Just like you, your car is different from those of past generations.
Think carefully before you respond to the advertisements that warn you to have a tune-up for your car.
“There?s no such thing as a tune-up anymore,” said Ed Kriston, approved automotive repair specialist, AAA mid-Atlantic. “That was back when you actually replaced the ignition points, adjusted the carburetor. Cars are different now.”
That?s not to say that cars on the road today don?t need tune-ups.
Cars in the 20-year-old and above range may actually need some of the components that were included in yesterday?s tune up. The chokes on older cars, for example, need to be adjusted. But before you drive in, first call several reputable auto repair centers to check on prices. AAA.com offers a list of approved shops on their Web site.
When tune ups are done on modern cars, the technician generally checks the following: spark plugs, air filter, belts and hoses, and PCV filter. But don?t just assume that those services will be included at your repair shop. Call ahead to the approved repair centers, and ask what services are included. You want to be certain that you understand what you will get for your money.
“I would ask why people think they need a tune-up in the first place,” said Jeff Boone, approved automotive repair specialist, AAA mid-Atlantic. “If the car seems torun poorly, there could be many reasons. The best way to determine the reason for the poor performance is to have a qualified technician diagnosis the problem. That will save time and money in the long run.
“Shops run advertisements that say ?tune-up? because people remember when their parents used to have that done,” said Boone. “Now what?s done during a tune-up has changed drastically but the prices haven?t. If I said you were paying that price for spark plug replacement, you likely wouldn?t want to pay it.”
As always, both Kriston and Boone caution drivers to check manufacturers? recommendations before spark plugs or other work is done.
