What is a “Tune-Up” and How Has it Changed?
Some things never change such as the need for preventative maintenance, but the “tune-up” is one service that has changed a great deal over the years. There was a time not so long ago that a “tune-up” meant replacing ignition cap, distributor rotor, spark plugs, ignition wires, fuel filter, air filter, adjust the vehicles timing, adjust the fuel mixture and changing the engine oil from summer oil to winter oil or vise versa.However, in todays modern vehicles distributors are now gone, spark plug wires are missing from many applications and the oil no longer needs to be switched from summer to winter (and vise versa). Spark plug replacement can vary drastically between manufacturers. For example, Volkswagen recommends replacing spark plugs at 60,000kms while GMC recommends replacing them at 160,000kms. And those adjustments? The vehicles onboard computers handle fuel mixture, timing and idle speed controls.You may be asking what to do now. At Frank Motors, we recommend our Major Inspection which includes:
testing the battery to determine load capability
checking the battery posts and battery cable ends for corrosion
inspection of belts and hoses
checking all fluid levels and for any fluid leaks
checking the suspension and steering components for wear
inspecting the braking system
removing and checking one (1) spark plug
checking the air and cabin filters (if equipped)
checking the exhaust system
checking the tires and adjusting pressures as required
checking all lights and horn operation
checking windshield wipers
road test the vehicle to check for wheel bearing noise, transmission operation, general operation/drivability and speedometer operation.
We also research the vehicle manufacturers service recommendations to let you know which services may be due, so you are not caught by surprise.To schedule a Major Inspection or to find out more about Frank’s Preventative Maintenance Program contact us by phone at (204) 987-2461 or by email at service@frankmotors.ca