Tuning

Tune-up is an old-fashioned maintenance term that's nearly non-existent today. With electronic ignition and fuel injection came the oxygen sensor and computers that took over control of engine settings. Early versions allowed for some adjusting, but today's engines require professional grade equipment and training. You can replace normal maintenance parts and still see improved engine performance. Here are common maintenance parts you can replace to dramatically increase performance and lessen the risk major problems, such as premature catalytic converter failure. Ignition Parts All spark plugs should be removed and checked every 30,000 miles and be changed at 60,000 miles. This prevents the plugs from seizing in the block, causing more expensive repairs in the future. Always note which plug came from which cylinder. This tells you if a particular cylinder has a problem. The distributor cap and the rotor usually, deteriorate with age and use. Cracks may develop, allowing moisture in. The metal contacts on both can then corrode, causing misfiring. These parts should be replaced at recommended time periods or if showing any excessive wear. Spark plug wires should be inspected for cracks and brittle coverings. These are not replaced as often as in the old days because of the improved materials being used in the wire itself. Engine, Fuel , & Air Filters Many experts believe that changing filters on a regular basis may have more to do with your car's long life than any other single factor. Oil filters are easy to replace and help prevent unnecessary engine wear. The job of the oil filter is to remove soot, rust particles and other solid contaminants from the oil. Oil filters should be replaced with engine oil every 3,000 miles. Air filters remove dirt by trapping particles as air passes through the filter media. They also protect the carburetor in older cars, preventing dirt from clogging the air bleeds and metering jets. They protect fuel injectors in later-model autos. Air filters should be replaced every 20,000 miles but more often if you live or drive in dusty areas. Any filter that looks heavily loaded should be replaced regardless of the number of miles. The PCV breather filter assures only clean, filtered air is drawn in through the air cleaner. A clogged breather filter prevents the PCV from siphoning away the blowby gases and moisture created by engine combustion, resulting in oil breakdown and sludge buildup. The PCV breather filter should be replaced every 30,000 miles. Fuel Filter eliminates contaminants that can get into your fuel system and can clog the injector inlet screens. In older cars, dirt can plug the carburetor's fuel metering orifices. If the fuel filter is not replaced regularly, fuel flow to the engine will become restricted, resulting in stalling, loss of high speed power and hard starting. The fuel filter should be replaced every 30,000 miles or whenever other fuel system parts are replaced. Automatic Transmission Filter will make sure that transmission fluid transmits energy and cools & lubricates the moving parts of the transmission. A clogged transmission filter can produce transmission slippage, engagement problems and hesitation. Experts recommend this filter be changed every 12,000-15,000 miles.