How to tune up my car
How To Tune Up My Car
Tuning enhances the performance of the car. It is regularly needed for a car especially if it is modified one. With proper car maintenance, the tuned up car will surely give its best performance giving maximum efficiency. The main idea behind car tuning is to improve its handling and performance.
If the car is not properly maintained and regularly checked then it cannot be considered a tuned car even if had undergone tuning before. A car can get permanently damaged if it is not given proper attention and fixed right away. A tuned car will need much more attention as compared to a regular car. Tuning ensures that the car is at its best all the time consequently prolonging its life length.
It is recommended to tune-up a car after every two years or after 30,000 miles. During the tune-up, the car will get some new parts that will be helpful in keeping it out of the shop for a time. Following is needed to be done for tuning the car.
Step 1
The fuel filter has to be replaced. If there is a fuel-injection system then its not necessary to do regular cleaning the injectors are blocked.
Step 2
The spark plugs have to be changed. If they are platinum made then the car can run for 30,000 more miles. The wires of the spark plug also have to be examined and can be replaced if required. A new set consisting of high-quality wires is worth the cost. They can be permanently attached to the distributor cap so it will also have to be changed.
Step 3
The rotor and distributor cap also has to be replaced. They can be only changed if they are present in the car because some new models with distributor less ignition don’t have it.
Step 4
The condenser and points have to be changed. In case of old car roughly 1978 model or older, then it does not have feature of electronic ignition. The points would have to be preferably changed or at least they can be adjusted after every six months or so. If they are changed then the ignition timing can be also checked.
Step 5
The ignition timing has to be checked and adjusted if needed. It is rare for a car that has an electronic ignition like post 1980 models and some cars don’t have this at all.
Step 6
The valves have to be adjusted as needed. It is not required in case the car has hydraulic valves. It must be made sure that the valve-cover gasket is also replaced as well, especially if oil is seen on top of the engine.
Step 7
The fan belt also has to be checked. They would have to be replaced if they are worn out.
Step 8
The fluids under the hood have to be checked and they must be refilled as necessary. The engine oil and oil filter would have to be changed if the car has crossed over 3,000 miles since the last oil change.
Step 9
The air filter has to be replaced; it should be changed between major car services or after every 15,000 miles also.
Step 10
The clutch has to be adjusted if there is a manual transmission. Even though some cars are now sporting self-adjusting clutches.
Step 11
The battery has to be serviced; distilled water can also be added if required. The cable ends and terminals are also needed to be cleaned.
Step 12
The PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) valve has to be replaced. This can make the car run roughly or also get stalled if it gets blocked. It is not expensive and it’s easy to replace.