Engine
Learn About Your Engine
Why does an Engine tune-up need to be performed?
If regular maintenance isn’t performed on your engine, your vehicle may not operate as reliably or efficiently as it should. A well-tuned engine operates at maximum performance levels. During a tune-up, engine parts that affect performance are checked and replaced. Spark plugs create an electrical spark that ignites the fuel/air mixture in your engine. They create, and must be able to withstand, a tremendous amount of voltage and heat. If your engine’s spark plugs aren’t working properly, your engine can stall and may not even start. Spark plug wires are also very important. They have to be able to transfer and withstand the voltage being pushed through them. If they are aged or damaged, they can "leak" electricity; which in turn would cause a misfire and turn on the "Check Engine" light.
Fuel and air filters are two more items that are checked during an engine tune-up. These two items affect engine performance and gas mileage. Fuel filters help protect your engine’s fuel system. They trap dirt and other debris in your fuel and don’t allow them to reach your engine. Over time, a fuel filter will clog and won’t allow fuel to flow freely. This can lead to poor acceleration and poor engine performance. Engines also require a free flow of clean air to operate. Outside air travels through the air filter and mixes with your vehicle’s fuel to power your engine. Air filters trap dirt and other contaminents from the outside air. As with fuel filters, air filters can clog over time. A dirty air filter can cause your vehicle to lose up to 20 horsepower, while making your engine work harder, since it restricts airflow. A dirty air filter will also reduce your gas mileage.