What is a Tune Up?

What is a Tune Up? A tune up consists of several maintenance items to keep your car running smoothly and longer. When should you schedule a tune up? Your owner’s manual is likely to recommend one at least every 30,000 miles. If you drive under harsh conditions, i.e. mountainous terrain, frequent stops and starts, etc, a tune up earlier than the owner’s manual recommends might be warranted.

What is typically replaced or looked at during a tune up? Oil, fuel and air filters, spark plugs and wires, distributor cap and rotor, and some items discovered on inspection of your vehicle. Your Aamco of Middletown / Liberty Township Total Car Care Center has sophisticated diagnostic equipment to determine what needs fixing and what doesn’t.

Distributor Cap and Rotor

Along with replacing spark plugs and having a good battery, replacing the distributor cap and rotor is the best way to ensure your car doesn’t have problems starting. Worn or damaged distributor cap and rotor can cause an engine misfire.

Spark Plugs

Many owner’s manuals recommend replacing spark plugs at 100,000 miles. It is good idea to have your Aamco of Middletown / Liberty Township technician look at your plugs at 30,000 miles to check for unusual wear or other problems. A spark plug that is wet, black, or greenish yellow could be signs of a serious engine problem. Depending on your driving conditions, you may need new plugs much sooner than the manufacturer recommends.

Oil and Oil Filter

Easily one of most important items crucial to protecting your engine from premature wear. Manufacturers may recommend changing your car's oil and filter anywhere from 3,000 to 7,500 miles, and longer with a synthetic blend. It is important to use the recommended weight (i.e. 5w30) when getting your oil changed. Your engine depends on it.

Air Filter

Your engine requires a lot of air to operate. The air filter keeps dirt from getting into your engine and prevents premature wear and tear. Check your air filter when you have your oil changed.

Fuel Filter

The fuel filter traps any dirt that may be in your fuel and keeps it from entering the engine. A dirty clogged fuel filter can keep your car from running.

Other Items

Your Aamco of Middletown / Liberty Township technician will look for any other signs of wear and tear that may affect the performance of your vehicle.