Tune Up

Spark Plugs, Fuel Filter, Air Filter and PCV Valve Replacement
 

When your car is properly tuned, the ignition system, fuel system, emission system and the computer system are all working together. This results in peak combustion chamber efficiency, saving you money at the gas pump and making sure your car is emitting a minimum of pollutants.  

Why?   To optimize fuel economy and reduce emissions. Notice that we don't really have a "tune-up" anymore. We have staggered several of the services that used to be considered tune-up according to our experience with new, improved designs. Some filters need more frequent replacement; others can go a little longer, so we have moved the intervals to get you the most use of the part before replacement.

Notice, too, that we don't adhere to the overly-optimistic manufacturers' interval of 100,000 miles for platinum plugs . . . and there's a story to this. We've removed many long-life plugs over the years, and to be fair, about half will make the trip to 100,000 miles IF, and it's a big if, you can remove that steel plug from that aluminum cylinder head! The threads tend to seize, often requiring major engine work. We've pulled platinum spark plugs out at 75,000 and found no ground electrode or side wire left . . . completely gone! And with modern high-output ignition systems, the car was running just fine. We've determined that after about five years, or 60,000 miles, the amount of money you save by running the plug all the way out to the bitter end will not offset the expense of replacing a full set of spark plug wires, or a stressed ignition module or coil, or removing a cylinder head to get the remains of a broken-off spark plug extracted. It's a classic example of false economy. Don't misunderstand. They do a lot better than they did in the old days, when replacing plugs was an annual experience, but they just won't reliably go 100,000 miles.