TUNE UPS

What do you mean … the engine is in the trunk?

Tune-up intervals vary from one vehicle to another. Most older vehicles with non-electronic ignitions should be tuned every 15,000 to 20,000 kilometers or every year, whichever comes first. Newer cars with electronic ignition and fuel injection systems are scheduled to go from 40,000 kilometers to as many as 150,000 kms. without needing a major tune-up.

In the past, engine tune-ups were much more time consuming because they required a motorist to check a variety of parts. Engine tune-ups formerly included checking the distributor, cap, rotor, ignition contact points, condensers, carburetors, and more. Today, these items are generally no longer included in engine tune-ups because a vehicle’s electronic control unit controls the engine timing. While not as many parts need to be checked today, engine tune-ups still include the inspection of a variety of components. These include spark plugs and wires, oil and oil filters, and fuel filters. Regular tune-ups will ensure your engine is running efficiently and reliably. Engine tune-ups can help prevent breakdowns and extend the life of an automobile. A well-tuned engine will help keep a vehicle operating at maximum performance levels, which is why routine maintenance is so important.


During a tune-up, we will check your spark plugs, which are responsible for igniting the gasoline and air mixture that fuels your engine. We can also check your spark plug wires, which transfer voltage created by your spark plug. Old wires can burn out and cause a misfire. We will check the condition of your fuel filters, which help stop debris from reaching your engine. A clogged fuel filter will lead to poor acceleration and poor engine performance. Similarly, we will look at your air filter, which prevents debris from entering the combustion engine. Restricted airflow makes your engine work harder and causes your vehicle to lose horsepower. During our tune-up, we can ensure optimal performance of these parts and more. Please adhere to your owner’s manual for recommended service intervals, and contact us when your engine is ready for a tune-up.

Here are some changes in your vehicle’s performance that might mean it is time for a tune up:
Decreased gas mileage
Noticeable loss of power
Engine running rough, hesitating or stalling
Engine noise upon acceleration
Hard starting at any time
Any engine noise that goes up or down with engine speed
Indicator warning lights
Drips or puddles of fluid under your car
adding oil between oil changes (leakage or usage)