Engine Tune Ups

Engine Tune-Ups MN

When you bring your vehicle in to St. Paul Automotive for an engine tune-up, what’s included in that tune-up will be dependent upon your vehicle’s make, model, age, and mileage based on the manufacturer recommendations for your vehicle. The level of inspection, analysis and maintenance for any vehicle will vary based on these factors, so what may be a simple tune-up for one driver we see may only be the beginning of the tune-up process for another. When completing an engine tune-up, there are what you might call “standard procedures,” and then there are the more extensive engine tune-ups that include fuel system cleaning and filter replacement services. When you do take your vehicle in for a tune-up, you should be prepared for whatever maintenance and inspections are required, so check your vehicle’s maintenance manual before scheduling your tune-up so that you know what you’re getting into and there are no surprises. Looking for a tune-up? Give us a call.

Engine Tune-Up Checklist

Because a tune-up is meant to improve drivability and engine functionality, a standard tune-up checklist should have the capacity to do just that. That’s why an engine tune-up will typically include:

  • Inspection of spark plugs and spark plug wires to look for wearing and improper coloring that could be a sign of an issue in your vehicle’s engine. This will include testing the spark plugs to be sure that they’re properly igniting fuel. If there’s a problem with your spark plugs or if they’re worn-out and old, they could be failing to properly ignite fuel, meaning you could have an engine that’s slow to start, runs poorly, and gets poor gas mileage.
  • Checking that the engine’s fuel pump is functioning properly.
  • Making sure that there is nothing restricting the fuel injectors from delivering the proper amount of fuel to the engine. If there is buildup in the fuel injectors, a tune-up should ensure that this does not affect the spark plugs.
  • Checking the fuel filter and air filter for clogs or dirt. Any filter replacements needed will be made during a tune-up.
  • Checking for clogs or leaks in the PVC valve.
  • Adjusting the vehicle’s engine timing and idle

If it’s almost time for your vehicle to have a tune-up, make sure that you know what a tune-up could look like so that you aren’t surprised when you get to the shop. By having an understanding of what a tune-up generally involves, you should be able to have an honest conversation with your mechanic, making sure that you’re getting the best tune-up service for your vehicle.

Engine Performance Increases with Regular Engine Tune-Ups

Because the goal of a tune-up is to help your vehicle start easier and run more efficiently, you’ll also find that a tune-up will lower emissions, improve power, and increase fuel economy, helping you have a better experience driving and owning your vehicle. When you take your vehicle in for a tune-up, you can count on leaving your mechanic knowing that your vehicle’s engine is in good working order and should continue to function properly and run efficiently, hopefully until its next tune-up.

The key to good engine maintenance, and good vehicle maintenance in general, is to create and follow a maintenance schedule that is right for your vehicle. You should be able to find a suggested maintenance schedule in your vehicle’s owner’s manual that will give you a guideline to follow when scheduling maintenance visits, including engine tune-ups. Especially is your vehicle is under warranty, following these factory-provided maintenance schedules is imperative if you want to reap all of the benefits of your vehicle’s warranty.

Fuel System Cleaning Service

Depending on your vehicle, a fuel system cleaning may be in order the next time you take your vehicle in for a tune-up. A fuel system cleaning includes several elements of your fuel system and works to get the entire system clog-free, buildup-free, and functioning properly. It’s meant to clean the fuel injectors, valves, filters, and overall fuel system to be sure that none of your fuel system needs replacing or extra maintenance and that your engine will run at its optimum potential without being inhibited by something as small as clogged injectors or poor lubrication. If your vehicle needs a fuel system cleaning, it will typically be discovered during a standard tune-up when your engine’s fuel system is being checked for buildup and blockages that need to be resolved.

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