Tune ups are no longer a thing.
Confused? You have good reason! Most auto shops promote “tune ups” heavily.
That’s not because your engine needs to be “tuned up.” It’s because drivers have heard of tune ups. (People are more likely to spend money on services that sound familiar.)
Please note: I don’t blame auto shops. We haven’t done a great job of educating drivers about how much technology has changed. Small businesses don’t have the ad budget to take on such a complicated task. It would require a concentrated effort from the entire auto industry!
When will that happen? Who knows. Progress takes a long time when it depends on so many stakeholders. While we wait, I’ll do my best to educate. Make yourself comfortable! Keep on reading and I’ll demonstrate why you should never ask for a “tune up” again (and what to do instead).
Where Did Tune Ups Come From?
Modern cars are FAR more advanced than their vintage counterparts.
Old cars were 100% mechanical. A carburetor controlled the engine. Carburetors used to be great, but now they’re outdated.
New cars contain fuel injection systems that are operated by a computer. They can detect exactly how much fuel your engine needs (and when it’s needed). As a result, emissions go down and fuel economy goes up.
Carburetors don’t have this capability. They sling oil around willy nilly. The job gets done… but it’s haphazard and inefficient compared to fuel injection systems. You won’t find a carburetor in any car made beyond the early 90’s.
The carburetor required help from other mechanical parts including spark plugs, ignition coils, ignition points, and condensers. These parts didn’t have a long shelf-life. Drivers had to tune up their engine every 10,000 miles or so. Modern engines don’t require as much maintenance.
Spark plugs connect to ignition wires. For a car to operate, those wires needed to spark at the same intensity. Ignition wires make a buzzing noise when they’re adjusted correctly. It’s like tuning a guitar or piano. You adjust the tension of the strings until it sounds just right. This is where the phrase “tune up” came from.
Why Tune Ups Are No Longer a Thing
Today’s cars are completely different. Their engines are controlled by computers. There isn’t even anything to “tune up.”
The check engine light informs you when something goes wrong. Dashboard lights alert you when a specific repair becomes necessary.
Understand: If you have a car problem, getting a “tune up” won’t solve anything. You need to invest in a repair that addresses your specific issue.
Have trouble starting your car? Don’t get a tune-up. Ask a certified mechanic to check out your starter, battery life, and electrical system for issues.
Did your gas mileage drop suddenly? Don’t get a tune-up. Ask a certified mechanic to inspect your tire pressure, oxygen sensors, air filters, and fuel injectors for potential problems.
Getting a tune up won’t address these issues or any other car problem. It’s better to share a detailed account of any symptoms you noticed with a certified mechanic (car doctor). They’ll suggest a specific service based on what they discover after inspecting your vehicle.
Some drivers think they need to get a “tune up” every now and then to keep their car in good shape. I like your attitude! Preventing car problems is easier than solving them. Instead of getting a tune up, follow the recommended maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual. If you want to take care of your car, this is a more effective and efficient way to accomplish the same thing.
Tune Ups Are Extinct like the Dinosaurs.
Don’t waste one more penny on a service you don’t need. If you want to help your friends avoid the same mistake, share this blog on social media. They’ll appreciate the advice!
You must be logged in to post a comment.