Were you ever advised to get a tune-up? Maybe you heard it from your dad or a friend. From context, it's easy to guess that an engine tune-up is a maintenance service of some kind. But what, exactly, gets done during a tune-up? If it seems difficult to get an answer from friends and family, you're not alone. Many drivers are familiar with the service but not the finer details. To complicate matters, a lot has changed since engine tune-ups were first performed. An engine-tune up on a modern car doesn't involve true tuning like it would on an older vehicle (think early 1980s and prior). That said, the service is still performed today. What it entails will differ between automotive repair shops, but tune-ups typically involve what you might expect: checking the engine to make sure everything looks good.
Here's what tune-ups from yesteryear involve and and how that compares to today. The parts that have relevancy for modern vehicles have a green check next to them, and items that aren't necessary on modern vehicles have a red X. Note that there are exceptions depending on the specific vehicle you drive, but this is generally what was done with an explanation of why it is or isn't typically done today:
✅ Spark Plugs: Replacement of the spark plugs was a common part of a tune-up. Spark plugs are critical for igniting the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber, and over time they can become fouled or worn, leading to misfires and reduced engine performance. Modern cars still use spark plugs, but they are made of more durable materials and can last much longer. Misfires caused by worn spark plugs can be detected by a modern engine's computer through sensors, like the crankshaft position sensor. Their condition is still checked as part of most modern tune-ups.
❌ Ignition Timing: Mechanics would check and adjust the ignition timing in the past. The timing had to be set so that the spark plugs would fire at precisely the right moment for the most efficient combustion. If the timing was off, the engine could run poorly, waste fuel, or even suffer damage. Modern vehicles have electronic ignition systems that automatically adjust the timing. The engine control unit (ECU) calculates the optimal timing based on various sensor inputs, including engine speed, load, and temperature, making manual timing adjustments obsolete.
❌ Distributor Cap and Rotor: These components were responsible for directing the electrical current from the ignition coil to the spark plugs in the correct firing order. Wear and tear could lead to misfires and rough running, so they were often replaced during a tune-up. Most modern vehicles have done away with the distributor system altogether, instead using individual coil packs or coil-on-plug systems that are controlled electronically and provide more precise ignition without the need for a distributor cap and rotor.
❌ Points and Condenser: Before electronic ignition, cars used a points-and-condenser system to manage the timing of the electrical charge to the spark plugs. These points would wear and require frequent adjustments to maintain the proper gap for optimal engine performance. Said components have been completely replaced by electronic ignition systems. There are no points to wear out or require adjustment in modern vehicles.
✅ Air Filter and Fuel Filter: Replacing the air and fuel filters was also a standard part of a tune-up. Clean filters were essential for maintaining proper airflow and fuel flow to the engine. These filters still need to be replaced periodically today, and the vehicle's computer does not monitor their condition directly. While the ECU can detect a severely clogged air filter that affects the mass airflow sensor readings or a clogged fuel filter that affects fuel pressure, it's best to not let the air filter or fuel filter get to that point.
❌ Carburetor Adjustment: Many older cars used carburetors to mix air and fuel. Over time, the carburetor could go out of adjustment due to use or changes in altitude or climate. Mechanics would adjust the carburetor settings to the correct mixture for smooth engine operation. On modern cars, carburetors have been replaced by electronic fuel injection systems, which are controlled by the ECU to precisely meter fuel based on real-time sensor data. There is no need for manual carburetor adjustments.
❌ Valve Clearance: For vehicles with adjustable valve trains, checking and adjusting the valve clearance (lash) was important to prevent excessive noise and wear. Many modern engines use hydraulic lifters or other self-adjusting valve train components that do not require regular manual adjustments for valve clearance.
✅ PCV Valve: The Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve, which recirculates gases from the crankcase to the intake manifold for combustion, would be checked and possibly replaced. The PCV system is still present in modern engines, and the ECU doesn't typically monitor the PCV valve directly. However, a malfunctioning PCV valve can lead to engine performance issues that may be detected through various engine sensors. Again, if an issue can be caught early, it's always better.
Tune-ups are performed to ensure that the engine ran smoothly, efficiently, and reliably. As you can see from the list, vehicles have become more advanced with electronic ignition systems and fuel injection over time, so many of the items that once required a mechanic to make manual adjustments have been replaced by self-adjusting systems controlled by the vehicle's onboard computer.
Even though modern vehicles have self-adjusting systems and require less frequent manual interventions, a tune-up on a modern vehicle is worthwhile for maintenance and longevity. It typically includes replacing consumable parts like spark plugs and filters, which can wear out over time and affect engine performance, before they get bad enough that your vehicle's computer picks up issues.
Additionally, a tune-up provides an opportunity for a thorough inspection of the engine and its components to catch any emerging issues and address them before they become major problems. This helps maintain the vehicle's efficiency, ensures optimal fuel economy, and keeps the engine running smoothly, ultimately extending the life of the car and preventing costly repairs.
If you need an engine tune-up in Egg Harbor Township, NJ, contact Deltona Discount Tire. Whether you're being proactive on engine maintenance or experiencing issues, such as misfiring, and would like someone to take a look at the engine, you can count on our team to assist.
We love helping our customers extend the life of their vehicle, and nothing keeps the miles coming like maintenance.
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