Singing a Different Tune (Up) (Tune Ups)
November 7, 2021
Engines required a lot more maintenance in earlier times. You'd have to have your spark plugs, wires, rotors, caps, distributor points, fuel and air filters changed periodically. There were mechanical adjustments of a vehicle's timing, dwell, spark gap and idle mixture, too. Unless you like to tinker with old cars, a lot of those terms won't mean much to you.
That service was called a "tune up" back then, and you can see why. But now, computers have reduced the number of maintenance items, and a tune up is a whole lot different than it used to be. In fact, in some vehicle service facilities, that term is also a thing of the past.
A tune up of today would more accurately be called simply periodic maintenance. Now, most vehicles still have spark plugs and wires, fuel filters, air filters and PCV valves, and they should be inspected tested and/or replaced at regular intervals. Your vehicle's manufacturer has made recommendations on how often that should be. But it depends on your driving habits. Do you regularly tow a trailer? Do you drive on dusty roads often? Are you driving mostly stop and go in the city? Depending on your answers, to those maintenance intervals might have to be more frequent.
Your service advisor will likely remind you about those "must check" items such as spark plugs and wires, air filter and oxygen sensor. And now that the old-fashioned tune ups don't require you to take your vehicle in for maintenance as often, you can get the same benefit from scheduled oil changes or tire rotations. When your vehicle is in for those, a technician can keep an eye on your other systems (fuel, emissions, ignition) to make sure they are operating correctly.
One thing to remember. When you take your vehicle in for regular service or a specific issue, don't ever hesitate to ask you service advisor to explain what's being done and why. Hey, "In Sync" may have been a boy band of an earlier era, but it's always good for you and your service advisor to be "in sync" when it comes to what maintenance is good for your vehicle.
Commerce Auto Repair
9575 Commerce Rd.
Commerce, Michigan 48382
248.363.3749
Need Service?
More articles from Commerce Auto Repair
A Most Important Part (Serpentine Belt Replacement)
October 27, 2025
Your vehicles engine is an engineering work of wonder with many complex parts working in harmony to get you down the road. One of those simple but important components is called a serpentine belt. It is driven by a pulley on the engine and transfers that power to many of your engines most importa... More
(Ball Joint Replacement)
October 23, 2025
Every day that goes by, our bodies get a little more wear and tear on them. Our vehicles have the same issue. The older we get and the farther we travel, certain parts start showing some wear. Think of your hips. There are parts of our vehicles that are similar to them; just like hips allow y... More
See the Light (Bulb Replacement)
October 12, 2025
When you notice one of your headlights has gone out, its important for the safe operation of your vehicle to get it changed and working again. Not only is replacing a headlight important for your ability to see in the dark, but its also vital that it be lighting your way and aimed correctly so o... More