors. However, tune-ups on most vehicles built in the last decade are drastically different.
Tune Ups Aren't Just Spark Plugs and Wires Anymore
When you say “I want a tune-up,” that can mean drastically different things, for different vehicles. New vehicles have several different types of ignition and fuel systems. Most of the old ‘tune-up’ parts are missing from modern cars & trucks. Some new cars have hybrid setups that require extensive maintenance to multiple systems as part of a ‘Tune-up.’ Since they are more complicated, professional repair shops will require examination of vehicle condition before quoting a tune-up, to ensure you’re not spending money you don’t have to.
My car isn’t running right, and I want a quote for an engine tune-up - but everyone keeps telling me they want to ‘diagnose’ it - why?
Performing a “tune-up” is not a repair. It is meant to be a maintenance item you have done before repairs are needed. If your vehicle isn’t running right, you’ve already passed the point where maintenance will help. The next step will be finding out what is causing your car not to run correctly with a car diagnostic.
Your vehicle manufacturer will define what an actual tune-up is. That definition will often be very different from what is required by another manufacturer. For instance, a tune-up on one car may require replacement of the spark plugs, and only checking the ignition coils and boots. For another car, they might require replacement of the coil boots, plugs, and an intake cleaning, throttle cleaning, and injector cleaning.
So, depending on what your car requires, and the condition of parts on your car, the price of a tune-up can change drastically.
On any vehicle made in about the last 15 years, there are a lot of things that could make it run ‘bad’ that have nothing to do with a “tune-up.” So if you have an issue with your car running rough, knowledgeable technicians will recommend you have a diagnostic test on your vehicle diagnosed to find out what will really fix your car or truck, before you spend money on maintenance.
How do I know when to schedule a tune-up before my car starts running poorly?
When you get a new or used car, you should receive a list of recommended maintenance services to be done at certain miles or months of operation. If you don’t have that list, most reputable repair shops can provide you with one.
As we’ve stated on other pages, preventative maintenance is always preferable to replacing parts and components when they fail.
Regular engine maintenance involves keeping injectors clean of debris, keeping air intakes or throttles clean of carbon buildup, and keeping computer controls functional. Whatever your vehicle maintenance needs, Seeburg Service Center has the scan tool technology and the knowledgeable technicians to keep your car or truck tuned up and running smooth.
Before you type “car tune up near me” or “auto tune up near me” in the search box, schedule a service appointment with Seeburg for tune up services.
What do you guys do for a tune-up?
The elements of a tune-up procedure vary from car to car! The details are part of the factory technical manuals, but if you’re curious about the basics, this is what they typically require:
- A tech must thoroughly test & inspect your fuel system and replace worn or faulty parts.
- A tech must thoroughly test & inspect your ignition system and replace worn or faulty parts.
- A tech must thoroughly test & inspect your fuel-to-air mixture controls and replace any worn or faulty parts.
- Spark plugs, or glow plugs are replaced, along with related gaskets and seals for items taken apart for access.
- Electronic throttle, shift, and traction control settings should be reset to factory defaults.
- Turbocharged or Supercharged engines should have the oil supply lines, and air induction lines checked any faulty or worn parts replaced.
If you have any additional questions or concerns, be sure to let your us know so that we can tailor your vehicle’s tune-up to address any problem areas.
Why not just wait until it runs different?
A poorly running engine can affect your vehicle’s fuel economy by 4 to 12 percent. In addition, it can reduce the safety and performance of your car. A fuel-to-air mixture that is too rich will lower the fuel efficiency and put unburnt fuel through the engine, where it can ignite and do damage. A fuel-to-air mixture that is too lean can cause misfiring and scorching of internal engine parts, so proper tune-up maintenance may save you from engine replacement.