A vehicle tuneup involves replacing an internal combustion engine's old or worn-out components with new ones to improve its performance and efficiency. Per the manufacturer’s recommendations, your vehicle needs regular tuneups to run smoothly.

In this article, we break down what a vehicle tuneup involves.

Your vehicle’s ignition wires transfer electric current from the ignition coil to the spark plug, where it meets an air and fuel mixture, causing combustion. Inspecting your car’s spark plugs and ignition wires is vital to prevent unforeseen damage. 

Let's look at the signs of faulty spark plugs and wires.

When the electrode (metal tip) is in good working condition, it has grey or brownish-tan deposits. The plugs begin to show the following signs after prolonged exposure to high temperatures:

If your car’s spark plugs show the above signs, change them immediately. Here are easy-to-follow steps to guide you:

To avoid a rough engine run caused by cross-wired ignition, move each ignition wire from the old cap to the new one—one at a time—when replacing ignition wires. Also, secure your wires by routing them away from exhaust components.

The air filter is one of your car's most important maintenance items. Most manufacturers recommend that you change it every 15,000 miles. 

A dirty air filter can lead to:

For efficient engine performance, replace your air filter regularly. Here are the steps to follow:

Your vehicle’s belts and hoses transfer power from the engine to the transmission unit. Like any other component, they will deteriorate over time. That’s why you need to check them for damage routinely.

Depending on your vehicle’s model, there may be several belts and hoses under the hood. While it may seem like a daunting task, inspecting these components isn't as difficult as you might think.

Here's what to do:

Get the proper fluids in your car to keep it running smoothly. These fluids perform different functions, and you need to change them regularly.

Here's a look at a few of the essential ones:

Brake fluid helps brake parts work together more efficiently by reducing friction and corrosion. If you notice that your brakes are sluggish or squealing, it might be time to change your brake fluid.

Transmission fluid is a special oil that keeps the transmission cool and running smoothly. It also acts as a clutch to help change gears in automatic vehicles. Check it regularly with a dipstick while the engine is running and top it up as needed with automatic transmission fluid (ATF). 

Manual transmissions use gear oil instead of ATF. Gear oil’s viscosity rating differs from ATF’s, so don’t use the former in an automatic transmission mechanism.

Engine coolant prevents your engine from overheating and freezing. The intervals for replacing this fluid vary based on the type of coolant used in your car's cooling system (check the manufacturer’s manual).

Motor oil lubricates the engine’s moving parts to prevent overheating. Replace it after every 3,000 miles or so (check the manufacturer’s manual) and be sure to check it regularly with a dipstick while the engine is cold. 

The right motor oil for your vehicle depends on its model and the climate, but in general, you want something with a high viscosity rating that won't thin out too much during hot weather. Synthetic oil is the best option if you drive long distances frequently or have an old car.

Hopefully, this breakdown has given you an idea of what a vehicle tuneup is all about. Keep it here for helpful guides and information!

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© 2022 J.D.Power. All rights reserved.

© 2019 J.D.Power. All rights reserved.