Auto Tune-Up in Spokane, WA

Ignition System

The ignition system causes more problems in a car engine than the others. Modern cars come with computerized controllers, so some items may not be included in a tune-up. However, certain parts, such as the spark plugs and wires, still need to be checked.

Spark Plugs

The spark plugs ignite the fuel within the engine. They consist of a small metal tip that can wear down over time from the heat and pressure and the continuous sparks they produce. When the gap becomes bigger than the recommended space, the park plug will either spark intermittently or not spark at all.

This is called a misfire, and it can cause serious problems in your engine if not addressed immediately. That’s why regular tune-ups are important to ensure that spark plugs are replaced before they become a bigger issue.

Ignition Wires

Over time, ignition wires can suffer from wear and tear, causing them to become brittle and prone to breaking. Either the connection with the spark plug or the ignition coil fails to make contact, resulting in the cylinder not firing at all. It’s recommended that all these components be changed all at once so they are of an equal gauge. This way, they are also wired in a certain configuration to match the cylinders’ rotation. Otherwise, if they are cross-wired, the engine will run but sound rough as it will try hard to spark at the wrong time.

Distributor Cap and Rotor (if Applicable)

A rotating arm inside the distributor cap with a metal tip spins at a high speed and makes contact with metal points that allow the spark to travel down the cables and to the spark plugs. Over time, these contacts can wear and not make a sure contact on every rotation. You can know this is the issue if there’s random firing or no firing at all.

During a car tune-up, your mechanic will change both of these at the same time, making them perfectly matched.

Filters

Your car has many filters that prevent contaminants from entering the engine or the vehicle’s body through the ventilation system. When this happens, engine performance can be affected.

Air Filters

While a car is running, the air is constantly being sucked into the engine. Over time, an air filter can become clogged with dust and other particles that get sucked along with the air while you’re driving around. A dirty air filter can reduce MPGs (Miles Per Gallon) by up to 14% in carbureted engines and performance, which means more trips to the gas station and more money spent. While more modern cars are likely to have fuel-injected engines so the MPGs will not be affected by a dirty air filter, performance still suffers.

Oil Filter

Oil is constantly moved around an engine for lubrication, and a clean oil filter is important so that it filters out any particles that can cause excessive wear on your engine’s internal components. If it’s clogged, contaminants can flow around the engine, and in some cases, it can result in high oil pressure. You should change your oil filters at regular intervals with every oil change.

PVC Valve

Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valves play an important role in regulating the air and fuel mixture that goes into your car’s engine. It removes waste gases from the engine to help maintain a balanced air-to-fuel ratio, which is essential for optimal engine performance. Over time, this valve can become clogged with dirt and debris, causing it to malfunction. Regular tune-ups will ensure that your PVC valve is working properly.

Belts

Your car engine has many belts with different functions. Over time, these can become stretched or frayed, causing them to malfunction. In addition, the summer heat and winter cold can also cause them to crack or become brittle. A regular tune-up will ensure these belts are checked, adjusted, or replaced.

Fluids

During an engine tune-up, your mechanic will check all engine fluid levels. They are often changed or topped up to their required levels. If there are many components with work done on your car, fluid also requires changing.

Battery

Batteries usually last only two years in a vehicle. It’s essential to check your battery during a tune-up to ensure it has enough power to start your engine. If the battery has low voltage, it can affect other systems in your car and potentially leave you stranded on the road.

If you’re buying a new battery, get one with a 3- to 5-year warranty so that when it dies, you can swap it out for a fresh one for free.

Contact Us Today!

With Mobile Mechanic pros Of Spokane, you don’t need to take your car to a traditional auto repair shop because we come to you!

Our commitment to quality service and customer satisfaction, combined with our technicians’ expertise, will give you peace of mind knowing that your car is in good hands. Call us now to schedule an appointment!